GM's strut tower brace damage!

[Goumba]

Ok, I ordered a strut tower brace from GM and it was damaged. I own a transmission and auto repair shop. So, I sent it back and got another one and you guessed it, it's damaged. In all 5 where shipped not one undamaged.

GM does not use any packaging material when GM ships the strut tower brace, so the strut tower brace may have "small" scratches or scuffs. It should say large!

So, I gave up on getting a good one and this is what I did to fix it.

1. Sanded it with 180 grit emery roll to get rid of the scratches and scuffs. Gave it a nice satin finish you can stop here if that is what you like.


2. Broke out the old buffer and went at it. It's a harbor freight tools 6" buffer its $39.95 I use it a lot with my show cars and it holds up! http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-buffer-94393.html


3. Spend the time to do it right. There are different compounds. Start with the green "course" and work your way to the white "fine" sticks of compounds and this is what you will get.


4. Paint time for the ends not there yet. But you can pick any color that works for you. Mine will be black. I will post it painted soon and on the car.

[bannonm]

Nice job. Had the same issue with a Heritage grille. Didn't withstand UPS and their loving care for packages. Flimsy single layer card board box and essentially no padding but a plastic bag and thin foam sheets.

[Goumba]

Thanks.

This is GM you would think they would do better!

[rolnslo]

Turned out pretty nice. That's exactly the same thing I had planned on doing once I finally order one. I think it was GMPartsDirect.com that listed on their site that you should expect to not get one without some sort of shipping damage, thanks to GM's packaging problems.

At least know I now how to clean it up. Thanks!

[Goumba]

They don't pack them that's the problem. It is shipped bare with a tag that's it. They should at least bag it or something.

[davidcroft]

mine and my next door neighbors were like that as well. we just sanded it and all was fine. I'll post pictures soon. The GM strut tower bar is the best $100 mod. Looks factory clean and doesn't cost $300+ like other companies.

[Obzen]

From what i've heard, this is pretty normal for some reason.

The member I got mine from had it powdercoated hammertone. Looks much better. Looks like yours came out good too.

[NewDivide]

Had mine custom painted and I couldn't be happier w/ how it turned out. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193181

[daveagogo1]

They don't really look any better on the cars from the factory. It's easy to buff down. I bought one of the very first ones available and got that same shock lol.

I especially love all the black writing on the back marking the weld lines and such. Was easy enough to buff though.

[daveagogo1]

Originally Posted by Goumba

They don't pack them that's the problem. It is shipped bare with a tag that's it. They should at least bag it or something.

Wouldn't matter as they are just tossed into a bin after being built. Scratched up before ever being boxed up.

[Anthony @ LG Motorsports]

You would be surprised on how they ship some items. It's a wonder most of the parts are not always broken when you get them.

[Cpanthers85]

Mine was all messed up too. I put it on anyway. lol

[Goumba]

Originally Posted by Anthony @ LG Motorsports

You would be surprised on how they ship some items. It's a wonder most of the parts are not always broken when you get them.

I do own a shop and we do buy a lot of parts from GM and the packing for most parts is great. But I do see them slacking a little more these days.

[Goumba]

Originally Posted by daveagogo1

They don't really look any better on the cars from the factory. It's easy to buff down. I bought one of the very first ones available and got that same shock lol.

I especially love all the black writing on the back marking the weld lines and such. Was easy enough to buff though.

You would think paying what you do for this car it would be perfect.