Roll bar for 63 Catalina
 

I was looking at the different main hoops premade by Comp Eng at Summit but of course are all F or A body referenced not B body so is there any application premade hoops that are a good fit for a 63 Catalina ? Thanks

I'm sure these guys could build you one. https://www.swracecars.com/collectio...tom-roll-cages

Thanks I also since saw Alston lists 4 point, 8 point etc kits for a 61-64 Impala so surely that would be correct since 63 share the same roof and glass

61-64 Chevy frames are not even close to a Pontiac frame. If you intend to tie into the frame, not the floor. I doubt that the chevy X frame kit is going to have the correct tie in points as on a Pontiac swept hip frame.

I.E. the Pontiac frame rails run just under the rocker panels similar to the A bodies, the chevy frames run as a common backbone through the center of the frame forming an X that the 2-piece driveshaft with a carrier bearing that runs through the X portion of the frame, much further towards the center of the car.

If you intend on bolting the hoop to the floor, it could work. In my thinking a roll bar hoop tied into the floorpan is just a visual way to satisfy the rule requirement. In a severe rollover wreck, it's going to be inferior to protecting the driver. In an oval track car, the roll bar uprights must be welded to the frame for the driver's protection. A rollbar not tied into the frame is about like using exhaust pipe in place of rollbar tubing, it's going to bend and deform when you need it the most.

In my racecars I always wanted a 4-post cage because in a rollover the A pillars usually collapse first and the roof ends up on the dashboard. Not much room leftover for your upper body when the roof collapses in the front.

:2cents:

Correct, I am aware of frame difference but curious to know the width where sat on the floor, my hope was if it was over the ole wide-track perimeter frame but maybe not. May seem dumb but I was hoping I can have the plate weld to floor above the frame where I could drill four holes thru said plate and have a section of large angle stock it could bolt to underneath and then side bolt to the outer face of the frame vertically, on the main hoop. Just looking for a legal 7.0 index car but it will take some time, my current bracket class is 7.25+ slower and haven't been bothered running 7.2 or 7.3 or 7.4 over the last few years but needs to be right.

I'd say it would be closer to the frame on the Pontiac. Using plates would be good enough, if it is close to frame could tie it in also. (for your times listed)


:)

I have no idea if you have any oval track racers in your area, but they should be able to possibly point you in the direction of someone that bends roll cages and fabs them near you. A plus is it's, now the off season for racing. typically, slower than during the race season.

Since oval track cars have a much more extensive cage, usually there is someone that builds and repairs crash damaged cars locally. They'll have tubing sticks, and some type of a bender to make just what you're looking for to fit your application.

If you order a kit hoping it will fit, then decide it won't work, there's a lot of freight invested. Finding someone to fab a set of bars locally could save you a bunch of aggravation............:noidea:

Link to chassis shops in Dallas, maybe this helps, maybe not????

https://www.bing.com/search?q=dallas...DGEXST&PC=HCTS

Good luck in whatever you decide.........:thumbup:

Im in heavy dirt track area here in southern Indiana and hadn't had much luck googling for custom roll cages, but maybe I was using the wrong search terms. Ill try looking for Chassis Shops instead.

Try "Auto Weld Chassis" They maybe able to help you.

Per NHRA, OEM full frame car roll bars must be welded or bolted to frame.

Yes thats why I said I would put some angle under the floor plate and drill thru both and bolt to it and side bolt the angle to frame. I am aware of the rule.

I alway's ordered kits for the sec-firebirds as the rear struts are longer
than most, and the main hoops usually are pretty tall. You have to trim
for the desired height. Can't say I ever did a big car though.
Call them and ask, they will help you out.

GT