Author Topic: Roll Bar  (Read 4292 times)

Offline Carlwalski

  • C-C.com Expert
  • ********
  • Posts: 20672
Roll Bar
« on: December 10, 2006 - 09:36:31 PM »


I'm thinking about putting a roll bar in my 'Cuda but need your opinions first plus some questions.

I'll only look at getting one if I do go ahead and stroke the 340 (416ci), so, around the 500hp mark.
To me it is perhaps a "little" overkill for street/"strip" car but I like the look of it and it will tie in nicely with what I have in my mind as the end result. I'll hopefully get it down the track a few times but for me it's more about peace of mind knowing that if I do get wild or a little loose in the street, having a roll bar above me will help protect my noggin. I also have some US car tool sub frame connectors that will be installed.

What do you guys think? I  like the look of the one below as it's simple and has easy access in and out of the doors and even allows easy access to the rear seats. Is it a good one? Anyone know the brand or brands to get or avoid?

Thanks guys,
NZ
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
White, License Plate, 0A-5599
540ci Aluminium Hemi, F.A.S.T EFI
TF-727 Gear Vendor OD, Dana 60




Offline Jacksboys

  • Sr. Resident
  • ******
  • Posts: 5540
  • Here Since 08/28/06 GEORGIA
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2006 - 10:35:05 PM »
It would be good protection, but if you look at your pictures again, the backseat will not carry anyone easily.  There is a bar that runs at a 45 degree angle that would make access to the backseat a pain. 

I like the protection idea, but unless you are required to have it for your drag events, I would leave it out.  I would rather have the extra passenger room and less weight in the car.
1971 Dodge Challenger:  360/904/3.23
   
Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have. - Zig Ziglar

Offline Carlwalski

  • C-C.com Expert
  • ********
  • Posts: 20672
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2006 - 10:59:48 PM »


True, I didn't see that. Yeah, backseat passengers doesn't bother me.....it's really only a 2 person car on the best of days. Weight is a good point but I don't think it will factor too much with 500 odd ponies up front. May even help with traction, yes, no? I also didn't even click, there is roll bar and roll cage. I'm only after a roll cage.


Thanks for the input.  :cheers:
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
White, License Plate, 0A-5599
540ci Aluminium Hemi, F.A.S.T EFI
TF-727 Gear Vendor OD, Dana 60

Offline Jacksboys

  • Sr. Resident
  • ******
  • Posts: 5540
  • Here Since 08/28/06 GEORGIA
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2006 - 11:14:58 PM »
traction???  I am not sure how it will affect your traction, but it will not let the body flex much at all.  The roll bar on my Dart made the body real stiff.
1971 Dodge Challenger:  360/904/3.23
   
Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have. - Zig Ziglar

Offline Carlwalski

  • C-C.com Expert
  • ********
  • Posts: 20672
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #4 on: December 10, 2006 - 11:23:58 PM »


Part to do with weight/down-force. I know it's not situated at the back, not much at all, if any. Just like putting weight in your trunk. Stiffer body equals more traction too.  :) Still undecided....more peace of mind than anything.

Just, after the acid dip and prep now is the time to do these types of mods. :2thumbs:
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
White, License Plate, 0A-5599
540ci Aluminium Hemi, F.A.S.T EFI
TF-727 Gear Vendor OD, Dana 60

Offline torredcuda

  • Sr. Resident
  • ******
  • Posts: 6218
  • Epping NH joined 11/23/03
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2006 - 07:24:19 AM »
A rollcage won`t help your noggin unless you are strapped into a harness and wearing a helmet,otherwise your noggin will just be banging off the steel tubes.
Jeff
72 Barracuda 340/4spd  Torred
70 roadrunner 383/auto  In-Violet
70 Duster 360/auto drag car  (Petty Blue soon)
04 Ram 2500 5.7 Hemi

Offline moper

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 2368
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2006 - 10:25:20 AM »
You need to clarify a little. A roll bar is the main hoop (over your head) and two rear extending down tubes that mount to the frame rails. It give you protection from the roof caving in should you have an episode that rolls or inverts the car. What you pictured is a 6 pt bar. And it's useless as anything more than a roll bar, and adding weight. In a side impact, the hitting vehicle will ride up over that bar, and it sure wont keep you from flying out should the door open. Also, I cant see if it has the seat back/brace bar that runs (and supports) the two sides of the main hoop running behind the seat. That's the bar the belts get hooked to. The specs for most sacnctioning bodies is the main hoop must extend 2" higher than the top of you helmet, and the door bars must intersect the line between your shoulder and elbow in the driving position. It's been a few years, but I think that's how they write it. In any case, if you need to get in and out easy, use the swing out door bar kits. But truthfully, a well made custom roll bar will give a little benefit, and allow use of the back seat by smaller people. a custom cage menas more protection, but more cost and less usage of the rear of the car. Really you should ask yourself if you need the protection. If you want ballast, stick weight in the trunk.

Offline Carlwalski

  • C-C.com Expert
  • ********
  • Posts: 20672
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #7 on: December 11, 2006 - 03:13:06 PM »


Thanks guys, good input....after reading Mopaer's post I think I'm now leaning towards not putting one in.
I know to most and partially myself they can be an eyesore on what would be an otherwise premo car.

Hmmmmm......I think I may just leave it out as Moper said unless I drive around with a helmet on it's kind of pointless. Though not having the roof cave it is also good.

 :cheers:
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
White, License Plate, 0A-5599
540ci Aluminium Hemi, F.A.S.T EFI
TF-727 Gear Vendor OD, Dana 60

nivvy

  • Guest
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #8 on: December 11, 2006 - 04:24:18 PM »
How much weight does a roll bar add to your car...

Offline Carlwalski

  • C-C.com Expert
  • ********
  • Posts: 20672
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #9 on: December 11, 2006 - 04:39:44 PM »


Good question......? Rough guess depending on point system would be about 50-60lbs for the average 6 point?

 :dunno:
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
White, License Plate, 0A-5599
540ci Aluminium Hemi, F.A.S.T EFI
TF-727 Gear Vendor OD, Dana 60

Offline Chryco Psycho

  • Administrator
  • C-C.com Guru
  • *****
  • Posts: 36620
  • 70 Challenger R/T SE 70 tube Chassis Cuda now sold
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #10 on: December 11, 2006 - 05:08:39 PM »
60-75 lbs with spec tubing , the roll bar pictured is not legal the door bars have to no lower than 6" down from you shoulder
 spec is .135 wall tube , a cage is more involved than a simple roll bar , you need to use a 6" square plate above & below the floor pan to be legal as well

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline Carlwalski

  • C-C.com Expert
  • ********
  • Posts: 20672
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #11 on: December 11, 2006 - 05:11:50 PM »


Thanks Neil.  :thumbsup: So, basically, like anything involved in resto or modifying, do it right or not at all.
I'll leave the roll bars after the input and my searching. I was just curious was all.  :)


Thanks lads.  :cheers:
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
White, License Plate, 0A-5599
540ci Aluminium Hemi, F.A.S.T EFI
TF-727 Gear Vendor OD, Dana 60

Offline Chryco Psycho

  • Administrator
  • C-C.com Guru
  • *****
  • Posts: 36620
  • 70 Challenger R/T SE 70 tube Chassis Cuda now sold
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #12 on: December 11, 2006 - 05:16:25 PM »
 :2thumbs:

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline moper

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 2368
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #13 on: December 12, 2006 - 10:13:56 AM »
Yeah, some things just arent needed for a street car. I think the shipping weight for my Comp Engineering 8 pt cage kit was 151lbs total. That's with gussets, plates and the extra bars.

Offline Carlwalski

  • C-C.com Expert
  • ********
  • Posts: 20672
Re: Roll Bar
« Reply #14 on: December 12, 2006 - 10:52:50 AM »


Thanks Moper....yeah, I told my resto team not to worry and they were like "Yessssssss! What were you thinking!?" But, yeah, they respect my decisions and know that at the end of the day it's my car.  :)

Can't wait to get her back....she's going to be awesome. Just got her back from Dip stripping yesterday.  :bananasmi
« Last Edit: December 12, 2006 - 10:54:57 AM by NZ440R/T »
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
White, License Plate, 0A-5599
540ci Aluminium Hemi, F.A.S.T EFI
TF-727 Gear Vendor OD, Dana 60