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Post by luffberry on Sept 13, 2007 9:23:51 GMT -5
I have a 97 Miata which I autocross. I want to get a rollbar so that I can participate in PDX's, Track Days, and possibly Time Trials (in the future).
I've read a lot about the subject, but would like to hear from you guys/gals that have actually been there and done it.
My requirements are:
1. Legal for the above mentioned events
2. Fit under my convert. top and/or hardtop
3. Must not restrict seat travel/tilt
4. Able to be installed by the average gearhead.
Recommendations welcome
TIA,
Moe
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Post by tedebayer on Sept 13, 2007 10:04:29 GMT -5
Moe, I just went through this with the help of Steve Eckerich and some friends. I am pretty tall (6'4") so I was concerned with getting a bar where my height would not be a problem. I purchased a good TT legal used roll bar that was already stamped by TT Tech. It also allowed use of a soft top. Unfortunately when I installed it, my helmet stuck above the bar slightly. I removed the OEM seat and bolted a Kirkey race seat to the floor....problem solved? Nope... helmet was even with the bottom of the bar. I considered cutting floorboard and hanging seat mounts lower (not legal), spacers under the roll bar mounts (not legal, dangerous AND a 1"spacer still wouldn't solve the problem) and only thing I could come up with was taking a sledgehammer to the floor board...it IS legal to stretch metal, NOT to cut it or weld in new metal. Finally, a friend offered to engineer the same bar I had purchased but 6 inches taller. SInce I had already removed the top to lose some weight (legal for CSP) I was not concerened about top clearing the bar. This new taller bar not only gave me a legal bar built to SCCA spec but I could mount the race seat higher giving me more visibility in driving than a seat bolted to the floor. If a car flips and stays upside down, it can be difficult to find the cut off switch for workers...the switch can even be crushed by the roll. By having a taller bar if the car were to flip, there is more visibility of the switch from the side and less chance of it being crushed... and more triangle of clear space for me to crawl through to get OUT! Hope that helps... if you are interested in the original bar I purchased, let me know. I was told and i believe that it would allow the use of a soft top while in place. This particular design is lighter than a Hard Dog roll bar, cheaper than a used Hard Dog, does not restrict seat travel AT ALL, easy mounting (drill 8 holes and insert bolts and tighten basically) and this bar is not being made any more. You would need new mounting hardware... I think #5 to #8 in grade. Steve E. said never re-use roll bar hardware...I think he's right! He usually is...  Hope that helps. Mark and Willie may have some good input on this as well... they are the regional hillclimb hotshoes in CSP Miatas! Every now and then, I can see there tail lights though. Ted |
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Post by lagunamiata on Sept 13, 2007 11:10:17 GMT -5
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Post by luffberry on Sept 13, 2007 11:15:24 GMT -5
Ted,
Thanks for the info. The height problem is probably (hopefully !!) not a factor in my case. I am only 5'8'' on a tall day. It apprears that a bar just touching the inside of the convertable top will be above my head with my helmet on. I have't decided to make my car a full blown racer yet, so I want to make sure my top will still work. I also want to consider possibly getting a hardtop someday. I agree that a higher bar is better, but until I decide to go topless, I'll have to try and make a shorter/legal bar work.
If you have a photo of your bar laying around please email it to me. "luffberry@earthlink.net". I'am probably going to go with a new bar, but will take a look and consider yours also.
I'll wait for a few more inputs before I decide.
Thanks again,
Moe
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Post by luffberry on Sept 13, 2007 11:48:42 GMT -5
Thanks Rich, I've seen most of the links that you posted. I had a Kirk bar in my MGB but wasn't aware they made one for the Miata. I'll check that out further.
Has anyone successfully gone thru a SCCA TT Tech with a Boss Frog dual hoop bar? Just wondering if that style had ever been tested and passed. ??
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Post by markt on Sept 13, 2007 11:49:09 GMT -5
I went with a Harddog Hardcore Hardtop dual-diagonal with harness bar. It looks great and was designed for Miata. Not as fast at the install as Rich, took 2 of us 8 hours from the time we rolled it into the garage until all tools were put away...also includes time for lunch.
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Post by tedebayer on Sept 13, 2007 12:31:01 GMT -5
Thanks Rich, I've seen most of the links that you posted. I had a Kirk bar in my MGB but wasn't aware they made one for the Miata. I'll check that out further. Has anyone successfully gone thru a SCCA TT Tech with a Boss Frog dual hoop bar? Just wondering if that style had ever been tested and passed. ?? From what I was told by TT Tech, the Boss Frog is not legal for hill climb. Why I don't know. It is surely strong enough and braced better than many legal bars... I just assumed it was height. It is shorter in height than the Hard Dog. I had more than an inch between Boss Frog and top when up... that's why i pulled it and sold it. I would never be able to get my head under that one! Sure was pretty though. |
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Post by lagunamiata on Sept 13, 2007 12:33:21 GMT -5
Double-hoop is probably not legal because it's not a single piece across the top of the drivers head.
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Post by thewelder on Sept 13, 2007 19:43:29 GMT -5
How much for your old bar that you couldn't use. Chad
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Post by tedebayer on Sept 13, 2007 22:39:23 GMT -5
How much for your old bar that you couldn't use. Chad send me an email and I'll send some pics.... I paid $250 for it. If I can get my money back out of it, I'm happy. Pick up in Greenville, SC tedagmar@juno.com Ted |
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Post by luffberry on Sept 14, 2007 6:30:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the info guys. It appears that the Harddog Hardcore Hardtop dual-diagonal with harness bar that Mark T mentioned is the way to go if I purchase a new bar. Ted, you have email.
Thanks
Moe
Moe
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