Aftermarket hardtops for verts seems reasonable?

twistedwankel · Postby **twistedwankel** » Wed Aug 10, 2016 7:35 pm

http://www.smoothline.com/

After being blown off from another track event due to no roll bar in my vert. I believe this is a very cost effective non-destructive option to a rollbar. NOT as safe but meets the criteria for most non full race events. Needs paint is all. Otherwise looks like a simple install for a Vette or Miata at a reasonable price. Could be sold later separate from your car since there is no altering of the car!! One is supposed to gain even a small amount of headroom over the vert top which remains stowed. Uses front factory attachments too.

Postby **Loren** » Wed Aug 10, 2016 8:39 pm

Check the rules for the event you're entering. Most don't consider a hardtop to be a substitute for a roll bar.

twistedwankel · Postby **twistedwankel** » Thu Aug 11, 2016 2:05 pm

http://performancedrivinggroup.com/

I got approval just now from Henry for the Daytona event I had to drop out of. They are acceptable for their events. Probably NOT the FIRM for track days? They specifically state cage or rollbar. So one goes where there is the love OR takes a Crown Vic racing?

So does one rent a C5 Z06 for $1600/day including fees plus wear and tear? Or does one buy/paint a top for about the same money and do repeated track days? Rental probably the smart move here for me? I have noticed most Miata owners have to remove their hardtops with helmets on due to no headroom. These are supposed to be an inch higher?

Definitely would need a 6 point roll bar/fire suppression/fuel cell/seats for wheel to wheel racing + trailer + truck + $$$$$. Not going there!!

Even Drag racing requires a 6pt roll bar for vert cars faster than 12 seconds. Yikes. Have to borrow wife's automatic for that?

Postby **Loren** » Thu Aug 11, 2016 6:55 pm

Man, life is hard.

I remember when Chin Motorsports used to let you drive a convertible in their HPDE events. They just made you sign an extra "yeah, I know this is stupid, I'm still gonna do it" waiver.

twistedwankel · Postby **twistedwankel** » Thu Aug 11, 2016 7:04 pm

Fair enough. Thelma and Louise over Grand Canyon

I just wanted to go advertised limit of 178mph on a level straightaway with banking at each end in a car with a stick and extra cooling

Guess verts are useless with more than 60hp.

tdinfl · Postby **tdinfl** » Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:04 pm

Chin let me run my Beemer and 911 with just factory pop-up roll protection at most tracks. I'm glad the new car has real(ish) roll bars though, seems like a better idea at Daytona. I'm really looking forward to pushing my car a little that weekend (advertised limit of 182)!

TD

twistedwankel · Postby **twistedwankel** » Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:21 pm

tdinfl wrote:Chin let me run my Beemer and 911 with just factory pop-up roll protection at most tracks. I'm glad the new car has real(ish) roll bars though, seems like a better idea at Daytona. I'm really looking forward to pushing my car a little that weekend (advertised limit of 182)!
TD

Guess I will need a new intake to get 4mph more? Maybe a little "tune"? Go for it Tony. I got my money back so cannot bitch. Awesome outfit to run with. Very helpful. Tim is right. So who needs a roll bar with 60 degree slopes and straight-a-ways anyhow? Do a video of the 182mph but don't point it at your crotch please!!!!! Thank you.

Maybe they will open the salt flats up again?

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