Convertible Roll-over Hoops
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STMPY (06-16-2020)
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Pretending for a minute that they are structurally sound, as @Unhingd mentioned they have extend above your head for them to be viable protection in a rollover. Check out the broomstick test to understand:
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#8
That only works if you are short enough. Some people are just too tall that you cannot lower seats enough.
#9
One of the HPDE groups in my area has a list of vehicles with convertible roll bars that are functional and those that are not. Jaguar roll bars of this era are supposedly functional, i.e. they do not require a roll cage. There are no references so take it as you wish.
https://autointerests.com/vehicle-requirements
https://autointerests.com/vehicle-requirements
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https://docs.google.com/document/d/e...k9i3xSAVtI/pub
EDIT: It's also not only the rear portion behind the driver. The windshield frame usually needs some structural safety as well which is how some of the other cars get by.
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Since the factory hoops are just bolted on, they would not pass for any track organizations which enforce rollover protection. There are track organizations who do not enforce rollover protection. However, be careful with some of those organizations that run more loose events as they may also not provide track services (i.e. like car tows or onsite first aid). For example, if you run out of gas on a track and have to get towed off, if the organizer didn't pay for tow service as part of the event then you as the driver have to pay for that tow.
#18
Given the regulations In the US I would tend to think convertibles would be required that those roll bars would be an actual safety Item and not for looks.
I also have a hard time believing Jaguar would go to the added expense of adding these and attaching them to the unibody if they were not somewhat functional.
Just because an item is bolted don't make it a weak connection. I am quite sure their engineers did ton's of Finite element analysis (FEA)
on these cars. Also before you can conclude these are not functional you need to look at how they actually attach to the unibody
(additional mating features) and how that stress is distributed under all conditions(crash types). These along with the strength of the windscreen frame were more then likely considered.
That"s just my opinion based on 40 years working in the engineering field.
I also have a hard time believing Jaguar would go to the added expense of adding these and attaching them to the unibody if they were not somewhat functional.
Just because an item is bolted don't make it a weak connection. I am quite sure their engineers did ton's of Finite element analysis (FEA)
on these cars. Also before you can conclude these are not functional you need to look at how they actually attach to the unibody
(additional mating features) and how that stress is distributed under all conditions(crash types). These along with the strength of the windscreen frame were more then likely considered.
That"s just my opinion based on 40 years working in the engineering field.
Last edited by 2004XJ8; 06-18-2020 at 06:16 AM.
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NavyBlue (06-19-2020)
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Given the regulations In the US I would tend to think convertibles would be required that those roll bars would be an actual safety Item and not for looks.
I also have a hard time believing Jaguar would go to the added expense of adding these and attaching them to the unibody if they were not somewhat functional.
Just because an item is bolted don't make it a weak connection. I am quite sure their engineers did ton's of Finite element analysis (FEA)
on these cars. Also before you can conclude these are not functional you need to look at how they actually attach to the unibody
(additional mating features) and how that stress is distributed under all conditions(crash types). These along with the strength of the windscreen frame were more then likely considered.
That"s just my opinion based on 40 years working in the engineering field.
I also have a hard time believing Jaguar would go to the added expense of adding these and attaching them to the unibody if they were not somewhat functional.
Just because an item is bolted don't make it a weak connection. I am quite sure their engineers did ton's of Finite element analysis (FEA)
on these cars. Also before you can conclude these are not functional you need to look at how they actually attach to the unibody
(additional mating features) and how that stress is distributed under all conditions(crash types). These along with the strength of the windscreen frame were more then likely considered.
That"s just my opinion based on 40 years working in the engineering field.
But yes, I did mention in post #12 about the windshield frame. To your point, it does take a lot more testing than looking at a photo. While it's been a while since I've been in a F-Type vert, I don't recall the head rest hoops being of the proper crash bar diameter or material.