[DeTomaso] roll cage or roll bar

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/20/09 14 56 6, boyd411 at gmail.com writes:


> I am thinking about adding a roll cage or roll bar. I don't want to pull 
> my
> engine and transmission to install a complete roll cage. Does anyone have 
> a
> recommendation for a ready made roll cage that is relatively easy to 
> install
> and does a decent job.
> 

The only bolt-in roll cage out there is the one made for Hall Pantera and 
Precision Proformance.   I *hate* it with unbridled passion.   It is filled 
with compromises to make it a bolt-in affair (at least, I assume that's the 
source of the compromises), and is exceptionally intrusive.   Instead of 
being as close as possible to the corners of the roof and the A-pillars, it is 
inset several inches, and as a result, it's virtually impossible for a 
normal-sized driver (and more acutely, passenger) to be in the car without 
constantly hitting your head on the bar that runs along the roof, front-to-back.  
In the two or three cars I've sat in that have this cage, it's imposslble for 
me to sit in the car wearing a helmet without cocking my head to one side 
(on the driver's side).   On the passenger side, I can't even sit in the car 
without a helmet without leaning my head towards the center of the car.

I am by no means huge--I'm six feet tall.

While a cage is a noble ambition, I feel it needs to be designed and 
installed properly if it's going to be done at all.   This will mean 
compromises--hacking up the dashboard for starters.   But in the end it will be at least 
marginally tolorable to live with.   You will just have to find a local race 
car fabricator, and prepare to pay big bucks--or seek another alternative, 
as I have.

I have a custom-bent three-point roll bar in my parts room which I have yet 
to install in my car, but it's on the project list.   I will keep the hoop 
installed at all times, and only install the third leg for track events.   
It was designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, for both driver and 
passenger.   It remains to be seen if this was successful or not....

Mike