Roll Cage: Dash Bar Routing?

#1

I was just wondering if anyone had built their cage to include a dash bar that didn’t interfere with the defroster and wasn’t directly against their knees… If so, how’d you do it and do you have pics?

Thanks.

#2

Found this question while doing a search for the same topic.

I am in the process of installing a weld-in kit from Kirk Racing, and the two preferred locations for the dash bar both interfere with the installation of the instrument cluster. Kirk provides a straight dash bar, and in my car, the heating ducts remain with the bar just above the right side metal tap projecting out from the firewall.

Those that have the dash bar installed behind the instrument cluster, does your cluster fit in the factory position? I can get the top tabs of the cluster in their original place, but the bottom sits out because of the bar.

I’ve seen several images on various cage builds and they appear very similar to my condition, although it’s hard to see their exact position.

Thanks for any help,

-Scott

#3

wsl wrote:

[quote]Found this question while doing a search for the same topic.

I am in the process of installing a weld-in kit from Kirk Racing, and the two preferred locations for the dash bar both interfere with the installation of the instrument cluster. Kirk provides a straight dash bar, and in my car, the heating ducts remain with the bar just above the right side metal tap projecting out from the firewall.

Those that have the dash bar installed behind the instrument cluster, does your cluster fit in the factory position? I can get the top tabs of the cluster in their original place, but the bottom sits out because of the bar.

I’ve seen several images on various cage builds and they appear very similar to my condition, although it’s hard to see their exact position.

Thanks for any help,

-Scott[/quote]

My guy gave up trying to get a proper routing since we have to keep the heat exchanger. This is the best he could come up with.

#4

I’ve been pretty happy with the design used for my car. The bar goes behind the cluster and is completely clear of legs/knees. While the "plumbing" up to the defroster needed to be removed, the vents are open and with a high fan you do get some air up onto the windshield. Here is a picture:

#5

I like the bar above, although the kit I have came with a straight bar for the dash. I can get more tubing locally, but would need to buy a 1 3/4" die to do the bends. Something I was hoping to avoid with the purchase of a kit.

Since NASA has this bar as ‘optional’, there is no additional information in the CCR. What is the ideal location/position for this bar? High/low, bends/no bends?

I could cut the top of the dash in half and install the dash bar at the same height as the upper dash surface but this would to violate 7.4.3.

-Scott

#6

Here’s my solution: http://picasaweb.google.com/skeen.michael/Cage/photo#5024854529650671714

The dash needs trimming, but the defroster is unaffected and the instrument cluster should go in just fine.

#7

I viewed your gallery over the weekend while doing my installation, very nice work. My A pillar bars are located 5-6 inches closer to the firewall. Installing a bar in a location similar to yours would still require some bending.

Please let me know how the dash goes back in, since this arrangement keeps the duct work functional.

-Scott

#8

I finished the dash install today. Trimming is definitely required, but everything fits. I decide to take the side ducts off (that go to the vents near the rear view mirrors), but I probably could have gotten something to work. Still have all the defrost ducting and the center vents. The bar is really close to the duct controls in the HVAC panel, but it’s all there. I can probably get pics tomorrow.

#9

My cage builder removed the recirculation flap motors and ran the bar exactly where they were located. This places the bar above the steering column, but below the steering column support bracketry. Reconstruction of the a-pillar dash mounting points was required. I put a few pictures here: http://new.photos.yahoo.com/fuhrmanns@sbcglobal.net/album/576460762387493827
Later,
Carl Fuhrmann
Indianapolis, IN

#10

My cage builder removed the recirculation flap motors and ran the bar exactly where they were located. This places the bar above the steering column, but below the steering column support bracketry. Reconstruction of the a-pillar dash mounting points was required. I put a few pictures here: http://new.photos.yahoo.com/fuhrmanns@sbcglobal.net/album/576460762387493827
Later,
Carl Fuhrmann
Indianapolis, IN

#11

Mark McMahan built my cage with dash bar that left the heater/defroster system intact. I don’t have pictures because you can’t see it. My right side net is mounted to that bar through an opening just above the radio slot. Works perfectly. The dash bar follows the form of the firewall above the steering column and interfers with nothing.

#12

Proeagles wrote:

Well, you have McMahan, one of the best if not the best in the business. I wish I was closer to him, but out here in the desert there aren’t many cage builders.
I’d really love to see your bar, and right side net. Can you try to get pics?
How much? 2-3K’s is my guess.