View Full Version : MK4 rollbar removal - any suggested tool
I’m preparing to do some body work on my MK4 and can’t get the rollbars off. They don’t even move a tiny bit. Good to know they are tightly on but kinda a problem when you want them off. I’ve tried a rubber mallet and a small 2x4 from the bottom (with a towel for protection) and nothing.
With the body on, is there a tools to getting the rollbars off? I was thinking perhaps a ball joint separator might fit (long shot).
Sadly, I don’t have an engine hoist as that would be my next tool to try.
rich grsc
09-23-2021, 02:28 PM
An engine hoist is needed. Take a nylon strap through the rollbar, jack up the car till the wheels are just barely off the ground, then use a dead blow hammer to hit the sides of the rollbar. it'll pop loose.
vtullomk4
09-23-2021, 02:45 PM
Use a ratchet strap around the vertical posts. I found that gets the posts aligned with the tubes. Helps on install and removal
rich grsc
09-23-2021, 04:04 PM
MVTV, The chassis flexes, especially when it is jacked up off the wheels and the roll bar joint can bind. Hard to know where your chassis is most straight, likely how it was when you installed the bar.
You might try a couple of jacking points.
If you are insulating the blows with wood and a towel a dead-blow or sledge hammer is most effective. Using a rubber mallet is softening the blow too much.
jim
Sorry no it doesn't
Jeff Kleiner
09-23-2021, 05:03 PM
Sorry no it doesn't
And away we go… :rolleyes:
Jeff
frankeeski
09-23-2021, 08:34 PM
And away we go… :rolleyes:
Jeff
Just wait til I post a picture................. :O
frankeeski
09-23-2021, 10:41 PM
Because...................................... first BBQ.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153691&d=1632454795
Jeff Kleiner
09-24-2021, 07:24 AM
Because...................................... first BBQ.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153691&d=1632454795
Been there, had to do that when the customer had the rear leg welded to a set of Breeze stainless bars with them already installed and bolted. They sprung big time :(
Jeff
CraigS
09-24-2021, 07:26 AM
No engine hoist? No problem. A big eyebolt into your ceiling and try a ratchet strap first (because they are inexpensive) to see if it is enough. Tension the strap and then hit the sides of the roll bar. One side then the other. Hopefully the vibration from the hits coupled w/ the tension will move it slowly up. If no success buy a come a long.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-4-Ton-Dual-Gear-Power-Puller-5547/205544452?mtc=Shopping-B-F_D25T-B-D25T-025_001_HAND_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-SMART-NA-NA-HandTools&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D25T-B-D25T-025_001_HAND_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-SMART-NA-NA-HandTools-71700000086134211-58700007341211183-92700065813630056&gclid=faca4d8e4fe210f4591c2cc38d4ed8c5&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=faca4d8e4fe210f4591c2cc38d4ed8c5
Use part of the strap or some rope to run around the bar and through the hook 4-5 times. Once it starts moving decrease the tension so you don't launch the bar into the ceiling when it breaks loose. My garage had standard trusses to I got an extra long eyebolt, ran it through the drywall and through a 4x4 that spanned three trusses. It was easily strong enough to remove and install a 351 complete engine.
CraigS - I do have a gear puller! I’ll give that a shot.
mabbott74
09-24-2021, 09:50 AM
Because...................................... first BBQ.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153691&d=1632454795
It looks like someone used their wife's bathrobe to protect the rollbar from the chain LOL.
Rdone585
09-24-2021, 09:58 AM
Maybe you already have accounted for this, but just to cover the bases... If you are able to remove, or at least unbolt and loosen the rear leg, I would consider doing that before attempting to remove the roll bar. Because of the angle of the rear tube, it could damage the fiberglass when the roll bar lets go of the chassis.
ggunter
09-24-2021, 12:34 PM
I'd rather use hers then mine.
frankeeski
09-24-2021, 08:10 PM
It looks like someone used their wife's bathrobe to protect the rollbar from the chain LOL.
I'd rather use hers then mine.
It's actually one of my old sweatshirts but.............. I guess people see what they want too.
nucjd19
09-24-2021, 09:05 PM
My roll bar on the passenger side was wider than the mounting posts. Like vtull I used a ratchet strap to pull the vertical arms in and it slips on and off like butta.