Roll Bars

[Breckenkamp]

I wanted to ask another question since you all were so generous with your years of experience on the last thread I posted. I know that twin roll bars are sometimes looked upon unfavorably as they break tradition somewhat. However, if I am to get my wife into whatever we buy it will have to have the bar....or she will have to drive and I risk my grape. So, what are opinions on adding the second bar? Are they easy to find/buy? I had heard that maybe they are easier to add to the MKIII/IVs as there is a prefabbed connection on the passenger side for the roll bar upgrade. Not 100% sure about that. Is it something an average body shop can do typically? Any recommendations and advice are greatly welcomed!! Thanks!!

[CaptB]

My wife made the same request. She owns half the car so I accomodated. I think it looks fine. I ordered the second one with the kit so I can't address adding after it's built. I suspect it will be intrusive (welding/cuting/clean up) and expensive but I'll let others leave better-educated opinions than mine.

[GoDadGo]

I didn't want to have any roll bars, but after I rode in and drove two Factory-5 Roadsters prior to ordering my kit my mind was changed forever.

My feeling is adding roll bars could save my life and save my wife... While I hope to never need either of bars, I know that our only chance of surviving a roll over is better since we have them... With that said, you be the judge regarding if it looks good or not:

https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

Like Most Factory-5 Well Powered Roadsters My Car Is Blisteringly Quick!

[svassh]

My wife complains I don't have one for her. I just have to point out that our 66 Corvette Convertible which she prefers to ride in doesn't have a roll bar on either side.

Honestly is a bolt in roll bar really going to hold together if you flip these cars?

[GoDadGo]

Honestly is a bolt in roll bar really going to hold together if you flip these cars?

Svassh,

Here is a Backdraft that took a little tumble that also sports a Bolt In Bar:

https://youtu.be/CQkqkOwuqac

Here is another Cobra that took a tumble with what appears to be a bolt in bar:

https://youtu.be/sYRN70r7Zrc

How do you think things would have turned out if they didn't have them?

Steve

Note:.. My bars sit flat against the frame and are cross bolted with Grade-8 Bolts.

[Jeff Kleiner]

It’s relatively easy to add a second bar to all. Mk1 and 2 require welding for the chassis stubs, Mk3s and 4s do not. The main hoop stubs are already in place and the attachment for the rear leg bolts in on Mk3 and early Mk4. On later Mk4s all three of the stubs are welded in from the factory.

Jeff

[svassh]

Svassh,

Here is a Backdraft that took a little tumble that also sports a Bolt In Bar:

https://youtu.be/CQkqkOwuqac

Here is another Cobra that took a tumble with what appears to be a bolt in bar:

https://youtu.be/sYRN70r7Zrc

How do you think things would have turned out if they didn't have them?

Steve

Note:.. My bars sit flat against the frame and are cross bolted with Grade-8 Bolts.

The first video I don't think the roll bar ever hit the ground, the second video it definitely landed on the roll bar. Hopefully the guy in the second video walked away also. Don't get me wrong they are better than nothing but don't compare to a welded in roll cage. I do think the design in the 289 cars with the big cross brace into the passenger compartment looks safer.

[Jim1855]

My two cents.

I didn't have an option on the Challenge car and added to that.

On a previous car there were twin hoops. I switched to a single wide with two backstay bars. Did same on my first car. The view through the center rearview mirror is better with a single wide bar. I never liked the look of twin bars and think a passenger needs protection similar to the driver.

No knowledge of what is available, but I've done all the bar & cage work with the help of a friend.

But your car your choice.

Jim

[David Williamson]

When I ordered my Mkll in 2003 the second roll bar was an option that included the mounts welded to the frame. At the time a full width roll bar was also an option. If you did not order the second bar the frame did not have the mounts.
David W

[OSU Cowboy]

I like the symmetry of dual roll bars, and my wife rides with me frequently.

[OSU Cowboy]

Shortly after getting SloPoke on the road, I realized that a rear end collision would crack my head open like a mellon. So, I designed roll bar mounted head rests and had them fabricated. The key element of the head rests - to me - is U-Bolts sourced from McMaster-Carr that have a phenolic inside the U-Bolt protecting the chrome from getting severly marred over time.

[Fman]

+1 on the second roll bar. For me I would not be able to live with myself if I ever rolled it and my passenger (more than likely my wife) did not make it because I did not install the second roll bar. The car is not that heavy so these FFR roll bars will definitely substantially help if you ever did roll the car. Also the FFR "paper clip" bars are a little taller which for me was a good thing because the breeze bar sits too low and almost would be useless for me being 6'1. Wearing a helmet for a track day and this even becomes more of a factor.

[cc2Arider]

Shortly after getting SloPoke on the road, I realized that a rear end collision would crack my head open like a mellon. So, I designed roll bar mounted head rests and had them fabricated. The key element of the head rests - to me - is U-Bolts sourced from McMaster-Carr that have a phenolic inside the U-Bolt protecting the chrome from getting severly marred over time.

Do you have that McM-C part number handy? Sounds like a good idea for me, since I'd also like to fab something simple & effective for a head rest

Thanks,

Craig C