Rollbar in C3 Convertible?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 698
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From: Stockholm Sweden
Rollbar in C3 Convertible?
Hi.
I just started the planning for fitting a rollbar in my C3 convertible.
Its not ment to be an FIA approved thing but it must be solid and properly built to make my life safer if "the **** hits the fan".
It would be nice if it also contained installation points for 2x proper 4-6point harnesses.
Since i sometimes do use my car with the top up it would be nice if the rollbar fitted undernieth the top.
However, theres not much room when the top is down and folded undernieth the lid..
Maybe a 4-point rollbar that is possible to bolt on during track events could be a solution..?
Has anyone got a rollbar on a C3 convertible and how is it constructed/installed?
All ideas input and pictures are more then welcome.
//Ricky.
I just started the planning for fitting a rollbar in my C3 convertible.
Its not ment to be an FIA approved thing but it must be solid and properly built to make my life safer if "the **** hits the fan".
It would be nice if it also contained installation points for 2x proper 4-6point harnesses.
Since i sometimes do use my car with the top up it would be nice if the rollbar fitted undernieth the top.
However, theres not much room when the top is down and folded undernieth the lid..
Maybe a 4-point rollbar that is possible to bolt on during track events could be a solution..?
Has anyone got a rollbar on a C3 convertible and how is it constructed/installed?
All ideas input and pictures are more then welcome.
//Ricky.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
If it fits inside of a T-top car, it would fit under the soft top. Your problem is that the soft top rear bow attaches to the deck lid, and the deck lid latches to the body right behind the doors. to fit that roll bar in a c3 vert, most of the deck lid would need to be removed, including attachment points.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 74
From: New Carlisle IN
I know it is possible to do. I have seen it on a few cars and they keep the convertible top and lid unmodified. My dad did it with a 65 convertible back in the 80s and I don't believe a C3 should be all that much different.
Here are a couple of pictures I have of a car driven by a guy I kow from Indy. Sorry, I don't have any closeup pictures.
Here are a couple of pictures I have of a car driven by a guy I kow from Indy. Sorry, I don't have any closeup pictures.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 698
Likes: 8
From: Stockholm Sweden
Thanks for your reply.
So then it is posably to get the rollbar undernieth the top.
You dont happend to have a couple of closer pictures of how its done undernieth the hatch?
//Ricky.
So then it is posably to get the rollbar undernieth the top.
You dont happend to have a couple of closer pictures of how its done undernieth the hatch?
//Ricky.
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Here's some pics of Snowman's *Bruiser*. He used the same guy that built the bar in my car and they are near identical designs. It's made out of moly which is lighter. The soft top goes up and down, the hard top fits and the side bars go up and clear both tops. That part is about as tricky as anything with the length of a Vette door opening and the small window area. The bar is bolted to stubs that are welded to the frame. The rear decks have to be notched a little. We tried all we could do to keep from cutting it, but to make the bar actually be functional as well as allow the tops to fit required the down bars to go at no more than this angle.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Stockholm Sweden
Thanks 427Hotrod!! 
That rollbar looks just perfekt!
You dont have a picture where one can see the rollbar and the lid a bit from top?
Sorry to ask so much , you see im stuck on my job offshore so im planning as much as i can before getting home to work on the car.
Nice looking car you have.
//Edit:
I now figured out it wasnt your car..
That rollbar looks just perfekt!
You dont have a picture where one can see the rollbar and the lid a bit from top?
Sorry to ask so much , you see im stuck on my job offshore so im planning as much as i can before getting home to work on the car.
Nice looking car you have.
//Edit:
I now figured out it wasnt your car..
Last edited by RickyBerg; May 25, 2011 at 11:08 PM.
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The C-3 is actually Doug Plette's. Doug built the car...I built the motor for it. My car is the '67.
Here's the only pics I have that might give you an idea. One is before the paint was shot.
JIM
Here's the only pics I have that might give you an idea. One is before the paint was shot.
JIM
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From: Stockholm Sweden
Im sorry, i havent been logged in for some time, now my rollbar is completed.
Appart from adding safety, it also definetly added a lot of stiffness to the frame.
Today i woldnt go to a track in a car without one..
This is how the rollbar for my car ended up.
Testing during construction.
This is the construction painted with epoxy primer (later completed with 2 component matte "satin black").
Appart from adding safety, it also definetly added a lot of stiffness to the frame.
Today i woldnt go to a track in a car without one..
This is how the rollbar for my car ended up.
Testing during construction.
This is the construction painted with epoxy primer (later completed with 2 component matte "satin black").
Last edited by RickyBerg; Oct 8, 2012 at 06:36 AM.
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From: Stockholm Sweden
I now have thees 2 rollbars in my garage, the straight one is for a coupe and the slightly bent one is for a convertible.
Those vill go on a 1969 427 coupe and a 1968 427 roadster.
Last edited by RickyBerg; Oct 8, 2012 at 06:27 AM.
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Congratulations...looks like you got it done!
The coupes are a little different and allow more leeway. Tha top going up and down and the rear deck is a little tricky.
Did you put sidebars in it?
JIM
The coupes are a little different and allow more leeway. Tha top going up and down and the rear deck is a little tricky.
Did you put sidebars in it?
JIM
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Stockholm Sweden
Thanks.
I havent put any sidebars in it yet, byt the car is undergoing constant development so i hope i get it done before spring.
Im planning on lose ones that bolts in when on the track.
I havent put any sidebars in it yet, byt the car is undergoing constant development so i hope i get it done before spring.
Im planning on lose ones that bolts in when on the track.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,495
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From: Blanco County, TX
Questions:
1) What diameter and wall thickness (or SCH or SDR) for the tubing? and why?
2) Am I correct that both of these cut the deck lid? I wonder if the rear support went down (on the same plane as the loop) to the harness crossbar, then angled rearward under the deck, would work?
3) Ricky, did you cut the glass in the rear storage area and weld directly to the frame?
4) 427HR, was a permanent side bar that attached higher on the loop and went down more steeply (45* or more) considered? If so, why wouldn't it work?
I will soon be in the process of considering this more seriously and appreciate any input. The lap belts in my 68 are un-nerving.
1) What diameter and wall thickness (or SCH or SDR) for the tubing? and why?
2) Am I correct that both of these cut the deck lid? I wonder if the rear support went down (on the same plane as the loop) to the harness crossbar, then angled rearward under the deck, would work?
3) Ricky, did you cut the glass in the rear storage area and weld directly to the frame?
4) 427HR, was a permanent side bar that attached higher on the loop and went down more steeply (45* or more) considered? If so, why wouldn't it work?
I will soon be in the process of considering this more seriously and appreciate any input. The lap belts in my 68 are un-nerving.