bob850

I just installed an IPD strut brace on my 1996 850 Turbo, everything went really smooth. The end collars are shaped to mount flush to the tower surface, much better than the factory brace I had on before. I'm also able to easily remove the windshield/wiper cowl cover without removing the brace, unlike the factory brace which blocked the drains "flanges" of the cover when trying to remove the cover. So the factory brace had to come off to change the cabin filter, at least on my car.

The only complaint with the IPD unit is that it is pretty difficult to get the brake fluid reservoir cap off with the brace installed. You CAN get it off, but it takes some patience. I also wonder if my motive brake bleeder cap will fit on there with the brace installed. But its also easier to remove the bar portion of the IPD unit compared to the factory brace, so even if I do have to take the bar out, it won't be a big deal.

Overall, I like it a lot better than the factory brace. I can now get to the cabin filter without removing the brace, and getting to the brake fluid is still doable.

I considered OMP, but wanted black instead of bright red. Also, the IPD one is adjustable and easier to remove just the bar (leaving the collars on) if the need arises.

Been dealing with rattles in the dash for some time, so finally decided to take the plunge and pull the dash. When I got it all out, I was surprised to find that all four of the tabs were intact. I decided to do the reinforcement anyway as a preventative measure. As you can see below, I also added some felt tape to the front edge of the defrost panel, but am not sure if it will cause a problem due to the thickness of it (will it stress the windshield or defrost panel?). I plan to put the dash back in tonight, so if anyone has a reason why I should not keep the felt tape on there, let me know.

I may also do the "screw the dash sides to the A-pillar" thing after I get the dash back in.

Here's one of the reinforced mounts, I used the clear 3M anti-squeak tape on it (wasn't on yet in this pic) and also on the firewall receiving surface. I also added a little epoxy to the mount to give it a little more strength.



Here's two shots of the front defroster panel edge with the felt tape applied. Once installed, you won't really be able to see it, but I wonder if it will cause a problem mechanically.





Here's the lower dash "arm" that attaches near the footwells. On both of them the plastic portion was totally cracked in a bunch of places, so I epoxied them all back together, now they're pretty darn solid.



Let me know if anyone has comments about the defroster panel felt. Anything else I should do before reinstalling?

I'll report results once everything is back in the car.

Do the three nuts on the top of each strut tower affect alignment at all? What if you loosen them when the car is on jack stands? I didn't think so but wanted to double check.