Rollbar Height

[DocDirk]

I've noticed on my nearly completed West Coast build that the rollbar height in its current installed lowest position is considerably shorter than the top of my head, and more so with my 6'4" 15 year old son. Agreed, it's an unorthodox full width rollbar and most cobras have singles or two of them. I can raise it up, but I'm wondering just what position the top of the rollbar should be in to be effective in protecting the vehicle occupants in case of a rollover. I don't intend to drive this beast aggressively for a few months but later on I might push its limits. I've noticed that in some of the forum photos the single rollbars appear not to reach as high as the driver's head does.

Thanks for any replies in advance!

Dirk

[mickmate]

Usually racing requires it to be 2" higher than the drivers helmet when seated and buckled in. Make it 2" higher than your boys head or look at the line between the roll bar and something solid on the front of the car and make sure you're inside the line.

[STL Mark]

Some race tracks will use "The Broomstick Test". Meaning a broomstick resting on the roll bar must extend to the next body part capable of supporting the weight of the vehicle, and the driver's helmet cannot touch the stick. I most vehicles the top of the windshield is that next available body part - but in our cars the windshield would collapse - so the next body part if the front fender. So, the stick goes from the roll bar to the front fender and you wearing your helmet cannot touch the stick.

[1985 CCX]

Low can also be dangerous as a rear ender can have your head crack like a nut. Mickmate is right, 2" above your head is the way to go.

[legenmetals]

I just picked up a head rest from the upohlstery shop for my Contemporary cobra. The Contemporary roll bar is to short for any use other than hanging a shoulder harness and mounting a headrest. I am leaving for three weeks on business to night, when I return I will post some pictures of my results.

[Double Venom]

Mickmate is right on. NHRA's, SCCA, IHRA rules state the roll bar must be a full Two inches above the helmet. The Datum line, or broom stick test swhould pass with this height.
DV

[mickmate]

If you need a different height roll bar let me know.