Roll Cage question - Swing-Out or Soild Side Bars

Joe Grippo · 12-29-2010, 05:18 PM

So I currently have an 8 pt roll bar in my 70 Mustang bracket car and I am upgrading to a full cage with a dash bar. My question is the side bars, specifically swing out or solid. I am a bit of a fat *** so I’m leaning toward swing outs with additional rocker bars. Would the rocker bars be necessary to maintain the integrity and strength of the cage with cut side bars? Or will it suffice to just have the side swing out’s and no rocker bars?
Thanks.

Tom Goldman · 12-29-2010, 06:04 PM

Joe , The rocker bar will always help strengthen the roll cage/ bar.
Those early 'Stangs dont have much floor or rocker strength to start with.
It will also stabilize the bottom of the pivit point ,because the swing out bar has a tendency to flex up and down when only the 6" plate is at the bottom.
Applied Racing Technology has a very nice billet clevis kit that is stronger and cleaner yhan some of the others .

Patric Fox · 12-29-2010, 11:47 PM

I will agree with Mr. Goldman, I have seen some of the swing out bars flex after use and not line up correctly. Are you getting ready to go faster? Might want to add some wheele bars too. Hope you had a good holiday, Pat

Joe Grippo · 12-30-2010, 11:07 AM

Thanks Tom and Pat. I kind'a knew that I should go with the rocker bars I was just looking for validation, thanks.

Hey Pat, not going any faster just something I've been wanting to do...
I'll stop down to see you soon.

John Dinkel · 12-30-2010, 11:15 AM

They make the best. I put one in my car and it is great.

12-29-2010, 05:18 PM	#1
Joe Grippo Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Elverson, Pa Posts: 158 Likes: 125 Liked 41 Times in 4 Posts	Roll Cage question - Swing-Out or Solid Side Bars So I currently have an 8 pt roll bar in my 70 Mustang bracket car and I am upgrading to a full cage with a dash bar. My question is the side bars, specifically swing out or solid. I am a bit of a fat *** so I’m leaning toward swing outs with additional rocker bars. Would the rocker bars be necessary to maintain the integrity and strength of the cage with cut side bars? Or will it suffice to just have the side swing out’s and no rocker bars? Thanks. Last edited by Joe Grippo; 12-29-2010 at 06:28 PM.

12-29-2010, 06:04 PM	#2
Tom Goldman VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Allentown,PA Posts: 2,476 Likes: 889 Liked 882 Times in 236 Posts	Re: Roll Cage question - Swing-Out or Soild Side Bars Joe , The rocker bar will always help strengthen the roll cage/ bar. Those early 'Stangs dont have much floor or rocker strength to start with. It will also stabilize the bottom of the pivit point ,because the swing out bar has a tendency to flex up and down when only the 6" plate is at the bottom. Applied Racing Technology has a very nice billet clevis kit that is stronger and cleaner yhan some of the others . __________________ Tom Goldman 1500 SG , 1506 STK

12-29-2010, 11:47 PM	#3
Patric Fox Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pottstown,Pa. Posts: 121 Likes: 24 Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Roll Cage question - Swing-Out or Soild Side Bars I will agree with Mr. Goldman, I have seen some of the swing out bars flex after use and not line up correctly. Are you getting ready to go faster? Might want to add some wheele bars too. Hope you had a good holiday, Pat

12-30-2010, 11:07 AM	#4
Joe Grippo Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Elverson, Pa Posts: 158 Likes: 125 Liked 41 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Roll Cage question - Swing-Out or Soild Side Bars Thanks Tom and Pat. I kind'a knew that I should go with the rocker bars I was just looking for validation, thanks. Hey Pat, not going any faster just something I've been wanting to do... I'll stop down to see you soon.

12-30-2010, 11:15 AM	#5
John Dinkel Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pinckney, Michigan Posts: 507 Likes: 399 Liked 263 Times in 68 Posts	Re: Roll Cage question - Swing-Out or Soild Side Bars They make the best. I put one in my car and it is great. __________________ John Dinkel 3295 STK