2020-03-20 - Dashbar Shape

Q.
Is it okay if the dash bar has any bends in it? I would like to curve mine forward from the A-Pillars slightly such that the bar runs right along the cowl/firewall. Photos are looking somewhat down on what the bar would look like. The factory dash bar shown would be removed or modified to allow the cage dash bar to sit flush with the top of the cowl/firewall.

A.
The purpose of the dash bar is to support the A-pillar bars from collapsing in on each other in an impact. By adding a bend to the supporting dash bar, you have introduced a weak point where the dash bar can fail. Such a weak link can be reinforced via a large gusset, but then this presumably defeats the reason for the bend in your bar in the first place - extra clearance/space. If the reason for the bend was to allow you to tie your dash bar into the cowl, then adding a large gusset or brace to the corners should not be an issue for you. If such a gusset were to be added, tech would be ok with the proposed design.