Shortened Roll Bar?

[RdstrRod]

Did I see a reference somewhere on the Forum as to the stock FFR roll bar being shortened a little bit? If I wasn't dreaming about that, what's the general consensus on doing it? Is it worth the effort? What is involved in doing it?
Regards, Rod

[Robert Andrew]

The first question that comes to mind is do you want it to work as a functional safety device, or just look cool? If you want it to protect your noggin floggin, it should probably be 3 to 4 inches above your head to allow for centrifugal force and slack in your seat belt. I'm not sure that the unbraced, single loop roll bar would provide a lot of protection any way, but they were originally mandated by race sanctioning bodies, so there must be some benefit.........

[Blue MK3]

Robert, let's back up one step behind your first question. Is/Are the FFR roll bar(s) functional in a rollover? They look sturdy, but does anyone have evidence that they work as one would expect (hope)? Can't say I've ever heard of a FFR car going wheels up. Anyone have thoughts? Several folks have built street versions without them, but I'll be the first to admit that the windshield frame doesn't provide much protection. Dave

[MPTech]

OP's question was "can the stock FFR rollbars be shortened". Yes, several guys have shortened them, try a search on FFCars. There is a limit caused by the rear legs and it can be tricky, but it can be done without welding, I believe.

My recommendation is to look into the Breeze Roll Bars: Roll Bar Parts Kit, 1-3/4", Driver Side, Stainless Steel (http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?prod_id=932)

I sold both of my Chrome FFR Roll Bars and bought a set of the Breeze Bars. I have them installed and REALLY like them!
They addressed all of the things about the FFR that I didn't like:

1 3/4" (originals (&MK4's) are 1 1/2" (looked too small) and the earlier MKs were 2" (looked too bin to me)
about 2 - 3" shorter
slight angle
no frankenstein bolt


Here's a great article:
Roll Bar Genius (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/287655-roll-bar-genius.html)

As far as how well the FFR bars work, I believe Dave himself proved them in his early racing career!

[Lynnhowlyn]

Robert, let's back up one step behind your first question. Is/Are the FFR roll bar(s) functional in a rollover? They look sturdy, but does anyone have evidence that they work as one would expect (hope)?

I don't have a link to the video (but I have seen it) - but Dave Smith put his non-Challenger car roadster on it's lid during an on-track race a few years ago (I think it was at a Challenge Car event) and the combination of it's installed roll bar and to a lesser degree - the windshield frame - protected the car (and driver) sufficient that after replacing a couple of suspension bits, Dave (and the car) was back on the track later that day, or perhaps the next day.

I'm sure someone has a link to the event and will post it. I'll see if I can find it as well ...

HTH

Lynn

[Robert Andrew]

That is cool work, and it's good to know that Dave walked away after giving his roll bar a field test. It's kinda like wearing a helmet on a motorcycle, it looks better without it, but if you ever need it, it may save your life.

[aspbite]

Look at the pictures of Dave Smiths car closely. That roll bar had additional front support bars. Not the standard roll bar.

[MPTech]

Not only did he go on to race that day, Dave won the King of the Hill.

July 1998: Run & Gun Crash And King Of The Hill.
In what would become legend, FFR President Dave Smith crashes and rolls his Mk1 Roadster at the annual race event. The car would be repaired and sent back out on the track, where it would win the King of the Hill race title, forever earning FFR a place in the history books for toughness and engineering.

Factory Five Historical Timeline: Kit Carchives (http://www.kitcarmag.com/featuredvehicles/kc_110044_factory_five_historical_timeline/)

Dave's car:
http://www.cobracountry.com/articles-cobra/NERC98/NERC-15.jpg

[CraigS]

As I remember the MkIII and earlier bars could be shortened maybe 1 inch. There is enough slop in the mounts to allow that. But more than that and the distance in side view for the mounts position changes so the rear would need to be cut and re-welded. I suspect you could get away w/ about the same on a MkIV but can't confirm it.

[Mark Reynolds]

Here is a link to our Youtube video describing our roll bar parts kits:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2F0feeo-us

Since filming we have also introduced the roll bar parts kits in stainless steel, plus we have weld-in crossbars available in case you want to attach your harness at a higher point than going through the cockpit rear wall.

Breeze does not offer a specific grommet to fit these roll bars, but customers have found approaches that work. Please post your grommet installation with 1-3/4" roll bars here!

[UpstateCobraGuy]

Here's a standard 2" FFR roll bar shortened 1 1/2"

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/YYYMMAN/Ebay%20photos/100_9439.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/YYYMMAN/media/Ebay%20photos/100_9439.jpg.html)

IMHO, really improves the "look" of the car.

Pat :cool:

[montyals]

Yes. Very simple. Check out the pics in my signature. This Mark IV is chopped 2". Just don't order a kit with the holes pre-cut as you'll have to reposition the holes. You can have the third leg base mount cut off and re-mounted/welded to a steel slab and welded or bolted onto the frame. The roll bar is still approximately two inches taller than the windshield.