PJx5x said:
I have one on my 97 vert and it is definetly just for show and not protection.
It's very similar to the 68 style.
That said, I've often thought that somebody ought to take an NHRA approved rollbar and simply cover it like the light-bar is done, getting the best of both worlds.
As it is now, I can't run the 97 on a 1/4 mile strip because it runs quick enough to require a rollbar but I'm not willing to give up the good looks of the light bar.
What do you think Reen....maybe you could be the first to do this?
Joe
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I think convertibles should be flat.
I've never liked the look of roll bars on convertibles - that flat line with just the windshield sticking up is more my style - but I can respect the need for one on the track.
I'd love to hear some discussion on if there is ANY way to make a bolt-in roll bar actually functional. (meaning, if the car rolls, it doesn't just rip out of the frame)
I've never liked the look of roll bars on convertibles - that flat line with just the windshield sticking up is more my style - but I can respect the need for one on the track.
I'd love to hear some discussion on if there is ANY way to make a bolt-in roll bar actually functional. (meaning, if the car rolls, it doesn't just rip out of the frame)
Is there a way to reinforce the Shelby roll bar with two extra bars that are hidden by the quarter trim panels? The geometry would not be as strong as the four-point pictured but it would be an improvement. What are the NHRA regs on the angles/length of the cross bars of a four-point roll bar?
bolt-in passes regs?
so does the bolt-in pass NHRA regs, for example? Do the bolts go all the way through the frame?
I imagine a bolt-in that were strong enough to work for its' intended purpose would have to have a reinforcement sleeve that wrapped all the way around the frame member in question to prevent bolts ripping out. Of course, the roll bar is one upgrade you never want to actually need . . .
chepsk8 said:
so does the bolt-in pass NHRA regs, for example? Do the bolts go all the way through the frame?
I imagine a bolt-in that were strong enough to work for its' intended purpose would have to have a reinforcement sleeve that wrapped all the way around the frame member in question to prevent bolts ripping out. Of course, the roll bar is one upgrade you never want to actually need . . .
Are you looking at the 4-point from AutoPower? That's what I have in my 67vert, and I agree with those who say it ruins the lines of the car. But aesthetics had to take a back seat to safety and performance for me when I made that decision. For that reason (safety over aesthetics) I say do the 4-point. Also, if you are going to have it padded be carefull around the rear quarter area, the top mechanism gets a little close to the bar which is moved inwards considerably compared to the coupe/fastback version of the same bar. it is not impossible but you're gonna want some thin padding on the outside of the bar back there.
Other than passenger safety the other reason to get the 4-point is for performance. These 40-year old verts have a lot of flex in them. I know you have SFCs but they still aint gonna tie the chassis together enough without a stout 4-point (or better) up top.
Are you going to have a functional back seat? If not do the cross-bar, they also makes your safety belt setup much easier and more effective. I am not using one and would like to use a 67 shelby style shoulder-belt setup, but cannot find the retractors. Branda told me that there's some guy that makes his own and sells on eGay for ~$550 but I've not seen them or him. Might be another project you can get into and sell, the hobby definitely needs one if you ask me, even though they'd be low volume.
Other than passenger safety the other reason to get the 4-point is for performance. These 40-year old verts have a lot of flex in them. I know you have SFCs but they still aint gonna tie the chassis together enough without a stout 4-point (or better) up top.
Are you going to have a functional back seat? If not do the cross-bar, they also makes your safety belt setup much easier and more effective. I am not using one and would like to use a 67 shelby style shoulder-belt setup, but cannot find the retractors. Branda told me that there's some guy that makes his own and sells on eGay for ~$550 but I've not seen them or him. Might be another project you can get into and sell, the hobby definitely needs one if you ask me, even though they'd be low volume.
My bar was made by a Race Car Shop that did NHRA work. It was a bolt-through, with plates on the bottom of the tubes, and matching plates that went under the frame, so a sandwich was made, and aircraft quality fasteners to bolt everything together, 4 per plate. According to the shop at that time, NHRA legal. I was considering fron tubes from the mid-point forwards to help brace the car, but never did, as they restrict access. It was a heavy bar, I remember that! It also made the original back seat un-useable, so I build a shelf & back with speakers to replace it, making that convertible a roadster.
Remember, that was back in 1983, and today, the rules are so much more complex. To be NHRA legal today, probably a cage is needed.
Remember, that was back in 1983, and today, the rules are so much more complex. To be NHRA legal today, probably a cage is needed.
A 4-point meets NHRA regs depending on how fast you go
IIRC to break under the 13s you need a 4-point and to break 12s you need a cage. But they've got to be REALLY thick, kind of like the ones used in NASCAR.
I think your comment about the times changing are correct, probably has more to do with lawyers than anything. The bar I have even says it is not intended to be used as a safety device...LOL. Everything has a disclaimer on it these days, like the screwdriver that has a safety warning about not poking it into your eye!
IIRC to break under the 13s you need a 4-point and to break 12s you need a cage. But they've got to be REALLY thick, kind of like the ones used in NASCAR.
I think your comment about the times changing are correct, probably has more to do with lawyers than anything. The bar I have even says it is not intended to be used as a safety device...LOL. Everything has a disclaimer on it these days, like the screwdriver that has a safety warning about not poking it into your eye!