Dipstick

Nam, the Hard Dog Bulkhead replacement bar replicates the OEM set belt reel position/orientation. For the inertia reel to act "stock" (i.e. be loose under normal driving yet lockup during a sudden decel) the belt can't twist and the reel has to be in a particular orientation (in front and down view). If you ever have the reel off, and tip it slightly out of this orientation, you'll notice that it locks up when you pull the belt.

The harness bar is too far back and too low to mount the reel in this ideal position/orientation, hence they made this bar. I'm using it now, works perfectly.

VitaRenovatio

Ah, I understand. There's got to be a smarter way to integrate it into the bar. Maybe I should ask a custom builder for a roll bar that has the horizontal harness bar attached to the main hoop, then a plate that extends downward for attachment points for the seat belt reels? I'd also want a plate that extends backward for attachment point for a tripod head.

//steve\\

You could definitely have a cage builder add a harness bar that has two curves at the end to place it a bit behind the main hoop in pretty much the exact same place as this bar.

TurboViper

I figured I would contribute to this post with my install gallery from my Hard dog

http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p...dog%20Rollbar/

//steve\\

Can the soft top motor covers go back on the car with the rollbar installed?

clarkster009

Yep I never took my motors out...top still works as normal.

//steve\\

I'm still debating on getting this bulkhead replacement or just going with the cut in half stock bulkhead.

SeanSerino

Get this bar. It's very high quality, looks much nicer, and is probably a lot safer than cutting the stock bulkhead.

//steve\\

It's a little pricey in my opinion for what it is. I know the quality is great without even seeing it. I had a hard dog rollbar in my first s2k and I've got another one sitting in the garage now to go in the car.

yonson

Yeah, I reinstalled mine however they did need to be trimmed to work...