C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

rollbar in convertible

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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 08:24 PM
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Default rollbar in convertible

does anyone have a rollbar in a c4 convertible that is still able to put the top up? how about the hardtop too? i would like one if i can still use both tops.
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 08:28 PM
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 08:34 PM
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I have looked for a roll bar for my 92 vert and, so far, all I have found is too radical for my taste. Some will allow the use of your rag top, but then you won't pass the 2" rule when wearing your helmet. I like the look of my vert and putting a roll bar in would just distroy the lines of it. When I say roll bar, I'm talking about one that is legal in NHRA and SCCA and all the other sanctioned race theaters.
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 08:42 PM
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makes it kind of hard for convertible owners to race legally, huh?
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 89ls2
makes it kind of hard for convertible owners to race legally, huh?
All I can legally race is auto-cross. I'm looking for a coupe, just for racing. I got a taste of the road course at Kershaw, SC, and I'm really interested in that stuff.
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 08:57 PM
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My neighbor has one in his vert. I could ask him to let me take pictures and post them if you guys want.
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 08:58 PM
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so you CAN race autocross? thats something at least. i am looking for some way to have fun in my car besides on the back roads...
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 09:05 PM
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My 96 convertible has a roll bar installed. It is a 5 point with a removable front support bar. It does limit rear view mirror vision but the mirror is still usable. I can put the soft top up but the hard top does not fit.

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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 89ls2
so you CAN race autocross? thats something at least. i am looking for some way to have fun in my car besides on the back roads...
Look for a NCCC outfit out there. You might even join SCCA and look for a regional near you. I have a great time at the auto-cross. It's like ************, it feels good while you're doing it, but you don't really brag about it. Seriously, it's fun trying to beat those ricers.

Pictures of roll bars send them please.
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by VAHROOM
My 96 convertible has a roll bar installed. It is a 5 point with a removable front support bar. It does limit rear view mirror vision but the mirror is still usable. I can put the soft top up but the hard top does not fit.

Just curious, is this an R&D Racing bar? If not, who made it?
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 09:36 PM
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did you have to cut any fiberglass? is the bar padded? is it behind or beside your seat? does your head hit it? how about some closeups of it, and also what kind and where you got it?

thanks for the help!

(i could live without the hard top, but it would be nice to have the soft top in an emergency)
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 09:40 PM
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Just curious, is this an R&D Racing bar? If not, who made it?
EM sold and installed it. I do not know who the manufacturer is. I don't want to steal the thread though. Please email me if you'd like more info.
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 09:45 PM
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You need to pay a visit and have a conversation with a chassis shop and/or fabricator. The people you race with, or want to should be able to give you some leads. I'm guessing that a GOOD fabricator that knows your sanctioning body's rules, will be able to whip you up something that is legal and fits both tops. Catalog compromises are just that.

RACE ON!!!
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Old Dec 23, 2005 | 11:55 PM
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here is one on my 93.

With swing out kit
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Old Dec 24, 2005 | 12:21 AM
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The factory hardtop has a built in roll bar. Is it considered a legal one by NHRA and SCCA? Maybe someone that knows will chime in.
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Old Dec 24, 2005 | 02:39 AM
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Mine fits the hard top and the rag ,it was fabed by the track mgr and installed by him and me.
It is a bolt in with 2 welded points required by NHRA.
You do have to lower the seat to the bottom,wear a bucket helmet not a shoe full face it sticks up to high and I use a small helmet.I am required to wear sf5 jacket and gloves with the fire shoes,they do let me wear jeans.
11.21 122.35 mph.With the new NHRA rules you don't need a rollbar until you hit 13.49 and if you think you are going to fast just hit the breaks.
Old rule was 13.99 and all the new vets run that fast.
Your car is considered a rodster by NHRA.
My hard top also fits.

Last edited by REDC4CORVETTE; Dec 24, 2005 at 02:48 AM.
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Old Dec 24, 2005 | 11:33 AM
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Here is mine:



Soft top does clear it.... haven't tried the hard top but its supposed to fit.

-JRW
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Old Dec 24, 2005 | 12:10 PM
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I will see if I can get some pics of mine posted. The hardtop and the soft top will fit. Unfortunately, this still does not make me legal per the NHRA. I built the rollbar from scratch.

Aaron
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Old Dec 24, 2005 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by corvetteronw
The factory hardtop has a built in roll bar. Is it considered a legal one by NHRA and SCCA?
Certainly not NHRA. The hardtop is good enough, that NHRA treats a convertible, with the hardtop installed, the same as a coupe. But noway do they consider a car with a hardtop as a car with a legal roll bar.


XtremeTuning,
That bar, from the picture, wouldn't fly with NHRA.

RACE ON!!!
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Old Dec 24, 2005 | 12:47 PM
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Here's mine.
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