There have been a few requests for roll bar/ cage pictures, well today I finally got around to welding in the side bars in my car. I am planning to paint all the bars blue to match the exterior, hopefully by the end of the week. While the interior is out, I am going to replace the carpet, weatherstripping, etc. All the plastics need cleaning too, then it will go back together.I also am going to need to make some custom door panels, I removed the armrests to make way for the bars (I have the bars also that would go around the rests, but I have broad shoulders and need all the space I can get, so they were not used) For now, here are a few shots for those interested.

 

Pictures...

 

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Wow, the pictures make my welds look pretty nasty... trust me, they are not bad... There is a man who used to do NHRA certifications that comes into our shop now and then, he was in today and says they will pass with ease.

 

not to be mean or anything but u could have use some more heat on those welds (more voltage). but all in all it looks pretty sweet

 

I am NHRA certified tech, and you have nothing to worry about. I have seen much much uglier welds on super stock cars. You did a fine job with that bar, welds and all.

Good work, and a beautiful car to match.

 

RU-Qwik~ i am guessing that your tranny is not a t5? it cant be with the motor you have, i recall seeing pics of it awhile ago and it sounded pretty built, what kind of clutch are you using to back up the HP that motor is putting out?

 

welds look good to me , what did you use to weld? (tig,mig,arc,etc.) and what kinda metal are the bars? was it a kit? how hard was it to weld them up? sorry for all the questions, i'm looking into a 10 pt. and want to know if this is a project that i could do in my yard, nothing like lighting up the street at 2 am

 

Thanks guys... Yes, it is a T-5 , it is a non world class with about 375,000 miles on it!! :hail: Anyways, I don't hammer on the trans too bad, drive the **** out of the car, yes, but I also try to preserve the tranny. I am using a Centerforce dual friction clutch and it seems to be good. There is an issue with the trans. right now and that it does not want to shift at the upper rpm's. I am going to be putting a new tranny in within the next few months, then hopefully I can get some good runs at the track and see what the car is capable of. I ran an 11.97 @ 120 on a G-tech, that was the only time I have cared less about the trans and thrashed it.

As for the welds, I used a mig to do it. I am far from a pro welder, but the job is done and it is more than strong enough. The roll bar kit is an S&W that I modified a little bit. I have a shop to do all my work in with all the proper tools and equipment , I doubt I would try doing this in the driveway, unless you are certain that the car perfectly level. Once the cage is welded in, that is the shape it will stay...period. I think it was easy though as a whole and would tell anyone with the abilities to do it themselves. Just take your time and don't rush anything, no shortcuts, and don't settle for an OK fit. Any other questions, feel free to ask.....

 

I have a question actually, for an NHRA cetificate, do the welds need to be exposed like they are right now, or is it ok to put a little bondo over them to get it totally smooth , then paint them? I want it legal, but also to look 100% too. I could wait for the paint until I get a cert if needed.

 

I'm a symmetrical kinda guy......What's up with one cloth seat and one leather one.....
How do you close the door with no arm rests?.........and also why don't you get the door panels recovered??

Just wondering not trying to flame....

 

Here are a few more pictures that I have posted...


https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=147461

 

The seat cover is on there to cover up a slight tear, just did not want it to get worse. There are no speakers at all in the car, nor any stereo. I never listened to it, so I gave it to my mother... And closing the doors... well, if you just grab the upper part of the door, you can pull it closed. As for new door panels, they will be made, give me a chance, the side bars were just welded in yesterday

 

should be one helluva a car once it's finished.....

 

how did you mount the bars to the body? and how are you going to paint inside the car, tape and news paper everything?

 

NHRA requires the use of plates when welding a roll bar to a unibody vehicle. The plates are either 6x6 or 8x8 , I don't remember, just put them in and welded away. 6x6 is it I am almost sure.... Anyways, yes, taping and masking the car off is going to be a chore, but well worth it to me in the long run. I want it to be show worthy in between races...

 

nice...

 

Sorry, but you aren't going to be able to put the bondo over the welds. You may get away with it since it isn't a 9 second car requiring a full cage and certification, but don't risk it. If you put bondo on, you will have to sand the welds, and that is a no no.

When I did my bar, it took longer to tape off, paint, and remove the tape than t did to weld it in. I would recommend a good coat of primer before paint, too.

And no matter what, it will get chipped climbing in and out....