NA rollbar

[Noddycar]

Sorry to start a long winded discussion not this! Regardless, if I can find a bar that is structurally sound (like the MX5plus unit) that is high enough for my noggin', then I will be fitting it. My question still stands - does anyone know of a taller bar?

[Guran]

Yes, but my head fits comfortably under the soft top..... I can also pull the soft top up and down while I am sitting in the seat, so you would imagine someone might manufacture a rollbar which just clears the top?

As I said earlier, my BD rollbar actually touches the roof (softtop and hardtop). Any higher and the roof would not fit. If you need more head clearance, you'll need a lower seat.

[Noddycar]

Thanks Guran

Sorry, I missed that bit of your earlier post. I assume your is the single hoop style, as that seems to be the only one available? Funnily enough, the Brown Davis rollbar was a factory option on my car (1993 LE).

[Guran]

Yep mine is an NB single hoop BD bar in steel, black powdercoat. BD don't make a twin hoop AFAIK.

[Noddycar]

Thanks... I assume the bar sits at the same height in an NA as an NB? I am not sure who handles the BD bars in Brisbane, so I may need to do some research.

[Jeo]

If you're in Brisbane I'd be looking quite strongly at the MX5 plus bar as it is made locally. Get in touch with Danny and I'm sure we'll be able to answer any questions you have.

[Noddycar]

Thanks Jeo

I like the feedback on these bars (both these and the BD bars have good reviews)... I will send them a message to see if they are tall enough before I make a decision. I don't really care about anything other than them being 1) Well built and fitted and 2) Tall enough.

I had a surprise today when another '93 LE drove into my workplace. We spent a lot of time comparing notes!

[Pamex]

Hks_kansei posting here from Pam's computer:

The BD bar is slightly taller than the MX5 plus, but only by about an inch.

NA and NB ones fit the same, however I would recommend you get an NB one as it allows you the option of fitting a glass window soft top if you want to later down the track.


contrary to Guran, my BD bar doesnt touch the roof, hardtop or softtop. It's got about 5mm clearance on hardtop, maybe 10mm on the softtop.
However, that's most likely due to differences in the cars themselves, perhaps Guran's sits differently (my rear stays are on top of the carpet, mayeb Guran's are fitted underneath and it sits slightly different to my bar?

[Mr Morlock]

If you want to know about bar heights then you consult the drawings of the units. BD will certainly be able to confirm and so should any other manufacturer. One would not expect variations of the finished roll bars beyond the tolerances specified on the drawings.

Insofar as installed heights are concerned there can be some variation related to such things as whether it is fixed directly to the floor or if say carpet and insulation is sandwiched between. As for the cars themselves is it very unlikely given the standards the vehicles are made to that for the same model that there are any variations of significance.

[Guran]

Pam is correct. My BD bar is mounted under the carpets. That potentially tilts the top of the bar slightly backwards. I think there must be some slight variability in the finished height of the BD bars. Good luck with getting access to the original drawings! They're usually closely guarded secrets.

[Noddycar]

Thanks all.

This is on my "must do" list, but will likely leave it so my wife can give it to me for Christmas . This and a suspension upgrade are my essentials, as safety is my priority.

[mito]

noones mentioned bossfrog?

[Noddycar]

If they are made O/S, the only problem tends to be a ridiculous freight cost. I checked on some from the USA and the cost of freight was twice the bar cost. The bars looked fantastic and have great reviews, but unless I can get one freighted at a decent price, the MX5 Plus roll bar will be on my Christmas wish list

[mito]

Yeah I do agree the freight charges are quite ridiculous but then the items tend to be cheaper than local. I have a quote of about $1200. Tat was including the twin hoop roll bar and frog arms and the freight charges. Not that bad,its what ima be ordering after I fix up all my suspension and some debts :/ haha

[manga_blue]

When you're thinking about rollbars for a road car just be aware that they give you more than just rollover protection.

Marvin the SP finished a faultless and fabulous run there and back tonight on a tow truck after being severely rear ended (whilst stationary) by a sideways Rodeo on the M4 at Eastern Creek. The damage was extensive, too early to tell exactly how bad, will have to wait till the lads at Hume Smash have a good look over it. Thankfully Deb and I are fine - particularly as the ambulance and police both failed to attend after repeated calls too!! Anyway will have more to report in days to come, but I'll leave you with the image of the tray of a one tonne ute sliding over the bootlid - BD roll bars are not a luxury, they are an essential item in an MX5!

Sitting down at smoko today a couple of guys mentioned a smash they saw near the old Wonderland earlier this week. Apparently a rodeo ute had tried to mount an MX5.
Sounds like you John! They reckon the people in the MX were lucky to walk away alive. If it wasn't for the roll bar the Rodeo would have gone over the top! Don't worry about buying a lottery ticket John, you have used this months quota up!
All the very best, hope it all resolves well
Rog