Most modern convertibles do have reinforced windshield frames to provide
some protection during a rollover. Nevertheless, don't count on these to
save your life. No racing organization will allow you to drive your Miata on
a racetrack without a rollbar. Keep in mind that there is no Federal
regulation requiring car makers to provide rollover protection. They were
talking about doing that in the 1970s, and that's why Detroit stopped making
convertibles until the Eighties.
Take a look at your Spitfire's windshield frame--it obviously wasn't
designed to provide any protection in a rollover. I'm not saying that
everyone driving a convertible should run out an install a rollbar, but I
think it is wrong and dangerous thinking to believe that rollovers are
unlickely and that your windshield frame will support the car. Likewise,
it's wrong to assume that a coupe or sedan will provide much protection
either.
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ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
From: tkay@amlibs.com
To: Karim Marouf
Cc: dmitchel@ford.com; triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: rollover accidents.
Date: Thursday, October 09, 1997 9:03PM
I have to disagree with the statement about rollovers. Alot of cars can
have rollover accidents and still stay pretty well intact. I know this is
out of line (miata), but look on the miata.net web page. There is a
section on accidents. There are a number of accident stories but more
importantly PICTURES of miatas AFTER a rollover. One was actually rolled 7
times, the windshield frame is only pushed down a few inches maybe 1/2 a
foot. These damn terrible :) miatas survive rollovers REALLY well.
TK
72 Spitfire
67 Datsun Roadster
90 VW Corrado
91 Miata
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