What kind of roll bar is this?

[CLynn85]

I'm planning to install a roll bar in my 2nd gen Sprite and this seems to be a very popular style. Anyone know if this is an off the shelf item?

I've also considered doing a single (or double) hoop similar to a cobra, but if I can get a decent bar that's COTS, that'd make my life a little simpler.

 

[mrsprite]

Can't help with the roll bar, but man.....what were they thinking when they put on those mirrors???

 

[Bugeye58]

Looks like a potential mousetrap to me.
Jeff

 

[jlaird]

Was very obviously hit in the front end at one time, not how the bonnet does not fit quite right. I got one like that.

 

[mccalebr]

This single hoop style seems to be popular and is often available on Ebay...I believe Matthews Parts is one of the suppliers. If it's like the one for my '62 Sprite it will have the outside legs that extend down to pads/mounts on the shelf behind the seats and then two shorter legs that, unfortunately, extend down and back and only mount to the sheetmetal boot floor, usually with small rectangular plates underneath. I had concerns over the strength of the mounting points and added some additional metal in the critical areas; 3/16" plate under the outside leg mounting pads, 16 gauge sheet on the underside of the boot floor across the line where the inside/rear legs mount (curved to match the curve in the boot floor), and a 1"X1" square across the inside boot floor between the wheel wells; this tube will be welded to the inside/rear leg mounting pads. You can see some of the bracing in the photo below and more on my web site https://www.raysmg.com under the "Spridget Project" link...go to the "Bodywork" page for Sep-Nov.

Ray

 

[Lukeee]

I remember seeing a race-midget flip at the Phillip Island GP track, he landed square on the roll bar and compressed the barwork into the rear wheel arches, resulting in the roll bar collapsing and 'mousetrapping'

Very dangerous. I wouldnt trust anything that didn't have forward mounting points...

 

[Bugeye58]

My point exactly. I had a friend killed like that.
Jeff

 

[CLynn85]

I guess that isn't quite the best picture, but it is a 4-point bar (the rear supports just come out as it enters into the body). How would a bar like this mouse-trap unless the force was primarily from the rear and the rear supports ripped free from the body. The one pictured isn't just a two-point sports bar.

Are there any off the shelf kits you'd recommend otherwise since a couple of you mention not trusting anything of the sort? I guess I could fab up two forward bars that don't extend very far but for a DD/non-track car it's hard to take up more of the little real estate that's in the interior as it is.

 

[Lukeee]

If the worst where to happen, you would be gobsmacked by what can bend or snap... it can be really frightening.
The unibody on a spridget isn't really built for safety in mind.

try and get as many bars above your head as possible, just in case /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

 

[rulle7]

I always thought it more likely to be rear-ended than flipping.
Any (unpadded)roll bar that allows you to use the top would surely dent the back of your head in case of a rear impact
(and be too low anyway not to take your head off if you flip)
A proper roll bar won't allow the top to be used.
'Barless' seems safer somehow.
My 2 yen worth.
Merry Christmas!

 

[aeronca65t]

Look through here for well-known products:

https://www.autopowerindustries.com/rollbars.asp

Use very high density foam padding...not the soft pipe insulation. More like dense styrofaom-type material.

 

[drooartz]

Tunebug came with a roll bar that fit under the top, looked similar to the one in that photo above. Came to about the middle of my head. It was the first thing I took off the car. With my size (6'1") it wouldn't have provided much safety -- or would have actively reduced the safety factor. Also took up valuable space in the passenger compartment.

I decided to run without one, trusting to the limited (relatively speaking) mileage the car will get. I ride motorcycles as well, so I understand the risk equation very well.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[CLynn85]

Good stuff, guys. Thanks for the info. I guess I'll have to reconsider tradeoffs a little more, whether it's worth having a propper bar or having the top.