TurboDiverArt
The Guru Thorn
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2002
- Messages
- 1,655
OK, this stuff drives me crazy. I got out my 2003 NHRA rulebook. The 2003 book is different and more detailed than the 2002 rulebook. Mentions bolt-in's and swing outs specifically (both of which are legal). Ok, here we go.
For Roll Bars from page 202. Chrome Molly bars MUST be TIG welded. It says for mild steel you can TIG or MIG but not for Chrome Molly. John, you should check into this. If he MIG welded your chrome molly bar to the frame it’s not legal. The new rule book is very clear unlike previous ones. Also, roll bar CANNOT be bolted to the floor. This is only applicable for a uni-body car as the car’s body incorporates some of the frame bracing in the construction. For a full frame car like the G-Body the rule book states that the bar must be welded or bolted directly to the frame, it’s very clear. John, looking at the front connection point it’s too far into the center to hit the frame. My cage is welded into the frame (I’ve got the chassis certification to prove it) and the frame rail is directly under the door-sill plate. In-fact my “Body by Fisher” door-sill is notched where the forward bar goes through the floor and is welded into the frame. That’s what that “bump” down the sides of the floor is, the frame is under that. I would look under the front of the car and see if the bar comes through the floor and welds into the frame. The rule book doesn’t differentiate between the connection point of the main hoop and the front supports. Naturally the rear supports can’t contact the frame so they are connected to the body, I don’t think this also applies to the front but I could be wrong.
The main hoop must be within 6 inches of the rear of the drivers helmet but not below it when in normal driving position. Also, must be at least 3 inches above the drivers helmet. Like Chuck and others said, the cross bar must intersect midway between the drivers elbow and shoulder. I would think a tech would give you a few inches in either direction as wiggle room. The rule book does NOT say it must be between the elbow and shoulder, it says must intersect the midpoint between the shoulder and elbow. Again, most techs will give you a little wiggle room.
Honestly John, please check into the placement of the front support as well as if it’s MIG welded in as the rulebook is very clear about TIG only for chrome molly. I assume the chassis guy pushed them inward so they clear the door panels. If you look at many roll bars and cages you’ll notice the door panels are usually notches, that’s how far out the frame is. You obviously paid a lot of money for that bar, I just want to make sure you got what you paid for!
For Roll Bars from page 202. Chrome Molly bars MUST be TIG welded. It says for mild steel you can TIG or MIG but not for Chrome Molly. John, you should check into this. If he MIG welded your chrome molly bar to the frame it’s not legal. The new rule book is very clear unlike previous ones. Also, roll bar CANNOT be bolted to the floor. This is only applicable for a uni-body car as the car’s body incorporates some of the frame bracing in the construction. For a full frame car like the G-Body the rule book states that the bar must be welded or bolted directly to the frame, it’s very clear. John, looking at the front connection point it’s too far into the center to hit the frame. My cage is welded into the frame (I’ve got the chassis certification to prove it) and the frame rail is directly under the door-sill plate. In-fact my “Body by Fisher” door-sill is notched where the forward bar goes through the floor and is welded into the frame. That’s what that “bump” down the sides of the floor is, the frame is under that. I would look under the front of the car and see if the bar comes through the floor and welds into the frame. The rule book doesn’t differentiate between the connection point of the main hoop and the front supports. Naturally the rear supports can’t contact the frame so they are connected to the body, I don’t think this also applies to the front but I could be wrong.
The main hoop must be within 6 inches of the rear of the drivers helmet but not below it when in normal driving position. Also, must be at least 3 inches above the drivers helmet. Like Chuck and others said, the cross bar must intersect midway between the drivers elbow and shoulder. I would think a tech would give you a few inches in either direction as wiggle room. The rule book does NOT say it must be between the elbow and shoulder, it says must intersect the midpoint between the shoulder and elbow. Again, most techs will give you a little wiggle room.
Honestly John, please check into the placement of the front support as well as if it’s MIG welded in as the rulebook is very clear about TIG only for chrome molly. I assume the chassis guy pushed them inward so they clear the door panels. If you look at many roll bars and cages you’ll notice the door panels are usually notches, that’s how far out the frame is. You obviously paid a lot of money for that bar, I just want to make sure you got what you paid for!
