Roll Bar for 68 Convertable
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 424
Likes: 2
Roll Bar for 68 Convertable
I have a 68 convertable and am in the process of completing a mechanical roller 383 with 195 AFR heads. I have for a long time thought about installing a Roll Bar for safety and frame stiffening. What is required for Track use? What works for the Street? I don't want to wear a helmet every time I get into the car.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 3
From: Canberra AUSTRALIA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Do a search on roll bar, roll cage etc. There are a couple of guys running them. It is not a SIMPLE job to install one in a C3. More complicated by the decklid and your height. If you are short it should not be an issue. If you are over 6 foot then you will be at least cutting slots into the deck. I have some photos of a race car at carlisle that had a full roll cage if you are interest. That was a FULL roll cage and I wouldn't reccommend it for the street.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
I've looked into this a lot. Most of the track organizations require an SCCA or NHRA approved bar to participate. I'm not sure if this means it has to be commercial (pre-manufactured) or just made to a certain standard but I suspect the latter. This would include 4 or 6 point attaching to the frame, made with chrome moly tube, etc... This style typically requires eliminating the convertible top and cutting the deck lid, but affords maximum protection. I did see one exception to this in a '69, but it only worked because the owner/driver was VERY short, and he was able to mount the bar well forward between the seats and the deck, and he was still able to use the top.
There are cosmetic double hoop chrome bars out there, but they typically won't pass inspection for track use. My hope is to weld mount flanges to the frame and bolt an acceptable roll bar in. This way, I could remove the top and deck lid, install the bar and a second modified lid, and go racing without ruining the value (much) of the car. I also purchased a ratty hardtop that I could use if they don't allow open cars that would clear the bar. My main holdup now is cash. I was quoted $600.00 to install a permanent bar plus $100.00 for a used deck lid that would need to be cut and finished. Good luck and pass along your results.
Hans
There are cosmetic double hoop chrome bars out there, but they typically won't pass inspection for track use. My hope is to weld mount flanges to the frame and bolt an acceptable roll bar in. This way, I could remove the top and deck lid, install the bar and a second modified lid, and go racing without ruining the value (much) of the car. I also purchased a ratty hardtop that I could use if they don't allow open cars that would clear the bar. My main holdup now is cash. I was quoted $600.00 to install a permanent bar plus $100.00 for a used deck lid that would need to be cut and finished. Good luck and pass along your results.
Hans
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
P.S. on a helmet
One other thing. Up 'till now I've used a M95 (Snell approval) Shoei motorcycle helmet when I ride along in cars or do Karts, but some organizations have changed their helmet requirements that exclude these. Check before you buy!
Hans
Hans
