RyanL Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 Okay here we go, I am looking to either 1)Buy a rollbar(longbed) or 2) custom fab my own. I was wondering if anyone had measurements or specs on a longbed rollbar I could use to make my own if it turns out I can't get one for the right price? And how do you unfasten the two plates at the front of the bed where the front of the rollbar fastens too? Also I know they have a bracket that fastens to the body through the wheelwell but I have never seen one. Does anyone have any pics or could tell me how they attach? I know there are not many out there for sale and if they are they are ridiculously expensive so I will have to think up another option. Any suggestions? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Ryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neohic Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Factory LWB roll bars are made of approximately 3" tubing. I'm not exactly sure how think of tubing, but it's not much. Keep in mind that my truck is a short box: Off of the dimensions are approximate. If you were to make one of you own, then you’d probably want to use your truck as somewhat of a jig to make sure that everything lines up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Here's another pic - LWB specific. Unfortunately I don't have the rest. Image Not Found Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Found a chrome roll bar in nice shape for a short bed. Fella wants $200 for it and I think thats to much. Just what are these things worth? I know I can get a good one for a S10 for $50. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Found a chrome roll bar in nice shape for a short bed. Fella wants $200 for it and I think thats to much. Just what are these things worth? I know I can get a good one for a S10 for $50. For me, if I were to install a roll bar, it would have to be original. Lots of the aftermarket stuff will fit the MJ beds (sort of), but the original ones in good shape are rare, especially for the LWB trucks. I sold a NOS one a few years back for $375; I think today to the right person it might go for $500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanL Posted August 2, 2011 Author Share Posted August 2, 2011 I think it was probably made out of 1/4 inch powder coated stainless steel...its cheap, sturdy and easy to bend at any muffler and tailpipe shop. Thank you both for the pics and spec those will help a hell of a lot if I decide to fab my own. I have a welder who live on my street who can help with that process. I also have a truck box in the bed so I will have to factor in the swing height of the lid if I want to have both in there at the same time. Thanks again and if you have any new information then toss it my way if you get the time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Nope, the OEM stuff was not stainless nor powder coated. Just thin wall rolled steel 3" tubing and painted. Would have been nice if it were stainless then maybe there would be more available in good shape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanL Posted August 2, 2011 Author Share Posted August 2, 2011 Oh I see....well Ive never actually seen one so that was just a guess. If I were to fab one that would be what I would make it out of. Either that or aluminum to maybe save some mpg's...gas prices suck :fs1: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 If your going to fab one, use 4130 Chromaly aircraft tubing. best strength-weight ratio available without going to the exotic stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanL Posted August 2, 2011 Author Share Posted August 2, 2011 I've never heard of that....where do you get/order it? And can it bend on a steel bending machine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 It can be bent and welded just like regular steel. Any aircraft supply house has it. I got several addresses but don't know what part of the country you're in. Just type '4130 aircraft tubing' in your browser search window. You'll get a couple pages of results. Just pick out one closest to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanL Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 I live in Covington, LA. I did check it out and that stuff looks expensive lol. Another question: How do the plates on the front of the bed where the two front bars connect near the cab come out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Compared to regular steel it is, but you get what you pay for. Personally, if I were fabbing up a roll bar, or any structural add on I would pay the extra. My experience in repairing and scratch building air frames probably influences my opinion. As for the plates, I have absolutely no idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanL Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 Good point lol...I'm going to have to do some researching though being the poor high school student I am for some good prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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