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Posted by: defianty Feb 20 2018, 08:14 AM

My car didn't have sway bars from the factory and I have a Weltmeister to install at the front. I've actually already fitted it and packed it away again before I fit it once the car is painted.

In a conversation with another UK 914 owner we discuss strengthening the inner wing where the bar come through.

Here's a pic of what I have at the moment. What's everyone's thought on strengthening this area?

https://postimages.org/

Posted by: Jeff Hail Feb 20 2018, 08:26 AM

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Posted by: 914_teener Feb 20 2018, 08:56 AM

If you are using a stock bar not necessary.


Bigger yes.

Posted by: Racer Chris Feb 20 2018, 09:16 AM

I disagree. The factory installed reinforcing plates in all cars that received factory anti sway bars.
However the one Jeff Hailpern posted a pic of is total overkill for most 914s.
I'm pretty sure the ones I make are the only ones with a tri-oval shape which follows the stamped area of the inner fender.

Posted by: Morrie Feb 20 2018, 10:10 AM

Chris,
I have seen your stuff in action, modified slightly to fit my friend's 911 chassis (Jamie Novak). I highly recommend this as a preventative measure, and well worth the expense. This is one of those cases where making your own part is not worth the effort when a quality part is out there.

Posted by: Wyvern Feb 20 2018, 10:37 AM

Just finished installation of the stock front and rear bar.
I used the Mad Dog reinforcement plate.
I do believe it is a bit of overkill for a stock bar, but it is job done right. If I want a bigger bar I am good to go.

Posted by: defianty Feb 20 2018, 10:58 AM

Hmm, I think I'll fabricate and weld in a reinforcement plate then Shouldn't be too much trouble.

Thanks.

Posted by: bbrock Feb 20 2018, 11:45 AM

Will be a piece of cake compared to what you've already done. Here's what the factory reinforcement looks like in case it helps. Nothing fancy.

Posted by: JFG Feb 20 2018, 11:49 AM

When I took mine off it had split all inside the triangular area between the students and bar holes.

I fabricated plates for inside the box section under the tank and for the inner wing around the brake hose bracket.

Posted by: gothspeed Feb 20 2018, 12:19 PM

I stitch welded some like this on the inside. They were weltmeister brand if I recall correctly. Using stock sway bar.


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Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 20 2018, 12:25 PM

I'm with Chris... weld them in. I don't like the "riv-nut" versions above though.

We have them for $30.00 a pair. Probably cheaper than your time welding them up.

Posted by: gothspeed Feb 20 2018, 12:31 PM

Here is an interesting reinforcement design I have not yet seen. I wish this was around when I did mine. I had to cut the boxed area.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-914-Front-Sway-Bar-Mount-Bracket/391974569470?hash=item5b438145fe:g:XgIAAOSw9GhYZsnC




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Posted by: defianty Feb 20 2018, 01:38 PM

Ah, now I have some of those they came with the Weltmeister. Never said anything about welding them in though. That's it then, I'll weld them in. Job done. Thanks.

Posted by: 914_teener Feb 20 2018, 05:04 PM

I also used the nut plate and welded it in. So when you posted a re-enforcement plate and the next poster posted a picture a plate through the whole fender well...I thought you meant that!

Definitely you need the "nut plate" on the inside of the fender well to be welded in. There is also a classic thread on this I believe. Unless you drill the mounting holes in true position - ( almost impossible) for this installation....the holes in the fender well need to be slightly oversize to bolt both plate together to compress the bushings. If those holes are oversize the backing plate....or reinforcing plate...could loosen over time due to the torsion of the bar and rip the fender well sheet metal due to it spinning or moving.

Am I right Eric and Chris? Wrote a thread on this I believe a while back and I'm getting old....er older.

Posted by: bigkensteele Feb 20 2018, 05:21 PM

I just bought a kit like this from Brad Mayeur @ 914 Limited. Very bottom of the page below. This is the way to go in my book.

http://914ltd.com/store.php?c=1384303079

Posted by: 914forme Feb 20 2018, 07:09 PM

Brad did a great job on these, glad I used them on my latest build.

Posted by: cuddyk Feb 20 2018, 10:23 PM

I just installed Brad's mount kit this weekend. Welded both sides with no problem. 914_teener is right...the mounting holes inside the fender need to be a little wider to accommodate slight differences in alignment as you drill. Mine only needed a little filing to open up a few holes by a mm or less. I prefer Brad's design where you don't have to cut into the top of the frame support...but you do have to drill into the side to accommodate the bottom mount nut. Overall, I'd guess that the hole is less compromising than cutting a channel.

I'll be posting a video of the process as soon as my A-arms are back in and I can finish up installing the bar.

Posted by: gothspeed Feb 21 2018, 07:05 PM

Awesome, can't wait to see pics or video