Removing FIA roll bar on an ERA

[66gtk]

I'm thinking of painting my roll bar black. My understanding is that the rear bulkhead panel behind the seats must be removed to access the roll bar attachment hardware. On a fully assembled car is there a preferred method for doing this?

Thanks,
Troy

[1795]

Troy,

Wish that I could speak to the ERA FIA specifically, but my ERA was a 427 and it is a different set-up. If your FIA is anything like my Superformance FIA it is a pain getting back there. I had to open mine up to build the roll cage. I had to remove the seats, transmission tunnel and the rear bulkhead to get at the roll bar. On my car there is also a bolt through the forward facing leg near the role bar and another one underneath the car at the frame.

This is what mine looked like.



Good luck, it is a pain and you have to do a lot of wiggling and maneuvering even with everything out to get it out and then back in.

Jim

[strictlypersonl]

There are two access plates on the back panel about 6" below the edge of the rear cowl. Remove those and the bolts securing the roll bar connections are exposed.

[1795]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

There are two access plates on the back panel about 6" below the edge of the rear cowl. Remove those and the bolts securing the roll bar connections are exposed.

Much easier than mine! Although in my case, I still would have had to remove the entire back panel in order to weld in the roll cage.

[66gtk]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

There are two access plates on the back panel about 6" below the edge of the rear cowl. Remove those and the bolts securing the roll bar connections are exposed.

Thank you. Reading the FIA manual it appeared the entire panel had to be removed, and that being done AFTER being riveted and sealed did not sound like something I was interested in doing (:

[Cobalt289]

That sure sounds easier than the alternative! Black is better. If it's not too difficult, you will be glad you did it.

[1985 CCX]

Troy

Did I miss something?
You get a 289 car?

[xb-60]

My thoughts too, Jeff. We older guys have short memories....but I recall the "search" button, and here's Troy's ERA 289FIA:



Nice looker, Troy


Cheers,
Glen

[66gtk]

Yep. Got me an FIA in the fall. It matches my new cap. (:

[fastd]

so are the access plates removed from under the car or do I remove the seats to expose the access plates in the cockpit?

[66gtk]

Originally Posted by fastd

so are the access plates removed from under the car or do I remove the seats to expose the access plates in the cockpit?

Lift up on the carpet behind the seats and the access panel is behind the driver seat area.

By the way, my roll bar is now black and I like it!

[fastd]

seats need to be removed though, right? Just the drivers seat?

[fastd]

66gtk,

You've owned both an ERA 427 and FIA now...care to share observations?

[66gtk]

Originally Posted by fastd

seats need to be removed though, right? Just the drivers seat?

If your seat is on sliders you can access it by sliding the seat forward. Removing the seats are easy if you wish to do so or need to due to lack of sliders or workable space. Just go underneath and unbolt them.

[66gtk]

Originally Posted by fastd

66gtk,

You've owned both an ERA 427 and FIA now...care to share observations?

What observations are you seeking? I will say the ERA 427 and the ERA FIA are both excellent cars with more things in common than differences. It all comes down to personal preference of which body style you like best, or which engine you want? Ford FE = 427 car. Ford Small Block = FIA/Slabside.

[fastd]

thanks for the roll bar info.

regarding the observations, based on what you've said so far, there really isn't much different between the 427 and FIA, mostly the choice of engine.

what does your new FIA have in it?

[66gtk]

Originally Posted by fastd

thanks for the roll bar info.

regarding the observations, based on what you've said so far, there really isn't much different between the 427 and FIA, mostly the choice of engine.

what does your new FIA have in it?

393 CID Ford (stroked Sportsman 351W)
TKO 5 spd
ERA rear (outboard brakes)
Willwood comp brakes
6 PIN knockoffs
oil cooler
front and rear sway bars
leather street interior
comp dash
This car is nicely equipped with pretty much every option except the all weather equipment.

I've had a few ERA 427 cars and this is my first ERA FIA. All the ERA cars are very similar, when properly assembled, maintained and fully sorted. They are all thrilling to drive and tickle all your senses, which is why I love these cars. Any car can go "fast" these days. Cobras like these are fun to drive at any speed and don't require one to go crazy fast to get the awesome cobra experience.

[vntgspd]

Originally Posted by 66gtk

Any car can go "fast" these days. Cobras like these are fun to drive at any speed and don't require one to go crazy fast to get the awesome cobra experience.

Well said.

[fastd]

do you have an opinion about the era outboard rear vs the jag inboard rear? is there a different feel? which one do you think is "better"?

[fastd]

and the 351 vs the 427...I have a 351 in mine and I like the way it revs and drives better than a big block...