For the truly faint of heart, there is always the Miata.;-)
Dave
Frank Clarici wrote:
> jphender@inav.net wrote:
>
> > Can anyone give me some advice on how to make my Sprite safer without
> > making it ugly? I don't want to start a debate on the inherent safety of
> > Spridgets but there must be some features that a majority can agree upon.
> >
> > I haven't heard anyone say that a roll bar is a bad thing. How high
> > should it be? Where should it be anchored? Can/Should the windshield
> > frame be beefed up?
> >
> > Is there anything in the suspension that should be modified to lessen the
> > risk of rollover? How common is a rollover?
> >
> > Not worried about myself, just want my passengers to be comfortable and
> > safe.
> >
> > Jim Henderson
>
> It sounds like you plan on doing some serious cornering.
> The Sprite is much safer as far as roll over goes then any SUV (stupid ugly
> vehicle)
> Add a set of seatbelts and it is safer then most cars built in the last 20
> years. (much thicker metal, hardly any plastic, etc.)
> I saw a sprite roll over once many years ago, the guy had no roll bar, he got
> out, brushed off, rubbed his skinned arm and asked for help to right the car
> so he could drive away.
> Reason for the rollover was a loose pinch bolt where the steering column joins
> the rack, it worked loose got stuck, jammed his steering so he applied panic
> pressure to the steering wheel to free it and over steered and finally lost
> control.
> Check them pinch bolts regularly, use grade 8 bolts when replacing and always
> use a new nylock nut.
> As far as a roll bar, it would help in a roll over but I have found them to do
> more damage to the back of my head on every bump in the road. The bar has to
> be low enough for the top to clear and that puts it dead center of the ole
> noggin. (On me anyway, 5' 9")
>
> 26 years driving Sprites, a few accidents, no blood.
>
> good luck
> drive safe
>
> --
> Frank Clarici
> Too many Sprites
> http://www.exit109.com/~spritenut
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