Converts, do you feel safe?

[Doug]

This tie in with HACKs comment about BMW CCA not allowing factory roll over protection at track events.

Myself I've never trusted roll hoops or pop-ups. Yes I realize that they are stressed to take more abuse than a hardtop. I've never felt safe in a convert at the track, there's too much open space.

What do you guys think?

[TD]

This tie in with HACKs comment about BMW CCA not allowing factory roll over protection at track events.

Myself I've never trusted roll hoops or pop-ups. Yes I realize that they are stressed to take more abuse than a hardtop. I've never felt safe in a convert at the track, there's too much open space.

What do you guys think?

Our local chapter doesn't allow any covertibles, even those with factory roll-overpop-ups or even regular roll hoops. No 'verts period.

[undefined]

is the question, do you feel safe in general in a convert, or are you specifically asking about 'verts on the track/autoX?

[dredmo]

I feel safe in a convert, but I would not want to track one.

[Nick M3]

'Verts are perfectly safe on the street or at autox.

IMHO, roll cage PLUS hard top is fine on the track, but I wouldn't feel safe in anything less.

[The HACK]

I'd have to say, I am more apprehensive in the Z4 if I'm at the track, and it has nothing to with it being a leased vehicle (if I crash it, GAP insurance will cover the difference) but more to do with the fact there isn't a lot of protection if I roll.

That is not to say I'm going to stay away from tracking the Z4. I'll probably be a lot more CAREFUL with it though.

[Roadstergal]

I wouldn't feel safe in a convertible without decent aftermarket roll protection.

I did some research, and there were a fair number of posted crashes/rolls with the Hard Dog bar in the Miata where the bar held and the A-pillar collapsed. I went with the Hard Dog. The week I ordered it, a guy driving down to Thunderhill with his wife rolled his car and died (she survived). The style bar folded like a mousetrap. It drove the point home. :(

[mquetel]

I never felt unsafe in my Z3 (at least from a rollover perspective), but I never took it out on a track either.

Seeing Hack's new aquisition is making me a bit misty eyed about my roadster days. :cry: