Hard Dog Deuce
Here are several shots of my center-braced Hard Dog Deuce I installed. I was always interested in having a rollbar for safety reasons, but didn't like the looks of any of Hard Dog's other offerings. I really like the retro style of this bar, so I was excited when they recently released it.
The big advantages I see to this bar are:
1. Fits with the hardtop
2. Fits my glass rear window
3. Does not obstruct rear view mirror
4. Can easily use the top boot with it
5. Can still reach back and raise and lower the top from the driver's seat
6. Sits far back from my head
7. Allows nearly full recline of the seats
The installation turned out to be a pretty tough job. It's the first roll bar I've installed, but it took probably a total of 18 man hours to get the job done. I ran into lots of small problems with getting the bar fitted into the car, and also had problems with needing to modify one of the back-up plates. A right angle drill certainly would have made the job easier, but the installation was definitely helped by all of the additional instructions available on the web.
I'm going to take some better pictures later, but these will do for now. I love the look, and the car is much stiffer than it was before.
Custom Windblocker
These are pictures of my custom windblocker which has been coined "Tombstone" for obvious reasons. I wanted something that fit between the two bars on the Deuce, was quick to install, and looked professional. The effectiveness of my Oris (incompatible with the Deuce) was perhaps a little too much for me. It seriously felt like a targa top with the Oris in and the windows up. This windblocker obviously isn't as effective, and I like that. I had a 1/4" piece of acrylic cut based on a pattern I made, then routed out the slots for my Velcro straps. I had to modify some 2" Velcro straps to fit around the Deuce. The only length they came in was a minimum of 18" and I needed them to be about six inches long, so I cut them up and sewed them back together. My straps have the soft loop on both sides, so as to not mar the roll bar, then a short section of hook at the end of the strap to fasten them. I also made a storage pouch to protect the windblocker when I have it stored in the map pocket of the passenger seat. The edges of the acrylic have been polished. The picture doesn't show it off well, but it's so clear that you can see all the way through the acrylic if you're looking straight at the edge. The shop did a very nice job for me on that.
I am now offering the Tombstone for sale on my website: www.leatherlids.com. I also can do custom fabrication to fit your particular style bar or roll bar. See my website for more info.
