Is mine a roll bar or style bar?

marty085 · Postby **marty085** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 9:11 pm

Hey, i admit this sounds like a stupid question, but I don't know whether my NA has a roll bar or style bar.. i only bought the car a couple of months ago.. the bar is a single chrome tube loop and appears to be bolted onto the top of the seat belt post with a big chunk of aluminium spacer, but then the bar has a diagonal support that is bolted onto the "parcel shelf" behind the wheels.

So initially i thought it was a proper roll bar, but now when i check it out and realise it's just bolted onto the seat belt post, I am thinking that perhaps it is just a style bar with a diagonal to make it look like a proper roll bar.. What do you guys reckon? Or do you think it's going to be a bit more substantial in any impact given that it has the diagonal bolted down to the shelf?

The reason why i pose the question is because I asked a mechanic friend what he reckons and he said he thought it would be pretty strong.. but then i just dont know.. i guess the diagonal may prevent it become a 'mousetrap'..?

Also, my next problem is that because I'm 6'2", my head will hit the bar in any accident... I know it's been discussed a lot, but im wondering whether it's worth getting some roll bar padding.. I imagine my head is going to hit any roll bar..

I will add photos in the next couple of days when i can see it in the daylight.

Cheers
Marty

Jeo · Postby **Jeo** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 10:09 pm

Should be significantly better than what is typically referred to as a 'style bar' as they only have the two mounting points to the seat belt towers. I'd still be somewhat skeptical about the engineering of it if it's a generic no-name product, but having said that it could still be perfectly legit. Photos would be useful.

If you're concerned about padding, go for it. It's relatively cheap and easy to do. However, I can't imagine it would do much in the grand scheme of things, but it sure isn't going to hurt either.

rhythmstick · Postby **rhythmstick** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 10:14 pm

I was thinking the same about the padding. The likelihood of rolling a 5 on road is pretty slim. And if you do, banging your head on something you're not sure is going to protect you in a roll, is going to be the least of your worries. ;)

Cheers

Hjt · Postby **Hjt** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 10:23 pm

Many people in the states live by there padding and I have read of numerous examples of it saving lives. I personally think you have either a aftermarket style bar, or that "mazdaspeed" roll bar, it looks as you decribed. Are the joins welded or bolted together??

If your free, come to the wednesday night meet up next week at Max Brennar in St Ives, plenty of people will let you know what it is.

and d/w it's a common misinterpretation with the style/roll bars. Many people have the style bars and think there roll bars also

D-Train · Postby **D-Train** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 10:26 pm

Sounds like a roll bar! Possibly a Brown Davies Bar from what you described. I'm 6'4" and had the same problem with the "head hitting bar" issue but jump into Clark rubber and pick up a piece of tube foam and put it on the top bar and a little down the side or all the way over and attach with heaps of zip ties.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 10:59 pm

Anyone admitting close proximity of their head and roll bar should seek informed advice. You are not meant to come into contact with a roll bar and wrapping it in shock absorbing foam may be worse than not having the bar. Buying from Clark rubber is also questionable - what guarantee of the rubber or foams capability? I would wager that they are not able to provide even basic info on the rubber or foam spec or intended purpose.Anyone wanting an impact resistant wrapping must buy a purpose made material. PS quoting the "states" carries no weight- they still often do not even wear seat belts and have a very poor road safety record.
I have used the analogy before but it makes sense to me as a layman- if a heavweight boxer hits you in the head with a right cross with gloves on what do you think the effect would be? Check it independently- it might be important..

deviant · Postby **deviant** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 11:03 pm

Clark rubber pipe lagging is not roll cage padding. Get to your nearest motorsport outlet and buy the proper stuff. Comes in various colours and styles.

http://www.revolutionracegear.com.au/in ... UID=103436

http://www.revolutionracegear.com.au/in ... UID=103710

http://www.revolutionracegear.com.au/in ... UID=103711

http://www.revolutionracegear.com.au/in ... UID=103712

marty085 · Postby **marty085** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 12:11 am

Thanks everyone for getting back to me..

This is it: http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/3238/imgp6827b.jpg - ever seen anything similar? sorry i dont have a better photo atm.

TBH, I was thinking of getting rid of it. is that stupid? Assuming you NEVER flip your mx5 by your own doing, what do you reckon is the chance of the car flipping if you are hit by another larger car or truck at an intersection or something?

I've also considered getting foam, but the only thing is, there is pretty much NO clearance between the bar and my hard top.. i dont think the hard top will go on with padding on the bar.. I love the hard top, i'd prefer to either get rid of the bar or get a better bar (read: lower, if possible)

Hey Hjt, what do you guys do at the wed night meet? I was gonna go on the iceberg run last sunday morning but my car was out of action for a couple days

fixed now though for now. havent met any other mx5 owners yet but definitely gonna come to something soon.

deviant · Postby **deviant** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 12:15 am

Style bar.

There have been some huge threads on the chances of an MX5 rolling and the merits of an after market roll bar. It's rare but it does happen and Brown Davis and MX5 plus type bars do work in a roll over. Lots of us fit them because we go on track a lot and they look pretty cool.

marty085 · Postby **marty085** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 12:22 am

Style bar: thats what i thought, thanks mate.

Actually, if you zoom into that photo you can see the chunk of aluminium spacer, which the bar sits on..

And on the passenger side you can see the bottom of the roll bar, then a 1 - 1.5inch spacer to which the seatbelt top anchor is attached.. reckon that's legal? My mechanic mate i mentioned reckons it's probably not.. any suggestions of where i could take it to get it checked out? I am guessing it ain't standard..

Maybe i should ditch it all for now, get the seatbelt anchor back to standard and then look into a proper roll bar.. any recommendations for places to get one installed? i have looked up instructions and it is pretty involving to do it yourself from what ive seen. I wouldn't get a chrome one again, too much glare in the rear view!

Hjt · Postby **Hjt** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 12:32 am

If you have the bar and the appropriate hardware ill help you fit any roll bar you purchase for free.

Pm me ill give you more info if you want, I have just looked into most brands and willing to explain the pros and cons I found.

For now, remove the mousetrap!