You are right in that it is very important not to scratch or nick the torsion bar and since it isn't in the car we don't know if it is any good. What is even more important is that there is a "left" and "right" hand to torsion bars. If you were to put it on the wrong side you will also break it so to anyone who buys it be careful! (I'm bidding on it myself but I won't spend very much on it!) David Teitelbaum vin 10757