Rollbars!!

[CManT1914]

I just checked the website of the racetrack I race at, and they go by 2005 IHRA rules. That requires any vert to run a rollbar if running 13.99 or quicker. Needless to say, I am gonna be a little bit quicker than 13.99 next time out. I thought it was 12.99, but that doesn't really matter. I searched for rollbar threads, and all I found were pictures and stuff, no links. So here comes the question. Where is a good place to buy rollbars from, and do I need a certain one? Like do I need a 6pt, or will a 4pt work? Does it HAVE to be welded in? Or can I bolt it in? I need some ideas and stuff so I can start saving for one. I don't wanna get kicked out next time I run. Thanks guys!

 

[TrueBlue95GT]

I think they mean just a regular roll bar. Not a rollcage. You can get them from alot of body kit places online like ABC exclusives, mrbodykit.com, etc.

 

[CManT1914]

I think they mean just a regular roll bar. Not a rollcage. You can get them from alot of body kit places online like ABC exclusives, mrbodykit.com, etc.

I know, I said rollbar. But as far as I know, those "rollbars" made by CDC etc. are just for looks, and not acceptable as a safety feature. I think an actual rollbar is required.

 

[95COBRA241]

I thought it was also 12.99 for verts and 11.99 for others. Anyway attached is the shop I was dirested to by my engine builder. Hope it helps.

http://www.chassisengineering.com/rollbars.html

 

[95strokerPSU]

I believe maximum motorsports sell Autopoint roll bars, but shipping would probably be expensive. Might want to call some local performance shops and see what they can bring in. Or find a fab shop. I'm gonna take my car down to Delaware to a place called Rhodes Custom Auto, here's some pics of work they've done..

I like how the rear bars come back and to the outside as opposed to straight back.

 

[bimmertech]

I know, I said rollbar. But as far as I know, those "rollbars" made by CDC etc. are just for looks, and not acceptable as a safety feature. I think an actual rollbar is required.

that is correct, tech will laugh at you if you roll up with a styling bar and run hard. i got my 6pt from maximum motorsports, good stuff. it's in my coupe though, i don't think they make one for a vert. like mentioned above you could go with an autopower from maximum. just my preference, but the next cage i do will be a bolt in with reinforcement plates on the back side. i will bolt it in first then weld it in.

 

[Killercanary]

First off if you are serious about getting a LEGAL roll bar you need to buy a rule book as its all spelled out in there. But in a nut shell NHRA has required a roll bar in 'verts running quicker than 13.99 and coupes quicker than 11.99, and unless it changed for 2005 IHRA has always required them at 13.49 for 'verts and 11.49 for coupes. You need a main hoop, two support bars from the main hoop that head to the back of the car, a main hoop tie-in that runs behind the seats and acts as an attachment point for the 5pt harnesses that are also required, and at a minimum you need a driverside side impact bar that goes from the main hoop, crosses between the drivers shoulder and elbow, and proceeds down to the floorboard. There are specific tube wall thicknesses, bar placements, angles, etc that need to be followed for it to be legal.

Rhodes does some mighty fine work, I have seen the car in the above photo in person.

There are VERY FEW places that sell mail order roll bars for our year convertibles. I spoke with wild rides, wolfe, and a few others and no one made a bar for the convertibles.

Here's a link that I found that did in fact have them...

http://www.autoweldchassis.com/rbc.ivnu

 

[bjl95mustang]

Chris, did you not see mine in my car? It's an autopower with the hoop and brace.

 

[94CobraPace]

The NHRA changed the rules to 13.49 for verts & 11.49 for coupes, just like IHRA.

 

[CManT1914]

that is correct, tech will laugh at you if you roll up with a styling bar and run hard. i got my 6pt from maximum motorsports, good stuff. it's in my coupe though, i don't think they make one for a vert. like mentioned above you could go with an autopower from maximum. just my preference, but the next cage i do will be a bolt in with reinforcement plates on the back side. i will bolt it in first then weld it in.

Yea styling bar, I couldn't think of what they were called earlier. Those don't do JACK for safety.

Paul, thanks for the info. I'll look into that website and see what I can find.

Brandon, I did see yours, it looked real nice. I forgot where you told me you got from though. Was it somebody locally? Or did you install it yourself?

Anyway, I'm assuming these have to be welded in. So I'll probably be looking for somebody local that does them cus I can't weld.

 

[bjl95mustang]

I got mine used from a guy who got his from maximum motor sports. it's an autopower and it fits execlent. But after shopping it's going to cost you $500+

 

[88GTStreetRod]

http://www.ioportracing.com

 

[Killercanary]

I'm pretty darn sure that autopower does NOT make an NHRA legal roll bar. Look at this link, it even states that it is NOT NHRA legal...

http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=70278&Category_Code=AP271

Don95vert does have an autopower bar I believe that he had brought up to NHRA specs if memory serves me right, you may want to check with him.

 

[CManT1914]

So basically I can't get away with just a 4pt rollbar huh? It's gotta have the side bars that go down beside the front seats, and also the cross bar for the shoulder harness behind the front seats?

Something like this is what I need huh?
View attachment 504499

WTF?? They say here that the 5pt harness is required with a 6pt rollbar.

http://www.autoweldchassis.com/rbc.ivnu

 

[bjl95mustang]

I know mine is not legal. I need to have it welded on some and side bars installed.

 

[Killercanary]

So basically I can't get away with just a 4pt rollbar huh? It's gotta have the side bars that go down beside the front seats, and also the cross bar for the shoulder harness behind the front seats?

Something like this is what I need huh?
View attachment 504495

WTF?? They say here that the 5pt harness is required with a 6pt rollbar.

http://www.autoweldchassis.com/rbc.ivnu

Yep, you got it. Technically only a 5pt is needed (you don't HAVE to have the pass. side impact bar, but it looks funny without it and with it the body is strengthened even more. You will need the belts as well. Now you see why I never did it in my street car, you lose a lot of comfort and the backseat in doing so.

 

[CManT1914]

Yep, you got it. Technically only a 5pt is needed (you don't HAVE to have the pass. side impact bar, but it looks funny without it and with it the body is strengthened even more. You will need the belts as well. Now you see why I never did it in my street car, you lose a lot of comfort and the backseat in doing so.

I don't mind losing the backseat, I don't carry anybody back there anyway. I also don't mind the belts, as long as I can take them out whenever I'm not at the track. They would look kind of funny in a street car, lol.

 

[bjl95mustang]

I'm with chris on not needing the back seat. When I had one it only got me in trouble with the laidy friends. lol.