Bolt in Roll Bar - Cab

[vesnyder]

Thought I would share some photos of my latest project. I purchased a bolt-in roll bar for my '83 cab. It is different than the Das roll bar in that it bolts into the OE mounting holes. The first photo shows the mounting holes with the fabric covering them. They are just behind the door on the bulkhead. The photos give am idea of where they are and what it looks like mounted. Still need to cut some of the material down as it is too tight. Will provide more info when it is all mounted.

[v9ff]

That's sweet!! You're a lucky dog to have jumped in on that classified ad.

[vesnyder]

Wanted to include another couple photos - one in place and another of the complete package. I like the idea of it being modular. I can keep the main piece in place and the back seats are usable. I can then mount the angle supports and cross member when I am ready for the track. Also considering wrapping it in leather?

[widebody911]

Neat design, but you know what would really make it nice? An extension that went down to the sill or at least the floor. You could continue the 'no holes drilled' motif by going to the seat belt mounts, like the Brey-Krause harness bar does.

[vesnyder]

Going down to the floor would make it safer and more secure on a roll-over - I think that is how the Das bar is designed. It mounts to the front seat belt mount on the floor.

I assumed the bar mounted on the holes on the bulkhead behind the seat belt mechanism - still not sure what that bracket is for??

[Ove]

Vance,

I second the comment about extending it down to the sills.
If you decide to do this some time in the future you can have a new one piece main hoop made, using the one you have as a template. That's safer (and easier) than extending the legs on the one you have.

You could make the bar removable by bolting it to a baseplate (with nuts on the underside) welded to the sill on each side.
With the bar removed only the holes in the carpet (for the bolts) will be visible. Like this, but mounted to the sill:



As it is now it seems to be a good compromise. Added protection in the event of a roll over, but still easy to remove. It would look nice wrapped in leather. Just make sure you have some good protective padding too. Maybe a zipper for the leather?

[North Coast Cab]

How long to install and remove?
It takes me about 1-=15 minutes to install the DAS Sport in my cab.

The rear supports mount to the seat back hinges and the fron supports mount to the bottom seatbelt bolt.

Covering in leather? Are you going for the Village People motif?

John

[WydRyd]

WOW, that's so cool!

I'm thinking of a Das unit for my Cab too, so I can do some Driver Ed & Track Events

Probably get it powder coated chrome with black protective padding.

Well done and congrats

[JeremyD]

It takes me a little longer with my DAS = maybe 30 minutes - about an hour for the harnesses end everything.

[jluetjen]

Wow!!!! I really hate to criticise someone elses investment of their hard earned money -- but I sure hope that you don't ever intend to take that car to the track. I would be surprised if any inspector would accept that roll-bar. I don't think that that bar would even be legal at an SCCA autocross event.

What's the thickness of the tubing? Judging by the view of the top of the rear upright it's not much more then the average vacuum cleaner pipe. BTW, I would think that the bolt at the top of the rear upright should go through a sleeve just like at the bottom. I don't know why the just cut a hole in the tube.

I would be afraid of having that bar kill me in a roll-over. Basically most of the force in a roll-over will go through the gussets at the bottom of the "main" hoop. If one of those sheers off, the assembly will pivet about the base of the rear upright and club you in the back of the head.

Like I said, I hate to criticise the way that someone else spends their money, but you do understand that that roll-bar product is downright scary and potentially very dangerous in an accident. I would also find out who does the tech inspections at your local DE's or autocrosses and send them pictures of what you are doing and ask if that would be an acceptable roll bar. I'd hate for you to show up for your first event only to be the only guy who flunks tech inspection, loses your entry fees and doesn't get to drive on the track.

[wrx paul]

I dont have a cab, but when I mounted mine I did things a little differently. Instead of putting the bolts through the bar and into the car with the nuts on the outside I put then under the car and then through the bar with the nut side on the roll bar. My logic was that if I ever need to take them off the nuts and threads of the bolt ends will not be weathered and damaged under the car. So anyway does anyone see anything wrong with my idea? Is is a good one?

[makaio]

Originally posted by jluetjen



I would be afraid of having that bar kill me in a roll-over. Basically most of the force in a roll-over will go through the gussets at the bottom of the "main" hoop. If one of those sheers off, the assembly will pivet about the base of the rear upright and club you in the back of the head.

I agree!

[William Miller]

Intresting comments.
Also intresting that this bars is or was designed after the factory roll bar option. I know it's not what is normally seen at the track, but I wonder what engineering and risk assesment the factory did when they designed the "system" I'm pretty sure all Cab's have t hes mounting points built in from the factory.

I'm intrested to see what the Tech committee would say?

Vance do you have a picture of the final installation?

I'm thinking of building my own bar. I posted here about a month ago when I found these brackets and mounting holes in my cab.
I like the idea of using the 2 holes in the pillar and extending the leg down simular to the DAS setup. Tying the bar into the sill with the seat belt point and also the points on the pillar will shurly add some stiffness.
Add the cross bar/ belt bar also help make it more rigid. Don't know why DAS didn't do this.

Good Luck Vance! I'm rooting for you! Keep the shiney side up!