Author Topic: Convertible drag cars  (Read 2437 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

C8OZ

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 149
    • View Profile
Convertible drag cars
« on: June 22, 2019, 12:33:48 PM »
I've heard all the horror stories, and I've seen a couple of bent cars, so very little of that, please.  ;D

Hoping to hear from someone who has run any unibody convertible, but especially 66-69 Fairlane/Torino.
Care to share engine/trans/gear/tire combos and what reinforcement work was done?
I'd love to get away with subframe connectors, cross members, and 8-pt, of course, but if that's not realistic for a stroker and 11" tread, now's the time to adjust.
Project is a 68 Torino, so trying to chip away at 3500 lbs.

shady

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1035
    • View Profile
Re: Convertible drag cars
« Reply #1 on: June 22, 2019, 01:26:05 PM »
There was a guy at the 2015 FERR that had a '66 or '67 red Fairlane vert. that ran in the low 12s. Drove the car there from Jersey, but for the life of me I can't remember his name. I lost to him in the semis. You should talk to him.
What goes fast doesn't go fast long'
What goes fast takes your money with it.
So I'm slow & broke, what went wrong?
2021 FERR cool FE Winner
2022 FERR cool FE Winner
2023 FERR cool FE Winner

TomP

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 880
    • View Profile
Re: Convertible drag cars
« Reply #2 on: June 22, 2019, 06:47:40 PM »
The roll bar itself will add enough strength if it has welded in door bars and not swing out.

C8OZ

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 149
    • View Profile
Re: Convertible drag cars
« Reply #3 on: June 22, 2019, 08:35:58 PM »
I know it adds lot a LOT to any body style, but I've just never pushed this car that hard. Good to hear.
I'll also be adding continuous welds to a lot of the panels that were only spot welded originally.

BattlestarGalactic

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1296
    • View Profile
Re: Convertible drag cars
« Reply #4 on: June 23, 2019, 07:30:06 PM »
Any convertible would need roll bar to go 13's"legally" if I recall. 
Larry

Falcon67

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2173
    • View Profile
    • Kelly's Hot Rod Page
Re: Convertible drag cars
« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2019, 09:06:37 AM »
The roll bar itself will add enough strength if it has welded in door bars and not swing out.

I would disagree - subframe connectors with an 8 point roll bar would be my minimum.  My Falcon isn't a convertible and it took both to stiffen it up properly.  The connectors are home brew from 11 gauge 2" square tube with pieces of 2" angle iron where necessary.  Easy enough.  Welded to the floor if possible even better.  The Fairlane roll bars - like most - land on the required 6x6x.125 steel pads which then rely on the floor for stiffness in that plane. 

C8OZ

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 149
    • View Profile
Re: Convertible drag cars
« Reply #6 on: June 24, 2019, 10:07:28 AM »
Thank you all.
The connectors will be through or against the floor, welded along the way, and braced out to the rockers where the bars land.
It's entirely possibly this will evolve into a cage, but I really would prefer to keep it a 8pt if possible for the occasional top-down day.

gt350hr

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 941
    • View Profile
Re: Convertible drag cars
« Reply #7 on: June 24, 2019, 02:57:56 PM »
    A convertible chassis has many more structural additions that a hard top. Sub frame connectors won't hurt at all and the roll bar should be common sense.
     Randy

C8OZ

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 149
    • View Profile
Re: Convertible drag cars
« Reply #8 on: June 25, 2019, 09:26:36 AM »
    A convertible chassis has many more structural additions that a hard top. Sub frame connectors won't hurt at all and the roll bar should be common sense.
     Randy
I've owned this car for 30 years and only after taking it all the way down realized just how many pieces they added.

57 lima bean

  • Guest
Re: Convertible drag cars
« Reply #9 on: June 27, 2019, 05:18:18 PM »
Tying the main hoop to the door latch area with flat stock is a good thing for any rollbar installation. Two inch by eighth works well.