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Post by shane21671 on Oct 15, 2008 8:46:49 GMT -5
I'm considering removing the "sports bar" on my convertible. I have seen it done, but have had a lot of trouble finding any information on it. I'm wondering how much structural rigidity this actually provides. Does anyone know about this, or has anyone seen any information about it?
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Post by JamesP on Oct 15, 2008 9:40:05 GMT -5
If your referring to the Tower Strut Bar/Tower sports Bar it really does make a difference. I have a 05 convertible which didn't come with a sports bar and after I put it on I could see better handling in sharp turns. Now that I have lowered it the springs help with this also.
I would leave it on but of course to each is own. Let me know what you think if you do remove it.
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Post by electricbluegt on Oct 15, 2008 10:18:56 GMT -5
I think he's talking about the passenger rollover bar...leave it there. It adds strength to the car body and it might just save your life.
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Post by shane21671 on Oct 15, 2008 10:23:26 GMT -5
yea, I mean the roll bar (chrysler calls it a sports bar). I know it does add strength to the car, but I'm wondering how much. I know others have removed it, but I dont want to add a bunch of body twist. The little I have found on the subject, says its more of a safety thing, than a body strength thing. After March 09 my driving will go down to maybe 20 miles a month, so I'll be doing a lot more to the car custom wise then, and trying to make plans toward that end.
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Post by JamesP on Oct 15, 2008 10:48:22 GMT -5
OK I was cofused. Yea I wouldn't take it out unless you can fiqure a way to keep the twist out.
Its also a roll bar but I don't want to find out if it really works or not. Again if you fiqure out a way please share. Thanks James
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Post by tomcruz on Oct 15, 2008 13:22:42 GMT -5
Personally I wouldn't take that off.
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Post by electricbluegt on Oct 15, 2008 15:38:15 GMT -5
Actually, I have seen the PT roadster that PTeazer did. It looks kind of blank without the bar. From the side, the car looks like a pickup . I don't think it's really an improvement without the bar, just different.
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Post by robinh on Oct 15, 2008 17:20:12 GMT -5
Supposedly it adds to body rigidity, but more than anything it'll reduce that twist, yaw and roll you get without it. I had an Olds supreme vert and took the bar off of it, it was like riding a horse after that and I put it back in. Hated the ride without it, bout shook my teeth out. If you want, email or PM me and I can get you the manual that shows how to remove that bar, it's labor intensive but can be done.
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Post by shane21671 on Oct 17, 2008 7:46:21 GMT -5
Gotta say, Chromenut really came thru for me on this! Got the manuals from him, and found out that its just got two bolts on each side holding it on! Mustang has a bolt on option just like it, and is specified that its just for looks. I'm gonna take mine off, and see if there is any difference in the cars rigidity or not. I'll let ya'll know what happens! Thanks Chromenut!
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Post by shane21671 on Oct 18, 2008 9:41:53 GMT -5
Well, it was more involved than the manual led me to believe, and there were some stitch welds that were a pain to get to inorder to cut thru them, but I took it off. I did a test drive down some back country roads, and got it up to 65, and dont see any difference...don't notice any body roll or anything of the sort. The bar itself, is actually 3 pieces stitched welded together, and actually has a lot of flex in it, so I really doubt it would have done much of anything in a crash. Took almost 4 hours just to get it off of there though, and still have a LOT of work to do to redo the interior side panel, to patch the hole where the bar went through. I plan to drive it this week, and see if there is any difference at higher speeds before I consider it permanent, but I really doubt there will be. I typically drive at 70 on highway, only once got to 80, so I wont be doing any extreme testing on it, but I'm not that much of a speed demon in general anyway. Its a TON of work, and have a lot more to do, but I think it looks a lot better. Car "feels" much larger on the inside, and being 6'4, all space is appreciated. LOL
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Post by shane21671 on Oct 18, 2008 14:46:53 GMT -5
Took a drive on the highway, top down (heater blasting), and actually hit 90, which I'never normally do, averaged 80, and no difference other than a lot more wind in my hair! Here is the address to my facebook page with pics of it. www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6387&l=6c43f&id=1132847586 |
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Post by electricbluegt on Oct 18, 2008 22:27:31 GMT -5
I was gonna ask how the wind buffeting was with the bar off. I think it really straightens the air out a bit with the bar on.
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Post by shane21671 on Oct 19, 2008 13:05:35 GMT -5
well, I have kinda long hair so I noticed it a lot, but my friend, said he couldn't tell a difference...the back seat is another story though...anyone back there would have gotten blown away I think, but the only ones ever in my back seat are the dogs, and top is never down with them in the car. Its main function was for the wind from what the designers said, but I'm more a form over function type.
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Post by JamesP on Oct 20, 2008 6:49:53 GMT -5
I like it without the rollbar. Gives it a unique look. Great job Shane.
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Post by shane21671 on Oct 20, 2008 7:05:44 GMT -5
Thanks, I really appreciate that  |
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