Roll Bar Install
 

I'd like to get a roll bar for my Cab so I can run some DE's. I've researched and found several options.
Option #1
DAS Sportsystems - "true bolt-in" - $800
http://www.************************/ProductPage.aspx?ProductName=DAS-Sport+System+Roll+Bar&productid=101836&producttype =20
Option #2
Autopower - bolt-in $300
http://www.upgrademotoring.com/safety/autopower.htm

It seems alot of the racers are running the Autopower, but everyone here talks of the DAS. I figure I'd only use it a few times a year. So why is the DAS so much and is the Autopower ok? I don't mind cutting some flaps in my carpet and installing backing plates, I would assume you'd need them for either bar.

JG

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/Bar 1.JPG

I have the DAS bar. It mounts to the 2 seat belt anchors on each side of the front seats and the 2 anchors in the back. The fold down seat back in the rear must be removed. I use mine only a few times a year also for drivers ed. The nice thing is easy in / easy out. You also do not need to cut, drill, or weld anything so the car can be kept completely stock when you trade up to a Turbo like I want to do!!!!

Autopower bolts to the thin sheet metal floor. DAS bolts to the actual structure of the car.

So is the Autopower not as safe? Or does it just require cutting, drilling and back plates? Once it's in and set-up it should be fairley easy to put in and take out. $500 is a big difference!

JG

I have a Racer Xcessories roll bar, it was ~$400 shipped. It required the drilling of holes for the mounts, but no welding. I will probably end up welding the backing plates on, just to make removal & installation easier the next time I take it out.

I like mine, but I've never really tested it yet. I hope I never do!

On that note, why are people so uptight about drilling a few holes in their cars? I've recieved a lot of emails from people wanting to put a roll bar in their cabs, and even a few who wanted to put in an extra oil cooler, and they're all spazzing out "I don't want to drill holes in my car!" Unless you have some super-rare exotic or something with a bizarre provenance, drilling holes for a roll bar is not going to slash your cars value.

http://vintagebus.com/howto/cab/rollbar-1.jpg
http://vintagebus.com/howto/cab/rollbar-2.jpg

I took Huey58 recommendations of the DAS roll bar for my cab a few months ago and it worked out great. The bar made my car more stiff along with the camber truss. I did my first DE and had no problems. I like it b/c there was no drilling. It costs a little more but it is a quality piece of metal.
Mike

Hey, Thom, is that one of those Moch-1 rear decks I see, with the speakers? If yes, can you give details and impressions? I've never run across anyone who actually had one.

Hey, Thom, is that one of those Moch-1 rear decks I see, with the speakers? If yes, can you give details and impressions? I've never run across anyone who actually had one.

Oh, back to the subject - if you do a search here and on Rennlist there's been prior discussion of the DAS bar, whether it is legal for PCA racing, whether it is strong, etc.

Thom's pics clearly illustrate why i don't like the Autopower bars for more than the reasons stated.
The various styles of Autopower usually bolt to the thin floor, and also...note that the diagonal goes from the hoop over the driver's head, along the backside of the passenger seat and mates up near the floor. This severely restricts movement of the passenger seat ( important , I guess for dual purpose cars where most of this type of interest resides). By comparison...the DAS and Safety Devices Bars have the diagonal running from the hoop over the driver's head ..back and diagonal..near the rear/right pickup point for the longitudinal braces. a much better design IMHO...
----Wil Ferch

Thom,
Can you post oe e-mail a few close-ups of exactly where the bar mounts?

JG

I have the same bar....since the wife won't let my kids ride in the Porsche, I don't worry about taking it out.

i always get screwed when i buy the cheap stuff. trying to save money always cost me more. just happened again today at the Home Depot.

check out Saftey Devices, dont know if thye have what your looking for but ive always heard there the best.