Convertible light bar
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5
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From: Chicago,IL
Car: 1991 L98 Convertible RS
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.24
Convertible light bar
Just wondering if anyone has installed the Hawks convertible light bar on their car, and if you have any pics or comments about it. I want to make sure it's ok before I order one.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Chicago,IL
Car: 1991 L98 Convertible RS
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.24
I know too bad it's only cosmetic, but I personally like the look. Just wanted to see if anyone has installed one, and if they had any comments, or pics.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 656
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From: Northglenn, CO, USA
Car: 91' Z28
Engine: 355-Supercharged
Transmission: 700R4
Id like to buy one, even for asthetics, but there's no way im paying what hawks wants for somthing thats not functional, 500 bucks for plastic is just insane....
Junior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 22
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From: Social Circle, GA
Car: 1991 Trans AM Convertible
Engine: 305
Transmission: manual 5 speed
I have one on my 91 ta and it is great and really does light up. ALso not plastic it is leather over metal. The look is awesome. go to car pictures and photos at CarDomain.com
and you can see mine in the pics in the updates.
and you can see mine in the pics in the updates.
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From: Detroit, MI
Car: 1991 Z28 Vert
Engine: LT1 350
Transmission: T56 6 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 LSD
That light bars looks A-1 on the bird. I just wanted to know if you can put the top up with no problems? How easy is it to install?
Thanks,
Jay
Thanks,
Jay
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 656
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From: Northglenn, CO, USA
Car: 91' Z28
Engine: 355-Supercharged
Transmission: 700R4
ALso not plastic it is leather over metal.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 25
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From: Minnesota
Car: 87 iroc droptop
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: 700 r4
Axle/Gears: 373
i just bought mine last sept.05 and had it installed by my body shop, it is one of the best aftermarket options to dress up the car, and the third brake lights up the whole rear of the car and sits under the top invisible till you drop the top, go to my car club site. north star camaro club of minnesota look for chris williams pics
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 74
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From: Lincoln, NE
Car: 1990 Camaro Iroc-Z Convertible
Engine: 305
Transmission: Automatic
I agree with everyone, this is a great product for the 'birds. The bar is very proportional with lines from the nose of the car. I'm not sure if it would look as good on the camaros
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 646
Likes: 14
From: LONG ISLAND, NY
Car: 1991 camaro rs convertible
Engine: Built ls1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Convertible light bar
I purchased the Light bar when Hawks first came out with them and installed it on my camaro. Yeah the price is a little high but i think it is worth it and it makes it very unique because there arent many out there. It took me about 4 hours to install it, it wasnt difficult and the instructions were very easy to follow and like the other people said, it is not plastic its metal wrapped in leather and it gets bolted to the body of the car so it isnt at all flimsey when installed.
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Posts: 202
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From: Houston
Car: 91 z28 convertible
Engine: 305
Transmission: 5 speed
Re: Convertible light bar
I purchased the Light bar when Hawks first came out with them and installed it on my camaro. Yeah the price is a little high but i think it is worth it and it makes it very unique because there arent many out there. It took me about 4 hours to install it, it wasnt difficult and the instructions were very easy to follow and like the other people said, it is not plastic its metal wrapped in leather and it gets bolted to the body of the car so it isnt at all flimsey when installed.
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 646
Likes: 14
From: LONG ISLAND, NY
Car: 1991 camaro rs convertible
Engine: Built ls1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Convertible light bar
file://027_0A
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disregard that attachment, its not going to open. im working on getting some better pictures of the light bar for you
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Last edited by camarorsssss; May 1, 2007 at 10:01 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 646
Likes: 14
From: LONG ISLAND, NY
Car: 1991 camaro rs convertible
Engine: Built ls1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Convertible light bar
[img]C:\Documents and Settings\BEAU\My Documents\My Pictures\Kodak Pictures\2006-09-04\027_0A.JPG[img]
Last edited by camarorsssss; May 2, 2007 at 05:30 PM.
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 4
From: Killam, AB
Car: 1989 IrocZ Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5 - 5 Speed Standard
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Convertible light bar
Images must have a web link (url address) to be displayed. In otherwords, pics need to be uploaded to another website (like an online file/pic storage site), and then linked too. Then they will be displayed here.
Files stored on our personal hard drives do not have url addresses (thank goodness
)!
I've seen some people install the light bar and then add a mesh screen to the inside of it (or a clear piece of Lexan). This almost totally stops the wind that seems to blow forward into the cab (makes your hair fly at the windshield even though you're sitting behind it!!!). The ride is very calm and quiet. Quite amazing actually!
Files stored on our personal hard drives do not have url addresses (thank goodness
)!I've seen some people install the light bar and then add a mesh screen to the inside of it (or a clear piece of Lexan). This almost totally stops the wind that seems to blow forward into the cab (makes your hair fly at the windshield even though you're sitting behind it!!!). The ride is very calm and quiet. Quite amazing actually!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Car: 87 iroc droptop
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: 700 r4
Axle/Gears: 373
Re: Convertible light bar
i bought one, it's LEATHER for all those concerned and has a 12 in led light in back bright red, go to the northstar camaro club of minnesota, to members chris l williams to see mine, i think you will be impressed, they put pride in their work
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 519
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From: SoCal 909
Car: 91 RS vert/ 89 iroc vert
Engine: 305 TBI/305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4Xtwo
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt non-pos. B/W 9 bolt pos
Re: Convertible light bar
is hawks the only distributor of the light bar or are there others ?
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Posts: 174
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From: Kettering, Ohio
Car: 1988 Iroc convertible
Engine: 305TPI
Transmission: T-5, swapped it in.
Axle/Gears: no clue, but I'll learn
Re: Convertible light bar
anyone watch "Muscle Car" on powerblock TV? They have one on the bird they're fixing up for Year One.
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 733
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From: jackson new jersey
Car: 1991 camaro vert
Engine: ls1 soon
Transmission: t56 soon
Axle/Gears: moser 12bolt 4.10 soon!
Re: Convertible light bar
thats because yearone can afford anything they want to put on a car.... wish i was that lucky
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: SoCal 909
Car: 91 RS vert/ 89 iroc vert
Engine: 305 TBI/305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4Xtwo
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt non-pos. B/W 9 bolt pos
Re: Convertible light bar
actually the guys at musclecar built it but don’t have the time or patience to build one so are there any inexpensive once out here??
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
From: Okinawa Japan
Car: 91 TA GTA, 88 Camaro Covnvertible
Engine: TA 350 Supercharged, Camaro 350
Transmission: TA 700R-4, Camaro T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi in both cars
Re: Convertible light bar
does anyone know where i can find a convertible light bar for my 88 camaro convertible?
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 4
From: Killam, AB
Car: 1989 IrocZ Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5 - 5 Speed Standard
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Convertible light bar
This is the only place I know of . . . http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/se...se&category=76 . . . as mentioned a few times above. However, it looks like they are out of stock. Might need to give them a call and find out when/if they are available again.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
From: Okinawa Japan
Car: 91 TA GTA, 88 Camaro Covnvertible
Engine: TA 350 Supercharged, Camaro 350
Transmission: TA 700R-4, Camaro T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi in both cars
Re: Convertible light bar
This is the only place I know of . . . http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/se...se&category=76 . . . as mentioned a few times above. However, it looks like they are out of stock. Might need to give them a call and find out when/if they are available again.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
From: Okinawa Japan
Car: 91 TA GTA, 88 Camaro Covnvertible
Engine: TA 350 Supercharged, Camaro 350
Transmission: TA 700R-4, Camaro T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi in both cars
Re: Convertible light bar
Does anyone know the measurements for the inside of a 4th Gen convertible compared to a 3rd gen? I want to know if a 4th Gen light bar could be modified to fit a 3rd Gen?
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 8
From: West of Toronto
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: Convertible light bar
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 5,964
Likes: 37
From: Hacienda Heights, CA
Car: 90 RS 'Vert, 88 IROC-Z, 88 Firebird
Engine: 305 ci tbi, 305 ci tpi, 350 ci tpi
Transmission: WC-T5, WC-T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.27, 3.27
Re: Convertible light bar
A customer called me today about the light bar seeking my help in finding it. Both Hawks Thirdgen and F-Body Motorsports had one of their design at the G8 show I attended in Atlanta GA roughly 6 ys ago. Bruce Hawkins called me later this afternoon and I asked if they were still available. I was told it is no longer a stock item, but they can build it to order if you want it. Of course the price would be higher than if they were built as a lot batch.
Lon
Lon
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
From: Okinawa Japan
Car: 91 TA GTA, 88 Camaro Covnvertible
Engine: TA 350 Supercharged, Camaro 350
Transmission: TA 700R-4, Camaro T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi in both cars
Re: Convertible light bar
A customer called me today about the light bar seeking my help in finding it. Both Hawks Thirdgen and F-Body Motorsports had one of their design at the G8 show I attended in Atlanta GA roughly 6 ys ago. Bruce Hawkins called me later this afternoon and I asked if they were still available. I was told it is no longer a stock item, but they can build it to order if you want it. Of course the price would be higher than if they were built as a lot batch.
Lon
Lon
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 5,964
Likes: 37
From: Hacienda Heights, CA
Car: 90 RS 'Vert, 88 IROC-Z, 88 Firebird
Engine: 305 ci tbi, 305 ci tpi, 350 ci tpi
Transmission: WC-T5, WC-T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.27, 3.27
Re: Convertible light bar
That would be a question to ask of Hawks Thirdgen.
Lon
Lon
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 4
From: Killam, AB
Car: 1989 IrocZ Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5 - 5 Speed Standard
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Convertible light bar
. . .

This car is currently for sale . . .
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=287730847
Re: Convertible light bar
Man, i haven't posted here in awhile but this thread sparked an interest. I run the hawks lightbar and love it..too bad its a discontinued item but its the same as the 4th gen one..mounting tabs are probably a bit different though...not sure if another manufacturer makes them too. Up/down on top is fine, third brake ligt easy to wire in w/enough wire run...awesome item that i think makes the car. gt500 wouldn't look as good w/o that rollbar back in the day and the same can be said about this piece imo.
Re: Convertible light bar
^ I do believe it was manufactured by hawks for both the 3/4th gens. I've seen the exact 1 as mine on a 4th gen. If there is any change whatsoever, it would be do the mounting tabs that affix to the seatbelt bolts on either side of the sailpanels. Personally, i think it would fit w/o any modifications as both generations were very similiar in width and this piece has some flexibility to the mounting tabs to acct for this.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 859
Likes: 5
From: Birmingham Alabama
Car: 1991 Firebird convertible
Engine: LQ4 ls 6.0
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 342 Limited slip
Re: Convertible light bar
I made mine it is a real roll bar it is welded in to the frame rail and is a 4 point it cost me 21.00 bucks to make if you dont have a bender to bend the pipe you can go to a fab shop and they will bend it for you
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,109
Likes: 25
From: Tacoma, Wa
Car: '91 TA vert
Engine: turboLSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Convertible light bar
Sounds cool. How did you attach a brake light to it? Does your light illuminate when the top is up or is there some switch that turns it off? How are the wires routed? Pictures?
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
From: Okinawa Japan
Car: 91 TA GTA, 88 Camaro Covnvertible
Engine: TA 350 Supercharged, Camaro 350
Transmission: TA 700R-4, Camaro T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi in both cars
Re: Convertible light bar
i got tired of not being able to find a light bar for my car. so i finally made one of my own
its amazing what you can do with trip to the local hardware store and some stainless pipe. took me about two hours to build. pretty sturdy too!
its amazing what you can do with trip to the local hardware store and some stainless pipe. took me about two hours to build. pretty sturdy too!Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
From: Okinawa Japan
Car: 91 TA GTA, 88 Camaro Covnvertible
Engine: TA 350 Supercharged, Camaro 350
Transmission: TA 700R-4, Camaro T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi in both cars
Re: Convertible light bar
sure. the mounting was pretty simple. its only for looks, so i wasnt really worried about strength on the mounting points. i pulled the side panels out and used a nut and bolt, and a large washer about the size of a golf ball so it would not pull through the plastic. the same is done for the back part as well. later on, i plan on welding some metal brackets inside for more stability. the bottom is currently just sitting on the carpet, i plan on welding in some brackets later for it to bolt to. even without metal brackets, the thing doesnt move at all. its strong enough for me to sit on, and i weigh about 200 lbs.
because i went all the way out to the sides, there is enough clearance for both the front and back seats to lay down all the way.


because i went all the way out to the sides, there is enough clearance for both the front and back seats to lay down all the way.

Last edited by ken0hki; Jul 25, 2011 at 12:48 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
From: Okinawa Japan
Car: 91 TA GTA, 88 Camaro Covnvertible
Engine: TA 350 Supercharged, Camaro 350
Transmission: TA 700R-4, Camaro T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi in both cars
Re: Convertible light bar
the roof clearance is pretty good too. its less than an inch to the top, but doesnt touch at all.

Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
From: Okinawa Japan
Car: 91 TA GTA, 88 Camaro Covnvertible
Engine: TA 350 Supercharged, Camaro 350
Transmission: TA 700R-4, Camaro T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi in both cars
Re: Convertible light bar
by the way everyone, this is just a prototype. now that i have the measurements i need, i plan on remaking the main bar as one solid piece to make it even stronger. i will have it done with a pipe bender, so the corners will be more rounded and solid.
here are some more photos


here are some more photos
Last edited by ken0hki; Jul 26, 2011 at 08:24 PM. Reason: added photos
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Wyoming, Mi
Car: 89 Camaro RS Convertible
Engine: 355 chevy power
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Axle/Gears: standard
Re: Convertible light bar
heh just noticed the gtamaro. it confused me for a minute that you had pontiac covers on the corners..





