Roll Bar Connected to Windsheild
#1
Roll Bar Connected to Windsheild
I am swapping roll bars with the person who purchased my old Miata (they didn’t like the diagonal) and I plan on powder coating it before reinstalling (black). While researching things to do while bar is out, I have come across a few pictures of Miata's with a couple additional braces running centered from the top of the roll bar to the top of the windshield. I have a few questions:
- Will this help noticeably with vehicle rigidity? I have no qualms about adding 10 lbs of metal to alleviate some of the body flex. I was looking into door bars, frog arms, and frame rails. How would it compare to these?
- Is this something that must be done with the bar in the vehicle? It doesn’t make sense to powder coat the roll bar if this job is done after the bar is installed (mismatching coloring with new bracing/welds). Does the soft top fit back on? Is it welded or bolted to the top or bottom of the windshield frame?
- I currently run in SSM in my local SCCA auto-x region. I know the frame rails and other braces would bump me out of that class, but would this?
- Does anyone have any opinions after having this done to their car? Regrets, things to do differently? Cost? Pictures?
#4
Flipsidecustoms
Watch your noggin if you plan to drive on the street....thats the only reason I'm not going to cage my car....
MiataExteriorandInterior004.jpg?t=1238889705
MiataExteriorandInterior006.jpg?t=1238889642
MiataExteriorandInterior011.jpg?t=1238889755
MiataExteriorandInterior013.jpg?t=1238889808[/QUOTE]
Watch your noggin if you plan to drive on the street....thats the only reason I'm not going to cage my car....
MiataExteriorandInterior004.jpg?t=1238889705
MiataExteriorandInterior006.jpg?t=1238889642
MiataExteriorandInterior011.jpg?t=1238889755
MiataExteriorandInterior013.jpg?t=1238889808[/QUOTE]
#8
Elite Member
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Renton Washington
Posts: 1,731
Total Cats: 4
I highly doubt that. Since its boxed in there is a far less chance of total collapse. The load will be distributed across the roll bar and the windshield. Only way its breaking is if it gets thrown off a building (as long as it has a full strength weld)
#9
Maybe if there was a hoop welded alongside the windshieldframe where this bar would connect. Make it real close to the frame and remove the trim pieces so you can get it welded in properly. This will allow you to still use the latches and it wont be so intrusive. Then you're only a few pieces of tubing and some doorbars away from a full cage.
#16
I can't see how in a roll over those bars wouldn't just fold down into the cabin. That would be a really bad day if those bars came down onto your shoulder.
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
#18
I agree. In a mild roll over, I could see it working. but in a catostrophic crash, those bars could be curtains to the driver. They could literally spear the driver. I would never put that in my car, unless there were test results that would prove it was beneficial and safe. Assuming that system is safe is ridiculous.