installing roll bars?

[RG.net]

i just purchased a 4 point roll bar, it comes with backing plates, i was thinking that i should silicone the backing to the floor, drill the holes needed and then screw the bar in, is this how its done with the bd roll bar and such? anyone have any install tips or links to tutorials?

thanks

[Mokesta]

With my recently installed bar, we just used the holes in the bar as a template, marked where the holes had to go and drilled. Holes were then dressed with a bur before bolting in the bar. We didn't bother doing any surface protection on the edge of the holes because I'll always run teh hard top and she won't get wet.

I do recommend putting rags under the area being drilled to catch the shavings. Also use a magnet to pick up any stray bits.

M

[RG.net]

With my recently installed bar, we just used the holes in the bar as a template, marked where the holes had to go and drilled. Holes were then dressed with a bur before bolting in the bar. We didn't bother doing any surface protection on the edge of the holes because I'll always run teh hard top and she won't get wet.

I do recommend putting rags under the area being drilled to catch the shavings. Also use a magnet to pick up any stray bits.

M

which bar was this? how did the bolts stay into the metal of the car?

[Mokesta]

Mine's a TB single hoop from MX5 Plus. The main bar has holes through and the plates that go under the soft-top well have the nuts welded on. They are vibration resistant deformed nuts too and the whole assy is plated.

There is a top plate (the roll bar) the car sheet metal, and the under side plate with nuts. It isn't like using a self tapper screwing into the sheet metal.

At the forward mounting point the existing captive nuts for the seat belt tower brace were used as well as some new fixings.

That sucker isn't moving!

The TB roll bar comes with a full set of instructions with step by step photos (of my car ). Anybody could fit one!

M

[RG.net]

Mine's a TB single hoop from MX5 Plus. The main bar has holes through and the plates that go under the soft-top well have the nuts welded on. They are vibration resistant deformed nuts too and the whole assy is plated.

There is a top plate (the roll bar) the car sheet metal, and the under side plate with nuts. It isn't like using a self tapper screwing into the sheet metal.

At the forward mounting point the existing captive nuts for the seat belt tower brace were used as well as some new fixings.

That sucker isn't moving!

The TB roll bar comes with a full set of instructions with step by step photos (of my car ). Anybody could fit one!

M

fair enough, i bought it second hand and didnt come with instructions, the roll bar is made for 2 points to sit behind the seats and to points on each end of the soft top window, the backing plates dont have nuts welded on them but they have alot of silicone all over them.

[lil_mike]

I've almost finished re painting mine so i'll take some photos for you of how i installed it. it has four mounting points too in similar positions to yours.

[fattima]

http://pics.aus-cartalk.com/vicclub/Documents/Brown%20Davis%20MX5%20Roll%20bar%20installation%20tips.pdf

[RG.net]

http://pics.aus-cartalk.com/vicclub/Documents/Brown%20Davis%20MX5%20Roll%20bar%20installation%20tips.pdf

thank you fatima!! now i just need to figure out how to do the other 2 points

[RG.net]

any more ideas anyone, i have searched clubroadster and mx5nutz, cant find nothing but

[fattima]

The rollbar does not come with instructions so you have not missed out on anything. What part of the install are you stuck on?

[RG.net]

The rollbar does not come with instructions so you have not missed out on anything. What part of the install are you stuck on?

how i am going to bolt to bottom points, that go behind each seat, and where the backing plate for them going to go, under the car thats what is confusing me, however i havent had a proper look yet (i will be stripping the interior this weekend) maybe there is a removable panel that comes off, but i am not sure lol

[fattima]

OK sounds like it is not a BD bar I was presuming it was.

When I fitted a cage to my old Escort I just put the cage in marked the floor pan where I needed to drill , checked underneath the car that I was not drilling into a brake line etc and drilled the holes, then bolted it in using the sandwich plate under the car. Just make sure you are happy with the way the cage is fitting before you start drilling!

[lil_mike]

just like fattima described. it sounds like you have a Safety 21 roll bar like mine. I'm hopefully drilling the holes tonight so i'll try and get the photos up for you.

To get the bolts in for the larger rails i'd suggest jacking the car up as its much easier. All you need to do is pull the seats out and any carpet that could be in the way. Put the roll bar in and do a test fit for roof clearance, seatbelts and hardtop latch (if you have one). make sure you check that the hardtop latches can still open and close when the roll bar is installed as this will cause big problems otherwise.

Once you've checked it all fits, mark out the holes in the floor pan. check to make sure there is nothing in the way of the holes and drill. the backing plate goes under the holes, simple. I found there is a good spot on the floor pan just behind the outside rear seat bolt holes. If you have the mounting plates almost touching them it seems to fit well. But yours could be different. Just remember to measure twice and cut once.

Mike

[RG.net]

i got it all done today, i jigged tafe but it was well worth it !!! the car feels much MUCH stiffer, no more shaking thanks for your help.

[fattima]

Good to hear, just don't test it out