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To track or not to track? Anyone interested in a roll bar?

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Old 05-13-2012, 03:58 PM
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wwilde001
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Default To track or not to track? Anyone interested in a roll bar?

Ok, I bought a convertible and have run it on one track day event. This one was one of the few that allowed convertibles to run. Most track events require that the drivers helmet sit 2" below an imaginary line between the top of the windshield and driver hoop (aka broomstick test). The seat in the Z places you fairly high, and there is no way most people will pass. So I've been contemplating getting a racing seat (which should lower the driver some) and installing a roll bar. Has anyone else run into this issue or have any thoughts on this subject. One of the guys I spoke with told me to just get a coupe. I prefer to work with what I have. If I do decide to get a rollbar fabricated, is anyone else interested in one?
Old 05-13-2012, 05:47 PM
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thespottedcow
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Its probably cheaper if you have the time to find a coupe in similar condition than to get a roll bar properly fabricated. You can just transfer over whatever aftermarket parts/things you want to the new z.
Old 05-13-2012, 07:24 PM
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SparkleCityHop
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I ran a full cage in my roadster and didn't have a problem, but I'm only 5'6".
Old 05-13-2012, 11:42 PM
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terrasmak
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Originally Posted by SparkleCityHop
I ran a full cage in my roadster and didn't have a problem, but I'm only 5'6".
Pics , only seen a few with a full cage and one or two with a 4 point rollbar.
Old 05-14-2012, 12:29 PM
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wwilde001
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I'm 5'8" and even sitting in the car with no helmet on, my head touches the broom stick. I've tried moving the seat back and reclining some, but no luck.
I think the first thing to try is to put in a racing seat. I think this will actually sit me a little lower, as the stock seat is fairly high IMO. After I get the seat in, I will see where I'm at. Since I only want to track it a few times a year, (Track days, HPDE, etc), I'm thinking I'll only need a roll hoop at best. Anyone have any seat suggestions?
Old 05-14-2012, 06:07 PM
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SparkleCityHop
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Various pics of custom roadster cage:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/1DSC_4569-1.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/240...463802_o-1.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/240..._4800626_o.jpg
jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/IMAG0031.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/IMAG0032.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/IMAG0033.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/IMAG0074.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/Ins...-37-31_997.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/Ins...-37-47_143.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/Ins...-38-04_844.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/bri...-37-16_213.jpg

It was built by Bell Chassisworks who were contracted by Forged Performance out of Atlanta, GA. Pics from Bell Chassisworks' website of this one of a kind custom cage when it was built:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/Bel...isworks/90.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/Bel...isworks/91.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/Bel...isworks/92.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/Bel...isworks/94.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/Bel...isworks/95.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11347652/Bel...sworks/117.jpg

The cage was originally in BamBam's roadster, featured here in Turbo Magazine: http://www.turbomagazine.com/feature...rbo/index.html

The cage was specifically built for the safety of his Bonneville Salt Flats run that you can watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKVMGoLf8cQ

The rear roll bar with harness bar is meant to be permanently welded in. The halo, a-pillar bars, and door bars can be removed. The top is 100% operational with this custom cage and as far as I know, this is the ONLY one like it. I have a full panoramic race mirror mounted on the bar, so you don't even need your stock mirror.

Anyways, because it is such a custom piece with a history and it allows use of the top, I'd love to see it in another roadster one day. It seems a waste to modify it for use in my coupe.

Last edited by SparkleCityHop; 05-14-2012 at 06:11 PM.
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