* Fender Bracers? *

[240SeXy!]

Anyone use fender bracers? The braces that go under the fender to the arm, Im having my arm cut and replaced after the strut, and im debating buying some or have them fabbed to see if they really do anything, plus this might help with the arm job.

Anyone have any experance with these?

-Rob :blah:

[Flybert]

I have a friend that put them on his s13 coupe and he said they made a difference. The chassis is weak at that part of the chassis. You can really tell when you have the car on jackstands and the doors don't like to shut correctly.

[axiomatik]

I have the SPL ones on my s13, I can't say that they made a huge difference, but it was noticeable. Immediately afterwards, I could feel that the rear needed more bracing. They only weighed about 5lbs. combined, so I think it was worth it.

[Codz93]

I wanna get this done as well, even if it doesn't make a huge difference it still completes the rest of my suspension/chassis work. It's cheap enough to try anyway.

[240SeXy!]

Could any1 post pics? I think im gonna have some Fab'd becouse im having some work done at the same time.. :bigok:

[WILDACEX187]

those damn braces aint cheap :(

[240SeXy!]

^ another reason to have them Fab'd for me... I have a guy... hehehe i love that quote.. but ya he'll make me some for free, as long as i got the materals.. :fawkd:

[DJPimpFlex]

cp racings arnt that expensive. $175. I have there strut tower bars and there awsome.

http://cpracing.ca/

[240SeXy!]

^ thanks :D :rolleyes:

there not that bad. 175,

http://cpracing.ca/storemaker/images/s13fender.jpg

[Ian]

wow...that piece is both awkward and poorly designed...


why not just go w/ the real thing and get NAMS?

only 240.00 and looks way better
http://www.redshiftdc.com/catalog/images/nagisa%20Fender%20Brace.jpg

[Irukandji]

or you guys can just do custom box bracing

just find a friend who can weld or learn to weld yourself

[FRpilot]

get a 50pt roll cage and be done with it..

[TheWolf]

both would take about 30 minutes to make... the CP one is better designed but might rub under load.

[Romeyo07]

wow...that piece is both awkward and poorly designed...


why not just go w/ the real thing and get NAMS?

only 240.00 and looks way better

Does it really matter when you wont be able to see it behind the fender?

[chmercer]

if you want to pay 175$ for 5 dollars worth of home depot aluminum bar, knock yourself out.

[Ian]

why is the CP one better? because it's a solid triangle? why is that necessary? also it looks to hang too close to the wheel, and it looks like they just guessed and made that the final product

[NateKim]

How does it look like they guessed? Is it because the bolt locations or what? I'm not criticizing you I'm just wondering why it looks thrown together to you, because I'm deciding which to buy.

[projectRDM]

I've always found cpracing's parts to be somewhat backyard looking, more of a three toothed guy with a welder and a few pieces of conduit rather than a real quality strut bar or brace. The three point bars they offer all tie into thin pieces of the car's sheetmetal so there's no way they're any stiffer than a regular STB, and they're not worth the prices they charge. Plus the finish looks like ass from any picture they provide.
On the other hand, the NAMS/SPL braces are way overpriced. They're much better quality and design but they're hardly worth an additional $100, much less $50, especially when I can remember them being $185 shipped all day long before the kids pushed up the demand for 240 parts.
It's one of those pieces that you either build yourself if you've got the time or just forget about it, the hassle of installing/aligning backed with the price is hard to justify.

[Ian]

On one hand, you're right, NAMS is too expensive for what it is. But on the other hand, you have to remember, at some point in time, somone spent time and money (effectivey money and money) designing and prototyping this brace, then spending the capital to have them produced. So if you ask me, they deserve their price tag.

Like R240NA put it, the CP one looks like it was made in my garage in 1 sunday afternoon. The materials are crude looking, like maybe a prototype would look after being haphazardly measured...a mock up if you will. I would venture to say that the NAMS one looked like this, far before the final product was released.



If you dont like the price, dont buy it. If you want the performance, then go ahead and get it.

[theicecreamdan]

If you dont like the price, dont buy it. If you want the performance, then go ahead and get it.

or DIY.

and a long message

[chmercer]

just get some angle iron and weld it on. ta da

[axiomatik]

Here are some pics of the NAMS/SPL ones on my s13. They are very solid pieces, and surprisingly lightweight. I recommend them. And if you don't like the price, try to get them on clearance like I did ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/nbrindley/240SX/FenderBraces026.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/nbrindley/240SX/FenderBraces006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/nbrindley/240SX/FenderBraces005.jpg

[Edgar]

Those looks awsome!

[240SeXy!]

they do look very sexy, I think when i get my front fixed and cage built ill have travis make me some braces, it shouldnt be too hard, plus they will be behind fenders and no one will see them, as long as they work its all good.. My frame arm is being cut and replaces just after the strut, So this is why im wondering I should do these...

[DJPimpFlex]

well I dont know about the fender braces, but I run Cp racing strut tower bars. I do aggree that they look rather shitty, but the performance and strength is exelent. I only know of 3 brands that attach to the firewall and floor with there strut tower bars (cusco, tomei and Cp racing), and I loved paying only $215 for both front and rear. The rear didnt make so much difference, but I was very happy with the difference in the front. Much tighter and the turn in felt a lot better. I've driven a S13 with the Cusco OS, which was a lot more expensive and a lot more shitty. I really didnt notice anything except for a nice look. Anyway I would buy the CP racing ones and save me the money from the nams or SPL's. There canidian, what can you expect. LOL jk.

[240SeXy!]

I think i might sport the firewall to strut bracers and fender bracers :P :fawkd:

[axiomatik]

If you read R240NA's post above, the point on the firewall where the CP Racing strut bar mounts to is very thin sheetmetal and will provide no noticeable improvement over a standard strutbar. Also, that fender brace doesn't look like it provides much tire clearance at all. Lower your car and add wider wheels and you are likely to rub.

[Andrew Bohan]

here's one we made for the FD

top piece:
http://www.shockdrifting.com/articles/lukefd/43.jpg

then you can kinda see the diagonal going down in this one:
http://www.shockdrifting.com/articles/lukefd/63.jpg

[Ian]

luke your FD looks freakin sweet

[DJPimpFlex]

If you read R240NA's post above, the point on the firewall where the CP Racing strut bar mounts to is very thin sheetmetal and will provide no noticeable improvement over a standard strutbar. Also, that fender brace doesn't look like it provides much tire clearance at all. Lower your car and add wider wheels and you are likely to rub.

Well why does the Tomei and the Cusco mount to the same place? And I know from personal expirence that the front does make a difference.

[projectRDM]

Tomei STB mounts in the center with a large plate, and they include a second plate to mount behind and sandwich the firewall. Plus it sits low against the pinchweld, and the diagonal bars can be adjusted for tension.

[Saisoku]

I just bought a pair of the Tanabe Fender Braces and the first thing I noticed was how the design differed from the NAMS product. I think I like Tanabe better because the fender brace actually sandwiches the fender instead of bolts on the outside of it, while connecting to the door hinge.

Anyone have an opinion on these braces? It looks like they are billit aluminium and are fairly light for being a big chunk of metal.

[sw20>>s14]

its reinforced aluminum...tanabe bracing is freakishly light...i got the rear underbrace and the two pieces are extremely light...

[240SeXy!]

maybe ill take a look at those tanabe's :whip:

[axiomatik]

I didn't like the Tanabes because there is no diagonal brace accross them.

[240SeXy!]

^ really... lacks structure then. :duh: :duh:

[sw20>>s14]

not necessarily...if its rigid enough, i highly doubt your chassis would deflect hard enough to make the two open ends move...and if the right angle of the brace is in the right position...theres no force going against it...too lazy and tired to draw it...think about it...

[lilredstiffy]

the chassis is deflecting the other way

i have the tanabe ones
we arent talking about a structurally important part on the car...just bracing

[sw20>>s14]

the chassis is deflecting the other way

:w00t: ding ding ding ding! exactly...so an open ended brace doesnt necessarily mean less stuctural integrity...

[Ian]

isnt the fender brace supposed to be bracing laterally? in which case it COULD just be a straight horizontal bar...if the metal was really that strong

[240SeXy!]

......that thick you mean.... :naughty:

[Saisoku]

So whats the verdict on these things? I would put my braces on, but my chassis is twisted. So I will wait until I have the money to put it on a frame machine and painted.

[fromxtor]

for those just buying an ass load of bars to bolt to your car, I say go with what you want. Being as though im installing a Cusco 6 point,my rear will be pretty much set. I already have cusco front stb, ive been looking at the sustec fender brace which btw looks identical to the tanabe

[justinhustle]

thats because sustec is tanabe

[MadScientist]

Fender Braces:
*Tanabe Sustec is the same as the Silk Road (Part Swapping even though they will deny it)... same with the URAS.
*Nagisa Auto (aka NAMS) (Gachiri Support). 3D CAD Designed and Laser Cut, Steel w/ Plate Finnish, and Patented Design. Gachiri is designed to simulate the effects of a bulkhead penetration roll bar, commonly found in GT. The gacchiri support greatly improves the handling dynamics of your car. Confidence in steering is guaranteed by adding the Gacchiri Support. Reduces flexing of the unibody. Mounts onto the door hinge and inner fender, creating a triangular support that greatly increases rigidity over OEM.

(Shakitto Plate) Improved brake response and stability is gained by adding the Shakitto Plate! This is a completely brand new product by Nagisa Auto that helps reduce the load on the shock towers, especially during heavy braking. Drastic improvements are achieved without needing to modify or weld the frame with obtrusive support bars. Bolts onto factory locations, and can complements a tower brace setup. Some kits come with guide inserts to assist in installation. Some kits may require drilling.

Nagisa products are worth every penny IMO.

Peace
Drew

[axiomatik]

The STB is for lateral bracing, the fender brace is for bracing against vertical movement.

[theicecreamdan]

its for bracing against whatever movement they can reduce... its like 6 inches behind the strut towers where this flexing is taking place

mine won't be pretty, but it wont cost me more than 20 bucks

[240SeXy!]

^hahahah DITTO! :mepoke:

[chuy]

OT where did you get that car? Its the best Ive seen

[sw20>>s14]

he got it off a link to tamparacing in another thread...

[SoSideways]

Those Tanabe Sustec drift spec parts are no longer on Tanabe USA's site. I wonder if they stopped selling that stuff?

[sw20>>s14]

im sure a lot of vendors and distributors still have them...tanabe updated the site for the new 7s so its been taken off the site for less than 3-4 weeks...

[SoSideways]

im sure a lot of vendors and distributors still have them...tanabe updated the site for the new 7s so its been taken off the site for less than 3-4 weeks...

I'm aware of that, I was just curious as to if they've stopped making the "drift spec" products as well when they stopped production of the DD1 coilovers.

DD2 coilovers are so hot... I think I might have to sell my FN01s to get those...

[Ian]

you mean the Seven?

[KA24DESOneThree]

I have Nagisa fender braces and, when used in conjunction with shakitto plates, the front end is noticeably stiffer. Yeah, it's a lot of money, and yeah, I could've just fabbed up some ghetto ones, but right now I'm about convenience and they were convenient and they freakin' work.

If you can, make them yourself. If you can't, they are a worthwhile investment.

[SoSideways]

you mean the Seven?

Yeah.

And if you go on their site, and finally navigate your way to their "application chart", move your mouse over the little "note" thing for the S13 10/8k version. It says DD2.

The other one's 12/10 spring rate for hard driving.

[240SeXy!]

12/10 will kill you! :squintd:

[SoSideways]

12/10 will kill you! :squintd:

I'm pretty sure those were meant for the uber hardcore daily driver guys, or the track only vehicles.

That or the person who drives daily on those 12/10s have no internal organs.

[Ian]

Good dampening goes a long way...


That is all.

[HyperTek]

something debatable would be filling that box area with foam.. i remember someone here doing it, but id like to get an opinion from someone whos done it to a car with coilovers and actually pushes it (not no cheap spring/shock combo mumbojumbo)

[axiomatik]

I have Nagisa fender braces and, when used in conjunction with shakitto plates, the front end is noticeably stiffer.
...

Do you have a pic of those shakitto plates installed? I assume they bolt onto the strut towers, but where do they bolt to from there?

[sw20>>s14]

http://www.more-japan.com/details/nagisa/shakitto.htm

[bnadeau73]

The best fender braces are made by Silk Road Section. I have them on my car. I was advised to purchase these by a friend who races his 180sx in Japan. He claimed that these were superior because they pinch the upper fender rather than just bolting to the outside, he uses these on his race car and has been completely satisfied. here is the link
Silk Road Section Side Fender Inner Brace RPS13 PS13 S14 R32 FD3S (http://www.rhdjapan.com/silk-road-section-side-fender-inner-brace-rps13-ps13-s14-r32-fd3s-21782)
If you are curious about my friend in Japan his name is Saito San and here is a link to some pictures of his vehicle. It is a Japanese site so you will have to play with the links, but it shows some of the more awesome parts on his car.
ã€Â�ãÂ�¿ã‚“カラ】 180SX/æ—¥çâ€�£ï½œæ„›è»Å*プãƒ*ム•ã‚£ãƒ¼ãƒ«ï½œãƒ€ã‚¤ã‚¹à ¦â€“‰è—¤ - è»Å*・自動è»Å*SNS（ブà £Æ’*グ・パーツ・整 備・燃費） (http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/257290/car/150552/profile.aspx)

-Brandon

[outtamyway]

Untitled Document (http://www.more-japan.com/details/nagisa/shakitto.htm)

Sorry for bringing up an old thread but I'm thinking of ordering the fender brace then I saw the shakitto plate too. seems like you guys think these will actually do something unlike some other braces. I gave more-japan a call and they said they have to special order them from Japan.

Shakitto Plate (http://www.more-japan.com/nagisa-auto-shakitto-plate-shock-tower-plate-s14-240sx.html)

Gacchiri Brace (http://www.more-japan.com/nagisa-auto-gacchiri-support-fender-brace-s14-240sx.html)

[msanchez]

Im surprised no one has mentioned Stealth-Custom Fab fender braces. Theyre legit. Johnny is a california local and a great fabricator. I cant remember how much they are, but usually his prices are much lower than competitors. I think the website is down. If you're serious about it, i can ask him if its cool to give you his number.

Edit: Hopefully he'll chime in on this and shed some light. Ive talked to him about fender brace design and the guy knows alot.

[Fancy]

I was trying to pick up stuff from johnny a while back and then he went mia. Picked up some of his stuff from someone else on here. Is he making the fender braces now? Last time I checked he was still fab'n them up.

[mestizo]

Wow it's crazy this a thread from 2005! lol

Jon from Stealth Custom Fab is still around. All of his parts are hand made, some times the brackets get back ordered from his vendor which in turn halts production. His screen name on here is Jonnie Fraz and the website is Stealth Fabrication. (http://stealth-custom-fab.com)

I have a biased opinion but if your looking for S chassis bracing then SCF is the way to go! If you have further issue's contacting him just send me a PM and I will relay the message.

[axiomatik]

Im surprised no one has mentioned Stealth-Custom Fab fender braces. Theyre legit. Johnny is a california local and a great fabricator. I cant remember how much they are, but usually his prices are much lower than competitors. I think the website is down. If you're serious about it, i can ask him if its cool to give you his number.

Edit: Hopefully he'll chime in on this and shed some light. Ive talked to him about fender brace design and the guy knows alot.

no one mentioned it because the thread is from 2005, before he started making fender braces.

[CaptainVlad]

They are not on his website tho. Where do you purchase the item, and whats the price?

[PoorMans180SX]

Just PM him on here. Johnnie Fraz. Search it.

[mestizo]

Yup send a PM here is his Zilvia profile link http://zilvia.net/f/members/jonnie-fraz.html

[mrflip69]

His fender braces are steel vs. aluminum though, a bit more weight. Not knocking him though, I've got his STBs/Tension Rod Brace.

Shakitto Plates are definitely worth it, car brakes so much flatter--but I heard the triangular bars from a Caprice/Crown Vic or other some car like that will do the same.

[slider2828]

Are you serious about the crown vic? LINKY PLEASE!!!

Yeah I mean another easy way for shakitto plates is just WELD something.... Get some good gauge steel and have a welder fab it up.... Pretty easy...

[c72c]

I suppose i'll post to advertise my sig lol

I've used them and yes, they make a difference. The one's i have for sale are almost exactly like the SPL ones, but they use all four bolts on the door hinges vice three.

then again, i've had friends that fabricated their own. they work just as good as long as they're done right, and if you have a friend that won't charge much for welding, it'll be cheaper then buying them new or used.

[Jonnie Fraz]

Hey boys and girls...sorry to keep a dead thread going, but yes I am still around. No I was not making the fender braces in 2005...lol.
I do however offer braces for the s13, s14, and the ae86. Here are a couple pics.
S13
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/Fraz-Man-One/new-fender-braces.jpg
AE86
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/Fraz-Man-One/SCF-86-brace.jpg

[msanchez]

My bad, I didnt realized the guy above me was adding to an old thread. Still, useful info.

[outtamyway]

hmmm, some food for thought here. Thanks for the info. Now I have to just pull the trigger

[HAWAII]

I have a question about the brace, why is the brace not triangulated? Does it not need the upper bar to be welded to the bottom bar? When chassis flex is present, does it not go side to side? if you have a bar that is not triangulated, it will still allow the upper part of the body to flex from on side and the other to go the other way.

Also a bar that runs from top to bottom will help with the issue of jacking the car up, preventing the body from folding outwards.

[onehundredoctane]

my guess is because of fitment. the general public (of the car community) typically want "bolt on" parts. if you'll look right below the upper rail of the brace there is a seam there with spot welds on it, you'd likely have to hammer that flat to fit an additional piece to triangluate it. I'm not against the idea personally, but then agian, I'm planning on making my own since I have the means to do so, and already planned on doing whatever it takes to add as much strength as possible there.

[slider2828]

doesn't need to be triangulated cause it is a single body in that area. So the upper part will not move the lower part.... you are bracing the front of the car, not top to bottown, which is pretty useless as the car travels along a front to back plane not top to bottom...

[mestizo]

doesn't need to be triangulated cause it is a single body in that area. So the upper part will not move the lower part.... you are bracing the front of the car, not top to bottown, which is pretty useless as the car travels along a front to back plane not top to bottom...

Thank God! Someone who finally understands why there is NO NEED for a third bar!

I ran the Nagisa/SPL fender braces in my car and yes they made a difference, is it like a whole new car?.. NO. It's like any other bracing you put on your car, it makes the car less flexible and less prone to drastic changes while driving/racing/drifting.

[axiomatik]

I've got the nagisa braces as well. I wouldn't say that it's like a new car, but I could feel the difference before and after.

Also, you don't need the third bar due to the location, that area is heavily reinforced because the very heavy door hangs off of it. Not only that, but the door it self provides additional bracing between those 2 points.

[slider2828]

Same I have nagisa as well... Good stuff...