Side intrusion bars

Rob. Smith · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011, 05:15 AM

Just out of curiosity...my vehicle has intrusion bars...a Ford approved latch and matching catch...bolted securely to the chassis. The 3 bolts (screws actually) holding the catch are pretty small about 6mm / 1/4" so all depends upon these three bolts. On a steel body the door fits into a "socket" so along with the catch the door crushes up against a pressed and folded steel frame which helps in absorbing an impact. Fibreglass frames are stiff but how stiff ? Drive the Cobra like it was a motor bike...be aware and be defensive.

Outwest34au · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob. Smith

Just out of curiosity...my vehicle has intrusion bars...a Ford approved latch and matching catch...bolted securely to the chassis. The 3 bolts (screws actually) holding the catch are pretty small about 6mm / 1/4" so all depends upon these three bolts. On a steel body the door fits into a "socket" so along with the catch the door crushes up against a pressed and folded steel frame which helps in absorbing an impact. Fibreglass frames are stiff but how stiff ?

Re the socket and pressed frame, if I had a 32 mm CHS bar running along inside the door frame on the sill panel I would feel the system would be as good as it gets, something to stop it moving in. The door in a car like ours is only there to fill a hole and any load in my opinion has to be spread to the chassis, be it through the front hoop or direct to the chassis at the latch end.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob. Smith

Drive the Cobra like it was a motor bike...be aware and be defensive.

I said that to my workmate as we drove home last night.
ADRs are for compliance, vigilance is for life.