Rollbar removal

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Jet
Joined: Fri 14 Nov, 2003 16:24
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Rollbar removal

Post by Jet »

Is it possible to detach the rollbar from the windshield? Can this be done DIY or requires specialist?

Rgds

J

PS: Rollbar = curved bar at top of Windshield, sun guard is attached to.[/b]
Last edited by Jet on Thu 12 Jun, 2008 13:01, edited 1 time in total.
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Paul Drawmer
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Post by Paul Drawmer »

Apart from; why on earth would you want to do that?

The roll bar is an integral part of the chassis. It is welded to the top of the 'A' pillars, which are in turn fed down into the base frame as far as the wheel arches. This is to provide real roll over protection.

If you look at the 'construction' pages at:
http://www.bmwz1.co.uk

you will see a couple of pictures of a Z1 'undressed' that show the roll over bar.
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Zed One
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Post by Zed One »

Hi Jet,

You must be MAD thinking of removing the roll bar! :shock:

As Paul says, it's integral to the chassis design (I actually thought the bar itself was one unit all the way down to the wheel arches, with the 'a' pillar panels and windscreen surround welded to it?)

To remove it you would encounter the following problems:

Big loss in structural rigidity - the roll bar not only acts as roll-over protection, but also chassis strengthening (like a roof does on a normal car!) so removing it will mean your car will start to wobble and shake and fall apart due to it not being held together properly! :?

Insurance; try and find an insurance company that will cover you for removing the bar - they just won't without giving you a CRAZY premium. If you don't tell them, your insurance will be invalid becuase you have changed one of the structural elements of the car.

The best way to look at it - would you remove an RSJ from your house because you thought it would look better for it? How long will your house be standing if you did?? :(

Going back to Paul's original question - WHY???

Regards,

Bruce.
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Jet
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Post by Jet »

I knew it had structural implications, but thought it was more safety/protection that anything else.

I was more curious than anything else.

Thank you
felix
Joined: Sat 02 Jul, 2005 16:25
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Post by felix »

Plus it's very useful when getting in and out of the car!
felix
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Post by felix »

Plus it's what the hood attaches to.
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