Roll Bar fitting

[srdtvr]

Hi
Will a T.R.Lane roll bar from a 1999 Chimaera fit an early version - 1993, I believe the later chassis has pre-welded tapped lugs ready to take a Roll bar - is that the same on earlier cars?
This is at the 2 rear hold down bolt positions.

Cheers
Steve

[phazed]

Apparently the earlier cars didn't have the lugs.

I seem to remember on Engineer1946 thread about rebuilding his car that his didn't and he fashioned fixings.

You can cut out the thin fibreglass panel above the lug position for access.

[QBee]

I am about to fit a Rollcentre roll cage to my 99 Chim. They say it clamps to the chassis, only cutting or drilling required being to the carpet and fibreglass. I thought I might fit it myself, but a proper ramp would make the job a lot easier.

Anyone done a Rollcentre one? The only tricky bit I can foresee is getting the holes through the fibreglass in the correct locations. I can see my parcel shelf resembling a giant pepper pot by the time I have got it wrong a few times. Roll centre have offered to fit it.........for nearly £570 extra.

[phazed]

Neil Garner charged me about £150 iirc.

[QBee]

Think I will ask Mat. He did one for someone else, and recommended the Roll Centre one because it gave proper head protection without getting totally in the way. Just need to apply three coats of Starmst Blue first. I ordered a little touch up spray when I first got the car, and £40 later got a bloody great spray can of the stuff. Since when I have only used the little pot and brush I ordered at the same time. The paint guy thought I was mad ordering both.....

By the way Peter, my voice has completely gone now. Hope you don't get this bug. Sorry if you do.

[phazed]

I knew we shouldn't have hugged

[srdtvr]

so thats a no then ?

[QBee]

That's what Phazed said. And he has an earlier Chim and would know.
He seems to be saying you will need to make your own fixing if there are no lugs on yours.
Time to get an expert in?

Apologies for hijacking your thread - no offence meant.

Edited by QBee on Monday 18th March 09:52

[phazed]

srdtvr said:

so thats a no then ?

Mine has, 95 onwards approx.

You will have to get something sorted.

Give Neil a ring and pick his brains.

http://www.neilgarner.co.uk/

[db418BHP]

Or get along to the open day

[QBee]

The other guy who might know is Chimpongas, he has been all over his fairly early car fitting LPG, and he is in your area postcode wise.

[Russell Mc]

With the rear wheel removed if you stick your head in the wheel arch you should be able to see the bosses

[phazed]

Russell Mc said:

With the rear wheel removed if you stick your head in the wheel arch you should be able to see the bosses

Has yours the boss's Russ?

[A900ss]

Prior to knowing I needed to get a new camshaft, a roll bar was something I was looking at.

The only thing I would add to this topic is get a quote from your insurers before you do the work. A lot of them won't take on a car with a roll bar and its not a modification that you can easily hide.

Good luck.

[Russell Mc]

Mine has the bosses but being a precat they have been added on later

[SILICONEKID350HP]

Been down this route a few times ,thinking about a roll bar ! I just think they are dangerous without wearing a helmet ..

A little shunt side or rear could cause a head injury.. If I went for a roll bar it would have to be well behind the seats .

The next question i asked my self is , now the roll bar is fitted what about a harness.

The one`s fitted behind the seat are to low and the TR Lane roll bar sits each side of the seat .

Just hope some one comes up with a better design roll bar off the shelf.

Edited by SILICONEKID350HP on Monday 18th March 13:54

[QBee]

Interesting thoughts Daz, and in line with the discussions I had with Mat Smith. I believe the Roll Centre one is the best fit from the perspective of giving protection without causing injury. Time will tell. Like it and I will show the world. Dislike it and I will remove it.

On the insurance point, I will call my insurers today and have a discussion with them, and report back. They cover me for track days, so there's hope. I could see Direct Line rejecting it........we will see about Classic Line.

Update - called them, they checked and are fine with both the engine upgrade and the roll cage. Took the opportunity to explain to them how safe track days really are......

Edited by QBee on Monday 18th March 13:46

[phazed]

Anthony, just check the height of the Roll Centre bar.

It sits behind the seats therefore lower and your seats sit much higher then mine.

[SILICONEKID350HP]

Is this the one you are talking about ,it`s to low . ..


This one is not to bad but you loose leg room .

This is the type i would go for

This one sits hight but i would not like a side shunt .

[TA14]

SILICONEKID350HP said:

Been down this route a few times ,thinking about a roll bar ! I just think they are dangerous without wearing a helmet ..

A little shunt side or rear could cause a head injury.. If I went for a roll bar it would have to be well behind the seats .

The next question i asked my self is , now the roll bar is fitted what about a harness.

The one`s fitted behind the seat are to low and the TR Lane roll bar sits each side of the seat .

Just hope some one comes up with a better design roll bar off the shelf.

This question comes up regularly and like you I don't think that anyone has a quick fit product on offer that offers the protection that people want.

If you solidly fitted a roll bar to shoulder height or thereabouts you would have:
a stiffer chassis
fixing points for a harness
increased side protection

if you wanted roll over protection it depends how tall you are and whether you want to be able to fit the roof on (ie whether you still want it to be a road car) Some have lowered the seat below the floor where the dims are marginal.