Roll bar and seat belts

[bishop1911]

I have been giving more and more thought to the roll bar and whether to install it or not. My thoughts were initially not to because I didn't think I would need it. But I also have another thought on seat belts and whether or not I should just stick with the original belts (what my plan currently is) or whether I should go to a 3 point, or possibly a roll bar and a harness. Mind you, I don't feel that concerned because I don't drive nuts and will not take unnecessary risks and I would try to mostly drive this car when others are not on the road. Of course there is the inevitable, but I have not been in an accident for a very long time for a reason, I am overly cautious and careful. Anyway, I know we cannot predict others, but I would never "rev" it up unless others were not around, and obviously would never take the car out in anything but perfect weather. Anyway, I would like some feedback on what others think and have done. I am including 2 links below, one with a 3 point belt, the other is a roll bar. If anyone has any thoughts on those I would like to know. Also, if you weld a roll bar in place, what about the headliner? Thanks guys.

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy01.asp?T1=RB12+01&Category=&catkey=emustang

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy01.asp?T1=300BELTBLK+01&Category=&catkey=emustang

Jon

 

[67 Evil Eleanor]

I personally like the 3 point. This will prevent windshield starburst and lessen the likelyhood of more serious head and neck injurys. ROPs will help if you flip. Both are good ideas. I have also read some stuff on the old steering columes. Not sure what year they changed them to a collaspible unit. May be something else to look at. As far as the seatbelts, I can remember only unbuckeling about three or four out of the last hundred or so fatal accidents I worked (as a Paramedic). They really do work. Now if someone could only do something about all these cell head drivers. Last week I was ran out of the road three times by these people with one of those things stuck in their ear. Well, anyway, I think both are good ideas.

 

[Edbert]

First thing I'd like to add is that driving carefully is good advice but does not mean you can't or won't be involved in a serious accident. Always plan and design for the worst case if you are thinking about safety, you have more to fear from those around you than youself IMHO.

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Ford changed to collaspsible steering columns in the middle of the 67 model year, actual dates vary a little from factory to factory. So early 67s have the same 1-peice as 65-66s did. I retrofitted a collapsible from a 68 into my early 67.

Rollbars will help in a rollover, but pay attention to the disclaimers on all the commercially available ones...they are not designed as safety devices...LOL. All that means is they do not meet SFI and/or DOT certifications. Of course the "rollbars" on the newer SN95/SN197 Mustangs are called "lightbars" by Ford for the same reason.

I have a welded in 4-point from AutoPower because my car is a vert and that bar is better than nothing in the event of a rollover. But also they will do as much or more to stiffen the chassis than SFCs will, even more important in a vert if you ask me.

I have a set of 4-point harnesses from Corbeau too. I think I'm going to bolt them to the floor since my "rollbar" does not have the crossbar (I want the backseat to have some use and not be a deathtrap for rear passengers). My original intent was to do the 67/68 Shelby thing and have them go to the top bar but some track type guys told me they almost useless for safety that way, the mounting pioint for shoulder straps needs to be at or below shoulder height they say.

 

[red65]

I found these threads at corner-carvers.com to be informative on the subject. I decided not to install one based on what's there, but you make your own decision.

http://corner-carvers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14061

http://forums.corner-carvers.com/showthread.php?t=20586&highlight=roll+bar

 

[67 Evil Eleanor]

As far as the bar, I think something is surely better that nothing. Can't remember looking at one without some type of disclaimer. I have two verts, and when I drive them the thought of rollover is always on my mind. I plan to install a bar in one, but I'm going to look at a 4 point first. I agree the Shelby type would'nt do much in a flip and scoot besides fold over. Yes, its usually the other person you have to worry about.

 

[95CobraStang]

FYI- for those installing/thinking of installing a 4pt roll bar and 3pt seatbelts in a coupe, install the roll bar first!!! Then figure out the seatbelt placement. I found out the hard way. Now my thinking cap is on.

 

[TOM B]

I installed a 4 point in my 65 covert and welded in bungs to mount my seat belts. works great, see it at car domain, click on the link below.

 

[jikelly]

Tom I really like your stang. It looks really nice. Can I have it? sorry, had to ask. Anyway how much was your roll bar install, is it welded in or bolted in, and do you still allow people to sit in the back seats?

I read a really huge long thing about the danger to passengers in the back of cars with roll bars. Head hit bar, Head come off. Dude you got blood on the carpet how am I going to get that out?

Alright I'll stop being goofy. I am considering making this modification to my stang because I want sholder belts and haven't figured out how to properly mount it without adding a roll bar. Any ideas?