Roll Bar visible in BDR Cockpit?

[cwisenheimer]

There is a BDR currently for sale on ebay (http://tinyurl.com/mfxph) and the pictures show the roll bar in front of the rear cockpit bulkhead. At what point did BDR start putting the rollbar behind the cockpit bulkhead? I've never seen one any other way.

Wisenheimer

[uncltodd]

I don't get it... I enlarged the pics on ebay, then limped downstairs to look at #139.

I have a solid back panel in front of my rollbar mounts (2) and the angle of the dangle seems a bit "off" from the Ebay pic, maybe 3-4 degrees.

The roll bar exit point from my rear cowling also appears to be at least 1" further to the rear than the Ebay pics.

Aftermarket rollbar, maybe?

You buy it, I don't want it.

UT

[sfeakes]

Some of the first BDR's did have this feature, I suppose they were trying to make them look more original. I remember when I first started looking at BDR's maybe 6 months after the FL import facility opened, I was told that the next batch of cars imported would have the roll bar behind the firewall, I think the reason was for more space.
My memory is bad as this was a number of years ago, but I think they were on about #30 at this time.
Also looking at that pic and comparing it to mine they have moved the roll bar back and the cockpit bulkhead forward, but it's hard to tell.

[BUCKEYE COBRA]

I have number #20 which has the roll bars in front of the bulkhead. I learn something everyday....I didn't notice that change on the newer cars.
sfeakes, your memory is pretty good.
John

[Trueoo7]

The exposed roll bar in the early cars prevented the seat from sliding fully back to the wall. I was told this was the biggest reason it was moved and hidden. Knowing this, I deceided to wait for the production change. I have car 38 with an enclosed roll bar. This car also has a 2" narrower rear clip, notice the flared lips on the fender well. Probably has the plastic gas tank too.

[jp65cobra]

Sorry I know this is off the subject line but it always amazes me how some of these cars have so little mileage on them. I can't stop driving mine. The guy in the ad buys it and puts 900 mi on in 6 months. I like to look at it but driving it is way more fun.

[Excaliber]

Interesting how things develop. The early ERA's had the roll bar behind the rear bulkhead. The newer ones move it in front, which is 'correct' from a vintage spec standpoint. I'm not sure how that impacts seat track adjustment on an ERA.

[Cashburn]

The car in question is a relatively early "Backdraft". It has all the early details like the roll bar... it even has the early option of frame color choice (note the white/grey chassis). This particular car has been on eBay every year it seems. Has a lot of interesting add-on parts. Though at the BIN price you could get a similar spec'ed new one from us.

[cwisenheimer]

Jay,

Thanks for the info. I figured it was an earlier model since I hadn't seen one configured that way. BTW, I didn't say it was a good deal -- I was just curious about the roll bar. For the BIN price, it would make way more sense to buy new with all the upgrades and a known history.

Curtis

[Lizard_King]

If you plan to use your Cobra on a track, the rollbar MUST be in front of the bulking to be LEGAL!!!!!!!!

[Excaliber]

Lizard, that would depend on the particular track in question. I could run mine here with no problem.

[Lizard_King]

True, each track has it's own standards. Most of the ones I have been to, want the bars in front of the bulkheading...... When I was in Fla. it did not seem to matter though.