TFS: How To Build A Custom Strut Tower Brace

[@SlavMiniboss]

deserves so many views.

[@adolfgibbs8759]

Good job on your videos, you show what can be done with basic tooling if you know what your doing. I'm 56 years old and still learned alot from your techniques. keep up your positive influence.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Adolf Gibbs I am always pleased to know there are viewers from all over and generations that find the info useful. Thank you for your comment!

[@RobertasJasmontasInsane]

This channel deserves way more subscribers than it currently has, keep the good work! I really enjoy every video and also learn something new, thanks:)

[@Dubstepper045]

Made me look, made me subscribe, how i hadn't i don't know, i feel i know him watching that many vids.

[@ninobrown5524]

this outshines all other car channels youtube.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thank you!

[@shannonferguson2000]

You have offered up a priceless amount of fab education in this video.

[@KalvinMalli]

Hey man, just came across your channel. Absolutely love it. Subbed!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Kalvin Malli (ThatBurgundy240) Awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@dchar7732]

+The Fabricator Could you make one for my Miata? Same exact design? If so, what's your email..

[@boomerangned]

Hands down the best car modification and fabrication series on KZbin, very inspirational. Thank you for your hard work and information!

[@efitter7]

Hope to learn to do all of this in the future. Didn't have a shop class in high school but have always been into cars and building things. Your videos are very inspirational, and I appreciate the time you put in to film and share what you know. Appreciate it! -Ethan

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+efitter7 Thanks, Ethan. Where there's a will, there's a way. I never had a High School shop class either. I probably would have had a smoother start into the industry if I did though haha.

[@strtslpr]

By far the dopest Fabrication, instructional, car, DIY channel on youtube. Dope Skills!! Keep up with the good work. You're amazing!!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thanks for watching!

[@linkstarbass]

Greatest KZbin channel ever.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Lincoln Retallack Thank you!

[@jameswoodsist]

this is the second video ive watched on this channel and its already my favorite channel on youtube. im not exaggerating either this is exactly the content i look for every day. as a fabricator having this to learn tricks and tips and shit is fucking awesome.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+jameswoodsist Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@sethstrohm7877]

Yes this guy is the bob ross of car fabrication. Very well all of your vids are on point an informative. Thks a lot I feel like I’m an expert after watching your vids

[@mortimerschnerd3846]

When I make a "tower brace" I use three plates, one at the center of the firewall and one on top of each shock tower. I connect the two shock towers with a brace directly across the engine bay from tower to tower and connect both towers to the center of the firewall. I have it arranged so that I only need to remove three bolts to completely remove the brace. This design maximizes rigidity at the (very) small additional effort of requiring removal of the three fasteners to do major work.

[@CuttinChris]

Just wanted to come back and say I built mine today using same style for the bracket for mounting and that tip for notching the pipes was so clutch. My 1st was okay then the rest were perfectly notched!

[@chrislee8302]

This channel is the holy grail of info!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Chris Lee Images Awesome!

[@waiakalulu3501]

Very grateful for your sharing your skill. We're blessed to have someone willing to teach. Liked how it drew from your pipe notching video and showed the applied technique. Again thank you for this kindness of sharing. Aloha

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Waiakalulu You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@dekebell3307]

Definitely one of my favorite videos. Your skill-set and ability to share what you're doing so clearly is amazing. Thanks so much man!

[@minbannister3625]

Your skills are obvious, there's a lot to learn here. However, the radio voice and effortless delivery must be natural you sound like everybody's favourite uncle.

[@robertatwood2503]

I have been watching your videos I came across your channel I don't know how long ago I finally had to subscribe dude this is freaking amazing

[@randypurtteman1183]

Absolutely beautiful fabrication work. You're an artist in your field.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thanks!

[@koutros100]

I really love your osd. I live with the same sickness😂 Great for fabrication. You have taught me so much. I watch all your vids more than once. God bless you brother. Keep up the great work.

[@michaelriccardi424]

That looks so strong compared to what aftermarket companies put out. Good vid

[@ajvondervellen]

These videos are incredibly informitive and awesome. You do fantastic looking work also! Thank you for doing this. You inspire me to buy the tools and do my own work.

[@nop58653]

bro i gotta give you props you have some kinda unreal god like fab skill man and its dope u shareing some of that on here!

[@CuttinChris]

I am going to be making one soon and this was very helpful. Those tube mounts are genius and saved me from trying to cut a circular or semi circle plate mount for it without a cnc or plasma cutter. Also lots of good info for the angle cuts and notches.

[@kennethkirkham2471]

Few people are truely teachers. You sir, are awesome!

[@dwayneyarbrough5992]

you're awesome. I just learned about material growth and bend allowances and you get them on the money without using k-charts and all.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Dwayne Yarbrough Thank you!

[@glenlewis1821]

Hey The Fabricator!! Cool build !! Great stuff !! keep em coming!! Cheers

[@AlexRodriguez-bb5bu]

This was a great video. I feel a lot more confident being able to weld up my own with my everlast now. He did a great job on this one.

[@rleo015]

Clear and concise instructions, well made video, with heaps of helpful tips. Thanks for the effort gone into making these videos!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+mossimopooky Thanks for watching!

[@ronwalsh]

Outstanding video. Now I think I need to make one of these for my 2010 Charger. Thanks for posting this.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

No prob. Good luck on the build!

[@papapetad]

so then...now the rest of the car needs to match the level of finish in the front end. He's gonna have to get one of your cages ASAP so it doesn't look awkward haha... Thanks for sharing your method through these videos. So many great tips and tricks and you're doing a great job of presenting it all. You'd make a good teacher. Peace out

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+papapetad Thank you!

[@david6pac]

WOW this is extremely impressive

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thank you!

[@83emil83]

This looks like a project i might try this summer! brilliant video!

[@joefriday1982]

fabrication methods described here don't only apply to strut towers. great video!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+joefriday1982 Very true. I wish there was enough time for me to demonstrate everything haha. Thanks for watching!

[@joefriday1982]

+The Fabricator thank you for taking the time to teach the folks on the interwebs! :)

[@mistaremy1]

The work on your s13 is truly drool worthy

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thanks!

[@BFE08STI]

This just popped up into my recommended section and now I subscribed to you, I love metal work and I want to get better, and you're a huge inspiration! Been doing some maintainance welding at work, but no fabrication.. Have asked my supervisor if I can have a few days together with the welders at work to get some tips and tricks from them :D

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+rotaxmax3 Thanks for checking the vids out and subscribing! Good luck on working up into fabrication. It takes a lot of dedication and will to learn. If you need any advice or tips along the way, drop me a line and I'll do my best to answer.

[@christians131]

That's a beautiful piece. I wanna give this a try sometime

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+christians131 Go for it! Let me know how it turn out.

[@stakone]

I like the mounting concept. Good job bud

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thank you!

[@kellygibson7299]

great projects brother. just found this channel and will be recommending to others

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Kelly Gibson Thank you!

[@C0UNTERCLOCKWISE]

hi man! i'm gonna be spending hours on your channel :) just discovered this by accident and immediately subscribed :) greetings from Belgium , Europe S-chassis worldwide!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+C0UNTERCLOCKWISE Awesome!

[@fontanot]

You just earned another subscriber!

[@kevinaponte7078]

This is awesome great work man

[@ShahidKhan-lr3kp]

excellent work bud, excellent work!

[@rogerperez5217]

beautifull video i love it . one question what metal is that

[@lur3950]

This tower strut fabrication tops them all. Besides looking great, I'm sure performs better. It's truly well explained fun stuff. I missed the part about cylinders how they tie the nuts that hold it all in place. Also the gusset plate pieces with holes no link, Please provide. BUT great detail overall, cool cool video.

[@mattjulson6382]

Nice to see someone who can actually weld, most of the videos I watch on KZbin when someone is either mig or Tig welding there welds look like shit and I don't think there getting the proper penetration for the welds to even stick

[@CHEVYCAMARO4GEN]

Just watching this reminds me why we pay professional so much, well done

[@justlang1265]

Take a shot every time he says “ I heart dimple die plate” 🤠

[@lknanml]

3rd video in without skipping ahead. I think it's time to sub. Awesome series!

[@dsmchick935]

This is so awesome! I can never afford my strut tower brace maybe i can make one now. Thanks

[@paullatt6789]

Great how to video! Now I just need to start accumulating the tools and equipment needed to duplicate for my own project...

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Paul Latt Right on! If you would like to hare your work, I'd like to see it.

[@madisengentry1043]

awesome indepth explanation.

[@ProfessorPyroarAR15]

Just found this channel awesome work

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thank you! Please subscribe and share if you haven't done so already. Plenty more videos to come in the future.

[@MrAllspecracing]

+The Fabricator just found your channel, only a couple episodes in on the rollcage build. I want to get into fab work again. i wanted to ask what kind of tube bender do you have? looks good.

[@MrAllspecracing]

+The Fabricator nevermind just found out way down in the comments. keep up the great vids

[@layuptech]

good job! trade secrets wish I wasn't so focused when it was out of focus got a little eye ache

[@brutaltlr]

I'm fkn dead ,"I gotta hide this now..." lol!!!

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

What can you tell us about the efficacy of your crush zones with all that bracing?

[@oliverkauper6015]

Great channel. I want to make a strut tower for my car with my powertig welder. Thanks for the great tips.

[@kermit30au]

Beautiful work. Thanks.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thanks for watching!

[@monstery121]

hey man.. i like what your doing over there.. you got talent

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thank you!

[@Thr33.Sid3z]

Very nice!!! im trying to learn metal fab as we speak. ur vids are amazingly helpful.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+NePdXploit Right on. Thanks for watching!

[@MrFireman164]

Excellent work sir !

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+MrFireman164 Thanks! Nice to see you still watching the vids!

[@edwardcompton2014]

Awesome work!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thank you!

[@dkongul]

dude you need like a mil of subs

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

That would be cool. All I can ask is people share this channel with everyone they know.

[@dkongul]

just a humble suggestion. if you have the time make shorter versions of these videos. i mean no engineering knowledge minimal explaining etc like timelapses and referr to the full length videos. for a faint hearted person this videos might be a little on the heavy side. I hope i was able to make my point english is not my mother language

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

d. kongul Shortening the videos has been suggested to me before, but the biggest problem I see is lack of information when doing so. This field is not one where you can take a minimalist route to get the job done. There are handy short episodes for things like fixing a car, or replacing a door in your home, but engineering and fabrication (particularly on cars) puts peoples lives in danger when information is omitted.

[@dkongul]

The Fabrication Series as a mechanical engineer i totally agree with you people should not take this stuff lightly. For education purposes your videos are mighty fine but for entertainment purposes meeh they are subpar. What you migt do is have a disclaimer in the beginning of video saying this is for entertainment etc. It is your call of course but in any ways great job

[@thorloki29]

Great video. Are you using a high frequency start tig welder for auto fabrication. If so does it affect any of the electronics on the car, such as ECM, radio, computer, etc.? Do you disconnect battery? I have been told that using a HF tig welder can damage electronic and computer auto parts. I am just starting out welding on autos as a hobby and have heard different stories. Your experience would be greatly appreciated.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Glenn Taylor Yes, this is a HF start TIG. It is the Miller Diversion 180. There are a lot of beliefs that a welder will screw up electronics, but I have only heard the same stories (never had a problem personally). Electricity takes the path of least resistance. It doesn't travel to find components to fry along the way unless you intentionally ground it to an electronic component or that component is in the direct path/only path (which there is still no guarantee it will or will not happen then). If you would like to be extra safe about it, disconnect the battery. The battery was out throughout this whole build,

[@danguerro3818]

22:30 I've never seen someone interrupt themselves lol

[@CSSIandAssociate]

Love your work comprehensive information. I do have one constructive thing. When you got to different chapters and the music plays and I think the beginning. The db level is high. Presents a problem if others in the other room and at night if everyone is as a sleep. Keep these up very much enjoyed this episode.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I stopped doing that in Season 2. Thanks for watching!

[@quesstar2600]

👌Nice work, even if off the cuff. But, what would something like this cost if contracted to do so?

[@admiraldirtbag4336]

Incredibly informative video, keep them coming! Subbed!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+MaxGentleman Thank you!

[@keepingitdownwiththepashas]

awesome work! any chance you do comissions for old german cars?

[@Coloradoaudits]

Bro I can tell you’re in Colorado because of the KBPI sticker on your helmet Might have you make some of these in the future for me

[@tomgt007]

thanks for making these vids .. really nice work

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+tomgt smith My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@jumpercable20]

I did ornamental Iron work for 6 years so, when I saw what strut braces cost, I said to myself. Man, all I've got to do is buy a welder and I'm in business. If you make it pretty, you can sell them too.

[@tagzproducts1497]

A bit late covering the window screen... nice job btw ..

[@pcustomspl]

Nice job i need to make one for my Vw Polo :D

[@mattgoettl6796]

Hey my dude, just wanted to know what brand of pipe bender that is and where you got it! I've never used a pipe bender before, all my fabrication has been on sheet metal, but I want to get into this. What information can you give me to help me get the right pipe bender?

[@gfidd]

i believe it is a JD SQUARED bender, as for the model i am unsure of that

[@Nouhhhhh]

Awesome work. i wish i had to $ to ship my jeep over that way and have you build a cage for it.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Split lane Well I'll be around for a while longer. I'm sure you have time to save up or even have a go at it yourself while I remain here for tech support.

[@ScarredRealist]

The Algorithm pointed me here having watched a whole bunch of your recent (2020) videos .. you've come so far, do you even remember working in a tiny garage? ;) Though I must say, it is great to see a small garage with basic tools can turn out good work! Jealous of that tube bender though, any make/model I can Google up?

[@phatboyfatboy]

Dude. I love your videos. I have an honest question about this particular strut brace. As a guy buying a strut brace that's small and lightweight and stylized to look all state of the art. Is there any benefit to a tube one as thick as this? Is it cheaper or more lightweight and rigid. I'm sure time wise if it's economic or something that is higher performance. Obviously you're a great fabrication guy and that's not what I'm questioning at all. I've learned allot here and in my buddies shop but haven't done it myself. I bought my first project car and am debating buying the tools to do it myself to learn on or hiring someone to do it for me. Welder alone is a big investment. So yeah. Is there a benefit of a fabricated one like this over what can be made

[@BMNBKS]

what is tWhat is the diameter of the tube?

[@hayndoog808]

What are gussets for? Just aesthetics or added rigidity?

[@fredo19]

Bro!!! I've been looking for a channel like this. You have no idea. I've always wanted to do some fabrication on my FC3s bought a tig and I'm ready, just needed someone to teach me. Now I need to buy a bender. What are some tip on buying a bender?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+fredo19 Actually, I do. The Oster Versa blender is one of the best ones I've ever used. Lot's more fab videos to com in the future.

[@davidatkinson6]

+The Fabricator what is the name of the bender again becuse you put down the name a blender and not a bender and also would like to know which bender you use

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Ya know.... You caught me haha. I read that comment before my coffee kicked in this morning and I guess I must have seen an L in there. I apologize. The bender is by JD Squared and is the Model 3, but if you want to make a really awesome smoothie..... get the Oster haha.

[@fredo19]

Lol, I was talking to my buddy when I got the answer and said, I think he saw an L on the bender, i only realized that after I copy and paste your model on google and saw a whole bunch of blenders..lol

[@AmericanThunder]

You should make a video on installing the Mustang II suspension and eliminating the strut towers altogether. :D

[@VagosFazer]

very nice construction what material is the pipes?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Fazer Tubing is ERW mild steel.

[@VagosFazer]

+The Fabricator thanks

[@katjawide7235]

hello ower there!!! sweden and Hans speaking your way.. awsome videos you making whith good explaining for uss who dont understand all things about modifying cars like it alot well i got an delta hf integrale were am looking for some good strengthning of chassis in the front area you way looks awsome thx for good video seeyaa hans sweden

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thank you, Hans!

[@PANTYEATR1]

I know this is mad old, but how much welding splatter got on that windshield from the MIG? I totally ruined the back window on one of my cars. great video and tech info.

[@MrAJDavis83]

just came across this vid loved t. I wish I could get a brace from you!!! Subbed

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thanks! The only way to get one is to bring your car to the shop here in Vegas.

[@MrAJDavis83]

That's one hell of a drive I'm in upstate New York.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Andrew Davis Quite the journey haha, but the option is there.

[@mikechimko8564]

Great channel . You do a very good job of working through your projects and the editing of the content. Tons of stuff to be learned in every video that I have watched. I have a question. Do you every attach the strut brace to the firewall to add more stiffness to the installation.If not why? Thanks for sharing .

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Mike Chimko Triangulation is a popular method, but there simply wasn't a need for it in this design. There are a whole bunch of variables that contribute to the function and rigidity of a strut tower bar design. Some of them will benefit from triangulation, some of them are mere decoration.

[@mikechimko8564]

+The Fabricator Thanks for your reply. keep up the good work.

[@andrepatacchini]

nice design. are the structures made of those 4130 chromoly tubes??

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

They are a combination of ERW and DOM. I did not use chromoly on this chassis.

[@gajengajen7350]

Hi there, love the vid! What material grade is the tube? thanks!

[@GunfightersINC]

outstanding, I'm getting all my tools together and I'm wondering where you get, and what those protractors you're using are called. I tried Amazon and got the typical "office related" results. When I get my gussets from I heart gussets, I'll be sure to tell them you sent me. Keep at it man the potential for this channel is huge. I'm off to learn how to build a time attack cage!!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Protractors like these are often called "angle finders" and can be bought at just about any hardware store. I often use another protractor/angle finder with a magnetic base which is also available at local hardware stores.

[@pgtmr2713]

+The Fabricator I've found an app called Spirit Level for free that can level and find all the angles to a 10th of a degree using a cell phone. It works great and it tells you the numbers. I put up 3 railings up 3 sets of stairs using it and a closet shelf with pole all in less than an hour for all. Just make sure you are using a flat side of the phone. More accurate than closing an eye trying to see where the bubble is. great channel by the way. 1st time visitor I think I've spent an hour and a half watching you fabricate stuff. I subbed.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

PGTMR2 Thanks for the sub! I have a digital protractor on my phone which works well except the buttons on the side of my phone will throw the angle off a bit. It's good for general references.

[@pgtmr2713]

My buttons can get in the way too, so I just have to check for that. Certainly easier than carrying around a level. It's also handy when someone is scrutinizing your work in a crooked room, and your work is straight, but the tile or drywall guy was a little off.

[@johannm.3958]

Hey man just saw this & i gotta say, that's an Awesome strut tower brace !! I've seen other strut braces but this is one of the coolest, great job man loved the video !!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thanks!

[@ElizabethGLee]

amazing !!!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+tae lee Thanks Tae!

[@martinredfeather8742]

Have a question. I am going to be working on a project this coming summer and wondering what type of tube bender is that.

[@bryanbalch1045]

For the uprights that you bolt to the strut tower, are the washers welded flush with the bottom? If so how do they sit flat? Did you grind down the welds?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Bryan Balch "Fabricated Tube Mounts" are discs butt welded to the end of a tube. You can use a washer, but if it is thinner than the tube wall, it is a weak link. I use the TIG to weld them together so that I don't have to grind smooth, and it will sit flush with a full weld.

[@bryanbalch1045]

+The Fabricator Thanks man! I got some oversized (thickness) washers that are actually just a little thicker than the wall of my tubing so that should do the trick. Getting started on my build today.

[@bryanbalch1045]

+The Fabricator One more question. What dies do you have for the JD Squared bender? I am thinking of buying one and am not sure which ones to buy. I want one for 1 inch tubing and one for 1.5 inch for doing roll cage work eventually. Thanks man!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Bryan Balch I have 1 inch, 1-1/2, 1-5/8, and 1-3/4. The most common ones I use are 1 and 1-1/2. If you are building roll cages, check the rules for the proper size tubing for the cage. Sanction, class, weight restrictions, and a few other factors determine what size tubing you use for the cage which translates into which size die you need to buy.

[@bryanbalch1045]

Thanks man!

[@lijkenkist1]

Damn that looks good! Btw does anybody know what Mitsubishi that is in de background on the right? That looks awesome!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Blue Collar Power That's a Mitsubishi Mighty Max

[@noblewulf]

Love your work and your videos. This is exactly what I want to build for my car. Plus ive designed a rear strut bar aswell for my car. Im currently saving up for a pipe bender, mig welder and at some point a tig welder. Ive build a enclosed shop at my house inside the back of the garage. The only part of this video that I think will give me a little trouble is the proper notching of the pipes and getting that all lined up correctly. Where abouts are you located by the way? thanks again

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+name less Thank you. I am in Las Vegas, NV. Lining up the tubes for nothing is actually pretty simple once you ahve a little practice. The best way to get practice is to build small tube pieces much like what was built in the Tube Notching Video.

[@fxFRA27]

Your bender looks really great! Is it a homemade one?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+François-Xavier Wiart Not this one. This is a JD Squared Model 3 bender.

[@2Cro4u]

Awesome video's! What material are you using to make all of this?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

The Strut Tower is mild steel. The rest of the chassis is a combination of ERW mild steel and DOM.

[@2Cro4u]

+The Fabricator ok cool. Can you explain what ERW and DOM mean please?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

2Cro4u Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) is basic run of the mill steel tube. Drawn Over Mandrel (DOM) is made of a stronger grade which gets cold drawn to create an exact tolerance and additional strength. The process to make the two is the same with the exception of the cold drawing process in DOM.

[@2Cro4u]

+The Fabricator Awesome. Thanks for all your help man. These are the best videos I've found for this type of work. So easy to understand. Spent the whole day watching them. Thanks again!

[@mrhaha4444ham]

Why did you use the MIG for the gusset tack welds on the strut bar and tube front end, rather than just tacking them with the TIG

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Hamdan Ahmed There is a particular look I would like. Structurally, there isn't much difference between the TIG tack weld and the MIG for these pieces. I want to have a large weld visible on all the sheet metal and gussets.

[@cryptotradingph]

Glad i found this video.. What's that welding machine you are using?

[@cryptotradingph]

nvm found it