DeTomaso Mailing List: January 98, Message #184
     



From: 	Mike Trusty <miketrusty@email.msn.com>

Subject: Spreader Bar

Date: 	Tue, 6 Jan 1998 15:17:05 +0000



Two points about this device have been asked:



Chuck wrote:



Is there a dimension/measurement that the bar should be set to.  Or more 

clearly, how wide (long ?) is the bar when correctly set



Andy wrote:



Has any body ever actually determined for certain that the load on the 

spreader bar is inward (compression) during cornering?



Listed below are my opinions on these questions.



1. Mike Drew is right about the slotted holes being all wrong.

2. It would be impossible to answer Chuck's question with a dimension.

3. The reason that the after market units are adjustable are to allow you 

to extend them out until they bottom on each side of the slots.

4. The method to mount the spreader bar would apply to both the original 

and after market units.

a. Place a jack under the back of the car and raise the car only enough to 

take the weight off of the rear suspension.

b. Remove the spreader bar and associated hardware.

c. Clean the outsides of the slotted flanges on the tube to bare metal 

ready to accept welding.

d. Replace the spreader bar with the addition of large diameter thick 

machine grade washers with the same inside diameter ad the securing bolts. 

 These four washers go on the outside of the flanges mentioned above.

e. With a MIG or TIG welder, tack the washers to the flange tabs.

f. After refinishing these areas, install the spreader bar and tighten 

bolts.

g. Lower car.



5. Again this, in my opinion, should be done if you are using the stock or 

after market bars.

6. The other reason for the welded in washer is to address the problem that 

Andy pointed out.  Even if it were not an actual tension load it is most 

likely somewhat of a lesser compression load at certain times.  The result 

is the same.  This would most likely happen at the initial turn in to a 

corner.

7. Jacking of the car is simply trying to locate the mid point in the 

chassis flex to mount the bar.

8. The worst mistake I have seen some do is  to actually jack a load into 

the chassis with the after market bars.  Big Mistake.

9. With this method the after market bars are really for:

a. Adding weight to the vehicle.

b. Looking good.(This is why I have one)

c. Meeting one's annual expenditure budget.



Only My Opinions,