I'm looking for information about a roll bar for a mid year roadster. Does anyone have one in their car? Does it require removal of the ragtop?
Thanks
Thanks
Roll bar in a roadster
- Thread starter wirenut
- Start date
Wirenut
I think AutoPower makes roll bars for Corvettes, and maybe Alston too. I think AutoPower will tell you how to measure and they will build one to your specs.
A standard unit will most likely NOT clear the convertible irons on the side and will require a special build. That would allow you to have a roll bar and the top still work. However, I don't believe that a roll bar made like that will pass inspection for racing because the hoop would not be wide enough to give really great protection for your head.
I'm going to have one built for my daughter's 72 LT-1 convert when I restore it this coming summer. I've had a complete roll cage built by a shop on Gasoline Alley in Indianapolis a couple of years ago and will probably have them do the roll bar.
Perhaps you have some race shops near you that you could consult with. If you are racing, read the rules carefully because they are pretty specific about what will pass inspection.
Good luck
Ol Blue
I think AutoPower makes roll bars for Corvettes, and maybe Alston too. I think AutoPower will tell you how to measure and they will build one to your specs.
A standard unit will most likely NOT clear the convertible irons on the side and will require a special build. That would allow you to have a roll bar and the top still work. However, I don't believe that a roll bar made like that will pass inspection for racing because the hoop would not be wide enough to give really great protection for your head.
I'm going to have one built for my daughter's 72 LT-1 convert when I restore it this coming summer. I've had a complete roll cage built by a shop on Gasoline Alley in Indianapolis a couple of years ago and will probably have them do the roll bar.
Perhaps you have some race shops near you that you could consult with. If you are racing, read the rules carefully because they are pretty specific about what will pass inspection.
Good luck
Ol Blue
S
Sky65
Guest
Wirenut
My 65 had a roll bar in it when I got it. I don't have any details on the maker. The soft top and hard top both fit over the bar without a problem but the seat backs hit it. The driver's hard seat back was broken due to the lack of clearance between the seat and the bar. If you have the seat in the full rearward adjustment, there is not much room between the back of the seat and the rear deck lid. The other issue with this one, there were no supports on the hoop. Even though the hoop was welded to the frame I could flex it a little bit. I decided if the car went over the bar would be useless. I did like the way it looked but I took it out so I can fix the seat back. Here is a crummy picture but you may get the idea.
Sky
My 65 had a roll bar in it when I got it. I don't have any details on the maker. The soft top and hard top both fit over the bar without a problem but the seat backs hit it. The driver's hard seat back was broken due to the lack of clearance between the seat and the bar. If you have the seat in the full rearward adjustment, there is not much room between the back of the seat and the rear deck lid. The other issue with this one, there were no supports on the hoop. Even though the hoop was welded to the frame I could flex it a little bit. I decided if the car went over the bar would be useless. I did like the way it looked but I took it out so I can fix the seat back. Here is a crummy picture but you may get the idea.
Sky
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2002
- Messages
- 7,246
- Location
- Washington, Michigan
- Corvette
- '67 Marina Blue Convertible
If you want it to be effective (and pass NHRA inspection), it will require body and trim surgery you won't like, and it won't fit under either a soft or hardtop.
S
steve
Guest
roll bar in 63 roadster!
Hi, take a look at our 63 roadster.It's listed for sale at;
www.usedcorvettesforsale.com
ad #6160 1963 convertible (#'s matching)
The ad has a couple nice shots of the car with the roll bar installed.
The bar was installed in '63 at time of car's order.Who did it,and where
I haven't a clue.It'll give you an idea of what your car will look like.
thanks and goodluck, Steve
Hi, take a look at our 63 roadster.It's listed for sale at;
www.usedcorvettesforsale.com
ad #6160 1963 convertible (#'s matching)
The ad has a couple nice shots of the car with the roll bar installed.
The bar was installed in '63 at time of car's order.Who did it,and where
I haven't a clue.It'll give you an idea of what your car will look like.
thanks and goodluck, Steve
wirenut
I checked through my file and found that Alston does make custom fit roll bars. They also make a standard roll bar for 63-81 Vettes, but I don't think it is for convertibles. You can print off some instructions on how to measure for a custom roll bar. http://www.cachassisworks.com
John Z is correct in saying that a standard roll bar won't fit without modification to your car, and if you change the design to allow for you convertible top to work, it wouldn't pass tech inspection. Get the rule book for the venue you will be racing in to make sure your design will meet or exceed standards.
If you are mostly just looking for the "race look", but still have some roll over protection, then you can make one that allows for the convertible top to work.
Good luck
Ol Blue
I checked through my file and found that Alston does make custom fit roll bars. They also make a standard roll bar for 63-81 Vettes, but I don't think it is for convertibles. You can print off some instructions on how to measure for a custom roll bar. http://www.cachassisworks.com
John Z is correct in saying that a standard roll bar won't fit without modification to your car, and if you change the design to allow for you convertible top to work, it wouldn't pass tech inspection. Get the rule book for the venue you will be racing in to make sure your design will meet or exceed standards.
If you are mostly just looking for the "race look", but still have some roll over protection, then you can make one that allows for the convertible top to work.
Good luck
Ol Blue
Similar threads
- Question
Corvette Forums
Supporting Vendors
Dealers:
