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roll caging a convertible?

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Old 06-25-06, 06:33 PM
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Slowpoke

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roll caging a convertible?

Just wondering if there is enough room to build a cage for a convertible while still retaining the function of drop top? I dont have a convertible but this could be a factor to consider as a project car for me. Ive seen pics with the top down and it looks like there wouldnt be enough room behind the seats due to the top, but it looks like the center piece of the top is taking up most of the room. Is this piece detachible and able to put the top down with it removed? maybe that would allow more room? thanks
Old 06-25-06, 08:37 PM
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The center peice of the top (the hard part) Is removable (on mine at least, Im pretty sure it is on all others though). I dont see why you cant put the rest of the top down with it removed. Why do you want a roll cage anyway?

If you want to track an RX-7 get the coupe, they are stiffer, and lighter. AND if you plan on driving a roll cage on the street, Dont get into an accident PERIOD (unless you are wearing a helmet), You WILL hit your head on the cage and you will probably end up dead, a retard, or you will just have to relearn everything. The chances of rolling over on the street are much less than getting rear ended for example.

I for one am very thankfull that I did not put a rollbar on my miata, as I got rearended a week ago. I would have serious brain injuries if I had a rollbar (or cage).

I dont think there is room anyway.

Last edited by MazdaTed; 06-25-06 at 08:39 PM.
Old 06-26-06, 01:23 AM
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Lots of people have put them in a vert. Do a quick search and you can find plenty that will work with the top. It just slows the top up/down process slightly.

As far as dangerous.......... i dont think they are they don't sit very close to your head so i kinda doubt you would hit your head. There is a fairly substantial (sp) hoop inside the top when it is up. Not for safty cause i dont think it would hold the car. But if you moved enough to hit that you would get just as bad a hit as if you hit a roll bar. All sorts of werid things happen in accidents, but im guessing your headrests would protect your backwards head movement.

My main concern is will it hold up the car in a roll. The only one i have really seen is on a beautiful white vert and it looked pretty beefy so im thinking that one would hold.

I have had my vert for about 5 years now and doubt i will ever put one in. For street use I would have to be pretty fucked for it too roll and even with the bar i bet you would still suffer some serious injuries. HOWEVER if you have one and it keeps you from being crushed I'm guessing that it would worth its weight in gold to you.

Just my 2 cents worth.
Old 06-26-06, 02:14 AM
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The targa section is removable and can be stowed in teh trunk so yes, a vert can be caged. I don't think I'd put a cage in a vert though unless it was highly modified and putting down some serious power like mine will be.

As far as a cage being dangerous for street use, well that depends on a few things. If your gonna be caging the car you should be putting in some racing seats with a 5 point harness to keep your *** locked into that seat so you minimize the distance your body will travel in an accident and keep you safe from the bars. You ever see vidoes from inside rally cars in accidents? (Cool rally video with some incar accident footage) The occupants hardly move in their seats when properly restrained. All bars near the occupants should be foam covered, I know its not that much protection but hey its some. If your properly restrained you shouldn't come close. If you do contact a bar while properly restrained you're probably slowed down enough to not get too hurt if its got some foam padding.

Now if your putting in a cage and using the stock seats and seatbelts thats just probably a really bad idea.
Old 06-26-06, 08:42 AM
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yea they look pretty bad ***...kinda like a go kart w/ cage
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