Second Roll Bar

[Buzz]

IMHO dual roll bars suck aesthetically - they scream "kit car!" and are the ricer wings of the Cobra world . The original reason for the single roll bar is based on the concept of racing on sunday and driving to work monday. The only time rollover protection was needed was when hauling a$$ on the track - ie: only the driver in the car - no need for passenger protection.

On the street; the idea was that, when hauling passengers (as opposed to a$$), the responsible pilot would consider pedestrian issues like the rules of the road and the safety of their significant other. Under such circumstances, a Cobra is no more likely to suddenly turn turtle than any other convertible (yeah right) and no more needs to be festooned with multiple hoops than a stock engined Civic needs the downforce of a massive rear wing.

Having said all that, I respect that there are those faced with circumstances that transcend the triviality of aesthetics.

Wifey sez "You don't care if I die!"

Track driving instructors won't ride without one.

Folks at the show 'n' shine think your early Vette looks lopsided.

So, tell opinionated people like me to stuff it and do whatever suits you best.

[Buzz]

Saved you the trouble

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Buzz

patrickt - can we still be friends? (I like your ERA...)

Not unless you add a caveat dealing with padded dual roll bars.

Originally Posted by Buzz

Saved you the trouble

No, I would never write something like that.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by Buzz

IMHO dual roll bars suck aesthetically

I have to agree with Buzz.

A better looking (and probably more effective option) would be a full hoop. Pretty tough as a retro-fit on most cars, but Superformance does offer it as a factory option.

[Ronbo]

Hmm, well dual bars have the advantage of six attachment points as opposed to the four on the full hoop.

Dual bars look more "balanced" for what it's worth. Hopefully they're never needed, but considering the windshield will just fold in..

One of the biggest issues is the thin wall tubing some of the kit builders use making the roll bar merely ornamental.

Another senerio happened just last year: One of the members here went off the road and wound up under the cable barrier, The roll bar stopped it from taking his head off.

Ya never know...

[emberglo66]

I happen to like the full hoop... Guess thats why I had one custom built.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by emberglo66

I happen to like the full hoop... Guess thats why I had one custom built.

That's a good looking full hoop. Really fits the car.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Ronbo

Dual bars look more "balanced" for what it's worth...

Ronbo, you clearly have the heart, eye, and soul of an artist -- here's a gently photoshopped pic of my car as it would appear with a single roll bar.

[Buzz]

Even though its the same car and ERA's generally always look awesome from behind, see how much lower, wider and meaner it looks with a single bar.

[Ronbo]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Ronbo, you clearly have the heart, eye, and soul of an artist -- here's a gently photoshopped pic of my car as it would appear with a single roll bar.

I think they look pretty good on my Kirkham...

[donraye]

Originally Posted by Buzz

IMHO dual roll bars suck aesthetically - they scream "kit car!" and are the ricer wings of the Cobra world . The original reason for the single roll bar is based on the concept of racing on sunday and driving to work monday. The only time rollover protection was needed was when hauling a$$ on the track - ie: only the driver in the car - no need for passenger protection.

On the street; the idea was that, when hauling passengers (as opposed to a$$), the responsible pilot would consider pedestrian issues like the rules of the road and the safety of their significant other. Under such circumstances, a Cobra is no more likely to suddenly turn turtle than any other convertible (yeah right) and no more needs to be festooned with multiple hoops than a stock engined Civic needs the downforce of a massive rear wing.

Having said all that, I respect that there are those faced with circumstances that transcend the triviality of aesthetics.

Wifey sez "You don't care if I die!"

Track driving instructors won't ride without one.

Folks at the show 'n' shine think your early Vette looks lopsided.

So, tell opinionated people like me to stuff it and do whatever suits you best.

OK, Stuff it! I happen to think that my (as well as others') Cobras look a lot better with dual roll bars than with singles.
Yes, my wifes' safety on drives is also a big concern to me, but I'd have had a double loop installed in spite of that for purely aesthetic reasons.
As for screaming "kit car" I for one am proud of the fact that I hand built my car the way I wanted it, and I'm not trying to fool anyone into thinking it is an "original" Cobra.
If you want an original Cobra you should buy one, trying to "pose" as one is a bit too shallow, even for me.
Don

[Buzz]

I think they suck and you don't. No need to throw a hissy fit. I promise you life will go on and you will get over this. Some people think they look better with big wings, high back seats, 30" rims and IMSA air dams. I disagree, but I wont break down and cry over it. To each his own.

[Ronbo]

Buzz, what's this in your gallery...



Gotcha!!!

[patrickt]

For some reason, a single roll bar reminds me of Col. Klink.

[Buzz]

Gotcha!!!

What can I say - you got me there. She definitely looks more balanced with a pair than she would if she only had one!!

I know what the problem is with a single roll bar...

For some reason, a single roll bar reminds me of Col. Klink.

LMAO!!!