[VanCobra]

Originally Posted by Donunder

Why?

My Arntz has the traditional roll bar with a front brace extending down into the passenger side footwell, and I'm happy to have it, but if it had not already been installed when I purchased the car that would have been OK too. I drove a Healey 3000 for years without a roll bar and it was never a concern for me.



This comment is a worry for me-- and I admit my worry seems to fly in the face of my previous comment, but "minor cosmetic item" when referring to a roll bar??? Sure, there are many so-called roll bars out there that are just that, cosmetic, with one upright mounted to a bracket in the trunk and the other bolted or riveted to the fibreglass body. Totally useless in the event of an accident, but then when you see the massive roll cages in racing cars these days, you have to wonder at the effectiveness of a single little roll hoop, even if correctly installed, if things do go awry!

If you are intent on mounting a roll bar, please don't just go the cosmetic route but have one that's properly mounted and braced either traditionally like mine facing forward, or the more contemporary rearward style. Anything less, from a safety viewpoint, is a waste of money and effort.

I'll never get rid of my Arntz, ever, but if one day I find myself in the happy position of being able to afford a stablemate, it'll have no scoop, no sidepipes, no roll bar, and a cut down screen on a super light body. It will run skinny little 7s and 8s and have a mere 350 very useable horsepower from an alloy SB. Lots of fun in that combo!

Anyway, grab your car while it's still available. I'm biased, but the Arntz/ Butler cars are among the best there are. You'll love it, and post up some pics when you can.

Donunder,
I want a roll bar for two reasons: 1) I like the look (of a rearward-braced roll bar). 2) I want some level of protection in an open-air car, in the unlikely event of a roll over.

So, I'm in complete agreement with you to have a functional roll bar. What I meant is "cosmetic" in the sense that it's a minor/relatively easy modification.