Lower strut brace (not fitting)

hi all,
i have just tried to fit a omp lower strut brace to my gti. BUT it doesnt fit. i have checked part numbers of the brace but that came out ok.
The brace is not long enough to fit. would fit with some grinding but surely that defeats the object. this should be a direct fit fit surely.
car is lowered on collies with 15" wheels.
i know some of you have them fitted to your mk1's so could you list what maker if your posting please

thanks guys

be subtle if you think its down to the chassis!!

How far off is it?

roughly the width of the lower arm bolt so about 10-15mm

That's quite a lot!!!! Can't help if its that much.

lol i know. im getting a bit worried thinking that the chassis has seen better days.
unless the sticker on the brace is not the right one!

I have one on mine, wil try and measure the distance tomorrow when I do my breaks if that will help

Yeah that would be mint. If anyone else is up for measuring there distance from bolt to bolt. Inside edges of the bolt.
Did you use an omp brace Alfie?
Thanks guys

According to the genuine VW jig dimensions the distance between the centrelines should be 683mm

As in the centre of the bolt hole?
Thanks great help

Yes centre to centre

Ok mate thanks will check it tonight.

Ok…
I measured both my car and the brace.
Car measured at 687mm so 5mm out according to the vw jig dimensions. 5mm isnt bad is it for a 29yr old mk1?
Thanks addicated.
But the brace measured 675mm so i think that is my problem.
Is there any way to sort of force the chassis together to fit a brace. Id want to get geometry spot on. Or as perfect as i can get.
Can anyone reccomend a good brace. Obviously omp not looking good!!

Did you buy it new or secondhand?

Second hand from thermal from this club.
Part number says mk1 golf/rabbit according to omp site

anyone used Wiechers braces from big boys toys?

This is why the Autocavan adjustable strut braces always sold so well...

Believe it or not i havent heard of them. Weres the best place to find them. Thanks for the reply

possle said

Believe it or not i havent heard of them. Weres the best place to find them. Thanks for the reply

Unfotunatly the clue is in my grammar.. I said sold, as in past tense, no longer available I'm afraid..

Not tried Wiechers, but I'm considering a Wiechers Mk1 16v upper brace.  

I've got a Sparco competition lower brace on my car - it fits spot on.

possle said

Is there any way to sort of force the chassis together to fit a brace.

You won't move those fixing point easily, unless you want to get your car on a proper jig!