Bolt in Roll bar questions

[blocke]

I happened to be checking out bolt-in roll bars like Autopower, etc, and was wondering..What specific points do these bolt to in the chassis/body? Do they utilize factory holes?

If you just drill your own holes, how safe is that? Seeing as how they aren't reinforced, thickened body points, etc?

School me.

[TobyB]

I tried to find the pic of the rolled Mustang with the roll bar feet sticking up, but couldn't.

Yes, the Autopower bar has little 2x4 pads that sit on sheet metal. If you want it to be
more than a fashion accessory, get some plates (maybe 8"x8" or so) and use them to
make the footprint of the bar big enough to take some load. And put them on both sides
of the pads, and something similar on the angled rear supports as well.
If you do it intelligently, you can catch the rocker and rear seat seam for more strength.
Will it absolutely save you?
Hell, no.

But it will stand a chance.

I have never understood the logic on the Autopower feet. The bars are fine, otherwise.

Others, I have no experience with.

t

[MR 325]

Definitely no factory holes for a roll bar, you drill the holes. The roll bar will have a plate with bolt holes welded on to it and will include another plate for the other side of the sheetmetal you bolt it through.