Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

doublea, yeah I can do that. I've got enough stainless coming for two, maybe three..

I'm using 304 stainless. It's the recommended steel for welding and structural uses. the only other option is 316, and the cost is twice what 304 is and is only marginally stronger, but much harder to weld. (i.e. TIG only)

volkl77

What? No Fast And Furious Kitty Pink??????

volkl77

Matt... a few more contacts for you. Might be some better pricing/options available.

Cheers!

Associated Wear Coatings Inc
5695 Surrey Square St, Houston, TX
713-944-3666

Bluebonnet Powder Coating
13638 Reeveston Rd, Houston, TX
281-442-0462

Adventure Powder Coating
10845 Church Ln, Houston, TX
713-935-9214

Precision Powder Coating
2530 Old Louetta Loop # 121, Spring, TX 281-651-6900

South Texas Crosslink Inc
12073 FM 3083 Rd, Conroe, TX
936-441-1880

Thermal Polymer Systems
908 S Velasco St, Angleton, TX
979-849-8201

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

I was having my calipers and some other parts done by precision before.. they do GREAT work, but they're very pricey.. for a show finish, those are your guys.
for what I'm doing, an industrial coating place is much cheaper and easier.
Allied is very close to me (about 15 minutes), and their prices are reasonable. I'll give these other guys a call and see what they say, but I think allied will be a pretty good choice for me.

brianw

iTrader: (3)

Powder coating sounds good to me.

doublea

iTrader: (7)

Hey Matt, you got mail. I'll take Stainless Steel.

Thanks man

AA

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

im curious as to the benefits and drawbacks of powdercoating vs regular spray paint. is there an article somewhere i can read? or one of the ppl that are more knowledgeable about this subject can chime in? i'd like to make an educated decision on what type of finish my LTB should get.

thanks in advance

ps. matt...im getting antsy i cant wait to feel the difference

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

a quick google search will hand you the answers on the powder vs. paint question..

here's one of the first links that popped up for me:
http://www.runestone.net/~trailer/powder.htm

Zack342

iTrader: (89)

hey matt, i have been following this thread for a while and i am very interested in this product. i was wondering if you could give an additional information on it, i have read all the threads i could find as well as all the reviews. other than the loss of some ground clearence, are there any other cons i.e added stress on the suspension components. also i was wondering if you had a final regular price. i know the gd is over but what is the regular price for a 4th gen stage 2 tie bar power coated black? and how soon before you will have some more available. any other information you would like to share would be great. thanks
zack

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

As soon as I get done with the group deal, I'll build up some more for "stock" to have ready to ship... I'm just behind right now due to the group deal, weather, spraining my ankle, etc etc... I'm going to hit the 5th gen bars hard and heavy tomorrow, Sun, and Mon. hopefully I can get them done and to the shop by tuesday or so.

regular price on them is $125 +ship for the regular (powdercoated) steel, and $175 +ship for stainless.

As for other reviews or information, do some searching on google for "control arm brace" "lower a-arm brace" "lower tie bar" etc etc. these things are very popular with the bimmer and asian import crowds.. I've seen them on everything from an M3 to an STi to an S2000.

Zack342

iTrader: (89)

As for other reviews or information, do some searching on google for "control arm brace" "lower a-arm brace" "lower tie bar" etc etc. these things are very popular with the bimmer and asian import crowds.. I've seen them on everything from an M3 to an STi to an S2000.[/QUOTE]

i have seen this item before i rember NISMO marketed it as "pwerbrace" for my S13 240sx but does this make a significant enough diffrence on a FWD car such as the maxima. i would like for the car to have a more soild tight feel. comming from a 240sx to the maxima are light years apart in handling and boy do i miss my independent rear suspension. but iam trying to do what i can to make the max more comfortable in the corners. thanks for the info i will be intouch one your "stock" becomes available (i would be interested in just the powder coated versions) thanks

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

any update on the powdercoating prices? im willing to wait the extra time. thanks!

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

Zack, it makes a HUGE difference in the handling on the Maxima. everyone I've had test them have all said they noticed an immediate, dramatic improvement.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=298544

djfrestyl, from now on, the black powder is a "standard" thing on them.. I'm paying for the black, but if you want a different color, I'll get some prices from them when I take the first batch in sometime this week.

Zack342

iTrader: (89)

matt when will you have these ready for retail?. can i get in on the next set?

also this maybe a silly question but will this increase the vibration inside the cabin in anyway?

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

wow what a deal.
im already a believer that matt's a stand up guy.
blacks fine for me matt, thanks so much!

VQuick

iTrader: (17)

So the first batch with intro pricing is not powdercoated?

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

i think it is...

Mishmosh

iTrader: (3)

The initial offer are to be spray painted.

Matt, what's the status on the initial 4th gen run? Have they shipped?

Thanks,
Carleton

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

the first batch of 4th gens are painted with chip-resistant enamel.. I spent $50 on paint just for them and they were already done before I found the source on powdercoating. The 5th gen bars will be powdercoated..

I'm having a friend come over tomorrow to help me box the 4th gen bars up for shipping.. They'll all go out tomorrow or Tuesday, and I'll finish the 5th gens as soon as I can. I also just found out my wife has made plans for us to go home for Memorial day, and I have to leave town on Tuesday to take care of some other urgent issues. I've got the 5th gens about 30% done, and hopefully with some help tomorrow I can get the first batch of 5th gen bars finished and dropped off at the powder shop before I have to leave town.... I'm working on them as quickly as I can- I just keep getting interrupted or injured so I can't make as much progress as I need to be making at this point.

Mishmosh

iTrader: (3)

Got my bar today for my 1995 nissan. To get the front end to seat, I had to loosen two of the front control arm attachment bolts so that I could pivot the control arm inward. Otherwise, the fitment is so spot on that it wouldn't have fit otherwise.

One problem I had was the rear attachments. There was not enough thread on the bolt to start the nut. I had to jack each corner and even still the stock nut would not thread onto the 2.5mm of thread that was there. Apparently the stock nuts on my car do not have threading on the initial 1.5mm or so of the nut. I went out and bought a metric nut at the hardware store: 16mm i.d., 1.50 thread pitch. Once started, my impact wrench easily tightened the bar up.

I also had trouble with tightening the front control arm nuts. there wasn't enough room between the nut and the bar surround to fit a socket. I ended up using a 12pt socket and managed to get enough surface area on the nut to tighten it somewhat (though still not as much as I would have liked).

Seems like a great product though!

VQuick

iTrader: (17)

Got my bar on Thursday but will not be installing it for a week or so. Thanks, Matt!

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

Mishmosh, I tried to send you an email about it, but my email program is not cooperating on the in-law's computer. (stupid web-based email!)

anyway, remove the cupped washers on the back two bolts. the tie bar will replace them, so you can just pull them off. save them in the case you need to reattach the bar.

as for the front bolts, I use either a Craftsman or Kobalt 27mm socket. both of them just fit inside that end piece (I actually took those sockets to the steel supply place with me and wandered their stock yard until I found the piece I needed to fit over those sockets!)

anyway, those are both fairly inexpensive sockets you can pick up at Sears or Lowes, and both work to fit in there. if you use a hardened impact socket, they're too big to fit in there.

Be sure to make sure the car is on the ground before you completely tighten those nuts as well. the control arm bushings don't like it if you don't wait for that.

Zack342

iTrader: (89)

Any of you 4th gen guys with the tie bar care to give driving impressions on the bar?

Maximum96

iTrader: (2)

Just wondering since i got my alignment today...Will these throw off the alignment, after install will we have to get another wheel alignment?

pocketrocket

iTrader: (1)

Matt

Got it on Friday, thanks!

TEEdotMAX

iTrader: (2)

Hey Matt. just wondering the status on the 5th gen bars. when will they be shipped out?

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

5th gen bars are being worked on. I ran out of steel with about 7 of them done and had to order more (jerks said they'd keep it in stock, but sold it to someone else and didn't order more)..
I'm in OK this week with family stuff and I'll be home wednesday.. when I get back, I'll have the bars finished up in a couple days and take them to the powdercoater.

doublea

iTrader: (7)

Hey Matt, I sent you the additional 50$ via Paypal for the Stainless Steel tie bar let me know when your ready to ship.

Thanks bros.

AA

Zack342

iTrader: (89)

any impressions yet guys ?

sterlingmissile (the .org scammer)

Bump - Bump - Bump

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

Here's a few thoughts from David Warner..
http://www.maximaracing.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=99

there are reviews on the main forum and 5th gen forum from David and Luquire..

Mishmosh

iTrader: (3)

The bar is excellent on my 4th gen (1995). If I were you, I would not hesitate to buy. The bar is strong and really stiffens the front end--the body of the maxima really appalling in it's lack of rigidity, probably one of it's top 3 flaws (in addition to lack of IRS, and cheap interior quality). I notice the improved solidity especially with hard corners and going down less than perfect city streets. The price is definitely right.

Zack342

iTrader: (89)

ok i am sold. Matt just let me know when your all caught up since i know your in the middle of doing the 5th gen bars for those guys. i will be interested in a a 4th gen bar for my 99 powder coated black if at all possible. and i will do a full install write up and impression just to help out the other guys who may be interested like myself
zack

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

Zack, sounds good... I've got the 5th gen bars complete, and I did the remaining two 4th gen bars.. I have four 3rd gen bars to weld together, then I'll be going to the powdercoater with all of them... I've got all the pieces cut on the 3rd gen bars, but need 3-4 hours to finish them.
Tomorrow, I have a strut and clutch job coming in in the morning, so as soon as he's gone, I'll get back on the tie bars and will have them done by Monday-- then it's off to the powdercoater for a few days...

They're going slow, but they're going! just be patient and everyone will get theirs!

Broaner

iTrader: (10)

Well, I'm in the process of installing Masaccio's bar because he is out of town today and we couldn't get it done last night. The bolts I needed for the rears were MM14 1.5. There was no washer on the rear bolts to remove so that wasn't possible. His nuts on the rear also had a thread that started very late and its not possible to flip the nut around due to the flange of course. I'm off to Sears to pick up one of those bolts. The fitment is excellent but seems to be a bit extreme. Matt, is there any reason that the metal surround around the front bolts have to be so small? If not I suggest making it like 2 mm bigger to ease installation. I plan on getting one from you around X-mas and would love it if the install was a little bit easier.

Mishmosh

iTrader: (3)

I ended up getting metric nuts at a local TrueValue hardware--they were 14mm i.d, 1.50 thread--my 1995 did not have any rear washers either. The nut had a flange and the bottom 1.5mm or so was unthreaded. Once I got the new nuts started, they tightened up no problem.

I agree with the front metal surround. On my car, one side was barely able to fit a socket whereas the other barely could not. Even an extra 1-2mm would have helped. I even bought the recommended Craftsman socket. I think they'll be small variances from car to car so yeah, just a little larger diameter surround up front would have made a huge difference.

Broaner

iTrader: (10)

Yep. I had the same problem with the front. I got one on rock solid but the other wasn't very tight at all. Still, I got the rears on nice with the different nuts that cost $1.95 pop. However it appears that the fitment is so good that there isn't any slop even with the slightly loose bolt. Matt, I really like the product and plan on adding it to my suspension arsenal after my tranny swap. I think making the surround larger would make a lot of people very happy, including me. Would you consider making a RSTB? I'd be down for it. Anything is better than Stillen ripping us a new one. I'd be willing to give up like $100 for a good quality piece.

Tom, I finished it up and it feels very solid but its hard for me to judge due to the stock suspension. Also, it was difficult for me to focus on anything but how much I want 5Spd. The B&M is awesome also. I think I've decided thats the one I want. Also, I think I've decided that I want an aftermarket clutch.

Zack342

iTrader: (89)

glad to hear that you guys go the bar on although i will admit it is making me nervous that you guys had installation issues. i am really interested in purchasing one of these bars as soon as the become available and would love if its a simple install do you guys have an pics of the stuff that is problematic so i can prep before hand. my last install when we did the warpspeed ypipe on my car we got it up and it was hitting/pressed snugly against the crossmember, to make it work we had to use a blow torch to notch the crossmember (which hurt) i hate having to do that to the car. i just wanna be read for anything like that...
thanks guys

98SEBlackMax

iTrader: (9)

Im interested in getting this for my '96. Is this deal still going on or did I miss out on the inital offer? Also Im probally getting the Cattman headers in a few weeks so I could test fit this tie bar with the headers installed and see how it fits.

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

I installed the prototype bar on two different 4th gens (both 96, I believe), and had ZERO installation issues with them on the back part. there's a small bracket that has two 14mm bolts going into the chassis and covers the front subframe mount where the tie bar bolts onto. I removed that piece on both cars, and didn't have any problem using the factory nuts to tighten the bar down.

As for the fronts, I'll look at some larger pipe to use in future pieces- again, I've installed over a dozen of these bars personall and never had a problem getting the socket to fit in there, and I've used a Kobalt and a Craftsman socket. not saying you guys are idjits or anything, but I've done many of these on 3,4,5 gens and B14s and never had a single problem using the listed sockets on the front bolts..

It's possible the bar is just a mm or so too long or short, but if that's the case, you can just tweak the bar using a prybar or 2x4 to bend it until it fits. I have had to do that on a car that's had a minor amount of frame damage from hitting curbs.

As for an update on 5th gen progress... I am not yet ready to ship them. I have finished ASSEMBLY of the bars and will be taking them to the powdercoater on 6-8, as soon as I can finish a couple of the 3rd gen bars from the original group deal. I pay a lot charge on powdercoating, and it's roughly the same cost whether I take 1 bar or 20 bars in- so you can see why I'm doing them all at once. I'm working 12+ hours a day on processing these things, answering emails, taking phone calls, etc etc, so it's not that I'm not working on it... just give me a bit of time and I'll get them shipped out. the more emails I have asking "When did you ship? why didn't I get a tracking number? what's the address you shipped to? Is it flat black or shiny black?", the more time I have to sit at this computer and the less I spend in the garage working on the parts...