pros & cons of bolt in vs. weld in roll bar
pros & cons of bolt in vs. weld in roll bar ive needed to get one for awhile now and ive put it off because im just not sure on what to get.
what should i take into consideration before i buy either one?
thanks
what should i take into consideration before i buy either one?
thanks
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 0
From: F.H,Waterford,Port Huron, MI
I would do weld in b/c it is stronger! I don't know the track rules on this. As far as a resale value goes, I don't see a any pro/cons both you have to cut the carpet, one you have drilled holes and the other welded plates!
Bolt in cost more!
Bolt in cost more!
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 1
From: Hot Rainy Humid +2000 DA South Florida
I would go weld in all the way, there is no reason not to.
The only reason someone would go with a bolt in roll bar is because you don't need to know how to weld to install it, I guess. But I wouldn't call the bolt roll bar install easy either. Its just as much work as a weld in one.
I went to Chassis Engineering and bought a 8 point roll bar with 2 swing out kits for $230 total. I went to the tool store and bought a nice little Lincoln mig welder with wire and gas feed for $400. I bought a book on how to weld and a nice auto tinting mask for another $60. Read the book, learned about all different types of metals and welders/wires/gases etc. I got some scrap metal played with welding for a day, got used to the welder settings depending on the thickness of the metal and how slow/fast to move my bead.
The next day I installed 6 of my 8 point cage myself with swing outs on both sides. It came out as good as any shop would have done. I paid about the same price as a bolt in roll bar for everything and I now own a great little welder which I've used a 100 times already.
A bolt in roll bar, is not as strong and might not pass tech at some tracks. If your thinking about getting a bolt in bar so you have the option to remove it later a weld in bar is not difficult to remove either. I've done it before, simply sawsall the bars and use a grinder to grind down to the plates.
Also welding is alot of fun =)
Lee
The only reason someone would go with a bolt in roll bar is because you don't need to know how to weld to install it, I guess. But I wouldn't call the bolt roll bar install easy either. Its just as much work as a weld in one.
I went to Chassis Engineering and bought a 8 point roll bar with 2 swing out kits for $230 total. I went to the tool store and bought a nice little Lincoln mig welder with wire and gas feed for $400. I bought a book on how to weld and a nice auto tinting mask for another $60. Read the book, learned about all different types of metals and welders/wires/gases etc. I got some scrap metal played with welding for a day, got used to the welder settings depending on the thickness of the metal and how slow/fast to move my bead.
The next day I installed 6 of my 8 point cage myself with swing outs on both sides. It came out as good as any shop would have done. I paid about the same price as a bolt in roll bar for everything and I now own a great little welder which I've used a 100 times already.
A bolt in roll bar, is not as strong and might not pass tech at some tracks. If your thinking about getting a bolt in bar so you have the option to remove it later a weld in bar is not difficult to remove either. I've done it before, simply sawsall the bars and use a grinder to grind down to the plates.
Also welding is alot of fun =)
Lee
weld in unless you plan on selling the car soon (and if you are, then why are you racing?).
these are safety items to protect your life dummy! do the right thing, spend a few extra and live to tell another story. good luck!
these are safety items to protect your life dummy! do the right thing, spend a few extra and live to tell another story. good luck!
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA
I wussed out and brought the Vette into a shop for the install. Weld in, powdercoat, harness. Cost $2000 parts and labor. My butt hurts. Hope he sends me flowers after he's done...
If you have free time, you can save alotta $$$ doing it yourself. Welding means never having to check the bolts for tightness. And here's the real deal, you are buying something that you might actually use someday. If welding is safer, why not?
If you have free time, you can save alotta $$$ doing it yourself. Welding means never having to check the bolts for tightness. And here's the real deal, you are buying something that you might actually use someday. If welding is safer, why not?
Trending Topics
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 0
From: F.H,Waterford,Port Huron, MI
Originally Posted by McRat
I wussed out and brought the Vette into a shop for the install. Weld in, powdercoat, harness. Cost $2000 parts and labor. My butt hurts. Hope he sends me flowers after he's done...
If you have free time, you can save alotta $$$ doing it yourself. Welding means never having to check the bolts for tightness. And here's the real deal, you are buying something that you might actually use someday. If welding is safer, why not?
If you have free time, you can save alotta $$$ doing it yourself. Welding means never having to check the bolts for tightness. And here's the real deal, you are buying something that you might actually use someday. If welding is safer, why not?
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...30200172qjKREv
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
