- :
- Protege
**First off this is to install a rear strut bar in a sedan and some cutting into the rear strut towers is required to do this mod. If you are uncomfortable doing this or dont feel you have the experiencs then do not attempt this on your own and have some help, by someone who does know how to, or have it done at a shop. I accept no responsibilities for parts damaged or improper cutting**
Tools needed
Drop light
Dremel Tool w/cut off wheels
Safety glasses
Trim clip remover
Ratchet
Socket extension
14mm
17mm
Pliers
That being said lets begin...
First: Clean out trunk and fold down back seats. (If you feel up to it you could remove the fold down part of the seats theres bolts holding it in place on the ends of the seats by the door. I removed mine with the ratchet and 17mm socket, it made it easier for me but its not required) Once your ready to continue then..
Next: Remove the back dash (first remove the 3rd brake light if you have one) once back dash is removed it will kinda just be there in the way because its has the middle seat belt attached. (It makes it easier but also not necessary you could unbolt the rear seat belts, for this you will need the ratchet and the 17mm socket theres 3 bolts one in each)
Next: Remove the plastic panels in the trunk on the sides youll need them moved to get a clear cut. For this youll need the Trim Clip remover, or what ever you got to remove them.
Next: With all back dash, trunk liners, seats, and seat belt out of your way (If you chose that route) youll have easy acess to the rear strut towers. Use the Ratchet with the 14mm socket to remove the 3 nuts holding the rear strut tower. Now pick a side you want to do first. Then get the bracket from the strut bar and place it in place youll notice it wont go down this is where the cutting wheel comes into place. Make a little mark around the bracket where your gonna cut for referrence to get a general idea of the area needed to be cut. (Depending on the strut bar the cutting size will vary).
Next: Grab your safety glasses and start cutting away you dont want a big hole if you have a thin strut bar like the MX6 one, the Corksport is wider so a wider hole is needed. (I had a couple of problem areas and instead of cutting all the way i would cut in sections and used the pliers to work harden (move back and forth) them till them came off. I cut mine from the trunk it was alot easier that way i just layed down and cut a way. Some of the cuts i made from outside through the trunk. So which ever way you feel comfortable thats the way you do.
Next: After the holes are cut to your liking or (disliking in my case) put the brackets in and test fit make sure they fit.
Next: Test fit the bar make sure theres enough room for the bolt to go through the bracket and the bar and for the nut.
**If you use the MX6 or the GT Spec strut bar the OEM nuts will be fine, if you use the Corksport bar theres a bracket in the way and you cant use the OEM nut the base it so wide. So you will need to get a replacement one thats thinner, i went to a nut and bolt store but im sure your local home depot or parts store will have one. The nut size is 10mm 1.25 thread pitch. youll need 2 of them.**
Next: Now that youve test fit and got your proper nuts then bolt the bar up and should look like this hopefully better cuts.
Next: If you removed the items earlier then put everything back in its place, clean up your mess and your done. Take it for a ride.
Tools needed
Drop light
Dremel Tool w/cut off wheels
Safety glasses
Trim clip remover
Ratchet
Socket extension
14mm
17mm
Pliers
That being said lets begin...
First: Clean out trunk and fold down back seats. (If you feel up to it you could remove the fold down part of the seats theres bolts holding it in place on the ends of the seats by the door. I removed mine with the ratchet and 17mm socket, it made it easier for me but its not required) Once your ready to continue then..
Next: Remove the back dash (first remove the 3rd brake light if you have one) once back dash is removed it will kinda just be there in the way because its has the middle seat belt attached. (It makes it easier but also not necessary you could unbolt the rear seat belts, for this you will need the ratchet and the 17mm socket theres 3 bolts one in each)
Next: Remove the plastic panels in the trunk on the sides youll need them moved to get a clear cut. For this youll need the Trim Clip remover, or what ever you got to remove them.
Next: With all back dash, trunk liners, seats, and seat belt out of your way (If you chose that route) youll have easy acess to the rear strut towers. Use the Ratchet with the 14mm socket to remove the 3 nuts holding the rear strut tower. Now pick a side you want to do first. Then get the bracket from the strut bar and place it in place youll notice it wont go down this is where the cutting wheel comes into place. Make a little mark around the bracket where your gonna cut for referrence to get a general idea of the area needed to be cut. (Depending on the strut bar the cutting size will vary).
Next: Grab your safety glasses and start cutting away you dont want a big hole if you have a thin strut bar like the MX6 one, the Corksport is wider so a wider hole is needed. (I had a couple of problem areas and instead of cutting all the way i would cut in sections and used the pliers to work harden (move back and forth) them till them came off. I cut mine from the trunk it was alot easier that way i just layed down and cut a way. Some of the cuts i made from outside through the trunk. So which ever way you feel comfortable thats the way you do.
Next: After the holes are cut to your liking or (disliking in my case) put the brackets in and test fit make sure they fit.
Next: Test fit the bar make sure theres enough room for the bolt to go through the bracket and the bar and for the nut.
**If you use the MX6 or the GT Spec strut bar the OEM nuts will be fine, if you use the Corksport bar theres a bracket in the way and you cant use the OEM nut the base it so wide. So you will need to get a replacement one thats thinner, i went to a nut and bolt store but im sure your local home depot or parts store will have one. The nut size is 10mm 1.25 thread pitch. youll need 2 of them.**
Next: Now that youve test fit and got your proper nuts then bolt the bar up and should look like this hopefully better cuts.
Next: If you removed the items earlier then put everything back in its place, clean up your mess and your done. Take it for a ride.
