contemparory roll bar install

[sfm8s191]

hey since don borders is mia...does any one have a pattern for roll bar installiation and or does the body have to be lifted off frame for install??
or is there a easier way??? thanks in advance

[FatBoy]

I certainly didn't need to lift the body off mine to install the roll bar. It did however, require the application of a little brute force to get all the parts together. All the different angles and joints don't help.
I also fabricated a rear-brace base plate that replicated the original, but in fact, didn't actually do anything structural. It simply bolted to the aluminium boot (trunk) panelling. See photo:

I have some better pictures if they would help.

Paul

[sfm8s191]

hey paul thanks for the info nice cobra!! is it a contemp? i wanted to know if it was welded to the frame or bolted with slip feet. any pics would be apriciated what a speller hahaha

[1985 CCX]

Guys,

I too am installing an OEM roll bar this winter. I have friend with CSX427 car that is sending me the schematic of the OEM bar layout. I plan to pattern the correct look and not the shorty CCX, SPF, or replica type.

Paul, do you have any in process pictures of your installation? I have been planning a couple different routes and so far removing the body is not been thought about. I see two ways to go about the install maybe you could shed some light?

Thanks,
Jeff

[FatBoy]

It is a Contemporary. It has the correct height roll-bar rather than the shorter CC alternative. I didn't like the way that the main roll-bar legs disappeared behind the rear bulkhead once they went through the body, so I cut the entire section out of the bulk out above the boot (trunk) floor and about 1½" outside the boot sides and repositioned it about 2" further back. This allowed the roll-bar legs to be visible in front of the rear bulkhead. See below:

It did mean that there was a 2" shelf about halfway down the bulkhead, but this was only visible between the seats and once fully carpeted, isn't really noticeable.
I don't think I have any pictures of the assembly of the roll bar, but from what I recall, the procedure was to insert the main hoop, but not fully and also the two part rear stay, and slowly ease the main hoop down whilst persuading the two sections together. My fabricated rear bracket was just a sliding fit over the rear stay. But it obviously had to be slid onto the rear stay before the roll-bar was installed. Once it was all in place, the cross-bolt was then drilled.
The end result looks pretty convincing IMO

Paul