Coilovers - Converting your strut tubes

[IronFreak]

I found them on ebay, I'd have to go back and see if I can find it. They are exactly 51mm ID, perfect for e30 strut tubes.

[cferb]

What did you use for top hats in the front there?

I'm doing a similar thing, but I'm drawing a blank on what to do there, I'd prefer to make rather than buy but I'm not sure what to do to get adjustable camber up there. Although I guess that's something I could always take care of later if I need to.

[acolella76]

The camber plates OP used have an integrated top hat

[digger]

how is the red threaded sleeve attached to the strut in this photo? The OP welds a perch onto the strut but this isn't what GC show in their pictures....it appears to just slip on

[pantelones]

^^^ same thing digger... It's just really hard to see due to the yellow, and the slightly washed out photo/very poor resolution.

[digger]

^^^ same thing digger... It's just really hard to see due to the yellow, and the slightly washed out photo/very poor resolution.

nah man a better pic here....

http://www.ground-control-store.com/products/description.php/II=754/CA=8

[pantelones]

It looks like the tube ends right where the m3 style swaybar tab is, but I would be pretty worried if they were seriously using that as the sole support for the perch. Structurally, it would probably be fine due to the circular shape and having nowhere to move, but I personally would rather be safe than sorry and have a full perch like the one shown in this thread. If this is not the case, then it beats me as to how it is held in place...

Also I noticed that the link mounting location is different for each set that you posted. The second is super close to the adjuster, and the first is about an inch (25.4mm for you haha) lower than the adjuster...

[IronFreak]

Those pictures on their site aren't finished struts. note the cap isn't even on the top of the strut tube to hold the shock in. I'm assuming it's just a mock up.

[digger]

why would they have powder coated them if there is still welding to be done....?

[acolella76]

Maybe it is some sort of trick gland nut they're using? JOM adjusters thread onto the gland nut rather than using a welded perch, maybe GC has changed to something similar..

[tinkerputzer]

+1 ^^^

Maybe something similar to what vorshlag is using. Pretty cool imo.

http://www.vorshlag.com/forums/showthread.php?p=57038#post57038

[IronFreak]

That's probably what it is. I did my own tubes, and that kit they sell you have to weld a perch onto it. This is the set I did for my 5-lug conversion.

[dr.gonzo]

Do you have to weld on that extra piece or would cutting it still be acceptable?

[digger]

so the answer is where they shorten the tube and butt weld the threaded part of the steel tube back onto the shortened housing they have extra weld buildup (reinforcement) that isnt ground flush, see pic

http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/SA_handbook/585sa4_9_3.jpg

then there is a step on the inside of the Alloy threaded tube adjuster that sits on the raised weld

so the weld build up acts as the perch

[IronFreak]

Do you have to weld on that extra piece or would cutting it still be acceptable?

you could just cut the stock perch off, I had a friend do that with JOM's. Idon't think you'd be able to get them as so though. do do it right and get low with a 4-lug setup you should have the strut tube shortened and use the shorter shocks.

with 5-lug the m3 strut tube is already about an 1" shorter so that isn't needed.