Roll-over bar

[ABH_V8]

I am looking to fit a rear roll-over bar to my BJ8 to compete in some hill climbs. So far none of the ones I have found can be used under a raised soft top.They all either require the roof down or a hard top to be fitted.I would prefer to buy an off the shelf item rather than have one custom made.Has anyone fitted a currently available bar.I am in Europe so preferably a UK or Europe supplier.Any suggestions would be gratefully received. Many thanks in advance and a Happy New Year with many happy Healey miles to all on this forum.

Andy

 

[vette]

Have you tried Dennis Welch, UK.

 

[Cottontop]

When/IF you have satisfied yourself that you cannot find anything off the shelf, get in touch with Pete Farmer at https://www.petefarmer.com/

Pete specializes in Performance Healeys.

Tim

 

[John Turney]

I have one by Autopower that fits under both tops. Mine's a street bar, but maybe you can either start there and modify it or convince them to modify it for race.

 

[Frankenhealey]

I don't know of any commercial roll bars that will allow you to use a soft top. I investigated this quite thoroughly when having my car built and ended up with Pete Farmer making a custom roll bar which would allow the hard top to be fitted. My helmet still hits the roof on yomps though and this was only possible because I am only 5ft 6ins and my helmet would be over the top of the bar with aftermarket seats. I spoke with Pete this morning and he suggests you sit in your car with your helmet on and the soft top up. If there is 2inch/50mm clearance to the soft top then it 'may' be possible but it would be custom and he would need your car to build it!

Cheers,

Ian

 

[Randy Forbes]

I've made a few of them, and they're really not all that complicated to do. The last one I did goes right up to the bottom of the soft top.

See: https://www.spcarsplus.com/gallery3/index.php/Healey-at-home/newest_rollbar

Here's the first one I did (still have it too, but in storage)

Installed (believe it or not, the soft top still fit over the bar!)

 

[Healey_Z]

Randy, as always, incredible, quality work.

 

[ABH_V8]

Thanks to everyone for their very helpful suggestions and advice.

Wow Randy you should be very proud of that. It is exactly the style I am looking for and beautifully executed.

It looks like I will have to have a bar custom made to fit the car after all.

All the best, Andy

 

[HealeyRick]

Randy,


Amazing the lengths some people will go to eliminate scuttle shake.

 

[andrewss]

As a new member to the forum I came across your request maybe too late. I have roll bar fitted to my BJ7 (same dimensions as BJ8 interior) which is fitted for the soft top up or down. I would say that's its necessary to take out the back board as its bolted through the chassis to bracing plates at the point where the back rest is bolted through the wheel arches. Its up for sale if you are interested (make me an offer). I am based in Belgium but am English. I am taking it out for a complete restoration and do not intend to refit.

Have a look at the photos.

Regards,

Andrew

 

[dougie]

I love your work Randy. I really could use a neighbor like you....

Oh, and I'd bring back anything I borrowed with a couple cold ones.