need rollbar for bugeye

[djk]

A buddy was going to fabricate a rollbar for me, but then we saw the listing in minimania for $350. Seemed like a great deal, but when I called them, they told me that was 3 years ago, and the price has now gone up to $500, with $100 more for shipping. Seems kind of steep, but if that's my only option, I'll go for it.

https://www.spridgetmania.com/web/Item/ROLLBAR04/AddedFrom/CatBrowse- BODY/InvDetail.cfm

Anyone know of where I can get a rollbar to fit a bugeye? Used one for sale?

Thanks
-Debra

 

[GB1]

Debra,

Be careful "Roll bars are designed for street use" is of concern, if they are not strong enough or not attached properly they can become very dangerous in a bad situation.

Pat

 

[Trevor Jessie]

And... if they sit too close to your head, then a minor rear end tap can create a major head injury. ...a bunch of debate on this one.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Find a local race shop to make a proper one. It will not be cheap, and it may require a custom top, but it would be safer.

 

[fabmandan]

The reason it costs so much more now is the price of steel has skyrocketed. I've built many a custom cage and repaired and modified many store bought cages. The fit on most kit cages is horrendous. If you plan on doing any racing at all, I would advise going to a track and asking some of the guys or girls who built their cages. They would be happy to tell you. You get what you pay for.

 

[bugimike]

Here's a reasonable one!

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MG-midget...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Bugeye58]

Won't fit a Bugeye, Mike.
Debra, go out to Sears Point (Infineon) and check with Huffaker Racing.
Jeff

 

[bugimike]

OOps! Didn't look at the listing that close! :blush:

 

[djk]

Thanks for the info. Anyone ever hear of this place?
https://www.autopowerindustries.com/rollbars.asp

That is the supplier that some of the shops use.
-Debra

 

[bighly]

Deb,

I am heading out to Laguna Seca for the weekend's MG challenge and to crew for Gary again. I'll check if any fabricator shop in South SF is well known.

In the meantime here is a shop in San Carlos

https://www.dgrfabrication.com/ https://www.dgrfabrication.com/

Tracy

 

[marinmg]

A roll bar in a sprite or mg midget has always puzzeled me.
The roll bar is only as good as the location of the supports. The full racing roll cage to me makes sence in that it is all interconnected. But the lower priced roll bars, the two supports attach to the sheet metal in the trunk area and the two front supports attach above the rear hinge mounts. It seems in a roll over the roll bar will just poke thru the bottom once it has some force applied.
Just a thought.

Liam
59 bugeye
60 bugeye

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Liam,

I put one on Bugsy my '68 after I saw a friends Spridget get T-Boned by a Buick that ran a stop sign. The roll bar allowed the Buick to push the Spridget sideways rather than come over the top. Rollbar stiffness sideways lessened the intrusion, yeah that's a good description, of the 5,000 lb. Buick into the passenger compartment. Car was trashed and totaled out but driver was rattled but unhurt. No it may not provide the same level of protection or maybe even a false sense of protection, but I'd still rather have it behind me and over the top of me. I bolted rollbar in and added as large a backing plate as possible underneath to spread the load. Not the same as a race car roll cage but better than nothing.

One of the guys on another Spridget Formum can describe in detail taking his Spridget end over end on the racetrack at 100 mph + and walking away. These really are tough well engineered cars. Not the same as our modern cars but for the day very well engineered.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

BTW, a fair amount of these seem to be available if you watch. UPS will ship coast to coast for < $50. Just put a shipping label on the rollbar and they will ship as is, no box needed. A little gloss black from the rattle can and good as new.

 

[mccalebr]

And it is possible to do some additional strengthening, additional bracing inside the cockpit and under the floor and welding the bar in, as I did with my '62 Sprite.

Ray

 

[racingenglishcars]

Ray; Your car is looking really good. A lot more along the lines of Scott rather than what Tony or I am doing.

 

[jlaird]

Ray, I all this time thought that was a handle. LOL

 

[Billm]

As for shipping the rollbar- I just shipped one yesterday, Seattle to Dayton and UPS quoted $143, Greyhound did it for $48. I used Greyhound!
Bill

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Bill, So who in Dayton did you ship a RollBar to. Someone on this list? Got a couple for Spridget under reconstruction here in Dayton, OH

 

[mccalebr]

Thanks, Donn...it is progressing.

I shared in an email to some local LBC buddies today that I'm having a ball with the Spridget because I don't have any stringent deadlines to meet. In my case, the difference between what I consider good work and acceptable work is...time! And for me, good work is the objective.

With the Spridget I also have the luxury of being creative...I wanted a frenched tag, got one...wanted a racy look, got one...wanted a front tilt one-piece bonnet...got...well, I started on that last Friday, can't wait to get back to it tomorrow, and will eventually have one!

Jack, it does look like a handle doesn't it? I just pray it never has to be used as one!

Ray

 

[Billm]

Jim
It's for Marc
Bill