I want to add a roll bar to the V8 NB. I really like the looks of the double hoop ones but wonder if that is the best solution for a mostly street-driven car. Head clearance will be a primary consideration but may not be an issue as I run the seat about halfway forward from the rear.

It does need to fit under a hard top. I'm only 5'8" tall so that helps my cause.

The more old threads that I read, the more confused I get.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

I ended up with a Hard Dog dual diagonal on my NA. My hardtop still fits, but you can't work the stock side latches (omit or use Spec Miata bolt-on side plates). If you are driving on the street, the dual diagonal is much friendlier than the single diagonal as it does not block your line of sight through the rear view mirror.

 

The double hoop is nice. It has 6 mounting points and clears the glass rear window. I have a clearview double maxx for sale if you decide to get one.

 

Are you sure? I've got the same bar on my 90 and the side latches work fine- they just barely touch the bar, but they still work fine.

 

I've got the Hard Dog Hard Core dual diagonal. My sidelatches bind on the bar/padding in the first 1.5" of movement. I might be able to lift the side latches up if I removed the Hard Dog roll bar padding; haven't tried that yet. As I recall, the Bethania website shows this bar as not working with a hardtop. I bought the bar used from Blake at BTDT Racing and he assured me it would fit, albeit with some sidelatch issues.

 

5'8" also. Hard core hard top in mine. Head clearance is pretty good. Some interference with the latches though. I always like the double hoop bars in pictures but they never look quite right to me in person.

 

I didn't think that the Maxx would clear the hardtop. If it does I'd be interested.

 

my hard core (non hardtop) fit under the hard top but only if the side latches were removed from the hard top. they occupied the same physical space as the bar.

 

I have a set of side striker plates from another car but they have never been installed in this car. I've heard that many run with the two front and rear only. I assume this isn't a problem even at track speeds?

It's possible that I might just skip installing a soft top completely. It's shot and I really couln't care less about a convertible, so maybe I'll just get some of the spec type bolt in brackets and leave it at that. It all depends on how finished I could get the rear package shelf without a soft top in there. I'm a bit torn, though as I won't have AC.

 

I misread, I thought you don't need hardtop fitment.

I do have a bossfrog single hoop with double diagonals. It clears both a hardtop and glass rear window if you're interested.

 

Price with carpet package, lol.

 

If I recall correctly they offer a HT option that lowers the hoops by like 1/2''. I have the BF Double Hoop MAXX and love them. Plenty of head room since the hoops are swept back slightly, and I'm 6' with a pretty long torso (amongst other things... ) That HT option may be a factory option, or maybe it is a GoMiata thing. Not sure if they would be allowed to mess with a roll bar like that though. I think I forgot to check the box when I ordered mine, which sucks. I'll go with a full cage when I go V8 though. I'll sell them off.

 

I'd run the side latches if possible.

if you want to get creative, you can fab up your own turnbuckle type side latches.

Here's the cheap and easy way:

make a mounting plate that mounts to the 3 top latch holes and mount a simple j-hook to that.

make a mounting plate that mounts to the 2 striker holes and mount another j-hook to that (upside down)

get a couple of two-eyelet turnbuckles.

attach and race.

 

I've run 3 winters on my hardtop with no side latches (car came w/o and I've procrastinated getting the bolt in side plates). I haven't had any issues at reasonable highway speeds (<90 mph) but I would be leery of open tracking the car without the bolt-in side plates.

 

I picked up the hard dog double diag. hardtop bar that was sold to an NB owner and I'm pretty sure the latches would hit the bar but I've yet to try this -- Don't own a hardtop.

Beatrush makes slim latches that work with roll bars:



If I ever buy a hardtop I'm going to use the SPEC side brackets on mine with security hardware. To me the extra inconvenience is worth the 900$ to replace a hardtop. Sorry, Hustler. :(