02semiata

After looking over the install on the hard dog home page. I am not going to lie I am pretty scared Is this bar really that hard to install or am I just over reacting. Also any tips you guys have would be great. Thanks I got the hardcore DD hardtop m2. My car is a 2002 stock seats and belts.

240_to_miata

iTrader: (2)

Have a buddy help you. I installed it by myself and ended up scratching the powdercoating a bit while trying to move it in and out of the car. As long as you have trimmed the sheetmetal rear deck correctly and have the top down and seats folded as far forward as possible it isnt too bad getting it in and out.

Overall It is an extremely easy process. Take your time, torque anything that needs to be torqued, cut anything that needs to be cut, and DONE.

RotorNutFD3S

iTrader: (33)

Yep, it's pretty simple and straightforward, just takes some time to complete. Having help is beneficial. Be sure to cover up the exposed metal as they instruct, don't want stuff rusting.

02semiata

I was planing to remove both seats from the car so we are good with that. As for the friend well maybe my dad can help me haha. Thanks for the quick reply.

mgeoffriau

iTrader: (7)

Threadjack:

I've got a Kirk bar that I need to install...thought about getting it professionally prepped and powdercoated but that'd be another $200. Anyone repainted their bar or roll cage? What kind of paint did you use?

lsc224

iTrader: (13)

An angle drill would help too.

mikewolf

iTrader: (2)

I have just used rustoleum on mine and no complaints so far. There is a bare spot that my kirkey seat rubs, but I'm pretty sure it would have rubbed off with any paint or powder coat.

02semiata

I was thinking of getting a angel grinder for doing the seat belt part.

BarbyCar

iTrader: (1)

We did my HDHCHT for my NB with a bunch of guys, a case of beer and a few pizzas.

We did my wife's HDSport for her NA with a bunch of guys, a case of beer and a few pizzas.

Notice a pattern?

BarbyCar

iTrader: (1)

Whoa, if you are thinking of an angle grinder for the seat belt part then you're reading the instructions upside down or something.

dustinb

I've installed about six harddog bars and they are really quite simple. Just take your time and everything will go really well. As others have said, take the seats out of the car.

02semiata

Well maybe its not called a angle grinder lol but they are using some kind of air power cut off wheel to cut the rivet off the seat belt mount. Maybe I just need a cut off wheel haha. Also thanks guys for all the help Yeah I will have to try and get some friends this weekend for the install.

BarbyCar

iTrader: (1)

You have an 02, there are no rivets to cut off.

Seat Belt Reel and Guide Installation Instructions:
.....models and '00 up simply bend the small tab on the upper bracket down flat to allow the reel to lean inboard for better belt alignment.

For the shoulder harness guide I highly recommend that you test fit first before you do any grinding. With both installs I have done the seat belt retracts just fine without any grinding as long as the seat is not all the way back and reclined - it's even fine with my Sparco Sprints.

02semiata

That is great news. THANK YOU.