I have just fitted a rollbar to my chassis at the weekend, but i think it looks to high. With an assumed ride height of 6" the top of the rollbar is 45" above the ground. Does this sound reasonable?

I took a reference dimension of another make of kitcar (which i wont mention!!), but i still think it looks high.

The problem is that i am 6'4". Is the general consensus that the rollbar is primarily a safety item or is it mainly for cosmetic purposes............?

Hi Albertz,
IIRC there is no legal requirement for a roll bar so you could argue that it is a cosmetic addition.
That said with so little protection it does make sense to have one.
For racing a roll bar is compulsory and I think it must extend 4" above the drivers head.

John

Hi John,

I don't believe there is any legal requirement, the only reason you need to check height is if you intend to race then you will need to have it a certain height but if you are not going to race then it's realkly down to what you think although I suppose it makes sense to make it high enough to give you some protection if you roll the car.

Rich.

If it just for road use only it dosen't matter but for it to meet MSA requirements -:The height should be sufficient that the top of your head is under a line drawn between the top of the bar and the top of the nose of the car (really it should be the top of the front of chassis structure).

[Edited on 4/5/04 by britishtrident]

Kitlooney has fitted a low rollover bar to his car and has had to fit a headpad to pass SVA. I'd want a least a couple of inches above my head so in the event of an accident I'd have some leeway.

All the best Dan.



Ok image didnt work, look up Kitlooney1000 archive at picture "it's me"
[Edited on 4/5/04 by scutter]

[Edited on 4/5/04 by scutter]

The rollbar must be 2" above your head if you are racing. Stuart Taylor have put a little hoop on the top of the rollbar to make it higher on their Phoenix.

Adam

Scutter, nothing wrong with my roll bar that a 250mm disc cutter wouldnt sort out. Not bad for a roll bar, seeing as it started life as a barrier around an aircon unit, locost or what !!!
That said, have managed to find some black polyurethane pipe lagging to fit over the top, all the way from end to end. doesnt look half bad. will post a picture when its finished.
By the way, have now painted the wheels black so the rust doesnt show anymore, not that they will be on there long.

[Edited on 4/5/04 by Kitlooney1000]

Sorry mate wasn't having a dig at your motor, just using it as an example.

Lagging would work as long as you can make it look "none removable".

All the best Dan.

P.S. can't dis your car as it's atleast being SVA'd this year

Mine is 42" at 6" ride height. About 2" above my head when seated, but I'm only 5' 10", although the rollbar height was arrived at based purely on cosmetics.

all in jest dan, all in jest