Rool Bar or No Roll Bar?

[stomper]

I took the roll bar out to install new carpet. I kinda like the look without it. Should I run without it, or put it back in?

[Tom Vogel]

Only if you are not going off road. Heck, I wouldnt even do it then. Roll bars in convertibles have saved more than one life.

[bouncytruck]

Personally, I like the look without better, but you do run much more risk. There isn't anything to protect you if you roll the rig - even with the hard top on. Someone posted pics of their fathers Blazer after it rolled with the hard top on. It was flat to the bed rails.

That all being said, I don't have a roll bar in my truck and I don't really plan on putting one in. I don't take it off road and really just drive around the Bothell/Kirkland/Bellevue area - morning/evening commute at a crawl on 405.

Where were those pictures taken? I sure wish I was able to take the top off this weekend with the weather we're having today.

[69TowRig]

I like them, but I am not really a fan of the "factory" style bar. I am going to have a buddy of mine custom bend a rollbar setup out of DOM when I get further along with this thing.

[LUV2XCLR8]

I had one in the 4wd, but I like the look without it

Of course a 2wd is a no brainer

[VinceY]

My thoughts are:
2wd no roll bar
4wd roll bar - makes it look more like an offroad vehicle but it does take away from the convertable look.

Besides it becomes a game watching the same people hit their head on the bar again and again when they climb into the backseat.

[NTR72GMC]

i dont like how the roll bars look but I love a good roll cage!!!!!!

[ABLAZN]

I really don't have a choice, I have two girls that I want to see make it to adult hood that will be riding in the back seat. I agree with most here, that for a 4 wheel drive the roll bar does not look out of place. I even told my oldest that when we make the cage I will make a bracket to hang a DVD player for those trips she goes with us.

[Critter]

I think that there are alot of variable to consider, but in general I would say leave it. They look good on a 4x4 and offer a little added safety. Of couse, if it was truely welded to the frame, it would be alot better. Having said that, I think a lowered 2wd looks great without them, but I don't think that was the question at hand. That's my $0.02

[NTR72GMC]

I have a roll bar in my 72 but i hate how it looks but i keep it in it for safety.

[vtblazer]

Your choice - your gamble.

IMO I think they 'look' better without also but I run one even so.

[Yukon Jack]

I've kicked this one around for a few days as I was undecided how to respond. I think I like your K5 without the rollbar but I've gotta agree with what is said above, I would keep it in for the protection it will give. I know mine is definitely staying in and I want to add to mine someday.

[Mike C]

These trucks look great without a bar, but Rollbars are like seatbelts. When you need it, you need it. Bad.

About 15 years ago there was a wreck near my house where a mid 80's Camaro turned left in front of a 72 Blazer pulling a tandem axle trailer. The Blazer could not stop and hit near the front wheel on the passenger side. It launced the Blazer which corkscrewed onto its top about 45 mph. When it came to a stop, the owner and his 12 year old son both walked away after unfastening their seat belts.

I'd argue the rollbar is more important on the street than offroad because of the speeds involved.

[Big J]

You have to be safe. If you rolled without it, your a pancake....lol... The stock roll bar doesn't really match the fat body lines of Blazer. I've seen several K5s with 3" roll bars that look pretty mean. Maybe you could get a different roll bar if ya don't like that one.