CMC Butt Sag

WOW - yours was really dragging!  How about some after pictures?  If you look in the build manual, they have builder fiberglass in the upper added fiberglass heat shield which I think adds support.  Did you add some metal pieces to cantilever the heavy rear fiberglass? Check your front too - there is a brace just forward of the gas tank that builder often leave out as well as the fiberglassed in front inner wheels mud shields (which add support).

Yup!  I will post the "after" photos when I am back in town this coming weekend.

I did not add the metal strap, however, the adhesive I used (and have used for other projects in the past) is pretty amazing. (Aircraft panel adhesive from Locktite.)

I can easily add the strap this coming weekend. The front end has the support bracing near the tank.  Not sure about the splash guard pieces.  I will go back to my build manual to see where/what they are..

Thanks!  It looks like a much better fit and finish.  It was obvious from the rivet holes that they had elongated substantially.  

To get a higher perch for the metal strap (Schu and I) added a piece of angle iron bolted to the 2x2 square steel chassis bit just behind the front door (I think it is for the optional show roll bar).  That got it up about 2" higher.

Good for you Jim!

The Doctor's office seems to always be open, and his diagnosis and treatment is invariably a success. 

Jim, Glad you were able to do the repair !

Glad you were able to fix it without resorting to plastic surgery 

Nice work, Jim. Looking forward to seeing you again at Carlisle.

Looking forward to being there!

   My Fiberfab Californian had less than 200 miles on it since it was built in 2006. It had not shown any signs of the common butt sag but I asked Carey of Special Edition to come up with a way to strengthen the rear support of my car while he had it in for the Subaru conversion. His approach is somewhat different but I am confident in the results. He took 2" X 1" steel channels and welded them to the frame posts behind the doors. He then glassed and riveted them to the inner walls.

That looks great.  I've seen a couple that use threaded rod with turnbuckle adjusters too,

Does your Subaru engine hang from the metal frame in the back of the engine?  VW T4 engines usually have engine mounts in the back.

No it doesn't . The engine is completely supported the same as the Type1 engine. They did add a Kafer bar support to strengthen the horns and remove any torque twist. It works great. The engine is very rigidly attached.

@Jimmy V., are the butt sag channels attached to anything in the back?

No, Carey originally thought about adding an additional support but said the welded attachment at the front was so solid and the channel was so rigid he didn't need to add anymore. I trust Carey's word and work.  Since it wasn't already sagging the extra support should be plenty to keep it all supported for the future.

Well done. I'm going to take this advice and do mine b4 it sags as well