Roll bar repair

[6972boss]

Anyone found an easy way to repair the rubber coating on their roll bar? I have one that the coating has tore off. I thought maybe plasti-dip might be an option....

[Bob Gaines]

Anyone found an easy way to repair the rubber coating on their roll bar? I have one that the coating has tore off. I thought maybe plasti-dip might be an option....

Where is the popcorn emoticon when you need it ? This question has come up many times over many years. Unfortunate to report I have not seen or heard of a successful original looking repair over the many years I have been working with 67 Shelby's.  Hopefully someone else will have more encouraging news to report.

[2112]

Does the original coating have a name?

[6972boss]

  ok, looks like I am about to go into uncharted territory! I will attempt a fix and let you know the end result 

[Bob Gaines]

ok, looks like I am about to go into uncharted territory! I will attempt a fix and let you know the end result 

Only uncharted if you come up with a viable original looking repair.    Attempts to repair the roll bar foam over the years have been numerous because the problem has been around for decades. Just no successful un noticeable looking repairs that I have seen in concours judging or otherwise. Best of luck with your effort . I would suggest thinking outside the box because if it was easy a solution it would have been discovered a long time ago. Who knows you may be the guy.

[cboss70]

Maybe carefully razor blading the pad off of a new repro one will get you closer (better than nothing) but would be a big effort and won't look exact.

[Coralsnake]

I have seen the manufacturer info on original bars, but would have to look it up

[roddster]

  Just buy another 67 Shelby, and switch roll bars.

[Bob Gaines]

Maybe carefully razor blading the pad off of a new repro one will get you closer (better than nothing) but would be a big effort and won't look exact.

The new repro bars foam pad appearance finish don't even come close to the original finish look. The repro foam looks like it was sprayed with "Flex Seal" of TV fame.    I would rather live with a pad with a little damage like from a fire extinguish mounting etc. then the cheesy shiny look that the repro bar has . The repro bar is physically made close . It is the finish that is lacking.  Replacing the entire bar is the best solution given the facts IMO. It may not be the cheapest way unfortunately. It is however the cheapest way to get the best look especially when you consider , time ,money ,stress ,personal satisfaction etc. IMO.  Roll bars come up for sale occasionally. Heck a couple in the for sale section of this forum .  FYI 67 and 68 roll bars have different inertia real brackets compared to each other.

[shelbydoug]

Maybe carefully razor blading the pad off of a new repro one will get you closer (better than nothing) but would be a big effort and won't look exact.

The new repro bars foam pad appearance finish don't even come close to the original finish look. The repro foam looks like it was sprayed with "Flex Seal" of TV fame.    I would rather live with a pad with a little damage like from a fire extinguish mounting etc. then the cheesy shiny look that the repro bar has . The repro bar is physically made close . It is the finish that is lacking.  Replacing the entire bar is the best solution given the facts IMO. It may not be the cheapest way unfortunately. It is however the cheapest way to get the best look especially when you consider , time ,money ,stress ,personal satisfaction etc. IMO.  Roll bars come up for sale occasionally. Heck a couple in the for sale section of this forum .  FYI 67 and 68 roll bars have different inertia real brackets compared to each other.

You raise the question to me as to what the original bar finish looked like? Was it always this dull flat black or when it was new did it have a sheen to it? 

[2112]

What is the best way to preserve an original pad covering?

[Bob Gaines]

Maybe carefully razor blading the pad off of a new repro one will get you closer (better than nothing) but would be a big effort and won't look exact.

The new repro bars foam pad appearance finish don't even come close to the original finish look. The repro foam looks like it was sprayed with "Flex Seal" of TV fame.    I would rather live with a pad with a little damage like from a fire extinguish mounting etc. then the cheesy shiny look that the repro bar has . The repro bar is physically made close . It is the finish that is lacking.  Replacing the entire bar is the best solution given the facts IMO. It may not be the cheapest way unfortunately. It is however the cheapest way to get the best look especially when you consider , time ,money ,stress ,personal satisfaction etc. IMO.  Roll bars come up for sale occasionally. Heck a couple in the for sale section of this forum .  FYI 67 and 68 roll bars have different inertia real brackets compared to each other.

You raise the question to me as to what the original bar finish looked like? Was it always this dull flat black or when it was new did it have a sheen to it? 

It was always dull flat black.

[deathsled]

  Just buy another 67 Shelby, and switch roll bars.

Lol! That's creative! One can never have enough of em

[gt350bp]

I think I'd investigate a large diameter shrink wrap material that is used for rollers on roller table etc. Once it is shrunk wrapped, might be able to simulate the pebble grain finish with a truck bed liner paint / finish??? Just a thought.

Don
gt350bp

[6972boss]

Well, lol, I would love to have another Shelby but I'm sure my other 8 mustang would not approve
This roll bar is a 69 and it is going in my 70 mach 1. It is torn on the right side and there was a fire extinguisher strapped on the driver side.  It is OK if it is not concourse.  I'm sure that would be impossible without a big tank to dip it into. I am going to try a repair, don't have much to loose...