Hi. After some guidance please. I’m thinking of fitting a style bar to my Mk2.5 using the one from MX5 Parts that can be used without removing the factory fitted windblocker. https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/stainless-steel-style-with-windblocker-mk1-25-p-143.html
Q1. How is it fitted; and
Q2. Will it prevent the tonneau cover being used?
The information on MX5 Parts website lacks this info, so far as I can see,
Anyone have any experience of using this style bar?
Thanks in advance.
I would think it will be OK, here’s a picture of my old VR Ltd with tonneau fitted with style bar
Don’t forget you’ll be told style bars are killers!
Oh and the one I had fitted on the seat belt tower bolts
Hi, Ian. ‘Killers’ because? I am aware that these aren’t roll bars and they offer you no or even less protection in a serious crash, I guess? Your style bar different to the one I was contemplating on getting, but it looks like the factory fitted windblocker remained in place, which I like.
Thanks for commenting.
I added the “killers” comment because if you mention style bar you get comments about how dangerous they are. I’m not convinced a roll bar is a good idea without all the other safety gear i.e. harness and helmet.
Interesting I’ve not heard the “killers” issue before. @Medicine_Man I have one of those exact bars for sale if your are near Southampton?
Edit: it bolts onto the seat belt towers with spacers
I thought that was the case @IanC . Not intending to track race - just to change the appearance as I quite like 'em! Cheers.
Cheers @grumpybadger . Not near Southampton, I’m afraid. Did you fit it and were you still able to properly use the tonneau cover?
The “Killer” comment comes from a crash ~15-20 years ago, where a MX5 in the US turned over at about 40mph, after hitting a rock lying in the middle of the road. The driver was killed apparently instantly, his passenger (wife) walked away with barely a scratch. The car (Mk1) had a German Alumex style bar fitted. What got some comment going were photos of the car on a flatbed, with collapsed windscreen, and the style bar bent forward. For some, that was proof of the “Mousetrap”; the idea that in a crash, the stylebar would collapse forward, with gruesome consequences.
Over time, but it was missed, it emerged that the bar was bent during recovery of the car. And the driver was killed because his head hit the rock that caused the car to overturn.
The collateral was that Alumex had a lot of bad publicity, and even tried to get some bars crashtested to prove they weren’t liable. Not even sure they still exist.
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We didn’t have a tonneau so can’t confirm that but as it sits on the seat belt towers I’m not sure how it could affect the tonneau, I’ll see if there are any pics with it on that might show it.
Edit: happy to try and post it if you pay PP.
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Hi, I have a “style bar” on my Mk 1 and was thinking of taking it off as I am not keen on it. I did think about leaving it on from a safety perspective, but if it does not actively offer any additional protection, then I would rather it was removed. I think that the number of cars that rollover is small, so I am happy to have it “as standard”. However, as it also fits on teh seat belt posts, if I take it off, do I need new bolts? also, if anyone wants it, I am happy for anyone to collect it… I am based in Cheshire…
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I think if you were traveling upside down up the road in your mx5 then you would be pretty dead anyway, style bar or none.
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Thanks @grumpybadger. Still thinking about whether to go for one or not. I’ll let you know.
@ast Thanks for the info. It fits in with my response to @IanC about a style bar not providing any protection in a crash and could make it worse.
The tonneau will fit with the ones fitted on seat belt tower you’re considering, my latest one wouldn’t allow a tonneau.
In the likely crash where you’re not upside down it won’t be worse, and as Phoenix22 said if you’re upside down it’s serious trouble whatever you have.
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I fitted these bars a couple of months ago. Dead easy, just follow the instructions. You may need to add or remove some of the spacer washers on the seat belt turrets, see how you go. I even managed to refit the seat belt plastic caps back on as some people struggle with this. The toneau is unaffected. The supplied wind blocker works great too and works well with the original fit. Looks good!!
Looks nice - out of interest, did you notice any improved stiffness to the chassis?
Hi Jimbo. Thanks for your input. Great looking car and this gives me a great idea of what the bar looks like fitted. I’m still largely undecided as I think I prefer the M shaped bar but this involves drilling holes. Don’t fancy mistreating my beloved Montana like this! I’ll keep you posted with what I decide.
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Not really sure as I had the chassis rails cut out and replaced not that long ago. Not had that many opportunities to drive it so far.