FC Convertible Top Specs?
 

For participation in a local trackday, convertibles with factory-installed rollover protection are required to meet US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216, which as far as I can determine, means that the roof needs to withstand 1.5x the vehicle's unloaded weight within 5 inches of deflection. (it seems that this regulation is being considered to be increased, but I dont think this has happened yet).

I know that the convertible top is pretty beefy and keeps the 'vert 99% as stiff as the coupe when up, but does it meet this requirement too?

Not a chance.
Most, if not all sanctioning bodies will require you to lower the roof prior to going out for your open track day. That alone leaves you with NO rollover protection. There are several aftermarket rollbars available for the vert and each design compromises one thing or another.

^Just curious why they make you put the top down in races?

the reg's for the track i'm looking at dont mention what position the top should be in

The strength of the chassis comes from a lot of extra metal added in the form of braces and extra layers and a thicker floor pan and rockers. The top mechanism has pretty close to nothing to do with it.

They usually make you run with them down so you don't get speared with a small part of the frame if something happens. The windshield will give you a little support to keep the car from going totally flat when it goes upside down but I wouldn't hold my breath on it saving you.

^Yea right, have you seen Hurleysurfs(i think) after he rolled it? The top would have definitly helped him. The windshield pretty much was flat after word. I searched but couldnt find a pic.

^I never want a convertible

Oh i love my Vert just think that with the top up you would be alot safer. Thanks 87-T66

Why on earth would you think that a convertible top would offer ANY protection from a rollover?!!

You have 3000 lbs of car coming down on a structure of lightweight tubes and fabric. It has significantly less structural strength than even that windshield frame. It would be crushed in a roll over wreck.

Would you jump up and down on your convertible roof? Why not, you probably weight under 200 lbs. Think about it.

Sheesh.

-b

Yeah his windshield practically saved his life. I'm pretty sure I'd get aced, since I'm 6'6" and leaning over won't do a damn thing for me. I'm gonna get a rollbar in the near future myself.

OK have you ever even seen a vert???? Doesnt sound like it to me so maybe you shouldnt talk about stuff you DONT know. The targa portion is made out of steel along with the b-pillar, the one right behind the doors. It is alot more solid than alot of verts ive seen and Would help in a rollover, regardless of what you think. Go look at one and then come up with a opinion. Dont just spout off random info you know nothing about.

So if the guy in the photo above would have had his top UP, the car would look a little less,... flattened?

my vote goes to with the top up it wont do anything except make it harder for you to get out if you survive

Seen a few, ridden in a few, and driven a few. Several of my friends have them. And I stand by my statements.

If you want roll-over protection, you need a real roll-bar. Period.

-bill