Wanted, "JAP" style roll bar. - BOUGHT ONE

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Wanted, the sloping shouldered JAP style standard (cosmetic) roll bar, as shown below.

Would prefer one in decent condition, but for the right cost will look at something in need of powder coating!

(Really looking for the lower, ZK/Kit bodywork version, not the taller one from the Sport Turbo.)

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Bumpity bump!

[Gary Taylor]

Hi I used Tom at

http://www.tube-bender.co.uk/

to make my bespoke one, same shape as the picture to fit the fw hood, if your struggling and know the dimensions I'm sure he could help.

Mine was left , over long on the legs, as I welded bolt down plates to suit my attachment points. but if you can get someone to measure the horizontal height I am sure he could do the correct length as you would require plates in the tube ends that are drilled and threaded as well, I will look and see if I still have the dimensions here the mounting bolt centers you can measure them off your car this ensures the correct width

let me know if I can be of any help

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Thanks Gary, will keep them in mind, it's not desperate, but might give them a go if nothing turns up by September.

[Gary Taylor]

Ok no problem, just found the dimensions that they used for mine ...... and the invoice

[Peter (Monty)]

It seems like a lot of people go for the RAC roll bar... I much prefer the look of the standard bar, is there a significant structural difference? (Is the standard bar actually useful if you roll it?)

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

It seems like a lot of people go for the RAC roll bar... I much prefer the look of the standard bar, is there a significant structural difference? (Is the standard bar actually useful if you roll it?)

 

Yes, a huge difference. The various standard bars are unbraced, so while calling them purely cosmetic is going a little far, they will in a significant roll or upside down slide, collapse.

 

The RAC bar, with it's diagonal and rear bracing is better, but then it's really a little too low to give the best protection upside down. It also has joints for the rear stays that no longer meet MSA approval for motorsport. Hence WSC Ltd launching the MSA roll bar, which is both braced and taller than an RAC bar, at the same time as being fully compliant to current MSA regs.

 

It's a personal choice what you go for, dependant on the level of risk attached. Mine is a road car pure and simple. My RAC roll bar is currently sat in the back garden in the pile of bulky old car parts that don't fit anyware else. (I have one of the older design "standard" roll bars on the Westfield currently). I had the RAC bar on, when i had a mixed road and track car.

 

I removed the RAC bar, because I got fed up with the compromises it caused when using the roof and because I wanted to swap to a rigid GRP boot lid - currently on order from the factory.

 

I prefer the looks of the later style angled shoulder roll bar, so if I can find one, great!

[Peter (Monty)]

Thanks Dave. Mine is supposed to be a road car too but I'm sure I might want to do the odd (casual) track day now and then. On the other hand, one of the projects I have in mind for down the road is some kind of rigid targa-style roof and anything higher than the standard bar would make that very difficult (at least without looking completely bizarre). I wonder if something custom, halfway between the standard and MSA would be viable...

 

I don't have to decide this for some time anyway, but I'll have a closer look at the different setups next time I go to the factory.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

The RAC bar is about the right height for what you want. It's almost exactly the same height as the center hoop of the hood frame and also works really well with the half hood, which is only supported by the RAC bar and the windscreen.

A braced bar is a sensible choice if doing a few trackways though.

[Kingster]

There's a new one on Locost site Dave.

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=205461

I think Jenko is also a member here so maybe drop a PM

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Thanks Chris, left a question on his thread, will drop him a pm too.

[lmillin123]

Have you managed to locate one now?

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

I have thanks, arrived yesterday, thanks to Jenko.