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Triumph TR6 - Rollbar Installation Problem

Hi, please help me out with some advice if you can. I would like to install a roll bar (that I bought on EBAY)on my 1974 TR6. It is a 1 3/4 inch 4 point roll bar.

The problem that I have encountered is that the retracting unit for my seat belts is in the way of the installation. I removed one of the retractors (the other is being stubborn) thinking that I would just move that back a bit -- I thought the bolts would be the self-tapping kind. Instead, I find that the unit bolts into a threaded hole. I have since seen where people refer to these "inertia reel retractable seat belts" attaching to the "B post". I assume that is the case for my car. (I have not pulled back the interior upholstry to really get a good look at the attachment area on the wheel well yet -- I thought I would ask for some advice before I did that.)

Is there a way for me to move this unit back so I can put the roll bar in, or is this "B post" location my only option? If I am stuck with it, is there a different type of seat belt system that will enable me to install the rollbar?

I would imagine there is some solution available since roll bars are not uncommon for our "little British toys".

Any advice or help that you can provide will be appreciated. Thanks.
John Burke

I had the same problem and looked at all sorts of locations when I put in my roll bar. By moving the unit back it will not work as the angles for the belt would be too great and thus bind. You can not angle the unit as the weighted mechanism needs to be in an upright position or it will always lock. The spot I put it was to drop it lower and have it facing forward below the rear shelf just above the floor. Angles are right and the belt retracts quickly. You need a bolt and nut and a large fender washer for backing. I used Grade 8 fine. Position it so that the opening of the mechanism is just about at the where the shelf creates a 90* angle. I put a piece of thin plastic so that the carpet does not slow down the retraction. I also have it slightly angled towards the door and does not cause it to lock.

I bought a nice chromed large flat head bolt (with allen hex at Home Depot to fill in the old hole and it looks like it was meant to be there initially. I believe that the bolt is meant for furniture and you can get it in the bin section for bolts.

Hope this helps as it worked for me and I spent alot of time figuring out the best location. The only drawback is if you are over 6' 2" and need the seat all the way back it my cause problems as you might not be able to slide the seat all the way back
steven

Hi Steven, thanks for the information.

I'll look at it again armed with this suggestion. I had read about the retractor having to be straight up and down to work properly, so it looks like this is the kind of solution I'll have to use. For once I am glad that I am under 6 feet tall!
John Burke

John throw it in the dumpster unless you 're installing
it for nothing but show!
Unless a roll bar is attached ( welded or bolted)
to the frame, then it is just cosmetic.
If you want this roll bar to save your life in a
roll over then get a proper roll bar. Any speed shop
can have one made to fit a TR6. Welded or bolted,
3/8" or better, grade 5 or better. It's your neck.
Christopher Trace

In the middle 70's at Summit Pt Raceway I saw a guy die when his TR6 rolled and the rollbar collapsed thru the floor. Something that sticks with me today.
Don K.
DON KELLY

Don
can you elaborate, was it improperly installed?
i was thinking about installing one.also a abit off
topic has any one tried two single.
( it must be a mid life thing,in my twentys the thaught of rolling over
did not concern me )
malcolm.
malcolm

Malcom- I never found out the details as I was a spectator that particular weekend. It was just thru gossip in the pits the next race that the floor collapsed under the roll bar. I can't remember if it was a full cage or if the cage rule was not in effect yet. All I remember was that he was an older gentleman and that he was a doctor.
Don K.
DON KELLY

Hi folks. Thanks for the comments. Chris, I haven't checked this board in a couple of days and have started to install the roll bar.

I thought it was necessary to have the roll bar connect to the frame, but figured that these roll bars that go to the body might be generally OK. I'll probably finish up now since it jsut about fully attached at this time.

I will check with a local speed shop as you suggest though and see about replacing it later. Thanks for the advice.

P.S. I don't race my TR6, or really even drive it that hard. I just use it as a good weather driver. I wanted the roll bar just in case someone hit me someday. I guess I'll have to keep working on it if I want that piece of mind (which I too never thought of when I was in my 20's).
John Burke

This thread was discussed between 18/03/2002 and 22/03/2002

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