roll bars

Jay R · Post by **Jay R** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 5:08 pm

What are the pros and cons? 5 or 6 point, Who makes them? What about originals.

PS Thanks for the imput on the tops went with haartz 36oz from germanmotorworks,

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BobMiller · Post by **BobMiller** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 7:51 pm

The (dealer installed)factory roll bar accessory was a four point with two cross braces centered in the back on a common plate. You could call that a six point or a five point. This bar did not come significantly forward of the front seats and would not be considered adequate for front seat protection by modern standards.

Most of the vendors now call their product a "Show Bar" to avoid legal problems.

If you want a serious roll bar you might want to go to a local shop that does chassis fabrication and have one custom made, our you could buy one of the off the shelf models. If I was driving off-road I would opt for the custom bar.

If you have one made, or if you buy one, be sure it will fit under any top(s) you will be using, some don't and you get a big surprise.

Some of the off-roaders may know of someone that pre-fabs a good roll bar for the THING or you could check on the Off Road Forum for the name of a good fabricator near you.

Good luck

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1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING

letmeehan · Post by **letmeehan** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 4:29 pm

I opted to get a custom made "roll cage" for my '74 thing. I love it! It makes me feel very safe on or off road and I like the look. I live in southern CA and had my work done at http://rollcage.com/
They created an 8 point steel cage with mandrel bent steel. (not just straight peices welded together) I also added safety seats with 5 point belts. My car is a daily driver in crazy L.A. so safety is very important to me. This rollcage provides protection in rollovers PLUS added protection in almost any type of crash. To see pics of my Thing go to http://www.cantwaitproductions.com/Thing.html
good luck, Joe

BobMiller · Post by **BobMiller** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 5:26 pm

Letmeehan
Nice looking roll cage. So the rest of us have an idea, would you mind sharing the approximate cost of the cage itself? That way we won't be looking for something for nothing or suffer sticker shock. Thanks.

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1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING

letmeehan · Post by **letmeehan** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 9:11 pm

The good folks at Rollcage.com / DT Performance from Costa Mesa charged me $1200 for the installed cage. They made sure that the top fits and that I can still lower my windsheild. It did come unpainted so I used automotive black spray paint. They charged extra to install the seats and added a cross-bar right behind the front seats to mount the shoulder belts. In total it was $1500 + the cost of the seats.
Joe

BobMiller · Post by **BobMiller** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 10:14 pm

Thanks for the information Joe. It sounds like it was a good investment. It looks great.

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1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING

radioman · Post by **radioman** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 5:36 pm

$1500 for a roll bar??? I'd like to have one for my 73 Thing but I am not going racing. I just want an edge of protection beyong the damn windshield. Has anybody had experience with something affortable from any place that is not So. Calif. I, for one, don't have that kind of cash...I can build a killer motor for $1500. thanks Bill

LB181 · Post by **LB181** » Wed Feb 12, 2003 9:35 am

Radioman, What you should do is look for any small motorsports newspapers or magazines in your area for people who do chasis fabrication. Since you want something simple it should not be too pricey. When I got mine put in, I called around to several people and found a couple that quoted my around $400 for just a four point bar with the main hoop between the doors and hoops going to plates in the back of the car. Now I am looking to get the front hoop put in, but if you just want the added protection of a roll bar for driving around, you should be able to get something reasonable, easy install for someone who knows what they are doing.

Jay R · Post by **Jay R** » Wed Feb 12, 2003 5:50 pm

thanks all it seems that there are some different options. i will inquire locally.