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Why a Strut Tower Bar Matters
On a lightweight sports coupe like the Toyota Integra, the strut tower bar is more than a cosmetic upgrade. It stiffens the front chassis, reduces body roll, and gives the steering a tighter feel. The original bar on many Integra models is a genuine OEM part, but racing use and exposure to the elements can leave it corroded and unusable. Replacing or restoring the bar can bring back the car’s original handling characteristics.
Getting the Parts Ready
The first step was to remove the old bar from the engine bay. The mounting brackets were held in place by bolts and nuts, and the aluminum pieces were covered in rust and a thick layer of sand from track use. The bolts were unscrewed, the brackets were taken off, and the bar was lifted out. The interior of the bar was still assembled, so a thorough cleaning was required before any surface work could begin.
Cleaning and Sandblasting
After disassembly, the bar was washed with a high‑pressure water jet and a parts cleaner. Even a quick rinse revealed that the sand coating was stubbornly bonded to the metal, thanks to a layer of oil that had built up over time. To remove the grit, the bar was placed in a small blast cabinet. The machine was set to the cleaning mode, and a stream of compressed air blasted the surface. Within five minutes the sand was gone, and the aluminum was exposed in a clean, uniform finish.
Polishing with Shake Molly
With the surface clean, the next step was to restore the bar’s shine. The author used a product called Shake Molly, a polishing compound that automatically progresses from coarse to fine grit. The compound was applied with a soft cloth, and the bar was rubbed in one direction until the Shake Molly turned black, indicating that the polishing cycle was complete. The result was a mirror‑like finish that highlighted the bar’s geometry and made it ready for paint.
Protecting Against Rust
Before painting, a rust‑remover was applied twice to ensure that any remaining corrosion was eliminated. Once the remover had dried, a rust‑preventive primer was sprayed over the entire bar. This step is crucial because a direct spray of matte black paint on a raw aluminum surface would quickly lead to rust. The primer created a barrier that allowed the final paint coat to adhere properly and last longer.
Painting and Final Assembly
After the primer had cured, a matte black spray paint was applied in thin, even layers. The paint was allowed to dry completely before the bar was reinstalled. The bolts and mounting brackets were cleaned with a parts cleaner, then tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. The bar was slid back into place, and the engine bay was inspected for any remaining debris or loose parts.
Testing the Difference
With the bar back in place, the driver took the Integra out for a short run. The steering felt noticeably quicker, and the car’s body behaved as a single unit during turns. The reduction in roll meant that the driver could push the car harder into corners without losing control. The author noted that the overall driving experience felt more engaging and that the car’s handling had returned to its original, spirited character.
Takeaway
Restoring a strut tower bar on a Toyota Integra is a manageable project that delivers tangible performance benefits. By carefully removing rust, sandblasting the surface, polishing with Shake Molly, and applying a protective primer before painting, the bar can be returned to a near‑new condition. The final result is a tighter steering feel, reduced body roll, and a more enjoyable driving experience.