Roll Bar Question

[releese78]

The top is fiberglass, I wouldnt trust it in a rollover. I wouldnt trust most other "tin-can" cars either, nor would I trust the rollbar since my head is at the same height as it.

I'm more worried about the uni-body twisting (used to have this problem in my old mustang before I installed sub-frame connectors). You made a good point about side impact, to be honest I don't feel very safe in this car anyway.

...I guess it's like riding a motorcycle, you pray for good fortune.

[Jaxonalden]

"...you pray for good fortune." I'm with ya on that one brother.

[Cloudsurfer]

I am quite certain it offers structural integrity to the uni-body. And, for what its worth, according to the insurance companies, there are actually very safe cars.

That said, I don't think I'd remove it.

Patrick

[racer_d]

Yes, the rollbar is a structural element in the vehicles strength and rigidity. The car was designed with the rollbar elements in mind. In fact, other manufacturers have followed suite (BMW Z roadster for one)

There is the chance that, should you roll the car, you could actively "duck" and have your head below the rollbar height.

Second, consider the impact of a re-sale of the car. It would take a rare buyer to want a car with the rollbar removed, or worse, removed and replaced with questionable welding. Perhaps a Spec Boxster buyer who would put in a cage wouldn't mind?

The fiberglass top will likely shred, dent or, even worse, collapse on your head. Having the rollhoops present may prevent it from impacting even more on your knoggin

[944boy]

Personally I wouldn't remove it, however if you drive any true speedster (especially a 50-60's car) you have 0 protection from the factory.

That being said, I love the feeling of safety snuggled in my caged 944. I still don't feel safe with a 3-point belt either.

It's up to you, but I don't think it will help to remove it. Maybe if you plan on keeping the hardtop on, you could have a custom bar made that would fit to the top. It could be made to give you more storage room and protect you better in case of an accident. That way you wouldn't loose rigidity or safety.

[Paul]

The shoulder belts mount to the roll bar, another point that could take the stress is going to be hard to find.

[releese78]

Ouch, I forgot about the seatbelts...good point.

Anybody see any objection to taking out the soft top and leaving it in the garage? That will probably help me accompish my goals, while being completely reversable in the event that I sell the car.

[Paul]

No objection, in fact send it and all of its mechanical pieces to me!