Just completed my 1st custom MK4 Rear Stress Brace

[ranton-inc]

as above

just completed the construction of my MKIV Rear Stress brace..

Unlike most of the easy to install aftermarket ones.. that bolt to the seat belt roller mountings (which arent that strong)

mine is made of 304 Stainless and will be bolting in to the rear where it can actually take the strain!

(took me 3 hours :p on and off ) i cant take credit for the welding tho

but all the cutting drilling and measuring were my own..

Heres the Photos:

[SoVeReIgN]

Nice.. Does it feel any different on the road?

[ranton-inc]

havent fitted yet.. but it slots in to place just nicely

going to see if it fits in a GTI tonight then i will weld up the last few tomorrow!

Pics will be updated in to the top post in five minutes

also need to decide if ill leave as bare stainless, polish it, or paint it bleck!

[balkanac]

any chance you could make up another one and ship it to Perth?

[ranton-inc]

lol..

maybe..

do you know anyone that can tig weld..

they are pretty simple to make..

but if you get stuck i can always spin one up.. the bar itself i think has cost me just under $100 to knock up.. so maybe the shipping would kill it

next time in oz for business i should bring over a whole bunch of the MKIV Mod Parts i make

I do my own dog bone mounts and **** like that

[balkanac]

i have no idea who could make one up here, but i think you are right, shipping would be a killer. I guess i'll have to find someone here

[ranton-inc]

any one you know that can weld stainless can make it

Get some 304 Stainless Tube 1.6 Wall Thickness OD of 31.8 (32mm)

Get some Angle Bracket 2mm or so Thickness

all else failing ill get a shipping price..


cut the stainless tube to 102cm or there abouts and drill the holes init like i have done..

its quite easy

i sell fish it cant be that hard if i can do it

[vee_dub]

i have no idea who could make one up here, but i think you are right, shipping would be a killer. I guess i'll have to find someone here

Any bicycle frame builder should know how to TiG..ask them may be they r nice enough to make u one if u bring the material. good luck

[Mischa]

looks good... is the mounting point big enough to not bend any metal on the struts? you thinking of mounting harnesses to it cuz it looks like it might be suitable for that?

[ranton-inc]

its not going to bend anything..

im adamant of it

but no not mounting harnesses.. i like my interior as is.

i just like the occasional bit of white man bling (ie things that arent shiny )


(FYI my interior is only missing due to my current (time consuming) sound system install)

making sure the car looks completly stock while im running hidden 8" woofers and a hidden amp etc etc etc

[ranton-inc]

Dropped off to Powdercoaters

Well as above

i dropped her off to the powdercoaters to get done in matte black

hes doing it for a box of Export Dry (beer )


unfortunatly last ngiht i discoverd is 3 mms to wide to be cross compatible with the MKIV GTI they are ever so slightly different with the construction!

its a shame but hoe well!

it aite.. we can fix it

[ranton-inc]

2nd Custom Brace Completed

here is an example of the Ranton MKIV Golf Rear Brace

in Glidn's 2000 GTI

this is only press fitted it will be bolted in later on when the mounting hardware arrives..

[ranton-inc]

Glidn Confirmed to me last night that the bar has actually made a difference (its a press fit and the moment and hasnt even been bolted !

Not only its for wank factor it serves purpose too!