Hey all, I attempted to install my M7 Strut Tower Brace today. I say attempted, because I could only get one side brace put on. The other didn't seem completely flat, and I couldn't get enough bolt threads to stick out of the top of the brace. I will have to call Eric down at Helix tomorrow, because he mentioned to me that they were mushroomed, and that they'd have to hammer them back flat - thought they did that. In any case, heading to Best Motor Werks tomorrow morning to see what they're gonna charge to do my motor mounts (and maybe rear adjustable control arms (that I ordered from Helix)). I'm not used to having a one car garage that is so narrow I can't even get a jack on the side of the car. Wonder what they'll charge to also flatten out the strut top - so I can finish the strut tower brace. Any other shops I should look at for MINI work?
Best is the best in Columbus. Most correct the mushrooming by placing a 2x4 on the top of the tower and hitting the wood with a small sledge hammer.
All you need is a BFH & a piece of wood. I'm not sure a 2x4 is enough, I'd use a 4x4. Try a 2x4 if that's all you have it might work. Tell John & Anson Chuck says hey!
Gotcha. Not getting the impression that the neighbors would appreciate me hammering on the car in my garage. Already had people complain about some boxes outside in my driveway when I was moving. Maybe a New Albany thing? Guess I could swing by an Auto Parts store's parking lot! LOL
Your neighbors would hate me! With 4 kids I have 3 cars on the street and 3 in the drive. I am always working on something or cleaning one of my guns. I have great neighbors to bad they can't say the same.:devil:
Geeze, that's a terrible thing to think ya can't do work in your own garage! I could never live in a place like that..... I'd whack those towers as much as needed and tell the stuffed shirts in the neighborhood to pound something else.
It's all a matter of degrees and where the edge of the envelope is.... Your neighbors just need to be reminded how bad it could be... Ask Nathan to help you out with defining the edge of that envelope.... Have him make a few runs with the Gnatster on your street, performing one of his "Italian tuneups".... [ame="http://youtu.be/Hxjoj0ymaG4"]http://youtu.be/Hxjoj0ymaG4[/ame]
Yes this is true. The people in my cove are cool I really like them. Whats funny is my house and the one next door were built before the land was sold to a developer. So although we are in the neighborhood we are not legally part of it. They have a bunch of stupid neighborhood rules, and I don't have to comply! They have tried to enforce the rules but now have given up. Ant life grand!:devil:
And a tip on hammmering out the mushroom......put the car up on the jack points so you take the load off of the strut, makes it easier.
......and think about getting some new upper strut mounts to replace the bent ones you just hammered out. Or better yet some camber plates and get rid of the strut bar!