Getting an ally block cut?

[edessex]

I've been researching raising the front end on the Astra for a while, and think I've settled on the best/safest option.

I'm thinking of fitting strut spacers, basically an inch thick slab of ally, that fits between the top of the strut and the mounting point. I'd have to drill the standard top mount studs out, and fit longer bolts, but it seems the beat option.

Is it worth me trying to cut it myself, shaping the outside with an angle grinder, using a holesaw on the middle, and drilling the bolt holes.

Or, will it be cheap to get a company to cut it for me?

 

[big e]

Imo it would be better to get an engineering firm to cut them for you, just give them the measurements..

 

[Brick Driver]

Rather then getting a bit of plate you could get a piece of round bar cut to width. A hole saw will take a while so it might be worth asking how much it will cost to get a hole put in. If you want to do the outside yourself use a grinder but only use sanding discs on alloy as normal grinding discs are really only for steel.
One thing you might need to watch is how much camber you end up with on the front. Once you go past a certain point you might need to lower the subframe or change the bottom arm mountings.

 

[edessex]

I figured an inch would be about the best, allowing that bit more height without messing the suspension up too much.

 

[FrostyWaffle]

ask em how much a aluminum body for the astra would cost while yer at it.

But a few holes cut doesn't cost much, here was about 70 eur for a custom watercooler block, had lots of little holes and fins shaped.

 

[Andy_Mk3]

Just one thing to point out, the strut tops aren't flat where they bolt up, they curve down.

 

[edessex]

I had a nasty feeling someone was going to come along and say that!

I need to source a spare top mount, and have a good look at it...