How sturdy are gbody roofs when they flip?

[Riddick]

im 6'6 and my head is pretty close to the roof when im driving, is my Regal gonna cut my head off if it flips? am deciding weather to put a roll cage in it. it is a street/strip car, but more street so i really dont like the idea of cramming a cage in there. anyone have first hand experience? will the A pillar survive a few tumbles? are they generally well balanced cars that don't flip easily? can't find any info online. Thanks guys!

 

[GuysMonteSS]

17 years now,started with 450 HP,then went up to 550 HP,now I'm at 650 HP,and haven't flipped it yet,so I guess I cant answer your question.
I have had it going sideways lots of times though,LOL
Guy

 

[UNGN]

A G-body A-pillar will fold like a cheap suit in a rollover. When you drive a more modern car and then drive a G-body, the very first thing you notice is how thin the A-pillar is.

Good thing for tall guys is you head will be under the stronger B pillar.

 

[pagrunt]

To add, keep in mind GM thinned out all the metal in the car to make them lighter/more fuel efficient. Seen alot of the '81 Monte/G.P./Cutlass/Regal hard tops with exterior B piller cracks. Bad idea to thin safety for efficiency.

 

[lilbowtie]

No matter what car your in you can ask yourself that question. If you plan on going to the strip you could be required to have one as to how fast you run.

 

[ck80]

The roof is very thin metal, the cross braces, such as they are, are not designed to hold any weight.

All you have to do is remove the headliner to see how small they are...

 

[fleming442]

They aren't so prone to flipping as they are breaking into a song and dance routine known as the "G-body Shuffle".

Seriously?

 

[joesregalproject]

Old cars do pretty bad in rollover crashes. Go watch some old crash test videos. I'd be willing to be bet if you rolled a G Body on its roof, it'd flatten like a pancake.

The pillars cracking is a result of the bodies flexing, and its not actually the pillars themselves cracking, it's the lead filler they used to smooth the roof seams cracking away from the pillars. In theory a rear seat brace (either double x style or gnx style) should prevent it from happening.

 

[pontiacgp]

I was worried about the same thing and that is the reason I got t-tops so I could see what's coming, plus I read someplace that glass is stronger then metal....😎

I am actually more fearful of the bags (I don't mean old ladies) in my Jeep than flipping my G body.....🤔

 

[Riddick]

Thanks for all the input guys, i still really hate the idea of cramming even a 4 point in there. anyone ever heard of using the seat backrest as a stop to keep the roof from fully collapsing in on you? seems like a no brainer. maybe some late model seats are strong enough?