Got my vincebar today

[timmo]

The thing with epoxy is that the quality of the job is highly dependent on bond gaps. Perhaps since the vince skins are pre-formed to the RACP along with rivets, that isn't an issue. But otherwise, without rivets and plates closely adhering to the surface of the RACP, I would weld it

[///m325i]

Does anyone know if the vincebar works with those aftermarket rear x brace bars? I figured doing the vincebar, x brace and reinforcement plates underneath would be ideal.

[Mspir3d]

What's the total weight?

Unfortunately I was unable to weigh the candies before my daughter smashed on them but 4oz seems about right.
The vincebar weighs in at 6.6 lbs without the accompanying bolts and gusset cups.

[ZHPizza]

Does anyone know if the vincebar works with those aftermarket rear x brace bars? I figured doing the vincebar, x brace and reinforcement plates underneath would be ideal.

No, the Vincebar is standalone and the cups aren't large enough to add an x brace. If you want to do all that, then I'd order a kit from SME. He makes a weld in brace similar to the Vincebar and will reduce the height of an accompanying x brace to ensure fitment.

https://www.s-m-eng.com/product-page/e46-racp-brace

Definitely a belt & suspenders approach

[heinzboehmer]

Does anyone know if the vincebar works with those aftermarket rear x brace bars? I figured doing the vincebar, x brace and reinforcement plates underneath would be ideal.

You should look into CMP products. https://cmpautoengineering.com/collections/all

The vincebar weighs in at 6.6 lbs without the accompanying bolts and gusset cups.

And the stealth version is 5.5 lbs.

[rbg]

Can you use flux weld for the CMP bar? I don’t think I can find someone to do mig/tig...

[ZHPizza]

Can you use flux weld for the CMP bar? I don’t think I can find someone to do mig/tig...

The epoxy/rivet install can be done with hand tools

[sapote]

What's the total weight?

I meant the hardware and not the candies.

[Tbonem3]

I meant the hardware and not the candies.

No shit

[dl.m3]

Anybody know if this can be installed without dropping the entire subframe? Really dont wanna do that on jackstands.

Have redish plates welded already, always wanted to add a top bar.

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[Tbonem3]

Braces that bolt through the rear subframe mounting points don't need the subframe dropped afaik. Support the subframe or do one side at a time.

[heinzboehmer]

Anybody know if this can be installed without dropping the entire subframe? Really dont wanna do that on jackstands.

Have redish plates welded already, always wanted to add a top bar.

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I guess it could. You'd just need a long drill bit and a long tap. Actually, I think vince sells a kit with the longer tools.

[eacmen]

I guess it could. You'd just need a long drill bit and a long tap. Actually, I think vince sells a kit with the longer tools.

I installed a mason bar with the subframe on the car. Just dont let the long boy drill bit walk and damage the subframe threads.

Mason just uses threaded rod that matches the subframe bolt and secures either end with a lock nut and washer. There is an option to tap all the way through the subframe into the floor but all the installs i've seen don't actually do it because of the tooling required.

This is the drill bit I got:

DEWALT DW1606 1/4-Inch by 12-Inch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RGYN...p_mob_ap_share


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[dl.m3]

I suppose the rears can be done exactly like a Mason bar, drilling upwards.

But the fronts (gusset cups) I'm not sure since there's a threaded stud that needs to go onto the body before the subframe bushing. Hmmm

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[heinzboehmer]

I suppose the rears can be done exactly like a Mason bar, drilling upwards.

But the fronts (gusset cups) I'm not sure since there's a threaded stud that needs to go onto the body before the subframe bushing. Hmmm

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Ah right. The version I've got has the front stud in two parts, so basically a long threaded rod and a threaded washer. I supposed you could drop the subframe just enough to remove the factory studs and install the new ones.

But honestly, dropping the subframe is not that big of a deal. I've done it on jack stands twice with nothing more than some cheap moving dollies, a jack, and different wood bits to stick in between the jack and subframe to keep it parallel to the ground. Took about 3-4 hours each time.