roadster sport bars... on a coupe!
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roadster sport bars... on a coupe!
this got started in another thread, but i thought i was a really good idea so i went for it -- its still somewhat crude (no grommets for the rear deck yet, and those darn tabs are visible) so its more a work-in-progress, but here it is. i can give installation details if anyone's interested... total cost: $285 from the local dealer (2 bars, 4 grommets).
Re: roadster sport bars... on a coupe!
Originally Posted by former NXMX5
this got started in another thread, but i thought i was a really good idea so i went for it -- its still somewhat crude (no grommets for the rear deck yet, and those damn tabs are visible) so its more a work-in-progress, but here it is. i can give installation details if anyones interested... total cost: $285 from the local dealer (2 bars, 4 grommets)
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Re: roadster sport bars... on a coupe!
the bars actually come with six of the tabs; if you look at my cutout you can see the extra slot i had to make to fit the extra tabs through.
the good: the mounting points, amazingly, are THERE in the car already. there are four holes below the rear deck that line up perfectly for the roll bars.
the bad: you'll need pipe cutters to remove about the last four inches off the bar (including the bottom-most tab), because the bar is actually too tall to fit in with the roof in the way. ten minutes with a pipe cutter, or a hacksaw will get the job done.
the ugly: the visible tabs (rrrrr) aren't visible on the roadster because the roadster's rear deck comes up that much higher to cover them. i'm still brainstorming what to do with them. i can't move the tabs BELOW the deck because then the bars would be much lower than the seat. i may try and lower them so the tabs 'rest' on the rear deck. we'll see...
the good: the mounting points, amazingly, are THERE in the car already. there are four holes below the rear deck that line up perfectly for the roll bars.
the bad: you'll need pipe cutters to remove about the last four inches off the bar (including the bottom-most tab), because the bar is actually too tall to fit in with the roof in the way. ten minutes with a pipe cutter, or a hacksaw will get the job done.
the ugly: the visible tabs (rrrrr) aren't visible on the roadster because the roadster's rear deck comes up that much higher to cover them. i'm still brainstorming what to do with them. i can't move the tabs BELOW the deck because then the bars would be much lower than the seat. i may try and lower them so the tabs 'rest' on the rear deck. we'll see...
Last edited by former NXMX5; 12-26-2005 at 11:16 AM.
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Re: roadster sport bars... on a coupe!
Originally Posted by former NXMX5
the ugly: the visible tabs (rrrrr) aren't visible on the roadster because the roadster's rear deck comes up that much higher to cover them. i'm still brainstorming what to do with them. i can't move the tabs BELOW the deck because then the bars would be much lower than the seat. i may try and lower them so the tabs 'rest' on the rear deck. we'll see...
Alternatively, you could look at getting a set fabricated to have tabs just where you want/need them. You could then have hem sent out for powder coating or chrome as well.
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Re: roadster sport bars... on a coupe!
i was thinking of that too. i tested out the bottom tabs that i cut off already and i grinded off the tabs, but after i was all done a body guy would still have to do some work to get it presentable. its such a visible part of the car! i was hoping i could get creative and think of some other use for them instead of cutting them off (they are powdercoated after all)... still thinking --
Re: roadster sport bars... on a coupe!
I like What about cutting off the tabs and installing some type of nice inserts to cover up the cut? You may be able to extend it down to act as a grommet as well.
Either that or use some roll bar padding...or make a cross bar bolted with some nice chrome hardware. Now you got me thinking of a new winter project
If you get a chance, can you make a drawing with some precise measurements to make a template for the cutout. Thanks
BTW the accessory chrome bars for the SLK don't appear to have those tabs
Either that or use some roll bar padding...or make a cross bar bolted with some nice chrome hardware. Now you got me thinking of a new winter project
If you get a chance, can you make a drawing with some precise measurements to make a template for the cutout. Thanks
BTW the accessory chrome bars for the SLK don't appear to have those tabs
Last edited by MI1XFIRE; 01-09-2008 at 06:02 PM.
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Re: roadster sport bars... on a coupe!
Originally Posted by InfernoRedXfire
Hummm? I would remove those tabs and have them chromed.
BTW, since this thread last had a post ('05, wow) ive cleaned up the bars, got rid of the tabs and they look 100% better
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