Has anyone removed the Sport Bar on their Conv't

[PTZIGGY]

Hi, I have a 2005 Conv't and I was thinking of removing the SPORT BAR and relocating the dome lights. Has anyone done this ? My research indicates that the Sport bar does not act like a Roll Bar & that it would not be a safety issue. Any ideas? or comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

[CREWZIN]

Something to read...

Roll Bar Removal


Chrysler took the bar off a prototype that they made but I'm sure they didn't have to pass any kind of crash/rollover test as it wasn't put into production. They also probably did a lot of strengthing of the body and undercarriage.

[lowpt]

A guy over at CPTC Home Page did this. He also did a lot of research before doing it. Apparently the bar is not structural but more to deter wind in the rear seats. Post your question on the Carolina site and I'm sure he will respond. Here is a pic of his car.

[lowpt]

let me try again

[PTZIGGY]

It looks awesome. It doesn't look like alot of work. The manual shows the sport bar is held in place with four bolts. If I can do some creative body work to the plastic panels it should look OK with the bar removed. Does any one know of any major obstacles in doing this?

[rubsnick]

Honestly I feel safer having the bar up there. Even more so after seeing a pic of a PT upside down....

[soonercruiser]

I have two 2006 cruisers: a na Touring, and a GT vert!
There is a very distinct body wiggle in the vert - felt between your butt and what you see as the windshield going over rough pavement!
I'd hate to drive the vert with any loss of left-right stiffness!

[Mean Green]

Originally Posted by soonercruiser

I have two 2006 cruisers: a na Touring, and a GT vert!
There is a very distinct body wiggle in the vert - felt between your butt and what you see as the windshield going over rough pavement!
I'd hate to drive the vert with any loss of left-right stiffness!

Totally agree.

[PTZIGGY]

I thank everyone for their comments & opinions. I really dont think that the structual integrity of the car will be comprimised by removing the bar - it's so thin. I am going to try this weekend to take it out and drive without it for a week or so - - before I do any modifcations that may become permanent - just in case I am wrong & the car becomes rough to handle. I have had several convertables over the years and I like a clean look without the bar. My 2005 turbo was purchased by me brand new - I have 52K miles & have replaced the Multifunctions switch (fog lights would not turn off & puffs of smoke would come out from the swith) , and both lower control arms with ball joints as well (the lower bushings just fell apart at 38K) - otherwise it has given me no real trouble. I plan on keeping it along time. I really love this little car.