possible roll bar for k5?

[rocknerd]

was thinking i could put a light bar/roll bar from a fleetside or stepside pickup over the back seat of my k5. been done? can't be done? who knows what.?

 

[Desert Rat]

Not positive, but my understanding is that most pickup roll bars are taller so as to be even with the top of the cab to theoretically prevent the cab from crushing. If so, they won't fit inside your K5 as they will be too tall. I suppose you could cut them down and re-weld it up.

 

[rocknerd]

true. I was thinking more along the lines of width, and i supposes height could be cut to fit on all 4 mounting plates.. hmm....

 

[smartcarkiller]

I guess it doesn't matter if it will fit because you could always cut it down wherever it doesn't. I'd say if you already have one laying around that's one thing but if you don't it might be better to just get some tube and have it bent to your specs. Plus I don't know about you but all the truck style bars I've seen are always really thin walled and are more for looks than function. Better to be safe than sorry in my book.

 

[colbystephens]

if it's a 4 point bar, you might run into trouble if you cut it down because the geometry of the triangle that goes back to the wheel well will likely change. Also, many of those light bars on pick ups are almost entirely aesthetic and wouldn't actually do a damn thing in a roll - so make sure you get one that's structurally sound.

 

[rocknerd]

if i'm to put any effort into this, it might as well be helping in the safety department. Sounds like I should bend some decent tubing and stop trying to get off easy.. thanks fellas

 

[colbystephens]

You probably wouldn't be out much more money than one of those truck bars to have a local fab shop do one. Wouldn't take more than a couple hours for them.

 

[ryoken]

yup, bending/notching 101 there.....

 

[USSkoval]

You probably wouldn't be out much more money than one of those truck bars to have a local fab shop do one. Wouldn't take more than a couple hours for them.

While I agree, if it comes down to it, and a light/roll bar bar is your only option, it would still be better than nothing. Thin wall is better than no wall.

 

[colbystephens]

I sort of disagree on this point. If you have "something" for the sake of having "something because it's better than nothing," then you're more likely to get yourself into a position where you'll try to attempt something that could get you into some trouble with a roll. Then perhaps you do roll and the bar is some low-strength brittle thing and it snaps. Now you have multiple problems on your hands.

Nobody should be wheeling a convertible truck without addressing the proper safety stuff the right way FIRST. I mean wheeling, not that "back-woods, forest service road, cruising stuff" that would be safe to do in anything. If you're going to be putting yourself in the position to have a potential flop or roll over, you MUST address the safety issues FIRST.

 

[dirtygoat]

i sort of disagree on this point. If you have "something" for the sake of having "something because it's better than nothing," then you're more likely to get yourself into a position where you'll try to attempt something that could get you into some trouble with a roll. Then perhaps you do roll and the bar is some low-strength brittle thing and it snaps. Now you have multiple problems on your hands.

Nobody should be wheeling a convertible truck without addressing the proper safety stuff the right way first. I mean wheeling, not that "back-woods, forest service road, cruising stuff" that would be safe to do in anything. If you're going to be putting yourself in the position to have a potential flop or roll over, you must address the safety issues first.

x2...

 

[USSkoval]

I do see your point.

I guess I'm just one of those people that won't do something simply because "it might hold up".