Does anyone have comments about roll over protection of the stock hardtop in a roll over? Some tracks do not allow convertibles without a cage, in these case, does a hardtop count?

The roll hoops are inadequate rollover protection since many drivers head rise above the hoops. Some drivers have reported spinal damage from a roll over since their head was pushed down to the spine. Looking at the hardtop mountings supports, I wonder if they would break off in a severe case of roll over. If that does, then you have a loose hardtop which could inflict its own injury to the occupants.

Feel free to comment or share your experiences and insight.

 

the hardtop does not offer any additional rollover protection beyond the stock roll hoops and windshield frame.

 

Hardtop doesn't count for most tracks unless the latches are welded... but a roll bar is still suggested.

 

the main benefit of the hardtop over the rag top is, if you roll the car, the hardtop won't act like a shovel and dig you further into the gravel, while the rag top COULD (not that it WILL).

think of it like a sled (hardtop) in the snow...

 

Aside from the fact that the windshield frame is very solid along with the roll hoops, the hardtop should provide some sort of protection. If not, at least it eliminates the theory of the soft tops' metal bars to bend in and kill you.

 

From what you guys are saying, it sounds like the hardtop (if not welded in place) could come off in a roll over.

 

Actually they do and have. Seen this with my own eyes.

 

think about it...

the rear spikes are basically locking the rear portion in with 5mm pieces of metal.
the front catchers are just hooking on...

if you bolt the hardtop down, there's less chance of it happening.
welding it is ideal.

 

Are you asking about safety, or regulations?

For safety, it will provide negligible additional protection.

I don't know about regulations enough to give any useful feedback except check the ones you're interested in. I've heard of groups reqiring hardtops OR roll cages for convertibles, and a hardtop isn't permanent and can be resold at cost rather easily.

 

I'd personally like to see someone weld a fiberglass hardtop to the car. In fact, I'd pay to see it.