DIY: How to install the GT-Spec Tower Strut Bar
10-19-2009, 05:55 PM
#46
A technical note that wasn't in your DIY: The 6 nuts on the strut towers that hold down the brackets only need to be tightened down to 28 ft/lbs. I had no need at all of the crow's foot and didn't find any of the nuts hard to get to even with a large torque wrench and 3/4" socket. I used a 6" extension to get to most of them and just the wrench/socket for the ones under the bar when it's in place.
10-26-2009, 08:51 PM
#51
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Thank you for the writeup.
It was certainly a nice guide to have.
Took about an hr, I guess
I had no problem using standard sockets and wrenches.
I installed the brackets individually first, and then installed the bar between them.
I also cut the tyrap on the larger hose on each side. I don't know if I'll resecure them or not. We'll see.
They still sit very tightly to the top edge of the bracket. It would only be for looks if I do.
They can't go anywhere, that's for sure-
In my opinion, leaving them in place puts undue strain on the loom and the wiring inside.
The hood closed easily using the 2 credit card spacing, and I saw no mark on the hood insulation.
I didn't have any talcum powder to really check it out, and may get some tomorrow.
I'll recheck for rubbing periodically for a bit.
It was certainly a nice guide to have.
Took about an hr, I guess
I had no problem using standard sockets and wrenches.
I installed the brackets individually first, and then installed the bar between them.
I also cut the tyrap on the larger hose on each side. I don't know if I'll resecure them or not. We'll see.
They still sit very tightly to the top edge of the bracket. It would only be for looks if I do.
They can't go anywhere, that's for sure-
In my opinion, leaving them in place puts undue strain on the loom and the wiring inside.
The hood closed easily using the 2 credit card spacing, and I saw no mark on the hood insulation.
I didn't have any talcum powder to really check it out, and may get some tomorrow.
I'll recheck for rubbing periodically for a bit.
10-29-2009, 01:16 PM
#52
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Location: UP Of Michigan
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The more I think about it, the more I wish I would have painted the brackets black-
Possibly white.
The blue brackets just don't look good, in my opinion, at least not with the white.
I may take it all apart and paint them.
We'll see-
No rubbing on the hood of any kind at all, and given the roads, not likely there ever will be any if it hasn't happened yet-
Possibly white.
The blue brackets just don't look good, in my opinion, at least not with the white.
I may take it all apart and paint them.
We'll see-
No rubbing on the hood of any kind at all, and given the roads, not likely there ever will be any if it hasn't happened yet-
11-14-2009, 05:44 PM
#53
Although I've had my bar for months I only installed it today. I had painted the brackets black followed by 3 coats of clearcoat prior to the install.
Most was relatively straight forward but I was unable to get the driver's side bracket to slide on top of the screws while attached to the bar without scratching my Injen intake tubes. I had to install the bracket first.
In order to get it over the strut screws, I had to use a wrecking bar covered with a microfibre towel.
I finally got it all on, but could not reach the 2 credit card clearance guideline - I'm at about 4 or 5 credit cards and yet I'm at the bottom of the adjustment slot. I even tried a small ballpein hammer covered with a microfibre towel. (I can't find my rubber hammer). I think the paint is too thick! 
The hood closes easily but I'll have to check for rubbing tomorrow. I have pictures but haven't unloaded them yet.
Most was relatively straight forward but I was unable to get the driver's side bracket to slide on top of the screws while attached to the bar without scratching my Injen intake tubes. I had to install the bracket first.
In order to get it over the strut screws, I had to use a wrecking bar covered with a microfibre towel.
I finally got it all on, but could not reach the 2 credit card clearance guideline - I'm at about 4 or 5 credit cards and yet I'm at the bottom of the adjustment slot. I even tried a small ballpein hammer covered with a microfibre towel.
(I can't find my rubber hammer). I think the paint is too thick! The hood closes easily but I'll have to check for rubbing tomorrow. I have pictures but haven't unloaded them yet.
Last edited by Mid-Life Crisis; 12-21-2009 at 11:54 AM.
03-13-2010, 05:53 PM
#56
my brackets are black and they look Soo good, lol
The more I think about it, the more I wish I would have painted the brackets black-
Possibly white.
The blue brackets just don't look good, in my opinion, at least not with the white.
I may take it all apart and paint them.
We'll see-
No rubbing on the hood of any kind at all, and given the roads, not likely there ever will be any if it hasn't happened yet-
Possibly white.
The blue brackets just don't look good, in my opinion, at least not with the white.
I may take it all apart and paint them.
We'll see-
No rubbing on the hood of any kind at all, and given the roads, not likely there ever will be any if it hasn't happened yet-
