Hotchkis Handlebar Installation

[jr421]

I was wondering if anyone has installed the Hotchkis Handlebar on a 69 camaro? I have the passenger side in place and it seems to be about 1/2" short from touching the firewall of the car. I am not sure what to do, make a spacer? Any one have any suggestions?

[Lowend]

A similar setup is out there for the 2nd Gen. You basically have to either make spacers, or stack-up washers to make them fit. These take some playing with in general to make them fit properly.

[novaderrik]

what is the purpose of this bar? seems to me that it should be angled back for a more straight shot to the firewall if it is meant to stiffen things up.

[jr421]

Ok after some reading on the Lateral G site I see that even though the a-arm connection is slotted holes, the bars may not work with the G-mod. I will make some spacers and it will be happy. If anyone has made some let me know, my plan is to use some aluminum and make it nice.

[CarlC]

Have you contacted Hotchkis about the problem?

[jknight16]

I believe Hotchkis' description of the product indicated that it would work with the G-mod. Like Carl suggested, I would contact Hotchkis and see what they have to say.

[jr421]

Ok I called them today and they said that there should be small pilot holes that need to be drilled out for the G-Mod installation. I don't remeber seeing them but I will post more information later today. I also indicated that my instruction didn't reference the holes and they said they would look into it.

[David Pozzi]

Before installing any type of brace like this, you should do two things.

Install solid subframe mounts
Verify that the subframe is properly squared and centered to the unibody. At the least, you should look at the middle subframe mount alignment holes and insure they are aligned with matching holes in the unibody.
Once all this is done, then shim or cut the braces to make them fit right.
David

[jr421]

David-

Thank you for the information, I will double check the front sub-frame and add sone subframe connectors too. I am posting a pic of the driverside bar, note the small pilot hole they referenced to use for the G-Mod installation. It is very close to the edge of the plate. Does anyone have any thoughts? I am thinking the edge distance my not be ideal, I may try a different approach. If anyone has thoughts please post them.

[David Pozzi]

There's not a lot of metal there for sure. One problem is, the bracket has a bend out just below the holes you drill for the G mod, so the bracket would hit if it were much lower.

[meenaggie]

Not enough material for the hole on the left. I think I would either use the spacers you mention or return the product and ask for a refund. Disappointing as I though these looked like a nice piece.

[ss dave]

I'm installing both front and rear bars into my 69 vert.
Had to cut the entire bottom out of my rear seat panel to allow clearance for the rear bar. Then fabbed a aluminum panel back into place, actually making the panel itself stronger.

The front handle bars fit well except for the cross bar, and it interferes with the LSXr manifold, which is taller than the LS7.
Hotchkis stated they were trying to design one to fit my app., but we will go ahead and design our own to fit.

With this setup, solid BB, Hotchkis X brace and welded subframe I finally feel comfortable removing the corner anchors!

[firebob]

I tried to install a set of these on a 69 bird awhile back for a friend. After about 10 minutes it was clear that these will not work unless you have tubular UCA. None of the material I saw said anything about it. A call to Hotchkis confirmed it. Nice quality pieces but their requirements info could be better. I ended up fabbing a set of my own that would work. Had to design in for stock uppers, the G-mod and the a/c comp and bracket. That was fun. Kind of like trying to thread a needle with gloves on. Not pretty, but functional.

Robert

[jr421]

I am going to take a harder look at it over the weekend. I think I can modify the bars to work I will keep you guys posted.

[Hotchkis]

JR:

My name is Drew from Hotchkis. We would like learn more about your car. We want you to experience the full benefit of the Handle Bars. Please call me at 562.907.7757 Ext 226. I am here M-F 8-5 PST.

[jr421]

Ok I had some time this afternoon so I decided to go out into the garage and double check the subframe alignment. Everything seems to be in good alignment. I decided to drill the holes recomended by Hotchkis and see what happend. It did improve the position of the tube at the firewall but it will still require a spacer to install the bars at the firewall location. Plus you can see the material left after drilling the holes its not ideal. I am going to call hotchkis on monday and see if they have any other support ideas. I plan on modifying them to fit just not sure what modification to do. I am not surprised that the bars are not a perfict fit, I don't know the history of the car so its hard to judge how well this product would fit on other cars. Take a look at the photos any thoughts are truly appreciated.

[jr421]

firebob-

Do you have any photos of yours before you put them into the car? I would like to see how you attached to the control arm bolts.

thanks
Larry

[jr421]

Ok I talked the Hotchkis today, they were helpful, but it seems like I am breaking new ground.

So here is my last post on this subject, I am going to have to make some mods to get these babys into the car. I mocked it all up and took photos for you guys who are thinking of installing them. I had to take the power brake booster out to get them into the car. I plan on re-working the bottom plates and making spacers for the firewall. Here are the photos.