Custom roll bar installed in ACR

[VENOM V]

Hi guys,

I installed a roll bar fabricated by Ross Murray of Exoticraft in SoCal. It is a beautiful piece, very strong and looks almost factory. It mounts to factory holes in the frame, with the exception of two holes that you must drill out to enlarge them. It just touches the headliner without crushing it, just what I wanted. It is also safely a few inches behind the seat headrest to prevent head contact in the event of collision. Visibility is still pretty good, and plenty of room for luggage.

Ross typicality installs these himself as there is some fabrication work required. He recommends having a fab shop install them, but I'm fairly handy so I did it myself. Here are some pics of the finished product. I'll follow with another post with step by step photos.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1621/24126625029_22b6a28cff_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CKZg4B)IMG_1142 (https://flic.kr/p/CKZg4B) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1719/23866184814_ae49d41c73_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CmYrg5)IMG_1143 (https://flic.kr/p/CmYrg5) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/24198825300_b8cf7a46a7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CSniFS)IMG_1147 (https://flic.kr/p/CSniFS) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[VENOM V]

Here's the roll bar, powder coated and ready for install:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1697/24494333825_2813b9a657_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DjtS5r)IMG_1126 (https://flic.kr/p/DjtS5r) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr


Instructions:

1. Remove seats. Very tricky, you have to recline it just right, pivot it out, then roll it as shown...

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1537/23867543713_4fd9957b9f_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Cn6pdn)IMG_1116 (https://flic.kr/p/Cn6pdn) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1445/24198790460_27c76e3ff9_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CSn8kb)IMG_1117 (https://flic.kr/p/CSn8kb) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

2. Mark where you need to cut in the body panel. I used wide masking tape, which is just wider than the 1-3/4" roll bar...

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1696/24198792860_9a0b9a0ecd_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CSn93y)IMG_1118 (https://flic.kr/p/CSn93y) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

3. Cut and remove the pieces. Save these, later you'll trim them to size and put them back in after roll bar is installed.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1449/23866162404_69094f89f5_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CmYjAG)IMG_1121 (https://flic.kr/p/CmYjAG) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

4. Rear supports go through these factory holes. Drill them out to accept the 1/2" diameter bolts that come with roll bar...

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1457/24468153926_cc6624cf8d_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DhaFGS)IMG_1123 (https://flic.kr/p/DhaFGS) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

5. The hole is directly above the rear coil overs, you can access this area to install the locknuts...

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1711/24386075712_cbdb7e2d96_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/D9V1Hf)IMG_1129 (https://flic.kr/p/D9V1Hf) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

6. Install roll bar and torque fasteners. Notice that on the driver's side, I used Teamtech shoulder harness eye bolts. Holes didn't line up perfectly due to weld distortion, so my friend and I had to persuade them. I was expecting this, we got though it fine...

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1619/24198813340_460f937e02_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CSnf8E)IMG_1132 (https://flic.kr/p/CSnf8E) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

7. Tape in interior panel pieces that you previously removed. I used Gorilla Tape, a very strong duct tape...

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1460/24198814860_6cd34f4c20_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CSnfzS)IMG_1139 (https://flic.kr/p/CSnfzS) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

8. All done

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1568/23866182464_25c2fd2377_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CmYqyy)IMG_1140 (https://flic.kr/p/CmYqyy) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[ACR]

Very nice, thanks for the write-up

[Vprbite]

Looks great.

You said there is room for your noggin in the event of an on street (helmet less) collision? That's always a concern of mine when I see rollbars. Definitely looks like it's got some room. Definitely looks factory, in a good way.

[EZ 2B Green]

Nicely done! I'm curious, is this a requirement at some tracks or is this an additional safety feature that you desire for peace of mind?

[VENOM V]

Very nice, thanks for the write-up

Thanks, glad to help

[VENOM V]

Looks great.

You said there is room for your noggin in the event of an on street (helmet less) collision? That's always a concern of mine when I see rollbars. Definitely looks like it's got some room. Definitely looks factory, in a good way.

Yes, Ross made a few of these before mine and perfected the design to ensure there's no way your head could touch it in a collision. It's a concern of mine too, this set up is safe for the street.

[VENOM V]

Nicely done! I'm curious, is this a requirement at some tracks or is this an additional safety feature that you desire for peace of mind?

The ACR is faster than many race cars, certainly a lot faster than my Mustang race car. I hit 139 mph on the straight at Laguna Seca so I really felt the need for more protection.

I wear a Necksgen head and neck restraint and use a 6 point harness which forces your head upright (unlike a factory 3 point belt), and in the event of a rollover your melon can get squished if the roof caves in.

Plus, one of the clubs that I track with has a race car group which requires a roll bar, so now I can run with them.

[donk_316]

I thought there was an intergral roll bar already built into the G5 Viper...

[VENOM V]

I thought there was an intergral roll bar already built into the G5 Viper...

Yes good for stock but not as beefy as it could be for the track. For a high speed rollover this will fit the bill.

[Fatboy 18]

I wondered how long it would be before someone started making these for a Gen V :) Looks great adds to the race car look :)

Two things do come to mind, Would this Roll bar get track approval?
Also the whole point of the ACR's is to shed weight, (no hood liner, no carpet in the boot) and yet here is a big bit of metal that you add to the car! Do you know how heavy it is? :)

[docwviper]

I thought there was an intergral roll bar already built into the G5 Viper...

I agree on my factor tour they showed me the roll bar from the factory. On the ACR's they even reinforced these I was told. Would this get track approval?

[VENOM V]

I wondered how long it would be before someone started making these for a Gen V :) Looks great adds to the race car look :)

Two things do come to mind, Would this Roll bar get track approval?
Also the whole point of the ACR's is to shed weight, (no hood liner, no carpet in the boot) and yet here is a big bit of metal that you add to the car! Do you know how heavy it is? :)

The roll bar has very short tubes, which make it very strong yet light. We are fortunate that the Viper's frame comes across right behind our shoulders so the tubes don't have to be long. I didn't weigh it but I would estimate 25 Lb, a good tradeoff for the safety it yields.


I agree on my factor tour they showed me the roll bar from the factory. On the ACR's they even reinforced these I was told. Would this get track approval?

As for track approval, it gets me into the race car group of the Shelby Club, but serious organizations like the SCCA and NASA require more than a basic roll hoop. Not a roll bar but a full cage, with tons of gusseting. Here's a picture of my SCCA approved Mustang race car. Not the best picture of the cage, but you get the idea. What you can't see are the bars and bracing by the doors and overhead. This is why I view my roll bar as the minimum protection, mainly just to keep the roof from coming down in the event of a roll over but not near as safe as a certified cage.

My ACR is much faster than my Mustang and will see mostly track use, so I just want to be safe if something goes wrong.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1669/24475676936_58a311f6df_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DhQf2W)image (https://flic.kr/p/DhQf2W) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[docwviper]

The roll bar has very short tubes, which make it very strong yet light. We are fortunate that the Viper's frame comes across right behind our shoulders so the tubes don't have to be long. I didn't weigh it but I would estimate 25 Lb, a good tradeoff for the safety it yields.



As for track approval, it gets me into the race car group of the Shelby Club, but serious organizations like the SCCA and NASA require more than a basic roll hoop. Not a roll bar but a full cage, with tons of gusseting. Here's a picture of my SCCA approved Mustang race car. Not the best picture of the cage, but you get the idea. What you can't see are the bars and bracing by the doors and overhead. This is why I view my roll bar as the minimum protection, mainly just to keep the roof from coming down in the event of a roll over but not near as safe as a certified cage.

My ACR is much faster than my Mustang and will see mostly track use, so I just want to be safe if something goes wrong.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1669/24475676936_58a311f6df_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DhQf2W)image (https://flic.kr/p/DhQf2W) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

I totally get it. Would love to do that to my ACR but no clue who to trust to get the job done right.

[docwviper]

The roll bar has very short tubes, which make it very strong yet light. We are fortunate that the Viper's frame comes across right behind our shoulders so the tubes don't have to be long. I didn't weigh it but I would estimate 25 Lb, a good tradeoff for the safety it yields.



As for track approval, it gets me into the race car group of the Shelby Club, but serious organizations like the SCCA and NASA require more than a basic roll hoop. Not a roll bar but a full cage, with tons of gusseting. Here's a picture of my SCCA approved Mustang race car. Not the best picture of the cage, but you get the idea. What you can't see are the bars and bracing by the doors and overhead. This is why I view my roll bar as the minimum protection, mainly just to keep the roof from coming down in the event of a roll over but not near as safe as a certified cage.

My ACR is much faster than my Mustang and will see mostly track use, so I just want to be safe if something goes wrong.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1669/24475676936_58a311f6df_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DhQf2W)image (https://flic.kr/p/DhQf2W) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

I didn't know the shelby club required a roll bar?

[VENOM V]

I didn't know the shelby club required a roll bar?

In NorCal, they have a race run group, which has very fast cars in it, no street cars to speak of. Less crowded than the rest of the run groups and good drivers. Roll bar gets me in.

the NorCal Shelby Club has unlimited dB days at Laguna Seca more often than most organizations and they are a fun group to run with. Mostly hopped up Mustangs with a few Shelby Cobras and Vipers sprinkled in!

[mikesax]

Venom- you continue to impress!! Go fast AMIGO!!

[Fatboy 18]

The roll bar has very short tubes, which make it very strong yet light. We are fortunate that the Viper's frame comes across right behind our shoulders so the tubes don't have to be long. I didn't weigh it but I would estimate 25 Lb, a good tradeoff for the safety it yields.



As for track approval, it gets me into the race car group of the Shelby Club, but serious organizations like the SCCA and NASA require more than a basic roll hoop. Not a roll bar but a full cage, with tons of gusseting. Here's a picture of my SCCA approved Mustang race car. Not the best picture of the cage, but you get the idea. What you can't see are the bars and bracing by the doors and overhead. This is why I view my roll bar as the minimum protection, mainly just to keep the roof from coming down in the event of a roll over but not near as safe as a certified cage.

My ACR is much faster than my Mustang and will see mostly track use, so I just want to be safe if something goes wrong.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1669/24475676936_58a311f6df_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DhQf2W)image (https://flic.kr/p/DhQf2W) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

Got it, thanks for the feedback, Loving the Pic of the Mustang, Awesome :dude3:

[Bruce H.]

Great job Todd! Looking good.

[7TH_SIGN]

Very nice work.

[Vprbite]

Yes good for stock but not as beefy as it could be for the track. For a high speed rollover this will fit the bill.

Meh, wrecks give ya character : ) how is it working out? I know you drive on the street a lot. Street visibility still ok? Or, as good as it needs to be?

How have your track days been? Or are you taking a break during the summer? Out here racing (horse or car) kinda takes a hiatus as it is less fun to race when it's 111 out.

Thanks for the write up. Im sure it will help a lot of the ACR guys. You can never really be too safe in while out there on the track.

[steve911]

Thanks for posting! What is the cost of the bar?

[Topplayer]

was your rear vision affected much?

[steve911]

Any cost estimates for the bar yet?

[FrankBarba]

Nice looking bar. I'm sure that it will get you by on the Drag Strip.
Is this mild steel or is it molly ? What is the diameter, and thickness of the
bolt on ? Have you weighed your car with the driver in it ?

[Glen97]

Looking good Todd!


Hi guys,

I installed a roll bar fabricated by Ross Murray of Exoticraft in SoCal. It is a beautiful piece, very strong and looks almost factory. It mounts to factory holes in the frame, with the exception of two holes that you must drill out to enlarge them. It just touches the headliner without crushing it, just what I wanted. It is also safely a few inches behind the seat headrest to prevent head contact in the event of collision. Visibility is still pretty good, and plenty of room for luggage.

Ross typicality installs these himself as there is some fabrication work required. He recommends having a fab shop install them, but I'm fairly handy so I did it myself. Here are some pics of the finished product. I'll follow with another post with step by step photos.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1621/24126625029_22b6a28cff_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CKZg4B)IMG_1142 (https://flic.kr/p/CKZg4B) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1719/23866184814_ae49d41c73_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CmYrg5)IMG_1143 (https://flic.kr/p/CmYrg5) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/24198825300_b8cf7a46a7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CSniFS)IMG_1147 (https://flic.kr/p/CSniFS) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[Mark1107]

How much for the roll bar?

How much for the roll bar?

How much for the roll bar?

[steve911]

Thanks for pushing the thread back to the top.

They must not want to sell any. All I have hearing is crickets chirping ;)

[stradman]

22098

Hi Guys, Just resurrected this thread after a mate sent me a link to the custom roll bar that is in the OP in that it might be a good idea to have. But then managed to find another photo from someones build showing the integral roll bar that all Gen V's have and which would be just above this custom roll bar. It doesn't therefore make any sense to me why anyone would install this "custom" roll bar just under the factory one. Maybe its like wearing 2 condoms?? LOL

[AZTVR]

It doesn't therefore make any sense to me why anyone would install this "custom" roll bar just under the factory one. Maybe its like wearing 2 condoms?? LOL

The question is, what do you feel comfortable with in a roll over accident at an initiating speed of 140 mph? A roll over bar with no bracing and unknown wall thickness and strength, or the one that the OP installed ? Is the factory roll over bar designed for race speeds or just for the NHTSA roll over test at 15 mph? Likely somewhere in between.

Its really is a matter of what meets the driver's safety versus risk equation, plus what any event organizer's requirements are.

[plumcrazy]

not to mention he needs it to run with the group he wants to run in

[stradman]

Well to my eyes at least factory one looks as substantial, if not more so than the "custom" roll bar. Of course if you need to have one exposed and they won't accept photo documentary proof that there is one under there, in order to run with your group then fair enough I guess...

[stradman]

On the other hand if one is racing then I would suggest a full cage would probably be more appropriate. But for tracking I personally would be happy to accept the factory one. Btw anyone have any experience, seen or heard any of the latest Vipers flippin over on track anywhere? I would have thought that an ACR with all that downforce would probably take quite a lot to get it to flip on track. Just saying....

[plumcrazy]

seriously, why do they bother with seat belts ?

[Purple Haze]

Would like to hear an answer to this...I probably won't track mine but if I'm heading to the grocery store-one mile away-and want to set my own record, I need to know the top speed of a 90 degree turn without flipping it over! LOL...


On the other hand if one is racing then I would suggest a full cage would probably be more appropriate. But for tracking I personally would be happy to accept the factory one. Btw anyone have any experience, seen or heard any of the latest Vipers flippin over on track anywhere? I would have thought that an ACR with all that downforce would probably take quite a lot to get it to flip on track. Just saying....

[fuggles]

I don't think downforce will be a factor if you go off the track sideways.

[stradman]

I don't think downforce will be a factor if you go off the track sideways.
Yes I guess, so particularly if you hit or side swipe a curb awkwardly at high speed.

[Vprbite]

You will NEVER regret extra protection for your head or any other body part in a car.

Does that mean you "need" it? You tell me.

But most tracks wouldn't accept a photo as proof. If their tech can't physically touch the roll bar then you don't have one. (In those groups of course. Other times you just need a roof, and for HPDE often times verts are fine.)