I had the same mindset as the OP when we built my youngest son's high school ride, '72 Chevy Luv pickup, California Stepside kit, 455 Olds/TH400, 10.25" narrowed Olds rear ('57-'64). I installed a full NHRA-legal rollcage (rollcage, not rollbar) and full SFI 16.1 safety belt system. I also installed a window net so he could run with the windows down and I would not worry about him losing an arm in a rollover.

Bottom line: It is incumbent on us parents to make things as safe for our children as we can. My son is now 42 years old, not having been injured or killed in that sweet little hot rod truck.

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