Style Bars

Technical Area Body, Interior & Styling
2

 I’m thinking about fitting style bars to my 1.8 mk1. This would mean the removal of the factory fitted cabin brace. What, if any, difference would this make to the rigidity of the car?

3

 Hi Air,

Style bars are what they say they are, for style only. They offer no roll over protection or rigidity. Proper roll bar take some fitting, usually a weekends work.

Mozza

4

 Hi Mozza,

I am aware that style bars offer no roll over protection. I’m more concerned that removing the cabin brace bar will have a negative effect on the car. Given that the cabin brace bar is bolted to the same seatbelt post that the style bar will be bolted to will the style bar replace the function of the cabin brace bar.

5

There are some which leave the OEM brace in place but also I found the ILM bar from MX5parts to be extremely ridged and has no detrimental effect on bracing.

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/141

6

 Hi Air,

Beg your pardon, Missread it.

I fitted a hardog rollbar with harness bar and diagonals to the 1999 Sport, previously there was no bracing between the posts or the rear suspension towers. I can honestly say that I found no noticable difference from reduced scuttle shake or increase in roughish road handling, but hat is not to say that it dosen’t do something, just that it isn’t noticable on a every day car.

Mozza

7

 I am going for one of these…

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-MX5-EUNOS-90-03-CHROME-ROLL-BAR-ROLLBAR-BARS_W0QQitemZ220365037836QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item220365037836&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1689%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Looks like it is pretty subsantial and will go someway to replacing the rear brace bar, as it bolts to the same points, and has a cross member for bracing not just the hoop.

Also as everyone keeps saying that these bars are not roll bars and I agree with that, I do however believe that these more subsantial bars that attach though solid points such as the brace bar points, do act as some protection.

Acting as they deform as a energy absorber, similar to crumple zones. and I would prefer if one of these absorbed some energy rather that my head doing it alone!!!

What do you think???

8

 

Hi Charge, I think that it should be ideal for what Air is after, but as there is no rear bracing, these will fold flat in a roll over situation and that could be forwards onto ones bonce.

Mozza

9

 I took the plunge and went for this -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&item=180345758272

 

I think if you find yourself upside down in a soft top your fate is in the hands of the Gods.