Hey Don, Ben just returned my call and it sounds like it's good to go. He confirmed that going to the subframe connectors are the best bet. I will finish up the last couple pieces then it's off to certify it. Thanks everyone! Tony
Just curious...but have you checked placement of the drivers seat yet to see if it interferes with the forward placement of the bars? I ran into some issues before with that exact same thing...
Yes, I had the front and rear seats in there just yesterday. The front Kirkey is just a mock up one though, so I didn't mount it permanent yet. I need a 15.5 wide instead of the 17.5. That 17.5 will be used on the passenger side and the 15.5 isn't here yet. These bars clear without a problem (it helps that I'm only 5'6" as well) and they are almost right up against the front of my back seat when it's installed. But it screwed me on my door bars. In order to be at the correct height with my seat so far forward they run right into the door handle. Oh well, one more part to fabricate!
Interesting post and helpful information. It does have subframe connectors that do come through the floor. I will be trying to get mine certifiec for 9's also. This car has been racing since the early 70's and at one time was NHRA certified. It also has a window net. I am not sure about the battery though, as it may need to be enclosed. Here are some pictures;
You should be okay as long as the rear firewall is .024" steel or .032" aluminum, including package tray.
Thanks Don, the bulkhead and package tray are both steel although I'm not sure what gauge they are. The car is a little on the heavy side at 3125lbs, maybe because everthing was done in steel, not aluminum.
http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=56828 here's what my battery looks like. It's post #4. Not as neat as yours, but it does the job. My car weighs about 2600, but I don't have as many bars as you have and no carpeting.
Looks pretty neat to me.....................well, maybe the strap could use some work, but looks good. The car did have two batteries, but replaced it with one as the others were pretty well gone.
Here are a couple more pictures of mine with the rear and drivers seats installed. I'm still trying to make a decent mount for the passenger side, but I haven't come up with anything that I like yet.
I affectionately call it the jungle gym! After a day of working on the car, I get quite a workout climbing over/under and through it. I wasn't exactly sure if the back seat would be functional, but both my 18 year old and I were able to get back there and it is actually pretty comfortable. You are right, it's just about the same height as the old roller coaster bars. I don't think that I'm going to bother putting the seat belts back there again, I just don't think that will be used very often. It looks good though, don't you agree?
