RSM Front / Rear Strut Tower Bars [Archive] - Grand Am Owners Club Forums

99GrandAMSE

10-14-2005, 11:01 AM

OK, here is the information ...

http://www.rsmracing.com/Images/jnfront.jpg

http://www.rsmracing.com/Images/jnrear.jpg

Minimum 10 bars (front or rear, doesn't matter)

$60US per bar ($80.00CAD per bar), plus shipping.

All bars will NOT shipped until AFTER November 14th being RSM will be closed between October 26th to November 14th.

Only bars for 99+ Grand Ams are avalable .

Once we have enough interest covering the minimum of 10 bars, the various factory contact information will be provided so each individual can get in touch directly with RSM and provide their specific payment details but the money will NOT be taken until the units are shipped.

... if you have any questions, post it here or contact me directly :)

00SilverGA

10-14-2005, 11:47 PM

This might be a stupid question but does it matter if the front bar I have now isn't RSM? If not then I am interested in a rear bar.

99GrandAMSE

10-17-2005, 02:26 PM

Nope ... doesn't matter :)

TheNewLMHDesign

10-17-2005, 03:05 PM

Wow, i'm definently digging the new design. And RSM, have fun at SEMA. I might stop by and see whats up.
Anyways, too bad those are just for 99-up's, otherwise, i'd sell my old rsm bars and go for these.

slowbird

10-17-2005, 06:20 PM

I'm down.

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2.
3.
4.

00SilverGA

10-17-2005, 11:17 PM

Me too

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3.
4.

slowbird

10-18-2005, 01:31 PM

These don't suffer from that "hitting the Alternator" BS that I heard about some Strut Tower Bars do they?

tenspeed

10-18-2005, 08:33 PM

They have a special bar for the 2.2L ecotec. I bought mine at the Albany meet and they shipped it to me.

I added the strut tower covers. They're film tins with a spun aluminum insert.

Big Joe

10-20-2005, 10:41 PM

Originally posted by slowbird
These don't suffer from that "hitting the Alternator" BS that I heard about some Strut Tower Bars do they?

We had a few issues with them hittin the alternator when we tried to put them on a few different cars in albany, I have talked to people since then and they say they didnt have and problems once they got them on the right way

slowbird

10-21-2005, 08:33 AM

Originally posted by Big Joe
We had a few issues with them hittin the alternator when we tried to put them on a few different cars in albany, I have talked to people since then and they say they didnt have and problems once they got them on the right way

"On the right way" ?

Were they installed backwards?

Dave C

10-23-2005, 11:27 PM

Hmmm, I am really interested in this...
Is there a ending date on this group-buy?

Dave C

10-29-2005, 05:25 PM

so what's going on with this? I'm still interested...

slowbird

10-29-2005, 11:44 PM

Still waiting for more people!

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3.
4.

sunfirejoe

11-05-2005, 03:03 PM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3.sunfirejoe(1 front & 1 rear)
4.
5.

slowbird

11-05-2005, 07:30 PM

Originally posted by sunfirejoe
1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3.sunfirejoe(1 front & 1 rear)
4.
5.

5 More to go!!

C'mon people!

sunfirejoe

11-06-2005, 08:43 PM

sorry guys i gotta back out, ur back down the 3 bars

slowbird

11-07-2005, 09:35 AM

Blast!!

Is there anyway we could get more people aware of this GB?

99GrandAMSE

11-07-2005, 04:42 PM

... I am willing try whatever you suggest :)

AznGA

11-09-2005, 12:51 AM

When is the last day for this?

slowbird

11-09-2005, 07:35 AM

No Idea...from the looks of it, it will be when we fill the order.

AznGA

11-09-2005, 09:29 AM

I am really interested. I guess these are the new ones from RSM? I have seen older RSM ones that are different? I was originally gonna get the Speedbuilt ones on PFYC, but a lot of people say bad things about them. I'll post this on grandamgt.com as well.

slowbird

11-09-2005, 09:39 AM

awesome. Thanks!

DrFabulous

11-09-2005, 09:42 AM

This is very tempting.... Will the addition of one of these on my SE give me noticable improvement? I'd be putting on just the rear.

slowbird

11-09-2005, 09:46 AM

When I had my old Sunbird i had the front strunt tower bar and I noticed a bit of stiffness when I went around bends like onramps or curving roads...not a drastic improvment but enough to be worth the dough.

A front and rear should be noticeably different.

DrFabulous

11-09-2005, 10:15 AM

Hmm... I wonder if RSM would ship them with my rotors I'm getting from them, to save some dough on that....

I have to think about this for a bit before I say that I'm in, it's a money issue.

AznGA

11-09-2005, 12:00 PM

Well don't expect a HUGE improvement, but they should help a little. I think they just help the 2 struts stay together, creating less amount of bodyroll. You can think as simply as that. Plus when your car is older, the chassis would flex more.

Baugh080

11-09-2005, 11:46 PM

im in for a front

slowbird

11-10-2005, 11:15 AM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3.
4.

Great! Add your name.

Baugh080

11-10-2005, 11:13 PM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3.Baugh080
4.

c3hp0

11-12-2005, 08:08 AM

If they'll ship to me up here in Canada, I'll take a front and rear. LMK.

Yes, I know they are located in Toronto; and, yes, I know you listed a CAD price, but I'm just looking for confirmation. Thanks.

slowbird

11-12-2005, 03:29 PM

Well I'm in Canada too...and they will ship them to us pretty sure.

c3hp0

11-12-2005, 04:23 PM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3. Baugh080
4. c3hp0 (1 front & 1 rear)
5. ?

slowbird

11-12-2005, 04:25 PM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3. Baugh080
4. c3hp0 (1 front & 1 rear)
5.

Getting close.

Baugh080....what did you want? 1 front? 1 rear?

AznGA

11-12-2005, 07:51 PM

*** Sign me up for 1 front and 1 rear.

westpak

11-12-2005, 08:50 PM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3. Baugh080
4. c3hp0 (1 front & 1 rear)
5. AznGA (1 front & 1 rear)
6. Westpak (1 front & 1 Rear)

Baugh080

11-12-2005, 09:53 PM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3. Baugh080 (1 front)
4. c3hp0 (1 front & 1 rear)
5. AznGA (1 front & 1 rear)
6. Westpak (1 front & 1 Rear)

tenspeed

11-13-2005, 12:07 AM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3. Baugh080 (1 front)
4. c3hp0 (1 front & 1 rear)
5. AznGA (1 front & 1 rear)
6. Westpak (1 front & 1 Rear)
7. tenspeed - {1 rear}

slowbird

11-13-2005, 02:16 AM

We're over 10 bars!!

Lets dooo this!

Dave C

11-13-2005, 02:17 PM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear)
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3. Baugh080 (1 front)
4. c3hp0 (1 front & 1 rear)
5. AznGA (1 front & 1 rear)
6. Westpak (1 front & 1 Rear)
7. tenspeed - {1 rear}
8. Dave C (1 front, 1 rear)

That's 13... Maybe they'll knock off another $5 per bar (or per person) if we get 15 bars?

Dave C

11-13-2005, 02:31 PM

Let's hold off on this for a couple more days so everyone who wants to get in can. Maybe set an ending date of this Thursday or Friday?

slowbird

11-13-2005, 05:15 PM

Maybe we can get a cheaper price.

westpak

11-13-2005, 06:57 PM

Hope this doesn't get dragged out and risk people losing interest the numebrs needed are there, the price seems very reasonable as it is so lets do it.

99GrandAMSE

11-13-2005, 07:26 PM

HOLY CRAP ... I didn't notice we were over the bar limit ... I will have information posts tomorrow for both the STB and Rotor Group Buys :)

AznGA

11-13-2005, 07:41 PM

Thanks!!

TO2FST

11-14-2005, 10:23 AM

Ok guys,

The group buy has now officially ended. You will need to email nelson@rsmracing.com by Friday November 18, 2005 with your screen name, as well as all your other contact info (Name, address, phone, payment) Vehicle Info, and the type (front or rear) of bars you ordered. If you haven't emailed by Friday the 18th you will not be included in the buy. Nelson will inform you on the rest of the details when you e-mail him. Please put in the subject line strut tower brace group buy since there is another group buy happening for rotors. Also if the minimum amount of people for the group buy have not responded by the 18th this buy will most likely be cancelled.

Thank You
-Frank

slowbird

11-14-2005, 11:48 AM

E-Mail sent.

westpak

11-14-2005, 12:15 PM

Originally posted by slowbird
E-Mail sent.

Ditto

AznGA

11-14-2005, 12:58 PM

I sent him an e-mail as well.

tenspeed

11-14-2005, 01:31 PM

Email sent. You guys can use this as a template if you wish.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Screen name:

Name:

Address:
USA / Canada

Phone: xxx xxx xxxx

Payment type:

xxxx Grand Am SE/GT, Motor size

Strut tower brace type: front/rear

Thank you, your name

AznGA

11-14-2005, 02:25 PM

*** This is the list that has already been posted. I am just gonna mark the users who sent an e-mail to RSM for ordering.

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear) - sent an e-mail
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3. Baugh080 (1 front)
4. c3hp0 (1 front & 1 rear)
5. AznGA (1 front & 1 rear) - sent an e-mail
6. Westpak (1 front & 1 Rear) - sent an e-mail
7. tenspeed - {1 rear} - sent an e-mail
8. Dave C (1 front, 1 rear)
9. golddbz2000 (1 front, 1 rear) - sent an e-mail

golddbz2000

11-14-2005, 04:21 PM

been watching this topic; just waited to see if it would get any lower on the price, lol. anyways, I jumped into the group buy as well so you guys can add me to the list for 1 front and 1 rear bar.

I also sent him the email.

Dave C

11-14-2005, 04:47 PM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear) - sent an e-mail
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear)
3. Baugh080 (1 front)
4. c3hp0 (1 front & 1 rear)
5. AznGA (1 front & 1 rear) - sent an e-mail
6. Westpak (1 front & 1 Rear) - sent an e-mail
7. tenspeed - {1 rear} - sent an e-mail
8. Dave C (1 front, 1 rear) - email sent
9. golddbz2000 (1 front, 1 rear) - sent an e-mail

well, that's emails sent for 11 of the bars...

99GrandAMSE

11-14-2005, 06:19 PM

Cool guys ... good job!!

00SilverGA

11-14-2005, 07:31 PM

Email Sent

Originally posted by Dave C
1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear) - sent an e-mail
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear) - sent an e-mail
3. Baugh080 (1 front)
4. c3hp0 (1 front & 1 rear)
5. AznGA (1 front & 1 rear) - sent an e-mail
6. Westpak (1 front & 1 Rear) - sent an e-mail
7. tenspeed - {1 rear} - sent an e-mail
8. Dave C (1 front, 1 rear) - email sent
9. golddbz2000 (1 front, 1 rear) - sent an e-mail

well, that's emails sent for 12 of the bars...

02ramairgt1

11-14-2005, 08:32 PM

Can I still get in for this?

AznGA

11-14-2005, 08:41 PM

Originally posted by 02ramairgt1
Can I still get in for this?
Yes, go up a few posts and e-mail your info to RSM.

Baugh080

11-14-2005, 10:29 PM

email sent

Baugh080

11-14-2005, 10:30 PM

1. Slowbird (1 front & 1 rear) - sent an e-mail
2. 00SilverGa (1 Rear) - sent an e-mail
3. Baugh080 (1 front)- email sent
4. c3hp0 (1 front & 1 rear)
5. AznGA (1 front & 1 rear) - sent an e-mail
6. Westpak (1 front & 1 Rear) - sent an e-mail
7. tenspeed - {1 rear} - sent an e-mail
8. Dave C (1 front, 1 rear) - email sent
9. golddbz2000 (1 front, 1 rear) - sent an e-mail

Dave C

11-15-2005, 12:57 AM

Originally posted by AznGA
Originally posted by 02ramairgt1
Can I still get in for this? Yes, go up a few posts and e-mail your info to RSM.

Probably add your name to the list, too.
(copy and paste the most recent list from an above post, then add your name)

golddbz2000

11-15-2005, 10:47 AM

so, whats a final tally people? please add up the results and post here. I also go my personal phone call today. Anyone else get one?

tenspeed

11-15-2005, 10:58 AM

I got a call from RSM asking for my payment data. If anyone else wants in, email RSM pronto.

$60 is a great price for a $100 bar.

DrFabulous

11-15-2005, 03:00 PM

Add Troy Elliot (CUSTOMGAGT2000SEDAN). He e-mailed RSM already.

Dave C

11-15-2005, 03:28 PM

^ you can't add him/re-post the list yourself?

I was called this morning, too... Just curious, how much was shipping for you guys?

Mine is going to South East Michigan, and it was $29 for two bars.

ramairgrandamgt

11-15-2005, 03:45 PM

i know that dec 2004 when i was going to get there older style ones they quoted me 29 cdn dollars to n.s canada. emailed them few mitutes ago to see if it changed. i know pfyc gave me a qoute for there ship to me was 20 CDN. i am hope for nothing higher then the 29 cdn

slowbird

11-15-2005, 04:23 PM

They called me already.

Shipping is N/A for me....RSM is about 10 seconds from my house apparently.

Baugh080

11-15-2005, 08:53 PM

yeah i got my call

c3hp0

11-15-2005, 09:59 PM

I emailed and got a call, but wasn't home and the machine didn't work. I will call tomorrow, as I specified in a reply to the email. Thanks for organizing this one!

black99gagt

11-15-2005, 11:41 PM

Dave C

11-16-2005, 12:16 AM

if they call you, then you can...

good luck!

keysersosa2000

11-16-2005, 12:37 PM

slowbird

11-16-2005, 01:31 PM

Almost $20 bars!?!?!?

Jeeze...you think the price would go down further.

It's till setting me back $180CDN for both bars without shipping.

Baugh080

11-16-2005, 03:55 PM

cost me 89USD for one bar

black99gagt

11-16-2005, 04:43 PM

got the call and its 150 for both shipped damn good deal

keysersosa2000

11-17-2005, 09:28 AM

Got the call this morning. $92 total for front bar. Apparently its not to far away so I can pick it up myself.

keysersosa2000

11-17-2005, 11:39 AM

Hey, I was just wondering if anyone has any pictures of what the back one looks like installed. I don't want to cut or remove any of the truck, (a friend of mine said I might have to). If it's easy to put in and doesn't take up any space I'll order a rear one too.

TO2FST

11-17-2005, 12:02 PM

You wont have to cut anything if theres nothing in the truck. If you have a large stereo or something custom back there then you might not be able to put in the bar.

-Frank

westpak

11-17-2005, 12:16 PM

You shouldn't have to cut anything, I had the Speedbuilt ones and not cutting needed to be done.

AznGA

11-17-2005, 03:37 PM

Originally posted by westpak
You shouldn't have to cut anything, I had the Speedbuilt ones and not cutting needed to be done.
How did you like the Speedbuilt ones? Is there a reason why you are getting an RSM one now?

keysersosa2000

11-17-2005, 04:13 PM

I do have a stereo, that's why I'm a little concerned.

here's shot of my trunk.

Dave C

11-18-2005, 06:42 PM

I took a look at my trunk and a picture of how the speedbilt bars looked, and it appeared as if they would fit over my own box (2 MTX 12" subs).

if it doesn't fit, looks like I'm building a custom box next summer :D

keysersosa2000

11-20-2005, 04:11 PM

sweet. thanks.

Baugh080

11-20-2005, 09:08 PM

has anyone heard anything else about shipping times?

tenspeed

11-21-2005, 10:54 AM

I got a email today from Nelson saying :

Your order was processed. The product in currently in shipping. You will recive a email with a tracking number.

keysersosa2000

11-21-2005, 02:45 PM

same. Even though I'm picking it up....

00SilverGA

11-21-2005, 04:19 PM

Originally posted by tenspeed
I got a email today from Nelson saying :

Your order was processed. The product in currently in shipping. You will recive a email with a tracking number.

Ditto

Dave C

11-21-2005, 05:34 PM

ditto

AznGA

11-21-2005, 09:55 PM

I got an e-mail today as well. They are suppoesd to give me the tracking number soon.

c3hp0

11-21-2005, 10:00 PM

Was told that I'd receive shipping information by email when I called, but haven't heard since. Nelson assured me that the bars were in stock, so I anticipate the shipment should go out soon, provided that we hit our minimum numbers.

keysersosa2000

11-21-2005, 10:02 PM

we did or he wouldn't have processed my order. that's what I understand...

TO2FST

11-22-2005, 01:38 PM

Ok Guys,

Just wanted to let you have an advanced heads up. The bars are leaving today and Nelson will be emailing you within the next day - 2 days with the tracking numbers. If you haven't received your tracking number by Friday then you can email nelson@rsmracing.com. Also for those who are doing a local pickup you can come by Mon-Fri between 8am and 3pm, also if you could email Nelson to let him know you're coming it would be much appreciated.

Thank You
-Frank

keysersosa2000

11-22-2005, 03:15 PM

New email. I can pick mine up at anytime now.

Dave C

11-22-2005, 04:08 PM

I received the tracking number via email today...

00SilverGA

11-22-2005, 11:16 PM

Originally posted by Dave C
I received the tracking number via email today...

Yep me too!

AznGA

11-23-2005, 07:23 PM

I got my tracking number as well.

ramairgrandamgt

11-24-2005, 03:22 PM

recieved my tracking number few days ago

c3hp0

11-25-2005, 11:47 PM

Received my tracking number and the bars are slated to arrive Monday.

c3hp0

11-28-2005, 09:09 PM

Delivered today. Will have to install this weekend.

tenspeed

11-29-2005, 12:14 PM

I got mine on Monday night. It was well packed.

AznGA

11-29-2005, 02:19 PM

I got mine today. Thanks all!

00SilverGA

11-29-2005, 11:25 PM

Just got mine today! I can't wait to put it on, but I will have to wait until my car gets back from the body shop :(

Baugh080

11-30-2005, 09:02 PM

got mine today thanks

Dave C

12-02-2005, 09:56 AM

mine are sitting back at home with my parents... I am picking them up tonight!

c3hp0

12-05-2005, 12:35 AM

Installed on Saturday and had the wiring harness that connects to the alt vibrate against it on acceleration. Flipped the bar upside down (i.e. so the heads of the bolts that connect the end plates face down) to gain a bit more clearance and pulled the wires in the loom closest to the firewall down and tucked them under another line (A/C?). We'll see if that helps.

Otherwise, very basic install. Verified that torque on all bolts is 18ft-lbs, although I tightened to closer to 22.

Rear bar installed without the bolt spacers shipped and without jacking up the car, as suggested in the instructions. Don't know why you'd have to raise up the rear, also don't know why you'd need to use the spacers.

golddbz2000

12-05-2005, 10:03 AM

yeah, i had my front bar rubbing against the alternator too when i accelerated; I adjusted my spacing to be exact and then it eliminated the rubbing. I also didnt feel like raising the back of my car when i installed the rears, but I did need the washers to make the rear level.

Also, why did I need to torque the bolts to 18 lbs?

c3hp0

12-05-2005, 01:42 PM

18lbs is what is reported as factory spec and I did a crude test to verify - set torque wrench at 20 and moved the bolts/nuts a bit, so the setting was slightly under 20.

So far, no noise/clearance issues with middle portion flipped.

Where did you use the spacers? On the bolt towards the back of the car or the bolt closest to the middle of the car?

golddbz2000

12-05-2005, 01:46 PM

bolt closest to the middle of the car.

99GrandAMSE

01-12-2006, 05:46 PM

So did everyone get their bars?

c3hp0

01-20-2006, 02:15 AM

To clarify, I didn't use the rear spacers, but installed over top of the existing nuts.

AeR0

04-13-2006, 01:44 AM

well since i know alot of ppl in this thread bought these bars is there anyone selling them?

AeR0

04-13-2006, 01:46 AM

also im curious as to how everyone likes these bars? i mean being made of a soft metal arent they kinda weak??

Dave C

04-13-2006, 11:55 AM

Honestly, I haven't had time to install mine yet :( They are sitting under my bed at home waiting for another two weeks until I get home from college, unless I go home this weekend.

In response to being "soft" metal... They are thick enough that you can't flex them easily. If you got hit over the head with it, you'd be hurting :)

In the end, they are supposed to keep the shocks an equal distance apart, and if I am visualizing it right, they will predominantly work in tension. With the thickness of these bars, using a "hard metal" (ie steel) with would be overkill. For a more detailed analysis, see below..

The bar is sturdy, the weak points would be the screw attachment locations and the cut-out for the alternator. You're not going to pull the bar hard enough where it will break in the center. If it breaks anywhere, it would be the screws, or where they attach (if not tightened enough). The bar isn't going to stretch (for all intensive purposes), so it should work fine. The one question that I have is: how much do the struts actually deflect during turning?

I was just thinking... it would be cool to mock up one of these wit a force-transducer in the center to see how hard they pulled, and maybe you could work out deflection as well. I wonder if RSM has done that?

Rayz

04-13-2006, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by AeR0
also im curious as to how everyone likes these bars? i mean being made of a soft metal arent they kinda weak??
I was told that they’re made of 6061 alloy so it has the same strength as mild steel of the same dimensions

golddbz2000

04-14-2006, 01:44 PM

i installed these fairly quickly and I have to say that I was impressed with the amount of "roll" that was reduced. I don't want it to seem like you can do 90 degrees turns at 60, but its alot easier to smoke that asshat thats trying to keep up with you on turns :)

Dave C

04-15-2006, 07:29 PM

Originally posted by Rayz
I was told that they’re made of 6061 alloy so it has the same strength as mild steel of the same dimensions

If you want to look it up, go to:
http://www.matweb.com/index.asp?ckck=1

The Modulus of Elasticity (its "resistance to stretchability") is about 1/3 to 1/2 of steels...

AeR0

04-19-2006, 08:25 PM

so does anyone want to sell me thier bars? lol

turboash78

04-21-2006, 02:33 PM

Maybee we could find a Canadian supplier... just add a few Canadian members, and there we have it (would be nice to have a target price at about $60 cnd... $80 seems a bit steep considering I bought a brace for my old CRX for $50... mmmmm, rice!).

slowbird

04-22-2006, 09:43 AM

Yea...these bars are wayyy too expensive.

ramairgrandamgt

04-26-2006, 04:34 PM

can someone post or email me photo's showing the correct install looks of both front and rear rsm bars . and point out where such things as spacers etc were and where they were used .? so you do not need to jack car up ???? and 18 or 19 lbs to torque down ?? telliott@accesswave.ca