H1 Opentop - No real roll bars?

[RonB]

ok, got me thinking...found this on the hml by Manny, who has a really cool/modded H1 -- here's a bit from the thread:

"I paid close attention to the open-top rollovers that have taken place over the past few years, and in nearly every case I have seen, the stock configuration has been enough to protect the occupants but collapses in certain areas more than others; particularly, there is nothing to support the truck in the area of the windshield (A pillar), so the front corners particularly seem to be a problem. DO expect the truck to suffer significant damage in a rollover, since the current structure will bend at all upper corners under the weight of the truck.

As far as my modifications, I left the original structure in place and had it all welded where it was originally bolted together - IMHO, this alone significantly strengthened the structure. I also added a "box" at the front of the cage right behind the windshield, and additional spreader bar reinforcements to the cage. I have some pictures on the web, see the link below...

My modded cage is by no means as strong as a completely fabricated full rollcage - but it was inexpensive, and it is much stronger than the original structure. Overall, I feel pretty good about it; minimal loss of visibility and gives me a little more peace of mind when I get myself into "tippy" situations. I don't expect it to protect the truck from sustaining some major body damage in a rollover, but I do expect it to better protect the occupants."

hmmm. I'm headed to the welders.

Ron B

[hmcoleap]

I realize this is an old thread, but I thought people might be interested in some related pics...

http://www.serious4x4.com/cage.html

Originally Posted by RonB

ok, got me thinking...found this on the hml by Manny, who has a really cool/modded H1 -- here's a bit from the thread:

"I paid close attention to the open-top rollovers that have taken place over the past few years, and in nearly every case I have seen, the stock configuration has been enough to protect the occupants but collapses in certain areas more than others; particularly, there is nothing to support the truck in the area of the windshield (A pillar), so the front corners particularly seem to be a problem. DO expect the truck to suffer significant damage in a rollover, since the current structure will bend at all upper corners under the weight of the truck.

As far as my modifications, I left the original structure in place and had it all welded where it was originally bolted together - IMHO, this alone significantly strengthened the structure. I also added a "box" at the front of the cage right behind the windshield, and additional spreader bar reinforcements to the cage. I have some pictures on the web, see the link below...

My modded cage is by no means as strong as a completely fabricated full rollcage - but it was inexpensive, and it is much stronger than the original structure. Overall, I feel pretty good about it; minimal loss of visibility and gives me a little more peace of mind when I get myself into "tippy" situations. I don't expect it to protect the truck from sustaining some major body damage in a rollover, but I do expect it to better protect the occupants."

hmmm. I'm headed to the welders.

Ron B

[Aubs]

Originally Posted by hmcoleap

I realize this is an old thread, but I thought people might be interested in some related pics...

http://www.serious4x4.com/cage.html

Thanks Manny. You have a very nice roll cage setup on your truck. I think I'd be investing in something like that if I got an opentop.

Just out of curiosity, what's the roof structure like in the wagon?

[hmcoleap]

It is very simple, actually... pretty much just a steel roof with an integrated B-pillar hoop.

Rolled wagons appear to suffer similar damage at the front/windshield corners.

Originally Posted by Aubs

Thanks Manny. You have a very nice roll cage setup on your truck. I think I'd be investing in something like that if I got an opentop.

Just out of curiosity, what's the roof structure like in the wagon?