Not Ranked
Sorry to take so long on this, one of these days "my" computer will be back up and running!
Ok then, with my some what limited knowledge, I still can't determine the type of steel CR's Uses for their bars. To me it appears to be DOM or roll bar material, it is also the proper diameter and thickness. In my opinion and others, It IS The MOUNTING PROCEDURE that makes it cosmetic.
They also indicate "cosmetic" for liability purposes. In order to get the 3 point bar to be a true "roll bar" all three legs have to be welded to the frame...read no bolts! (This apply's to CR's only people)
The manual states to drill and tap a 1/4 x 20 bolt for the main hoop to the drop leg. SCCA & NHRA have passed this, (depending on your class) but reluctanly so. They would rather have it bolted with a 5/16's bolt.
I, like many of us have seen many Cobras with the shiny side down, I personally have never seen one of these bars fail. How ever, these have all been on a track. You have to put the bar in a 3D mode in your mind. In other words, lets say you've flipped for what ever reason on the "street". Your sliding backwards, upside down, spinning and the roll bar strikes a curb. This will attempt to force the bar to the driver, thusly the reason for the forward "down" bar, OR to have the rear bar very firmly attached.
To me, and a more important and likely event than the roll bar collapsing is the "GAS CAP". If you have the single hoop, when the car goes over it WILL ride on your gas cap ripping it off or at least open! Let me repeat that, IT WILL rip it off, or at the least open. Think about this one for awhile. We have covered this many times.
Back to the "Bars". If you want a bar that is very safe, protects both the driver and the passanger then have a 4- point bar made. A simple hoop that goes behind the seats, side to side, mounts to the upper frame rail, just like CR's, then two down legs, one on each side from the bar to the frame.
We're working on putting this type bar out to the guys that want them. Here's the problem, to have a certified bar, it has to be put in AFTER the body is permanently mounted and welded at all 6 points of attachment - 4- points to the frame, and the two down bars to the cross over bar. This too will be sold as "cosmetic" for liabilty purposes. I'm sure you understand.
From here you go to forward bars, removable forward bars such as the DV II, cross bars and full cages. It all depends on what type of racing you will be doing, and what the sanctioning body's demand for the class and speed you will be running.
Phew, it's early in the AM! Not sure I was ready for this with only one cup of coffee! Am I just rambleing or has any of this made sense?
Did I mention "Gas Caps!?"
Have a great day!
DV
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