DIY strut bar?

If I build a strut bar do i need to have holes in the mounting plates to access thetop of the struts or could it be a solid plate?

If the strut does not protrude above the plane where the plate will sit and you do not need access to make adjustments to the strut, then you would not need a hole there. Cutting the hole does make the unit lighter if weight is a consideration, and it usually is if you are trying to add stiffness.

My only problem is that if I were to put a hole in the plate im usure how to go about it.

hole saw

If I dont have access to a big enough hole saw whats the next best choice? If I went solid would it still be stiff enough?

Ace Hardware has lots of hole saws.

Wouldn't it be easier just to buy one.

How much engine clearance do you have?

I have successfully welded a piece of tubing from the side of the tower to the side of the opposite tower, which eliminated the need to engineer a top mount bracket, but it is pretty rare that you would have enough space for this.

The next best choice (with no hole saw), is a jig saw with a pilot hole.

Its actually going in the rear of a 280zx. So there is alot of space

A 2" hole saw w/ arbor should be around $15, less for smaller sizes. Lowes, HD, etc.

Drill slow and keep the hole saw and work piece cool w/ water or WD. If you see smoke you're going too fast. I use a Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum for low speeds and torque or a drill press set to slowest speed. Goes through 1/4" steel w/ no problem.

JacktheRiffer wrote: Its actually going in the rear of a 280zx. So there is alot of space

Then just weld to the sides and be done.

Or, make a plate and bolt it, if you want it to be removable.

1.5" square tubing welded between the towers?

Turns out the family mechanic will let me borrow his plasma cutter to make plates for it. Yay for removable strut bar.

The last one I built was made with some tubing I had laying around and two bearing retainer plates that I bought at Tractor Supply. The retainer plates have a large center hole and come in several sizes for not a lot of money.

VW guys would use square tubing and u bolts, no welding; a DIY version of this:

chrispy wrote: VW guys would use square tubing and u bolts, no welding; a DIY version of this:

Well it's better than nothing, but by how much?

I'd recommend copying this design. There will be welding though:

http://simtecmotorsports.com/product/datsunnissan-280zx-rear-strut-tower-brace-and-shoulder-harness-bar/

In reply to GameboyRMH:
I had one like that in my GTI years ago and it made a very noticeable difference . Tightened the car right up.