4 point bar AND frame connectors? Options

[FASTFATBOY]

Do I need both? I bought the UMI frame connectors and then came across a good deal on a Wolf 4 point and belts. It's a bolt in bar.


I wouldn't think I need both, but as always my ears are open. Weight is my enemy.

[mitchntx]

A bolt-in roll bar isn't going to attach to any real structural member.
And it's a lot of weight for a shoulder harness attachment point.

Can't go wrong with UMI.

[FASTFATBOY]

A bolt-in roll bar isn't going to attach to any real structural member.
And it's a lot of weight for a shoulder harness attachment point.

Can't go wrong with UMI.

Mitch, I really appreciate your steering me in the right direction. And don't stop giving me direction.

The bar I bought is on here in the for sale section, a Wolf made from 1.750 dom. I have always had a fear of a roll over. I have a bar in my drag car also. These cars don't have much roof structure and mine has t tops.

Besides its a good mount for a camera and a 5 point harness. Oh Yeh if the car ever gets on its lid it will come in handy.

[trackbird]

Oh Yeh if the car ever gets on its lid it will come in handy.

Maybe...but you should see these pics first.

http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-stop/6...-cage-fail.html

(notice the bars sticking straight through the floor?)

More here:

http://www.accordinglydone.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17928

I'm not suggesting that these cars are Mustangs, etc. Just that you should evaluate anything you trust for safety and it's not a bad idea to err to the conservative side when in doubt.

[FASTFATBOY]

Oh Yeh if the car ever gets on its lid it will come in handy.

Maybe...but you should see these pics first.

http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-stop/6...-cage-fail.html

(notice the bars sticking straight through the floor?)

More here:

http://www.accordinglydone.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17928

I'm not suggesting that these cars are Mustangs, etc. Just that you should evaluate anything you trust for safety and it's not a bad idea to err to the conservative side when in doubt.

I read that the Mustang bar was put it without the sandwich plates on the underside of the car. That it wad a SEMA. Deal that ended up on track.

[Blainefab]

In most cars, the bolt in 4pt bars are supported only by thin sheet metal in the rear seat footwell, and the rear wheelhouse. The 4th gen Fbody, tho, has a thick steel stamping that forms the rear LCA frame mount, and the Autopower 4pt main hoop is anchored on that thick steel. I don't know about the Wolfe, but their drag 4pt has a bend or 2 in the backstays, which is weaker than a straight tube. Neither Autopower or Wolfe have the backstays land in a good place.

A 4pt that is bolted to the thick LCA mount is a reasonable addition for a street/track car, and will anchor harnesses and seat. Needs high density padding, and may need some customization for correct harness angles. Rear seat should be removed, or otherwise disabled - people should never ride back there with the steel.

A bolt in should not be welded in - there will be no improvement in strength, the welding will likely weaken the OEM sheet metal.

This post has been edited by Blainefab: Apr 4 2011, 09:10 PM

[Blainefab]

Oh Yeh if the car ever gets on its lid it will come in handy.

Maybe...but you should see these pics first.

http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-stop/6...-cage-fail.html

(notice the bars sticking straight through the floor?)

More here:

http://www.accordinglydone.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17928

I'm not suggesting that these cars are Mustangs, etc. Just that you should evaluate anything you trust for safety and it's not a bad idea to err to the conservative side when in doubt.

I read that the Mustang bar was put it without the sandwich plates on the underside of the car. That it wad a SEMA. Deal that ended up on track.

If that is true, I doubt that it would have made any difference if the backing plates were correctly installed - that area in a Mustang (and an STi, and an EVO, etc) is .030" thick sheet metal. The main hoop feet sliced thru it like a cookie cutter. Backing plates would have just been along for the ride.

[mitchntx]

These cars don't have much roof structure and mine has t tops.

We cut the roof off of Glenn's race car to remove the cage and I was amazed at the web of heavy gauge sheets in the C pillar.

Now, it doesn't have any cross bracing. But I bet a well placed horizontal member going from striker to striker and cross brace would give much more rigidity and roll over protection than a bolt-in 4-point.