Roll bars

samx5 · Postby **samx5** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 12:33 pm

hks_kansei's comments above, "Ignoring the driver's seat in this image, where it looks to be moved forward for a shorter driver, the bar sits at the same height as the passenger seat!" ARE quite accurate, the picture is of my car and I'm a "short-arse"

I'm 5'10" and actually prefer to be slightly further forward than in the totally relaxed position when "driving with intent". When the seat is right back and bolt upright, the roll bar is only marginally taller than the seat.

My only concern with my car is that the seats on my NB8A are lower than the 8B, and so the hoops will look more obvious when driving with the roof down. On the 8B they look to blend in better with the profile and look of the car due to the higher seat backs. Maybe I need to measure it up & see.

MINX's comment are right on the money too - best single chassis stiffening mod short of a full roll-cage.
This is my primary reason for looking at them, for sure.

ivan · Postby **ivan** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 4:55 pm

1red5 wrote:
bigdog wrote:THANK YOU bd! I was waiting for this statement.
for you nay-sayers, in a rollover, do you really think that your body will remain rigid and in the exact same position as normal driving? No, the law of inertia states that it will lean and tuck into the car as it flips. Think about it.

Thinking along the same lines, I would think that would make it a bad idea to use a harness on the track if your helmet is higher than the roll bar.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:32 pm

whats wrong with a debate- not everyone read the same question before. Some folks on lots of subjects do not do any research. Some say that roll bars are fitted because they look "cool" . If safety is the factor no one would drive a car without an air bag. But certainly buy one if it is your choice.

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 5:29 pm

wiz043 wrote:Thinking of getting roll bars for my '99 MX5. Possibly the '2 hoop' type but functional, not just for decoration. Any ideas on the best brand etc. and where I can source them and is it possible to fit them yourself?
Thanks---Wiz.

Mr Morlock wrote:debatable whether any roll bar for road use is a safety feature- there is simply no real data. As far as I am aware Mazda still do not claim their twin hoop thingo as a safety feature. Buying them for any reason is an owners choice.

A debate is fine, given the proper premise, and I do enjoy debating, but tell me.... where in the original post did he ask about any safety issues or pro's and con's of roll-bars?

Mr Morlock wrote:If safety is the factor no one would drive a car without an air bag.

I think a few race-car drivers might have a different opinion, perhaps.
And I wonder... hmmm....what do race-cars have INSTEAD of air-bags....

deviant · Postby **deviant** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 5:36 pm

1red5 wrote:
A debate is fine, given the proper premise, and I do enjoy debating, but tell me.... where in the original post did he ask about any safety issues or pro's and con's of roll-bars?

I would say in the bit where he said "but functional, not just for decoration"....To me that reads as though he is after something with substance and not a style bar.

wiz043 · Postby **wiz043** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 6:56 pm

That's what I meant deviant----what's the point in having it if it does not protect occupants to some degree in a rollover.

I am sorry I caused so much contraversy when I started this thread but I knew some of them were only for 'decoration' and would offer no protection and all I wanted was to be advised of a decent one to buy that was designed to give the driver and passenger an advantage compared to not having one fitted.

I realise there is no guarantee that a roll bar of any description will save your life in a rollover situation.

de Bounce · Postby **de Bounce** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:31 pm

wiz043 wrote:That's what I meant deviant----what's the point in having it if it does not protect occupants to some degree in a rollover.

I am sorry I caused so much contraversy when I started this thread but I knew some of them were only for 'decoration' and would offer no protection and all I wanted was to be advised of a decent one to buy that was designed to give the driver and passenger an advantage compared to not having one fitted.

I realise there is no guarantee that a roll bar of any description will save your life in a rollover situation.

wiz043, Don't feel sorry about asking valid and logical questions.
Unfortunately you thread was hijacked by some forum members who appear to have an axe to grind regarding the safety of roll bars.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:38 pm

1red5... I took safety in relation to the term "but functional" and it was pretty obvious that Wiz saw it the same way ( I would take function as adding safety) . Insofar as air bags are concerned my comments are related to road cars not track cars. Track cars often have full roll cages like rally cars which are highly modified and not suitable for day to day use- same applies to 3 point harnesses etc. One should not equate a track situation and road conditions. The thread was not hijacked- comments are relevant to the subject.