Quoted By:
OP here, so I tried to figure out a solution for the bottom bar and here's what I came up with-- while sticking to the original theme of the frame.
1) Problems
A: While a 4 way T at the center bottom would solve the issue of putting a straight bar at the center, a 4 way T joint is not a common part in hardware stores, or as far as I know, in a jobsite dumpster. Plus this wouldn't protect against front-flex when you tighten the kidney belt
B: If I use a heat gun, while its not a skilled-power tool, it isn't a "no power tools" build, same thing with a hair dryer which also would work.
Solution)
While the Volksframe works fine with a straight bottom bar, I can give some clearance and make it more comfortable by forming the bottom C Part bar which connects the frame up front. If I heat it and bend it, the bar will still be there to provide support for the frame for durability, and it gives a tiny bit of room for the kidney belt to better contour to your lower back.
What I did was I took the frame into the 3 pieces, and had the bottom part. I lit the smallest burner on the stove (which means this can also be done with a small fire outside) and held the center bar maybe 7+ inches above the flame for 3 minutes. Afterwards I pressed inwards with a bat to form it and set the new shape with cold water.
You can see the contour in picrel. It's not a giant difference, but it doesn't jab as hard into your lower back without a kidney belt now, and I expect the belt too will be able to form better.
