dave-C2

I've seen at least one GT3 in which the roof panel was removed to facilitate the installation of a full cage, in particular welding the top bars. The roof panel is attached with a series of spot welds that can be cut out. Afterwards the panel was glued (high strength adhesive) back in place. The whole process did not damage any paint.

Has anyone here done this to their car or know someone who did?

Any comments regarding adhesive vs spot welding to reattach the roof panel?

TIA

996FLT6

Advantage to removing roof line is roof bar will seat more flush/higher with roofline. Don't think it's a good idea using high strength glue- if rollover(hope it never happens to neone) more risk of roof flying off. I did not remove roof. It's best to remove rooftop and spot weld it. If you have a good cage builder they can seat roofbar pretty flush but if your cage builder recommend removing rooftop maybe he's uncomfortable fabbing cage with roof intact so take it off. Mike

LVDell

I'd just have glass and interior removed, not roof.

MC 968CS

You can get very good roll cages fitted without removing the roof.

911SLOW

No need to remove the roof (or all glass), even for a cup style welded cage.

dave-C2

Thanks for all the replies.

The cage builder did not ask for the roof removal. I have seen his work on other GT3 and I know he can do the cage installation with the roof in place.

I was curious how many other 996/997 had the roof removed when installing the cage - it certainly makes it easier to do full welds on the top bars.

FWIW current high strength automotive adhesives are surprisingly strong and reliable. For example, adhesives are used in the original construction to bond aluminum to steel and there are adhesives that bond replacement quarter panels to a car. These are engineered adhesives that need to be used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

David

mooty

u dont need to remove roof to cage
but i did.
i have a LOT more clearance than factory cup cars. a LOT more. hard to explain, it's not head clearance, but distance to the little bar closese to your left temple. those who have seen my car understands.

if you were to remove the roof, you cannot re-use it. i dont understand why. but my builder as well galen at werks 2 both said you need new roof skin. the skin is really cheap <$500

dave-C2

Mooty, thanks for the comments. Good to know in advance about new roof skin.

Regarding left side head clearance, I presume you are referring to the roof bar that goes forward to the A pillar. Did the extra clearance come from installing the main hoop closer to the B pillar, which will result in the roof bar being further from the driver, or from being able to weld the roof bar higher and closer to the roof line?

Thanks