I'm looking at my options for adding a roll bar for more track day protection. Because I'm a big guy and need the leg room, I've resigned myself to loosing the factory roll hoops to get a bar that lets the seat go back as far as possible. I'm trying to limit the amount of additional interior mods required, as I still DD my '05 and would like to try and keep the locking center console box (OK with loosing the hidden compartment). Looking at the Hard Dog bars (and for now keeping the stock seats as-is), I have a few questions. Assuming factory roll hoops are removed:

1) will the Hard Dog bar with removable diagonal and harness bar allow my OEM seat to go back as far as stock without requiring bulkhead removal?

2) will a welded diagonal give me any more rear seat clearance then the removable one?

3) can I keep the locking center console (but lose the hidden compartment) with the double diagonal w/lower harness bar? Will the console be supported by the lower harness bar (like one of Bethania's picks implies)?

4) by using a Hard Dog bar, is it possible to move the seat backwards as far as stock while keeping the soft top, or must I replace the soft top with a hard top?

5) will the Hard Dog bar(s) allow me (at 6'-1") to pass the broomstick test (with stock seats)?

Seats would be the next upgrade, but they'd make the car much less a DD (for me at least), so I'm taking it one step at a time. I'd appreciate any insights you can offer.

 

1- Removable diag does not effect the drivers seat.(nor does the welded)

2- Yes, With it removed(passenger side)

3- Dont know, I have the high harness bar, But my secret opens enough to get my hands in.

4- Far back, yes, recline no. It does not matter which kind of top you have. You cant move the bar fowards or backwards to fit better, its had 2 mounting holes to your chassis so no moving it back for more leg room.

5- Im 5-11 160lbs, and I barley pass.(helmet on). I would not pass with my seat all the way back, seat reclined as far as it would go.

Hope i can help you some!

 

yes, im 6ft3 and also wondering if i would pass the broom stick test

 

Looking at the pics and sitting in my S2k, it looks like I'd pass the broomstick test without lowering the seat.

I talked with Bethania about the Hard Dog, they confirmed the driver seat can go all the way back and you only loose 2-3 recline clicks. That works for me. If you get the single diagonal, you loose some travel in the passenger seat, though. I just ordered the double diagonal with lower harness bar (compatible with the hidden compartment), it works with the soft top installed. Just need to remove the roll hoops.

I have a Laguna Seca weekend in Sept, hope to have it installed by then. Next step is to find an OEM hard top, everyone's out!

 

Anyone know offhand if the double diagonal Hard Dog bolt-in bar is OK for NASA TT? PT? NCRC (passing broomstick test) races? Just curious for now.

 

They are SCCA Approved.(says on the website i thought?) And NASA should pass it with no problem, if you pass the test.

with my seat all the way back, i only get one click of recline.

6'3 i dont think ill pass the broom stick test. Im 511 and barely pass, seat moved up and reclined.

Next best thing is get closer to the ground.(bride low max, any side mount seat with low seat rails.)

My friend who is 6'6 fits in his with a hard dog and a bride lowmax seat rail and status seat)