Safety Rules Question for Convertibles

[paultg]

Hello, I am new. I'll thank you all now for the stupid questions they/may not be following.

So, I have a 1992 Miata. I have a Hard Core M1 hardtop roll bar installed, which I am finding out now is a bit lower than the standard Hard Core bar.

This weekend (in prep. for the July NHIS event) I started installing the Corbeau Forza seats (one for me and instructor) on the Corbeau brackets with sliders (double locking). I plan to use these seats along with newly purchased 6-point G-force cam lock harnesses(also two, one for each person).

I need clarification on the "broom stick" rule; I plan to put a picture up of me in the car with helmet in broom stick across the top of the bar and windshield soon; but in general:

1. Do I just need to be below the stick with helmet?

or

2. Is there a requirment for a distance below the stick?

I am concerned I might not pass tech; and if so would rather cancel sooner than later and give the spot to somone else. I guess my other option would be to use stock seats and belts, but would still feel safer with the harnesses installed (and seats); and I am not sure arm restaints can be used with stock belts. I planned to modify stock rails but just ran out of time (and didn't have the ablilty to weld), so I purchased the Corbeau brackets not realizing how tall they are.

Thanks,
Paul G.

[Dave_G]

Paul, you can get the complete COM rule book here: http://www.comscc.org/rules/
Rule VI.F.4 says, in part:

Roll bars are required in all Street Prepared and Prepared cars and in all convertible and open cars regardless of class. Roll bars are permitted and strongly recommended in all classes and may be required in the future. A roll bar is a steel one- or two-hoop roll-over protection device, solidly mounted to the structure of the car, and provides two inches of space between the top of the roll bar and the top of the driver’s helmet.

It's possible to use arm restraints with stock 3-point belts by just running the strap under the lap belt. However, they do work better with a harness.

I hope you can make it. I'm looking forward to meeting you. Good luck with the installation.

[Dave_G]

Oh, and if you're looking for alternatives to the Corbeau brackets that will get your butt lower in the car, you can fashion your own without any welding. Here's one approach: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/158355/4. I adapted that bracket to my own needs and came up with this simpler design that has worked very well for me: http://www.daveguertin.net/gallery2/car ... seatmount/ (Click on the pictures to get more descriptions.)

I was also struggling to get below the roll bar, but this bracket has me sitting practically on the floor.

[paultg]

Thanks Dave.

I'll try to sit in the car tonight and drag the wife out with a camera. I think I might be OK, it is going to depend on the height/diameter of the bar itself and my seating position.

I feel stupid now; I knew about the rule, but missed the description in the rule book.

Thanks again.

Paul G.

[paultg]

Dave,
One other question:

With my current setup I would prefer to be slightly more forward, and the seat is hitting the trans tunnel (like in your picture). Did you dent the tunnel at all to move it more forward?

Paul G.

[nhsilversti]

add wood blocks to the pedals

[paultg]

add wood blocks to the pedals

Ha Ha! Want to help me fabricate some mounting brackets?

What is the story with your motor, any luck getting the car together?

[Dave_G]

With my current setup I would prefer to be slightly more forward, and the seat is hitting the trans tunnel (like in your picture). Did you dent the tunnel at all to move it more forward?

Yup, if you click on that picture I describe the technique. Find the biggest hammer you can, then pound on the transmission tunnel as hard as you can until you get a sufficiently big dent to accommodate the front corner of the seat. If you really love your car and can't bear the thought of doing this, perhaps a good stiff drink first will steel your nerves enough. (Actually, the carpet hides the dent so it's not as bad as it sounds.)

[paultg]

So, I sat in the car tonight and had the wife shoot some picture.



^That is the room if I sit how I am comfortable. However, if I push my lower back and butt as far back as I can in the seat, my helmet will contact the broom.

I don't think I have 2" between the top of the bar and helmet; and want as much room as possible anyway. Guess I'll have to figure out a different mounting setup.

Paul G.