Building my own rollbar....good idea or bad idea?

[team39763]

I'm happy with the way everything looks...everthing is notched and the outriggers were included for no extra charge. They were really friendly and helpful over the phone and it got here within 2 or 3 days of ordering it. I'm hoping to install it this weekend if I can get some help with the welding.

[team39763]

We finally got the rollbar in. My buddy did all the welding. He wasn't familiar with all the procedures, but I kept looking back at this site and a few others for reference and we got it together nicely. We didn't finish it because he needs a stronger welder to do the outriggers. Tomorrow is supposed to be stormy so we'll probably have to finish it Wednesday. I'll post pics then.

[team39763]

The rollbar is finished. It's not perfect, but I'm happy with it. We learned a lot and can definately do better next time. I'll post pics after I paint it.

[team39763]

This is the only pic I have of the truck with the rollbar installed right now. I'll get more pics when it's cleaned up.

[stich626]

whatever shop you bring it to, or your "buddy" to weld it. ask for this in writing,
you get your money back if it fails a nhra inspection.. if they will not agree to this, walk away..
once you have it installed, call the nhra and have an inspector inspect the cage..
it only takes one weld to make that cage wothless..
do it right or don't do it at all..
if you're at high10'0 now i'd have it built for 9.o's
also.. if this is more a track truck.. chrome moly might be worth it. as it is lighter..
the bars are smaller , and can make a big difference in getting in the truck..
smaller tube can be tucked up closer to everything..
good luck..
remember to box the frame in the area that the bars get welded to..

[mbgmike]

You should have just come to us.You live in Texas. The guy who does work for us builds NHRA top fuel dragsters and funny cars. You can learn a lot. He is a true wizard when he fabricates. In fact if anyone wants one we can probably get him to make in a kit form

[Wild83C10]

Originally Posted by team39763

This is the only pic I have of the truck with the rollbar installed right now. I'll get more pics when it's cleaned up.

Truck looks pretty bada$$. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the cage.

[softballnrd27]

Yeah I need to see this also!! More Pics please, and don't worry about being dirty bc all I see out here right now is sand!!

[team39763]

I can't post anymore pics of the cage right now. After taking a very close look at things, there are a few big mistakes that I'm embarrassed of. A couple of these mistakes are just plain dangerous. I'll post up when I get my buddy to weld up these mistakes.

[softballnrd27]

Are you satisfied with the fit of the kit?

[team39763]

The fit was great. My only issues are with the way some things were welded or not welded. I'm gonna see if I can get my buddy to fix some of our mistakes next week hopefully.

[bigjimzlll]

My first run at a roll bar was embarassing too. It get's easier though. I wish I would of seen this b4 you bought the kit.
A roll bar has to be 1.75x1.20...if you go to a cage it can be 1.625. It's easier to cut/notch/fit and weld(and it's safer)
Also I use .125 DOM instead of .134ERW. A little more cash, but it's stronger and lighter.

It is real tuff to weld completely around the tube where the down rigger and hoop meet. We found to lower the whole hoop through the floor to finish those welds up. I assume that's where one of your problems are. Then raise them to the outrigger off of the frame.