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I want to install a roll bar, not a full roll cage, on my 69 convertible that will still allow me to use the soft top. I can't find a ready made unit, or anyone local in Los Angeles to build one. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in ladvance.
You can try Guldstrand in the LA area or Autopower in San Diego. Every "roll bar" I have ever seen required the deck lid to be notched for the rearward bars...something you probably don`t want to do.
...redvetracr
Every "roll bar" I have ever seen required the deck lid to be notched for the rearward bars...something you probably don`t want to do.
...redvetracr
You mean every FUNCTIONAL roll bar....there are twin bars, one for each passanger and driver, that are installed just for looks....hate to rely on those for rollover protection....
I got a 6-point rollbar in my '68 Vert that is NHRA legal and allows the operation of the convertible top...
This custom rollbar is made from lightweight chromoly and only cost me $850 (would've been $700 without the swing out kit).
It was built and installed by a local race car builder (Tampa Bay area)
I assume you want this to be race legal. The problem I have is that I am tall (6'-1") and all the designs I have seen that clear the top are too far forward, or for looks only. My seat needs to be ALL the way back and it's still not enough. My plan is to use a removeable bar (Norval's design) that my club has already approved (pending a final tech). It requires a second cutout hatch (with the entire top removed) to clear the bar once it's bolted down. I can bolt the fabric top back in if I want (in the up position) or use the hardtop.
My goal is to make it track ready, but not destroy the originality any more than needed. With the bar out, all I'll have is four stand-off pads just above the carpet that I will make carpet covers for. I retain all the original top stuff and the original hatch.
I'd look a bit harder in your area for a fabricator. L.A. is huge, dude!
I assume you want this to be race legal. The problem I have is that I am tall (6'-1") and all the designs I have seen that clear the top are too far forward, or for looks only. My seat needs to be ALL the way back and it's still not enough. My plan is to use a removeable bar (Norval's design) that my club has already approved (pending a final tech). It requires a second cutout hatch (with the entire top removed) to clear the bar once it's bolted down. I can bolt the fabric top back in if I want (in the up position) or use the hardtop.
My goal is to make it track ready, but not destroy the originality any more than needed. With the bar out, all I'll have is four stand-off pads just above the carpet that I will make carpet covers for. I retain all the original top stuff and the original hatch.
I'd look a bit harder in your area for a fabricator. L.A. is huge, dude!
Hans
True, the seat is mounted a few inches forward to allow the convertible top to clear!!
Seat position is my biggest gripe with this car. That's a nice job they did on yours, and I'm hoping my guy (in Sacramento) does as nice a job. His specialty is cages (mostly local NASCAR legal short-track stuff), so it should be fine. Mine will be slightly different in that it it'll have one cross-brace behind the seat (for belts), and another angled down and back from behind and above the driver, across to the rear lower attatching plate. Haven't discussed price yet, but I'm hoping for under a grand. Ouch!
Seat position is my biggest gripe with this car. That's a nice job they did on yours, and I'm hoping my guy (in Sacramento) does as nice a job. His specialty is cages (mostly local NASCAR legal short-track stuff), so it should be fine. Mine will be slightly different in that it it'll have one cross-brace behind the seat (for belts), and another angled down and back from behind and above the driver, across to the rear lower attatching plate. Haven't discussed price yet, but I'm hoping for under a grand. Ouch!
Hans
Should be under a grand... If I would've gone with mild steel, mine would've been $650 (with the swing outs) or $500 without...
is that mexican labor or what. It cost me 250 just for material and a crap load of time to put mine in.
Florida
Material was over $300 (with the swing out kit) and labor was about $550... If it took 10 hours of work, that's $55/hour...
This guy builds complete race cars (including the frame)..
L & K Racecars
Address: 2121 2nd Ave S, St Petersburg, FL 33712
Phone: (727) 821-1242