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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Roll cages and targa latches/targa bad

Posted by: Qarl Mar 15 2014, 09:15 PM

For those that have a roll cage (full or half), what has been the solution for the rear targa latches and rear targa pad with use of the top?

I would like to install a GT-style half-cage like McMark makes in the conversion car ... but not sure about the back pad, and access to the latches. (I have regular sized hands).

I'd like to maintain use of the targa top (drive with on or off).

I'd rather not weld on tabs and convert the roof to bolt on!

Can you share pics and experiences, please?

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Posted by: brant Mar 15 2014, 09:27 PM

roll cages in a street car aren't too safe
others will disagree....
and no disrespect to Mark's fine work...

but head injuries aren't fun
ask yourself if this would pass federal crash standards for head injury?

unless you want to wear a helmet on the commute to work?
(and very tight 5 points... perhaps a hans too)

Posted by: Qarl Mar 15 2014, 09:28 PM

QUOTE(brant @ Mar 15 2014, 11:27 PM) *

roll cages in a street car aren't too safe
others will disagree....
and no disrespect to Mark's fine work...

but head injuries aren't fun
ask yourself if this would pass federal crash standards for head injury?

unless you want to wear a helmet on the commute to work?
(and very tight 5 points... perhaps a hans too)


The whole car wouldn't pass crash standards.

I'm not set on it. Just toying with the idea.

To clarify, it's not a full-cage. And the car does/will have properly installed 5-point harness with welded in backing plates.

Posted by: brant Mar 15 2014, 09:32 PM

the whole car doesn't have metal/steel placed within head's reach...

the steering wheel and A-pillars are padded... that was a crash standard then and now.

nah... its fine as long as you have a helmet on.....

Posted by: VegasRacer Mar 16 2014, 02:33 AM

I have had 2 teeners with full cages. Access for the rear targa latches was never a problem. The front ones were a bitch on both cars.

Posted by: Maltese Falcon Mar 16 2014, 09:23 AM

When I designed +mandrel bent my cage in the black 6, my first rule of thumb was actually my thumb !
I use my hand as a guide for clearance prior to final shaping+welding. The rear at the padded vinyl area allows for latch operation. The roll bar up front just under the windshield frame at the left + right upper corners, makes a small jog which allows easy latch access. I'll send some pics along after AT+T finishes up my data problem this week. I haven't seen any brand name 914 roll bars done this way...but its an easy enough change-up to program into the mandrel bender.
Due to liability, I don't mfg. Roll cages/bars in the product line.
Marty

Posted by: iamchappy Mar 16 2014, 10:21 AM

Make a special tool..... With my roll bar in i cant open the engine lid. if i remount it i am going to shorten the side bars and mount the rear bar forward an inch.

Posted by: Elliot Cannon Mar 16 2014, 11:40 AM

The Screaming Yellow Zonker had a full roll cage. One of the reasons I sold the car (besides the three trips to traffic school) was the difficulty getting my old ass in and out of the car. A roll bar like the one McMark makes might be a good idea. A FULL roll cage might be safe for the track but not so much for the street. The roof of the Zonker was very easy to install and remove. It had normal latches front and rear and didn't need any special tools or techniques. I can be done with careful measuring.


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Posted by: Mike Bellis Mar 16 2014, 11:55 AM

My roll cage prevents the use of front latches. I removed them since the bar is in the way. On the rear, it takes two hands to get each latch locked down.

Top stays on with little or no rattles.


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