Just to say, I'm gauging interest in another batch (6) of front braces, and a batch (6) of our version of a TTE ('Matt') under brace.
If anyone has an interest, please say so here. Also say which one you're interested in.
TTE brace please.
Mine has seen better days.
Not interested but chapeau for the initiative!!!
Awesome, I want both.
TTE brace please. Mind is well past best as well.
Interested in both of these projects!
Would be very keen on completing the set with an under brace.
Hi,
I have a 2004 mk3 so am interested in both.
Thanks.
Hello, what's up with these, do we have enough potential stiffeners? :)
Quote from: igla on October 17, 2019, 18:12Hello, what's up with these, do we have enough potential stiffeners? :)
Very nearly.... please don't forget this is not exactly a business! I do them in batches to keep costs down.
I'm planning on making the under-brace out of 20x40 steel box section.. I now have to price it up and check availability of stock.
Then I'll put a price out there and you guys cab decide if that's going to be ok.
Ok. Jig built. Prices for materials and powder coat and.... obtained.
The price is: £150 including a £10 donation to the club.
Please let me know if that's OK and you want to go ahead at that price.
They will be made from 20mm x 40mm box section steel. With a better central reinforcing structure than the TTE/Matt brace version.
@Carolyn Will the mid braces fit in addition to a Corky/Snelbaard breastplate? I know I asked this question before with regard to the Matt/TTE brace but as yours won't be a completely direct copy I thought it might be worth confirming.
It's a go from me!
Quote from: househead on October 22, 2019, 13:32@Carolyn Will the mid braces fit in addition to a Corky/Snelbaard breastplate? I know I asked this question before with regard to the Matt/TTE brace but as yours won't be a completely direct copy I thought it might be worth confirming.
Should not be an issue as they it will be the same depth as the TTE
I've ordered and paid for the steel and other bits needed.
I do hope all of you who said you want one still do!
Quote from: Carolyn on October 22, 2019, 17:47I've ordered and paid for the steel and other bits needed.
I do hope all of you who said you want one still do!
I'm not going to let you down am I?
I know that consequences :)
sure do!
Carolyn,do you have a link for the front brace? Is this a strut brace or underbody?
Quote from: Dift on October 22, 2019, 19:20Carolyn,do you have a link for the front brace? Is this a strut brace or underbody?
This is an underbody brace. I need a little more interest to do another batch of strut braces.
Link for strut brace:
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=67481.75
Quote from: Carolyn on October 22, 2019, 13:40Quote from: househead on October 22, 2019, 13:32@Carolyn Will the mid braces fit in addition to a Corky/Snelbaard breastplate? I know I asked this question before with regard to the Matt/TTE brace but as yours won't be a completely direct copy I thought it might be worth confirming.
Should not be an issue as they it will be the same depth as the TTE
I am going to get dimensions from Snelbaard for his breastplate, map it out om my jig and find out about compatibility for sure. I'll let you know.
Quote from: Carolyn on October 23, 2019, 09:02I am going to get dimensions from Snelbaard for his breastplate, map it out om my jig and find out about compatibility for sure.
I am in awe.
Chapeau!!
Seriously; the coöperation on this club (of which this is a cool example) really is .... well, níce.
Thank you for this cheerful ´start´ of the day. Between brackets because that was at 06.15 but just had my first coffee of the day so my brain is getting the message too.
Many thanks to Boris for sending dimensions.
It will be 'snug' but it is all compatible.
Might as well all pull in the same direction!
Excellent news
@Carolyn And great work by yourself and Boris for providing top quality braces for us all to enjoy
Well.... To be SURE.
I put the car up on the ramp and re-installed the Mattbrace.
As things stand they are not compatible. Either the reinforcing strips on the Breastplate would have to be notched or the new underbrace wound have to be packed to sit lower, less than ideal as the brace is already the lowest point of the car. I don't think removing sections of the breastplate reinforcement would have a major effect on its rigidity. I could also supply packing plates for the underbrace to give clearance, but it will then be sitting 10mm below the chassis rails.
Bugger.
Another 10mm lower would def be a problem for me. I get the odd scrape as it is (30mm lowered springs).
Would still be interested in the front lower brace for sure.
Quote from: Carolyn on October 23, 2019, 12:41I don't think removing sections of the breastplate reinforcement would have a major effect on its rigidity.
It is also an opportunity to bolt them together, ádding rigidity.
Petrus makes a good point, but it does involve more work when installing. I reckon Jon VanZyl has really flexed his Mattbrace to get it to fit. I've checked and double checked.
On reflection, I think one can have the option of modifying the breastplate or using 10mm spacer blocks at the underbrace mounting points. I can supply longer bolts and slot the side brackets accordingly.
When I consider a lot of people have 30mm lowering springs and are not grounding the middle of the car ,I reckon spacers are a reasonable method.
Anyway, it's up to you guys who have a Snelbaard breastplate to decide one of three avenues.
The two above and just not getting the new underbrace. Please let me know your wishes.
I think notching the reinforcement strips on the breastplate wouldn't have much of an adverse effect. In fact, I don't think these strips contribute much if at all to the strengthening effect of the brace, though they look nice. So by all means, whip out your angle grinders!
Imho having had mr2s on both coil overs and tte springs I wouldn't want to pack the brace down any further. You guys who live in more rural areas may not have a problem but anyone who has to negotiate speed bumps regularly will.
Quote from: 1979scotte on October 23, 2019, 13:49Imho having had mr2s on both coil overs and tte springs I wouldn't want to pack the brace down any further. You guys who live in more rural areas may not have a problem but anyone who has to negotiate speed bumps regularly will.
I was going to contact you Scotte. Do you still want one?
Well it seems Boris reckons notching the reinforcing rib is no big deal.
That's what I'd do guys.
Quote from: Carolyn on October 23, 2019, 13:51Quote from: 1979scotte on October 23, 2019, 13:49Imho having had mr2s on both coil overs and tte springs I wouldn't want to pack the brace down any further. You guys who live in more rural areas may not have a problem but anyone who has to negotiate speed bumps regularly will.
I was going to contact you Scotte. Do you still want one?
I do but will have to tell snellbard that I no longer require his.
I'm not paying all that money just to grind bits off.
Ive run tte style braces on all my 2s and I like the way they work so I'll stick with that.
Hello,
still interested. I just hope to start with the 2zz swap a bit later, to first test the difference with the stock engine.
Just keeping you all updated.
I'm still waiting for the steel to be delivered. They've let me down twice now. Hopefully, third time's a charm.
Once I have the steel, it will take a little while to finalise and make the first one. Then I can fully finish the jig. After that it will take about a week to turn around welding and powder coating.
I've also ordered steel for front braces. could do with one more person who wants one, to justify a batch. But I will make some more once I've finished with the under-brace.
Thanks for you patience, everyone.
The steel has arrived. Will start cutting tomorrow.
So, people, let me introduce 'Superbrace'. I little heavier than a Mattbrace (TTE), but much more rigid.
It will have bolt-down points to replace the factory (or other) breastplates. Thus acting as breastplate and underbrace.
Sorry it can't accommodate a breastplate. There just isn't room under the car, unless the brace is dropped quite a bit. which, on a lowered car would not work.
As it is, it will tuck in level with the bottom of the chassis rails.
If anyone wants to cancel now they've seen it -that's fine. Only fair!
That looks absolutely spectacular. You'll put me out of my breastplate business, but for all the right reasons!
Can I just request mine not be powder coated/painted? I'll have to adapt it a bit to work with my TRD front brace. Then I'll powder coat it myself.
Quote from: Snelbaard on November 2, 2019, 18:08That looks absolutely spectacular. You'll put me out of my breastplate business, but for all the right reasons!
Can I just request mine not be powder coated/painted? I'll have to adapt it a bit to work with my TRD front brace. Then I'll powder coat it myself.
I have TRD front on my car. It had to be adapted to work with the TTE (Mattbrace in my case). I cut off the end tubes and moved them in slightly. I'm using 2mm steel for the endplate angles (rather than 3mm) so it might work ok.
Have you reserved one? I ask, 'cos I'm only doing six to start with and they are spoken for. Although at least one person usually backs out.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but, as I looked at making it compatible, good engineering dictated that it couldn't be done!
You're a good man!!
No worries Carolyn! I'll throw the 5 remaining breastplates on ebay and hope for the best :)
I don't think I formally reserved one, but if you could put me on a short list if someone pulls out, that'd be great.
I know how you adapted your TRD front brace, but I decided against that. It'd save some weight to modify yours instead by eliminating a redundant beam. If you're okay with me adapting your brace that is of course :)
Quote from: Snelbaard on November 2, 2019, 18:35No worries Carolyn! I'll throw the 5 remaining breastplates on ebay and hope for the best :)
I don't think I formally reserved one, but if you could put me on a short list if someone pulls out, that'd be great.
I know how you adapted your TRD front brace, but I decided against that. It'd save some weight to modify yours instead by eliminating a redundant beam. If you're okay with me adapting your brace that is of course :)
Once you get one, it will be yours to do with as you wish? Is your TRD front brace steel? I take it you're planning on welding them together? I have the ally version.
Mine is steel. I just got it back from the powder coater. Before I sent it there, I welded on some brackets to bolt your modified brace onto :)
Quote from: Snelbaard on November 2, 2019, 18:39Mine is steel. I just got it back from the powder coater. Before I sent it there, I welded on some brackets to bolt your modified brace onto :)
I'll be interested to see the result.
Also
Attention all potential customers.
We've just gone through the costings and labour and I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask for £175 (including club donation), to make this worthwhile.
Again. Feel free to cancel if this is an issue.
Still seems very fair to me. By the way I went ahead and spent an inordinate amount of time in paint to give an impression of how the braces will mate up:
(https://i.ibb.co/PwJqmKf/combinatie-beugels.png)
Quote from: Carolyn on November 2, 2019, 18:58Also
Attention all potential customers.
We've just gone through the costings and labour and I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask for £175 (including club donation), to make this worthwhile.
Again. Feel free to cancel if this is an issue.
Looks fantastic so I'm still in, assuming I was on the original list?
Ok Here are the lists for braces.
UNDERBRACE:
Scotte
Igla
Shnazzle
Househead
Steve Ash
J88teo
Snelbaard,
Which adds up to seven... I'll pm people to be sure...
STRUT BRACE:
Igla
Househead
J88Teo
Still need at least one more to make a batch.
Quote from: Carolyn on November 3, 2019, 09:36Ok Here are the lists for braces.
UNDERBRACE:
Scotte
Igla
Shnazzle
Househead
Steve Ash
J88teo
Snelbaard,
Which adds up to seven... I'll pm people to be sure...
STRUT BRACE:
Igla
Househead
J88Teo
Still need at least one more to make a batch.
I want mine
Quote from: 1979scotte on November 3, 2019, 13:46Quote from: Carolyn on November 3, 2019, 09:36Ok Here are the lists for braces.
UNDERBRACE:
Scotte
Igla
Shnazzle
Househead
Steve Ash
J88teo
Snelbaard,
Which adds up to seven... I'll pm people to be sure...
STRUT BRACE:
Igla
Househead
J88Teo
Still need at least one more to make a batch.
I want mine
And me
Quote from: Carolyn on November 3, 2019, 09:36Ok Here are the lists for braces.
UNDERBRACE:
Scotte
Igla
Shnazzle
Househead
Steve Ash
J88teo
Snelbaard,
Which adds up to seven... I'll pm people to be sure...
STRUT BRACE:
Igla
Househead
J88Teo
Still need at least one more to make a batch.
;D Great!
Quote from: Carolyn on November 2, 2019, 18:15Quote from: Snelbaard on November 2, 2019, 18:08That looks absolutely spectacular. You'll put me out of my breastplate business, but for all the right reasons!
Can I just request mine not be powder coated/painted? I'll have to adapt it a bit to work with my TRD front brace. Then I'll powder coat it myself.
I have TRD front on my car. It had to be adapted to work with the TTE (Mattbrace in my case). I cut off the end tubes and moved them in slightly. I'm using 2mm steel for the endplate angles (rather than 3mm) so it might work ok.
Have you reserved one? I ask, 'cos I'm only doing six to start with and they are spoken for. Although at least one person usually backs out.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but, as I looked at making it compatible, good engineering dictated that it couldn't be done!
You're a good man!!
I am in the US so shipping would not be nice, otherwise I might be interested.
It would seem that people who want a mid brace may already have a TRD or similar front brace that uses the same mounting points, so why not just configure the front cross member to give clearance for a front brace and include spacer plates for those who aren't using a front brace? Just an idea
Well I'm planning something similar: I'll be making TRD-like front braces that will work with and without midbraces. Everyting is going to work together a treat!
Quote from: Beachbum957 on November 4, 2019, 13:09Quote from: Carolyn on November 2, 2019, 18:15Quote from: Snelbaard on November 2, 2019, 18:08That looks absolutely spectacular. You'll put me out of my breastplate business, but for all the right reasons!
Can I just request mine not be powder coated/painted? I'll have to adapt it a bit to work with my TRD front brace. Then I'll powder coat it myself.
I have TRD front on my car. It had to be adapted to work with the TTE (Mattbrace in my case). I cut off the end tubes and moved them in slightly. I'm using 2mm steel for the endplate angles (rather than 3mm) so it might work ok.
Have you reserved one? I ask, 'cos I'm only doing six to start with and they are spoken for. Although at least one person usually backs out.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but, as I looked at making it compatible, good engineering dictated that it couldn't be done!
You're a good man!!
I am in the US so shipping would not be nice, otherwise I might be interested.
It would seem that people who want a mid brace may already have a TRD or similar front brace that uses the same mounting points, so why not just configure the front cross member to give clearance for a front brace and include spacer plates for those who aren't using a front brace? Just an idea
Unfortunately that won't work. The clearance is dictated by the chassis, not the brace.
Quote from: Carolyn on November 4, 2019, 13:48Unfortunately that won't work. The clearance is dictated by the chassis, not the brace.
Yeah, I wasn't thinking! Really nice brace though.
Quote from: Beachbum957 on November 4, 2019, 17:33Quote from: Carolyn on November 4, 2019, 13:48Unfortunately that won't work. The clearance is dictated by the chassis, not the brace.
Yeah, I wasn't thinking! Really nice brace though.
I've gone with 2mm plate for the mounting angles instead of the 3mm the TTE uses. I reckon grinding a mil of the face to the TRD mounts and a good knock with a hammer, will do the trick...
Still fine with me. I'm currently still searching for a 2zz motor mount, so swap is not happening yet :)
Can anyone point me in the right direction or maybe know someone that has one for sale, apart from the obvious choices?
(on PM so that we won't spam around here)
Here's the first fitting to a car.
Now we can sort out the tabs for attaching to the six points in the floor.
Nearly there.
20191107_140959.jpg
looks properly chunky!
can't wait to get my hands on it :)
5 kilos.
That's rather light for the size of it.
I wonder what the TTE weighs. Undoubtedly less, but then it's nowhere near as substantial
Got to be a couple of kilos lighter.
5kg is not bad at all!
Keeping you lot updated.
I've not been well for a few days, so I've not been in the workshop....
On the mend now, so should make progress shortly.
Aren't you all glad that I only ask for money when they are shipped??
Bear with me!
c
Sorry to hear you've not been well! Glad you're doing better..
@Carolyn take all the time you need! Glad you're on the way back to feeling better.
Quote from: Carolyn on November 14, 2019, 09:39Keeping you lot updated.
I've not been well for a few days, so I've not been in the workshop....
On the mend now, so should make progress shortly.
Aren't you all glad that I only ask for money when they are shipped??
Bear with me!
c
Glad you're feeling better C.
Get thee better.
Doubt many of us are going to be lying under the car in this weather anyway.
Mine will be spared this winter for sure
Just to keep folk up to date:
The under braces are now fully welded up and they've all been trial fitted one more tine and been 'fettled'. (Things tend to move about a bit when there's a lot of welding).
They've now gone to the powder-coaters.
I've had to have them all coated to get the job up to their minimum order requirement.
I won't get them back for about a week.
So I'll be dispatching them after the holidays.
Pdate:
I just installed a 'Superbrace' on my silver car. I removed the TTE/Mattbrace and the oem breastplate to do the install. I had to trim the rear plastic side covers a little but the new brace holds them in place ok.
I've made a first attempt at the replacement for the pipe support clips that attach to the old breastplate. Needs a bit more development, but the pipes are all secure...
I did have to fettle the holes at the rear corners a little, even though the brace fitted fine on the blue car. I suspect a little fettling will probably be required as each car will differ slightly. Accomplished quite quickly with a rat-tail file. As my local fabricator is find of saying: "You have to fettle to fit".
I've now been for a drive and went looking for lumps, bumps and potholes. It's a massive improvement over the TTE set-up. I gave the suspension a damn good workout, the chassis just soaked it up.
Great!
Looking forward to getting this and ready Mrs2 for the summer mponths.
Sorry - like all our development work, the design is copyright.
Edit: Three out of the last two batches of strut braces went to the continent. One went to Slovenia. So shipping is doable.
However, there would have to be a few more requests to justify making more right now.
Quote from: mr2noob on December 21, 2019, 15:05Cause I noticed that my 05 seems more flexing than my previous 03.
That makes no sense. The 05 should be as the 03.
Screwing a brace under would mask the symptom of something else going on.
First check the basics; shocks, measure ride hight, check the subframe, check the OEM bracing brackets etc.
David and I just went up to Sywell for a special 'Solstice lunch'. We gave the new brace a proper work-out.
The car is truly, honestly, transformed. So pleased with the result.
Quote from: Carolyn on December 21, 2019, 15:14David and I just went up to Sywell for a special 'Solstice lunch'. We gave the new brace a proper work-out.
The car is truly, honestly, transformed. So pleased with the result.
Brace sounds like it's as good as it looked when I saw it a few weeks ago.
I reckon you're a day early for the solstice celebration though!
Quote from: jonbill on December 21, 2019, 18:19Quote from: Carolyn on December 21, 2019, 15:14David and I just went up to Sywell for a special 'Solstice lunch'. We gave the new brace a proper work-out.
The car is truly, honestly, transformed. So pleased with the result.
Brace sounds like it's as good as it looked when I saw it a few weeks ago.
I reckon you're a day early for the solstice celebration though!
You must come by and give it a test drive. I always do solstice on the 21st!
Super-brace arrived safely at the garage, thank you Carolyn. They were all wondering what it was! May be some time before I can get over there and get it fitted but the instructions look excellent.
Quote from: steveash on January 10, 2020, 15:59Super-brace arrived safely at the garage, thank you Carolyn. They were all wondering what it was! May be some time before I can get over there and get it fitted but the instructions look excellent.
Let me know how you get on.
Did you get your minimum order in the end Carolyn?
Only asking as I'll take one if there's one left :)
If not no worries.
Quote from: Gaz2405 on January 10, 2020, 17:14Did you get your minimum order in the end Carolyn?
Only asking as I'll take one if there's one left :)
If not no worries.
Sorry - all gone!
There's an other list started. Do you want to go on it? Price is going up, though. £250, I'm afraid. I really under-charged on the first lot.
Not to worry, I was in two minds with this and the Barbarian one.
As I've got the Barbarian front brace, so I'll go with the Barbarian so it all matches under the car. (that no one can see!) 😂
Good luck with the next batch!
Quote from: Carolyn on January 10, 2020, 17:19Quote from: Gaz2405 on January 10, 2020, 17:14Did you get your minimum order in the end Carolyn?
Only asking as I'll take one if there's one left :)
If not no worries.
Sorry - all gone!
There's an other list started. Do you want to go on it? Price is going up, though. £250, I'm afraid. I really under-charged on the first lot.
Oh dear, I'd be happy to pay the difference Carolyn. Wouldn't want you to be out of pocket.
Quote from: steveash on January 10, 2020, 20:07Quote from: Carolyn on January 10, 2020, 17:19Quote from: Gaz2405 on January 10, 2020, 17:14Did you get your minimum order in the end Carolyn?
Only asking as I'll take one if there's one left :)
If not no worries.
Sorry - all gone!
There's an other list started. Do you want to go on it? Price is going up, though. £250, I'm afraid. I really under-charged on the first lot.
Oh dear, I'd be happy to pay the difference Carolyn. Wouldn't want you to be out of pocket.
That's lovely of you, Steve. What a Gent. However, a deal is a deal. I named a price, so that's it!
I'm not actually out of pocket, I just didn't realise how many woman-hours I would have into them.
That's how one learns!
Quote from: Carolyn on January 10, 2020, 20:29Quote from: steveash on January 10, 2020, 20:07Quote from: Carolyn on January 10, 2020, 17:19Quote from: Gaz2405 on January 10, 2020, 17:14Did you get your minimum order in the end Carolyn?
Only asking as I'll take one if there's one left :)
If not no worries.
Sorry - all gone!
There's an other list started. Do you want to go on it? Price is going up, though. £250, I'm afraid. I really under-charged on the first lot.
Oh dear, I'd be happy to pay the difference Carolyn. Wouldn't want you to be out of pocket.
That's lovely of you, Steve. What a Gent. However, a deal is a deal. I named a price, so that's it!
I'm not actually out of pocket, I just didn't realise how many woman-hours I would have into them.
That's how one learns!
Fair enough. I'll hopefully get the opportunity to return the favour at some point.
Thank you DPD!
'Igla' has been in touch. His brace has finally been delivered to his home in Slovenia, after some dithering by DPD.
They have managed do damage a lump of powder=crated steel, in transit. I took special extra packaging precautions of the corners with bubble-wrap and gaffer tape.
Must have been thrown onto a hard surface, from height.
Nothing that can't be fixed quite simply, but just so disappoinitng.
He's been a real gent about it.
Mine arrived with small dings and scratches - Parcel Force is not much better that DPD!
Couriers are couriers - I have seen them load and unload parcels at their depots.
They don't care - parcels with "fragile" stickers are just thrown from the van onto the conveyor belts!
Man my kitchen floor is a mess :D Well, i don't know how to treat the areas where the powdercoat was damaged... maybe some paint and then some undercoat over it?
I'd touch them in with an artist's brush and some decent paint. Modeller's enamel (like Humbrol) would be perfect. Several coats.
Edit: It's not going to be seen. Well hidden under the car. The main thing is to prevent rust.
Quote from: Carolyn on January 14, 2020, 18:18Thank you DPD!
'Igla' has been in touch. His brace has finally been delivered to his home in Slovenia, after some dithering by DPD.
They have managed do damage a lump of powder=crated steel, in transit. I took special extra packaging precautions of the corners with bubble-wrap and gaffer tape.
Must have been thrown onto a hard surface, from height.
Nothing that can't be fixed quite simply, but just so disappoinitng.
He's been a real gent about it.
This reminds me of Bahnstormer's hardtop that we packed so well for Nvy last year and that arrived damaged. It was so well packaged and the couriers still managed to damage a corner. Bloody annoying.
All,
I bought one from Carolyn but decided to keep my 2 standard.
With Carolyn's permission I am offering this at cost to members here - £190.00 inclusve of postage to UK mainland only.
Thanks.
Quote from: J88TEO on January 22, 2020, 08:35All,
I bought one from Carolyn but decided to keep my 2 standard.
With Carolyn's permission I am offering this at cost to members here - £190.00 inclusve of postage to UK mainland only.
Thanks.
Interested- pm sent
I'm afraid we may be operating outside the club rues here.
While this thread is not a 'for sale' thread, deals must be done openly, not by PM.
I believe Joe has agreed to sell the brace to Boris ('Snelbaard').
I'll send some messages and try to clear this up.
Carolyn,
Apologies for this.
Will post it here when I next log in.
Some interest but nothing confirm yet.
Regards.
I am interested, but obviously want to comply with the board rules.
In order to comply with board rules I'd like to formally call dibs.
All,
Apologies if this has violated club rules.
This has been sold to Snelbaard STP etc...
Thanks.
Joe
Just fitted my AutoDiverse "Carolyn's" brace this weekend at C's workshop. Fit like a glove.
One thing that you'll notice when you unpack it is the amount of work put into this brace. It's not just a couple of metal pipes welded together. Tabs are strengthened, cuts are considered, brackets fit perfectly. Then there's the pipe bracket you get, made of stainless sheet metal. Super light, won't rust, but a lovely touch to make sure your pipes are kept in place in an OEM-way.
Fitting time commences and the instructions are thorough. The biggest challenge is making sure your bolts come out without shearing. Especially the 2x 10mm (M6) bolts at the back middle of the brace. Make sure you plus gas the day in advance. Thoroughly and into the rail where the captive nuts sit.
Bolts out, marry it up, put bolts in. None required "work" with the exception of one little bolt hole on the center part. Bit of filing, sorted. 5 minute detour from instructions. This brace was very thoroughly measured for the MR2. That's for certain.
Results:
I had a TTE brace before this, which as we all know is very effective indeed. It really ties the frame together and makes the car behave like a structurally more significant car.
This brace takes that up a notch. It's MUCH stiffer. It does not flex. It's box steel segments and it's immensely solid, while still light. This means that the suspension on my car (front brace, door brace pads) is doing all of the work, along with the tyres.
Communication across the chassis is immediate. Turn-in is sharper, and the car eats bumps for breakfast.
Although, I did have to turn my coilovers down 4 notches. The ride was noticeably harder. Just shows how much flex the body still takes up with the TTE brace. 4 notches worth BC coilover adjustment. Crazy!
This is definitely the mother of all braces. It's a second chassis. I dare say, you need no more than this and a front strut brace.
I also drove Carolyn's car again. Last time it had older suspension and no braces. It was a lovely smooth drive, but I did miss the directness of my coilovers.
This time she has renewed the suspension and fitted this brace.
It's amazing. It's a stock car, but feels like a proper sports car. It has handed in that scarf in hair and toodle at 45mph with the roof down feeling for a "come on then, let's have some fun" feeling.
So in conclusion; on a stock car, this brace is night/day. It transforms the car. It feels more capable, more stable, more involved. On a car with more suspension mods, it takes your triple sundae, adds 2 more scoops, 2 twirls and a couple of cherries. It makes it that much sweeter.
Rant over. It has been a while since I "modified" my car and I'm so glad I did.
Quote from: shnazzle on February 16, 2020, 18:32I also drove Carolyn's car again. Last time it had older suspension and no braces. It was a lovely smooth drive, but I did miss the directness of my coilovers.
This time she has renewed the suspension and fitted this brace.
It's amazing. It's a stock car, but feels like a proper sports car. It has handed in that scarf in hair and toodle at 45mph with the roof down feeling for a "come on then, let's have some fun" feeling.
So in conclusion; on a stock car, this brace is night/day. It transforms the car. It feels more capable, more stable, more involved. On a car with more suspension mods, it takes your triple sundae, adds 2 more scoops, 2 twirls and a couple of cherries. It makes it that much sweeter.
Rant over. It has been a while since I "modified" my car and I'm so glad I did.
Nice description of the cost/benefit concerning the car´s road behaviour.
Quote from: Carolyn on January 10, 2020, 17:19Quote from: Gaz2405 on January 10, 2020, 17:14Did you get your minimum order in the end Carolyn?
Only asking as I'll take one if there's one left :)
If not no worries.
Sorry - all gone!
There's an other list started. Do you want to go on it? Price is going up, though. £250, I'm afraid. I really under-charged on the first lot.
Can you put me on the list please Carolyn.
Have a tte/matt brace but it's a bit bent and going by what others have said, will be an improvement anyway.
We fitted the brace before this years first trackday. We reused the original pipe brackets, the ones provided looked too loose. It took some wrestling with the brace but eventually managed to bolt it up properly.
shnazzle couldn't have said it better. I absolutelty reccomend this brace to anyone looking to stiffen the car up!
I am very happy with the result. Now i'm waiting for the front top brace! :D
Quote from: igla on March 3, 2020, 17:13We fitted the brace before this years first trackday. We reused the original pipe brackets, the ones provided looked too loose. It took some wrestling with the brace but eventually managed to bolt it up properly.
shnazzle couldn't have said it better. I absolutelty reccomend this brace to anyone looking to stiffen the car up!
I am very happy with the result. Now i'm waiting for the front top brace! :D
Yes two of the pipe-clips need a little rubber packing (in the instructions).
Glad you're pleased with it.
I'm about to install this brace on my car, do any of you who have it experience any problems with bottoming out at all?
Quote from: Snelbaard on March 5, 2020, 19:22I'm about to install this brace on my car, do any of you who have it experience any problems with bottoming out at all?
Nope. I'm quite low but no issues yet for me
Quote from: shnazzle on March 5, 2020, 19:26Quote from: Snelbaard on March 5, 2020, 19:22I'm about to install this brace on my car, do any of you who have it experience any problems with bottoming out at all?
Nope. I'm quite low but no issues yet for me
Me neither. I'm actually surprised as I thought I'd scrape more but haven't had a single occurrence yet, and believe me plenty of opportunity for it in South London!
I've has a couple of enquiries about front strut braces lately.
I may make some more. They need to be done in batches of a minimum of 6 off.
I'm gauging interest.
If interested, please put your name in a reply. Cheers.
I get asked about those quite often too. I'll refer them to you.
I'd be interested in a front strut brace.
Interested
That's three, a couple more and I'll see if I can get the profiles cut.
Quote from: Carolyn on June 23, 2020, 17:55That's three, a couple more and I'll see if I can get the profiles cut.
I'd love a AutoDiverse brace to match my underbrace, unemployment doesn't help BUT... don't plan on being unemployed forever so... What kind of timescales would we be looking at?
I could sell my existing one to offset
A month?
Can you pull me back off this list please for now.. I have a few other higher priority bits to purchase first I think.
Please can I co on this list?
Requests duly noted.
Add me to the list please. Thanks
Hi
Any chance there will be another under brace batch ?
Quote from: MRSwede on July 24, 2020, 11:28Hi
Any chance there will be another under brace batch ?
Not at the moment, sorry.
Hi Carolyn!
This'll be my first ever post on the forum so I understand if you'd require some form of deposit to put me on he list but I signed up specifically to get in touch with you - so please let me know if thats ok :)
Have these been made yet ?
@Carolyn If not do you have one going spare ?
I've been struggling with my health, so no braces in the pipeline right now, I'm afraid.
Quote from: Carolyn on August 10, 2020, 14:01I've been struggling with my health, so no braces in the pipeline right now, I'm afraid.
Sorry to read that.
Sending you positive energy with fingers crossed.
Quote from: Carolyn on August 10, 2020, 14:01I've been struggling with my health, so no braces in the pipeline right now, I'm afraid.
You've been busy as always looking after others on here, time to look after yourself
@Carolyn.
Sorry to hear that
@Carolyn Hopefully you'll be one the mend soon.
Quote from: panderoo on August 10, 2020, 15:17Sorry to hear that @Carolyn
Hopefully you'll be one the mend soon.
Yep well said.
Hope you feel better soon
@Carolyn
@Carolyn I finally got my car out of storage and brace fitted. I haven't driven it for 10 months so can't do a back-to-back comparison but I can still feel a noticeable improvement. Can't thank you enough for the considerable work you did on this and the front strut brace. Mine is now a changed car very much for the better. Sure-footed, precise and a real pleasure to drive. The extra flexing and vibrations caused by my firmer suspension (Meister R struts) are now completely ironed out. It also happily still clears the numerous speed bumps that seem to be breeding all around our new home!
Interesting. Quite like this guy's videos
https://youtu.be/4l8KWwL7ngg
I have seen some of his videos before and enjoyed them.
The braces seem really expensive for america where this sort of stuff is usually cheap, 750$, jeez!
How many times did he say cha-see? It annoys me every time I hear it and that was one of the most times I have heard it in a single video!
(Thank god they werent made out of aluminum though).
Quote from: Topdownman on November 2, 2020, 21:04The braces seem really expensive for america where this sort of stuff is usually cheap, 750$, jeez!
That is a lot of money to make a car noticeably heavier ;-)
Quote from: Petrus on November 2, 2020, 22:07Quote from: Topdownman on November 2, 2020, 21:04The braces seem really expensive for america where this sort of stuff is usually cheap, 750$, jeez!
That is a lot of money to make a car noticeably heavier ;-)
That was my thought. That's a lot of metal he added. Roll bar, door bars, rail braces, those front braces.. But the most noticeable one was the door jam bushes :)
I wish he had tested them all separately or at least sequentially
Quote from: shnazzle on November 2, 2020, 22:38That was my thought. That's a lot of metal he added. Roll bar, door bars, rail braces, those front braces.. But the most noticeable one was the door jam bushes :)
The customary used mild steel tubes for a roll bar are some 2 lbs / foot.
Door bars smaller diameter but thicker walled.
I think he added some 50 kilo.
As such adding even this simple low tech steel is more expensive/kg than lightening :-O
Let us for calculating sake assume a 1000 kg car.
Adding 50 kilo in bracing versus adding 50 kilo of lightness without changing stiffness
5% more mass vs 5% less mass, making 10% difference.
The ham question is whether the added stiffness outweighs the 10% more tyre traction, better braking, better accelleration of the equivalent lightening.
Thát is the ham question about bracing: Does the added stiffness outweigh the same spending on adding lightness.
Anyone have an educated guess about the weight of this ´collapsable shopping trolley´?
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1091/981132065_22c310fc24_o.jpg)
I háve added bracing weight. I confess I have sinned.
An Ultrathingy front strut brace, Snelbaard floor pan brace and the TRD lower control arm braces are under way.
I recon that they improve more than the 6 kilo weight difference comparing to having spent same on lightening. Maybe I wíll take the airco pump off to have a win-win ;-)
Petrus, may I ask where you got the TRD braces from ?
I found a video the other day where a guy was showing his cheapo ones with completely worn out fixation holes. Seems to be a lot of flexing going on there.
Quote from: ralf321 on November 2, 2020, 23:43Petrus, may I ask where you got the TRD braces from ?
From SC here.
Was quite surprised to see them pop up so pounced no haggling. Being Dutch born that is still nagging at me but hey, they áre under way ;-)
Snelbaard has reproduced the Cusco version I think.
I'm about to do a limited run of our front strut brace.
We'll be making a dozen, two of which are already reserved. If you want to go on the list, please respond. First come, first served.
They will probably be posted out early in January. I don't take payment until they are about to be posted.
They are VERY stiff. Plastics do have to be cut, however.
Price will be £165each including a £15 donation to the club
Pics for those who aren't aware of what they are:
brace 1.jpg
brace 3.jpg
Quote from: Carolyn on December 1, 2020, 11:36I'm about to do a limited run of our front strut brace.
Véry good to read you feel energised again Carolyn!!
Quote from: Carolyn on December 1, 2020, 11:36I'm about to do a limited run of our front strut brace.
We'll be making a dozen, two of which are already reserved. If you want to go on the list, please respond. First come, first served.
They will probably be posted out early in January. I don't take payment until they are about to be posted.
They are VERY stiff. Plastics do have to be cut, however.
Price will be £165each including a £15 donation to the club
Pics for those who aren't aware of what they are:
brace 1.jpg
brace 3.jpg
interested
Quote from: FredyCro on December 9, 2020, 20:25Quote from: Carolyn on December 1, 2020, 11:36I'm about to do a limited run of our front strut brace.
We'll be making a dozen, two of which are already reserved. If you want to go on the list, please respond. First come, first served.
They will probably be posted out early in January. I don't take payment until they are about to be posted.
They are VERY stiff. Plastics do have to be cut, however.
Price will be £165each including a £15 donation to the club
Pics for those who aren't aware of what they are:
brace 1.jpg
brace 3.jpg
interested
I'll put you on the list in 'private sales'.
Put me down for one please, Carolyn.
Quote from: Porker on December 21, 2020, 13:35Put me down for one please, Carolyn.
Will do. You can follow progress in the 'PrivateSales' section.
Thanks. However, I can't see any Private Sales section even though I'm logged in. Could you point me in the right direction please?
Quote from: Porker on December 21, 2020, 14:12Thanks. However, I can't see any Private Sales section even though I'm logged in. Could you point me in the right direction please?
Ahh it might be one of those sections where you need thirty posts to get to play. Just make a bunch of comments on any threads that interest you.
But worry not - you're on the list. I shall send you a PM.
Got it. Many thanks.
PM replied to - only just seen it - sorry for that.
Is there any way of getting an email notification when you're sent a PM?
Yes- I get them. Not sure how it's turned on. In the account section, I think.
Click on your name at the top left.
Ah - under "Notifications". Hopefully sorted now.
Quote from: ralf321 on November 2, 2020, 23:43Petrus, may I ask where you got the TRD braces from ?
I found a video the other day where a guy was showing his cheapo ones with completely worn out fixation holes. Seems to be a lot of flexing going on there.
You mean this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG56S8-R80k
That is alumium. Not a good idea for this application and yes it illustrates as clearly as one could want what a steel brace can do there.
Yes, that was the clip I meant.
I still have three strut braces left from the last batch.
Hi Carolyn
Do you still have a front strut brace available , and does it include hinges for the frump lid. If yes ill take one.
Quote from: Elektronic on February 12, 2021, 15:18Hi Carolyn
Do you still have a front strut brace available , and does it include hinges for the frump lid. If yes ill take one.
Yes I do have one available. I'm afraid it doesn't include the bits for the frunk lid.
I've finally got around to fitting the brace and will do a short review once I have a few more miles on it.
Quote from: Carolyn on February 12, 2021, 15:26Yes I do have one available. I'm afraid it doesn't include the bits for the frunk lid.
Hello Carolyn, do you still have that last one in stock? It would be nice to pair it with the big brace that I already have :)
Quote from: igla on March 25, 2022, 17:38Hello Carolyn, do you still have that last one in stock? It would be nice to pair it with the big brace that I already have :)
Sorry -all gone.
Hi, are the strut braces still available ?
Sorry - none in stock and no plans to make more right now.