Roll Bar

JB181 · Post by **JB181** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 5:00 pm

Can someone tell me if VW installed roll bars as an option in any model years if so is there a code for it

Jesse

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 5:09 am

In 1973 a 6 point roll cage that came in pieces and was offered as a dealer option. It was listed as

Volkwage Roll Cage
number ZVW 148-283

It consisted of a front roll cage, one rear roll bar with rearward positioned diagonal tubes, under floor back up plates, two upper connecting transverse tubes and required mounting hardware.

In 1974 a 4 point roll cage was offered as a dealer option that came welded together as a one piece cage.

A good number of other roll cages were created for the VW Thing by aftermarket companies.

JB181 · Post by **JB181** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 5:46 pm

Thanks for the info answered my question, the one on my 73 Thing is a dealer option.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 9:07 pm

Great!! There are lots of Things out there wiht no roll cage. A much quieter and hazardous ride....

Bucko · Post by **Bucko** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 12:30 pm

What the heck is meant by that statement Kubelmann?? Are you trying to say that any Thing without a roll cage is unsafe???

I've owned and driven many Jeep CJ's, both old and new, and I'd say my current 181 is "safer" than the CJ's. Perhaps because it has reduction boxes and won't go much over 60 MPH, but it's wider, heavier feeling, and in my opinion, safer. The Jeeps rool cage (if you want to call it that) wasn't much of a "safty" item; it was good as a grab bar, or for mounting speakers on.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 7:19 pm

Good reply. In nearly 40 years of on and offroad driving I have never rolled a VW based vehicle... Recently one of the best off road drivers I have ever known let his wife drive "Sick Thing" on some challenging terrain. She put that Thing on its roof. They put the car upright and drove home to enjoy another day. In the real world the roll cage is a pretty accessory that is perfect to grab on to avoid a head ache.... I have been on some of the most challenging roads anywhere and the tube frame of the vehicle has given the structural integration that stopped the vehicle from going every which way but loose. I am currently in the middle point of building an offroad Thing. As I get to each next step i realize that each step brings the car tighter and tighter and more uner control. I did not mean to say that without a roll cage a Thing is unsafe. I drive down nasty roads with friends, relatives and other friends kids in my Thing with the windshield down, the doors off, top off and seat belts snug.

Towel Rail · Post by **Towel Rail** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 12:04 am

I've got show bars on mine.

It would take some spirited cornering to make it roll over, but I bet it's possible while driving longitudinally around a steep hill.

- Scott

Advokat · Post by **Advokat** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 1:04 pm

Kman:

I would like to have a roll cage for my '74, but I'm having trouble finding out how it should be fabricated. I do not want a "show" bar, but one that actually is functional and has the additional horizontal bar behind the front seats for use w/a harness.

thanks,
Rick

Advokat · Post by **Advokat** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 1:24 pm

K-Man? I figure you would be the one to know-sorry to hijack the thread.

Thanks,
Rick

markie61 · Post by **markie61** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 2:28 pm

Check out this guy's pictures on the Samba. One picture shows the interior and may give you some ideas.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_ ... hingDriver
Mark

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 2:39 pm

To build a complete roll cage you need someone to cut and form the pieces. Then you need someone to weld it together. Depending where in the country you live and who you know, this can be easy or difficult. Some folks lay out their own roll cage using heavy wire to create pattern pieces. Then they take the pattern pieces to a fabricator to build the parts. Then the cage parts need to be tacked together then fully welded. Other folks just take their car to a fabricator and have them weld the cage in place. It really depends on your budget and your local resources. The tough part is that there are no set patterns for a Thing roll cage. Unlike a VW Bug that has had cage after cage built for it.. I have an after market offroad 2" roll cage in my offroad Thing and I am in the process of building a full cage around the 4 pt. roll cage that will hold suspension seats, restraint belts weld to the rear torsion tube, allow for rear upper shock mounts and support the front end. I am having someone make the frame pieces and will have them welded in place here locally.

surferdudedav · Post by **surferdudedav** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 5:17 pm

Bucko wrote:What the heck is meant by that statement Kubelmann?? Are you trying to say that any Thing without a roll cage is unsafe???

I've owned and driven many Jeep CJ's, both old and new, and I'd say my current 181 is "safer" than the CJ's. Perhaps because it has reduction boxes and won't go much over 60 MPH, but it's wider, heavier feeling, and in my opinion, safer. The Jeeps rool cage (if you want to call it that) wasn't much of a "safty" item; it was good as a grab bar, or for mounting speakers on.

chill out bro.. lol i own a postal jeep which is way worst than a cj for tipping and i def agree w/ you on that..