rollbars on vert
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
rollbars on vert
Since I do like to drive "active", and do the occasional trackday, I would like to have rollbars on my vert. I'm thinking an arc/hoop behind each seat. This also so that it would be possible to fasten a racing seat belt (4 point?)
I've tried to search, but have not found anything other than roll cages which is not interresting.
Has anyone seen good sollutions for this?
The "wall" behind the seats that divides the cockpit and the trunk, is there a structural beam or something there that you could weld something directly on?
Any tips are appreciated!
I've tried to search, but have not found anything other than roll cages which is not interresting.
Has anyone seen good sollutions for this?
The "wall" behind the seats that divides the cockpit and the trunk, is there a structural beam or something there that you could weld something directly on?
Any tips are appreciated!
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,752
Likes: 587
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
I agree. A harness bar is likely what you're looking for. It'll provide a way to mount the harness.
But, obviously, it will not provide any roll over protection. The only way to get that is to install a true roll bar, and that will be quite intrusive.
The "wall" behind the seats is not structural. It is steel and you can certainly weld to it. The fuel tanks are behind it, so use caution if you're drilling or welding in that area.
But, obviously, it will not provide any roll over protection. The only way to get that is to install a true roll bar, and that will be quite intrusive.
The "wall" behind the seats is not structural. It is steel and you can certainly weld to it. The fuel tanks are behind it, so use caution if you're drilling or welding in that area.
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 13
From: San Jose CA
http://www.wolferacecraft.com/detail.aspx?ID=787
They make a 4-point roll bar for the C5 convertible. I purchased one about 6 years ago, and install it every time I go to the track for HPDE days - none of the clubs that run HPDE in my area will allow a convertible without rollover protection. Nice powder coat that has held up well over the years. $600 for mild steel, $875 for chrome-moly.
I will say that the bolt-in will allow you to check-the-box for the club's liability release, and it does provide a mounting point for my 6-point harnesses, but I do not believe that this roll bar actually provides true rollover protection above the stock A-pillar structure. You would need to weld-in mounting plates to the frame for both the main hoop and the rear legs, and to do that, you're not far from a custom fabrication.
The Wolfe 4-point roll bar will limit the seat travel to the rear, so if you have long legs, it may affect seat position. You'll also need to deactivate the easy-entry feature. To install it, the waterfall must be modified/cut (I suggest locating a used waterfall unless you plan to permanently install the roll bar) to allow for a cross-member that provides the mounting point for the harnesses. The roll bar was designed to allow full use of the convertible top. You'll also need to cut the rear carpeting (or remove it) to mount the feet for the rear legs.
The seats must be removed (1 of the 4 mounting points on the feet for the main hoop uses the outside rear seat stud) to mount the main hoop. To comply with NHRA regulations (albeit for unibody cars without frames) each foot must have a mounting and backing plate with at least 4 bolts with a minimum diameter of 3/8", so you'll need to drill some holes.
All that being said, I am glad I made this purchase, as without it, I could not take this car to the track. The roll bar does, however, interfere with my non-track enjoyment of my car, so I do a change-over 3-4 times per year when I get the opportunity for HPDE. I do a brake fluid exchange before and after, swap brake pads and rotors on all 4 corners, install a spare set of wheels with r-compound tires and install the roll bar and harnesses. The full process takes about 2-2.5 hours before and after a track day. But the first install took closer to 4-5 hours, locating and drilling, and cutting and fitting the modified waterfall several times to get it right.
They make a 4-point roll bar for the C5 convertible. I purchased one about 6 years ago, and install it every time I go to the track for HPDE days - none of the clubs that run HPDE in my area will allow a convertible without rollover protection. Nice powder coat that has held up well over the years. $600 for mild steel, $875 for chrome-moly.
I will say that the bolt-in will allow you to check-the-box for the club's liability release, and it does provide a mounting point for my 6-point harnesses, but I do not believe that this roll bar actually provides true rollover protection above the stock A-pillar structure. You would need to weld-in mounting plates to the frame for both the main hoop and the rear legs, and to do that, you're not far from a custom fabrication.
The Wolfe 4-point roll bar will limit the seat travel to the rear, so if you have long legs, it may affect seat position. You'll also need to deactivate the easy-entry feature. To install it, the waterfall must be modified/cut (I suggest locating a used waterfall unless you plan to permanently install the roll bar) to allow for a cross-member that provides the mounting point for the harnesses. The roll bar was designed to allow full use of the convertible top. You'll also need to cut the rear carpeting (or remove it) to mount the feet for the rear legs.
The seats must be removed (1 of the 4 mounting points on the feet for the main hoop uses the outside rear seat stud) to mount the main hoop. To comply with NHRA regulations (albeit for unibody cars without frames) each foot must have a mounting and backing plate with at least 4 bolts with a minimum diameter of 3/8", so you'll need to drill some holes.
All that being said, I am glad I made this purchase, as without it, I could not take this car to the track. The roll bar does, however, interfere with my non-track enjoyment of my car, so I do a change-over 3-4 times per year when I get the opportunity for HPDE. I do a brake fluid exchange before and after, swap brake pads and rotors on all 4 corners, install a spare set of wheels with r-compound tires and install the roll bar and harnesses. The full process takes about 2-2.5 hours before and after a track day. But the first install took closer to 4-5 hours, locating and drilling, and cutting and fitting the modified waterfall several times to get it right.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 147
RPM 6 point rollbar on my car
I had them custom bend the bars behind the seats for 2" more seat recline with my Recaros
Original
Custom bend shape
I had them custom bend the bars behind the seats for 2" more seat recline with my Recaros
Original
Custom bend shape
Last edited by StrangelovesM6Vert; Sep 13, 2016 at 03:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
Thanks for the feedback. I see that I'm optimistic to find anything small and neet, and a full roll cage is not an option. But - as you mention, a harness bar would be good. The main point is not to bethrown around in the car on the track. The stock seats are absolutely useless on the track...
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Keep in mind that a roll bar with bars close around your head pretty much means you either always wear a helmet in the car or take the risk of dying from head trauma if you happen to get in an accident.
