Roll Bars

[tonto]

Been thinking of investing in above item for my Chim, as many moons ago, I managed to get an Astra GTE on its side and nearly on the roof

Having done some searches here, I can see that the Tower View one is rated but expensive.

Any ideas on alternatives ? I'm looking for something that will look good, but will actually save my bonce from parting company with the rest of me !

Edited to add: I can drive properly now, honest !

[zumbruk]

I've just had Tower View fit one to my '97 450. Can't fault the work, service, quality or anything. Nice cup of tea, too. No, it wasn't cheap, but how much is your head worth?

[tvrbob]

You need to be aware of headbutting issues for the taller driver, even more so with helmet on. There is also an increase in road noise in the cabin due to transmission from suspension to the roll bar. Good safety device but aesthetics and driving pleasure are IMO spoiled.

[GarryM]

tvrbob said:

You need to be aware of headbutting issues for the taller driver, even more so with helmet on. There is also an increase in road noise in the cabin due to transmission from suspension to the roll bar. Good safety device but aesthetics and driving pleasure are IMO spoiled.

Tower View bar is behind the seats so out of your head's way. If you fill the bar with foam and make sure it does not rub on bodywork when fitted, you get no additional noise. Covering in leather may help here also - but more money.

I'd say driving pleasure is increased (stiffer chassis etc.) but tend to agree with you on aesthetics.

[zumbruk]

I'm 6'3" and the bar is well out of the way. I was slightly worried about what would happen if the car was rear-ended and our heads thrown backwards, but I've just discovered that the head rests raise up, until the roll-bar foam arrives.

And even if I cared for aesthetics more than safety, I think they look fine. The only issue I have is trapping ones fingers between the roll-bar and the hood supports when lowering the hood!

[tonto]

zumbruk said:

I've just had Tower View fit one to my '97 450. Can't fault the work, service, quality or anything. Nice cup of tea, too. No, it wasn't cheap, but how much is your head worth?

Can you give me some more info zumbruk ?
Like lead time, fitting time, costs etc ?
Is it possible to fit yourself ? (as I live in Yorkshire).
Mine Chim's a '97 450 in Silver. Was thinking of having it the same colour. Does it come in black as standard ?

>> Edited by tonto on Wednesday 4th February 18:11

[ATG]

Had a Tower View rollbar fitted 18 months ago. At that time they were getting a batch made up every now and then. Best to give them a ring.

Zumbruk, where are you getting the foam from? I too have been using the headrest-up approach (6 foot 4).

[TomPob]

Just to warn you... Tell you insurance compay.. Some class it as a modification.

[tonto]

TomPob said:

Just to warn you... Tell you insurance compay.. Some class it as a modification.

Hmm , didn't think of that ... thanks ....

[cosmoschick]

A good topic to raise and it's something I've thought about for a while from a safety point of view in the event of an accident, but I've always assumed the cost would be extortionate.

[shpub]

Demon Tweeks and Rally Design sell the foam.

[GarryM]

tonto said:

Can you give me some more info zumbruk ? Like lead time, fitting time, costs etc ? Is it possible to fit yourself ? (as I live in Yorkshire). Mine Chim's a '97 450 in Silver. Was thinking of having it the same colour. Does it come in black as standard ?

I've fitted one to a Griff see www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=9&h=&t=42477
They are black as standard.

[shpub]

Why not call Tower View direct? 0208 452 6922

Yes you can fit them yourself if you don't mind a bit of work.

[zumbruk]

tonto said:

zumbruk said: I've just had Tower View fit one to my '97 450. Can't fault the work, service, quality or anything. Nice cup of tea, too. No, it wasn't cheap, but how much is your head worth? Can you give me some more info zumbruk ? Like lead time, fitting time, costs etc ? Is it possible to fit yourself ? (as I live in Yorkshire). Mine Chim's a '97 450 in Silver. Was thinking of having it the same colour. Does it come in black as standard ? >> Edited by tonto on Wednesday 4th February 18:11

Tower View should be able to answer all these questions - give them a call - they're very tolerant of dumb questions! They had them in stock when I called & could take the car within a week. You *can* fit it yourself, a search on here should yield some correspondence & piccies, although it looks like a fair sized job, bigger than I have time for. There is a choice of colours & trim (you can get them covered in leather to match your car interior), although I had a plain matt black one. As for cost, I had reinforced seat mounts and full harness mounts installed at the same time which including VAT ended up costing ~ £1200.

FIA approved roll bar foam is available from Demon Tweeks for £25/length.

It definitely counts as a modification for insurance purposes. I spoke to Mannings before I had it done, and the underwriters are fine about the fitment of roll bars, since this is a safety improvement. There's no premium increase, although you *must* tell them. They mentioned that they are not so happy about the fitment of full cages, although I didn't explore that further.



>> Edited by zumbruk on Thursday 5th February 11:34

[tonto]

Thanks for the info guys. Called TowerView. I'm looking at about £1000 fitted (I don't think i'm competent enough to do it myself). The bar itself isn't too expensive, its the 8 hrs labour at £50 p/h + Vat that pumps the price up. Probably have to bite the bullet, sell a Kidney and get it done though as I know how easy it is to roll a car.
BTW, spoke to my broker Sunninghill and they say Royal and Sunalliance are happy that its a Safely feature and that there is no additional premium.