WANTED - Roll Bar for Speedster

 I scrapped three of the CMC FF skull cracking show bars because I couldn't give them away

@Alan Merklin posted:

 I scrapped three of the CMC FF skull cracking show bars because I couldn't give them away

I realize they are not that popular, but you never really need one until two wheels leave the pavement.

If I were to use a CMC bar I would fill it with sand to keep it from crushing on impact.

But I would rather not go that route. Prefer a real one, LOL

How about just building it right so you know it will protect you should the need arise?

@ALB posted:

How about just building it right so you know it will protect you should the need arise?

Can't argue with that unless I want to become my own crash test dummy.

Which I don't...lol

I be curious: Why are you concerned (worried?) as to what happens when "two wheels leave the pavement"? Personally, I'd be happier than hell that I've still got two wheels "on the pavement."  At my age, I vividly recall early road races (OK, ...very early) at Santa Barbara airport, Bakersfield, and Palm Springs, when the Speedster pretty much ruled SCCA's F-Class with MG's their only real competition. What I don't remember is any Speedster turning turtle.  Those two wheels might have left earth on occasion, but all four...uh-uh. Hitting something - like a hay bale - or someone, was pretty common and an "ejection" every once in awhile proved fatal (seat belts weren't worth a shi# and often weren't worn)...but flipping your ride was just not a big concern. I'm thinking it wasn't until the late 60's that the roll bar became "de rigueur" when racing in SCCA competition....and that was probably most attributed to "Ambulance Followers" camping out at the tracks waiting like vultures for an easy meal.  Anyway, I digress from my original question:  Unless you hope to sneak your replica into a sanctioned race (forget it 'cause that'll never happen) that requires one, WHY do you think you really need a roll bar in your speedster? If the answer is "I think it looks cool," then for sure go for it!  Otherwise, I suggest you spend the $$ on other Speedy goodies. Gawd knows there many such accoutrements out there to put a real dent in any SOC knucklehead's wallet. 

Thanks Paul. 

I actually don't think it looks all that cool at all, spoils the lines in my opinion, but I have a desire to do Autocross events, and I believe they want you to have a rollbar for that stuff because of liability issues, I'm not too worried about going tits up with this thing, lol

-Scott

FYI, a single non-triangulated hoop won't cut it.

The SCCA allows autocross in an open car without a rollbar. They require a helmet only.

DE events with the SCCA or PCA require 5 or 6 point harness in an open car. Also the rollbar must be triangulated, and at least 2 inches clearance to the top of the helmet. They also require arm restraints for an open car. They also have the "broomstick" rule where they place a broomstick on the windshield and rollbar and the stick must clear the helmet. It matters not that the Speester windshield is not structural in any way.

Most times they both require long sleeves and pants, but that gets suspended on really hot days.

Make sure you empty EVERYTHING out of your car and frunk, nothing loose is allowed.

WHAT?!!! I have to wear pants? Any race that requires me to wear pants isn’t a race I want to be in. 

This one is pretty intrusive!

@WOLFGANG posted:

This one is pretty intrusive!

Perhaps, but it will probably work.  I’ve had two friends who were both very good drivers roll their cars at the track.  Both were hardtops and they were unhurt.  Intrusive or not, if I’m on a track I want that protection.

This one passed the inspectors at Irwindale Raceway (NHRA) in SoCal. A Nomex jumpsuit with gloves, Hand Restraints or Side nets, Helmet (up to date), and 5 point seat belts.  I made a wood mock-up first out of 1.5" stock. When everything fit precisely , I took it to a shop that can bend 1.750" DOM tube. He bent it and then I final fit it and welded it in place. It's removable as well..............Bruce

@Alan Merklin posted:

 I scrapped three of the CMC FF skull cracking show bars because I couldn't give them away

Me too!!!   Even for free, no one wanted them.
-=theron

@Lane Anderson posted:

Perhaps, but it will probably work.  I’ve had two friends who were both very good drivers roll their cars at the track.  Both were hardtops and they were unhurt.  Intrusive or not, if I’m on a track I want that protection.

Totally agree. The likelihood of a rollover on the street is pretty low. But on track, that risk increases MANY times.

I'm glad I had a roll bar installed in my speedster when I had the car made.  I have tracked it a couple of times, but who knows if I will ever need it.

There have been a couple of cases of speedster owners who have ended upside down on the road.

You're right Bob. I believe they were all swing axle cars with no camber compensator or positve-camber-limiting straps.

I don't know of any Spyders(which are almost all swing-axle) or IM/911 or IRS Speedster cars flipping.

I have one of the CMC bars Alan "scrapped." I think he chucked it in my truck.

It's heavy enough tubing I think but would need some reinforcement to pass inspection at a hillclimb or similar. Make an offer.

Would you take a hundred bucks for it?

I have a CMC, I will just take it for what it is.

A decorative accessory.

DM sent

I'm still looking for a roll bar ..

Thanks !