Roll bar and seat belts

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.

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.

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

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.

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.