I am in the process of stiffening up the chassis on my t/a. I plan on racing at my local road course once that car is finished, and since I have t-tops I figured I have to add a roll bar. The only problem is, for most of the year, my car is a cruiser, andI would like to retain some ease of getting in and out of my front seats. Can anybody recommend a legal roll bar (8 pt) that still has easy access to the front seats? Thanks

 

do you have sub frame connectors? you can get bars/cages with swing out side bars. i think theyre actually just pinned on, so you could just take that bar out if thats the case

 

this is what I went with...


4 point "AutoPower" bolt in roll bar

 

that roll bar will not be legal to race with any sactioning body.

I would say to get the swing outs, that is going to be the easiest way to get in and out of the car. with a roll bar. especilay an 8point.

Personaly though, i would not drive a car on much on the streets with a full 8point cage in it. If you have ever seen what a roll bar will do to a head.

 

yeah....and I know that. I got it for show...I don't race...

 

Thus the reason i brought it up.

 

...do you actually plan on racing, in competition, with a sanctioning body or are you referring to an 'Open Track Event' where you go to learn how to drive fast on a road course?

If it's the former, you'll need to follow their governing rules or CCR's. If it's the latter, you don't need a rollbar for the driving schools. Not required, anyways. Covertibles, yes, T-Tops, no.

 

I plan on basically doing open tracks events, but I also might venture in to time trials. Has anybody in here installed a roll bar with removable side bars? I will pad the bar, so I dont have to worry about hitting my head. I really dont knwo what to do...

 

The kits w/ the swingout kits can be totally removed except for a little stub at the ends. The bottom just uses a bolt to hold it on and use as a hinge, and the top uses a pin to hold it closed. If both are removed it comes right out.

As far as padding the bar thats a good idea, but I have still heard that they can do some major damage even padded if you are not wearing a helmet(which I doubt you will on the street).

Ben

 

I really like the autopower bar but i don't think I will get it for that reason, it is to far forward.

 

I saw an autopower roll bar in a car today and it didn't look like it sits as far foward as the 1 in the pic above. I'll have to see if I can get a pic from the owner.

 

That is why the Snell approved helmets have to pass a roll-bar inpact test. where as the M-rated helmets don't. This is why quite a few of the sanctioning body's (NASA, SCCA) require SA-rated helmets in class where they also require roll cages. The point is, if you hit it, even with a helmet there is potential for alot of damage. You would be amazed how far the human body can stretch, under the 20+ G's of descelaration forces in a wreck.

 

So Basically, for the open track event and weekend cruiser car a roll bar, and the danger to my head it adds, really isnt worth it....

 

Its a choice you need to make. Either can be dangerous.

Running 150mph on a road course with no roll over protection is dangerous.

running a roll cage on the street with your noodle exposed is dangerous.

 

I see that Dewey and PF have both been participating in track events without a rollbar so is having the bar to contend with daily overkill?