Dash Bar Required??

72DMag said
@Demonracer You've convinced me to add the dash bar! Glad your accident wasn't worse!

In regards to the dash bar does it have to be connected to the 2 a pillar bars coming down from the roof halo? or can it be in front of those bars and hidden in the dash like this. This picture he does have it attached to the 2 post bars. But I have the 2 post bars in front of my dash. I'd like to hid the dash bar just for looks if possible. Can I hide and weld the dash bar to the sides of the car using 1/8 inch plates?

In other words does the dash bar need connected to the cage or can it just be added?

View attachment 1715673613

Mine is hidden like that behind the dash. When I had my cage done I insisted that the pillar bars come down through the dash. More room inside the car and just looks right to me. Because we did it that way, we were able to put the dash bar behind the dash and it welded to the steering column and brake pedal assembly to reinforce that structure as well. My fabricator told me that it is safer for the drivers knees to have it behind the dash as well.
I hate the look of a cage in front of the dash.