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View Full Version : Gonna get a Rollbar this month, but which one?



Phatmiata
11-02-2015, 09:59 PM
I am in the market for a Rollbar this month, 4-point, it will be in a street driven Miata so no cage stuff here. Now that the Nakamae seats are sitting me on the ground I can clear a rollbar pretty easy, so no worries on bumping my head on a bar.

Hoping to order one before TurkeyDay, because, lets face it, its hard to afford expensive car parts during the holidays.

What Rollbars are you guys running? Any pros and cons to your setup? Installed pics?

kung fu jesus
11-02-2015, 10:10 PM
Wouldn't be cheap, but I'd love to see a BF GT3 done in stainless, then grained or brushed. The dimple die gussets would look sexy like that.

Greasemonkey2000
11-02-2015, 10:18 PM
^^^^This. Moti makes top notch stuff at a fair price but definitely more than Harddog or Boss Frog bars. Stainless looks AMAZING if you can get over the premium.


Personally i LOVE the look of the double hoop and asked Moti if he would make one for me but he doesn't feel they are effective roll over protection, his right to turn down business. It seems only the Boss Frog has similar mounting points as a 4 point.

bogaut
11-02-2015, 10:38 PM
the welds arent the prettiest on the blackbird units, if thats something you care about

Agent☣Orange
11-02-2015, 10:43 PM
BF double hoop fo sho.

Phatmiata
11-02-2015, 10:44 PM
Wouldn't be cheap, but I'd love to see a BF GT3 done in stainless, then grained or brushed. The dimple die gussets would look sexy like that.

Yeah, im 99% sure whatever it is it will be Polished Stainless Steel for the sexy factor :bow:

kung fu jesus
11-02-2015, 10:53 PM
Brushed, polished dimples.

Greasemonkey2000
11-02-2015, 10:54 PM
FYI, there is a powder coat that looks like stainless/chrome, rear most bar.
15093

revlimiter
11-02-2015, 11:23 PM
http://revlimiter.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_2920.jpg

Blackbird Fabworx. Comparing it to the Harddog was... there wasn't much comparison really. It's better in every way. It's artwork. We Miata guys are extremely lucky to have these for our cars.

Demon I Am
11-02-2015, 11:36 PM
I've been thinking about the boss frog double hoop, personally. I'm just a fan of that style.

Phatmiata
11-02-2015, 11:42 PM
Pretty sure there are No Polished SS BossFrogs, Nor Polished SS Blackbirds that are in my area to check out in person. :cry2: Heck dont even think ive seen either in standard trim? Ill have to hit up the local autocross to see what folks have too. You guys in Cali have all the spoils.

Demon I Am
11-02-2015, 11:46 PM
They sell them in 5 finishes: black, silver, frog green, 304stainless and unfinished.

Slipstreem
11-03-2015, 01:04 AM
The Blackbird's GT3 and the Boss Frog double hoop are my two favorite roll bars.

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/slipstreemz/mazda-mx-5-miata-boss-frog-double-max-miata-roll-bar-1990-2005-7_zpskqsnun6n.gif (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/slipstreemz/media/mazda-mx-5-miata-boss-frog-double-max-miata-roll-bar-1990-2005-7_zpskqsnun6n.gif.html)
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/slipstreemz/BF-D-silverhigh_zpseon9terg.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/slipstreemz/media/BF-D-silverhigh_zpseon9terg.jpg.html)

^Polished double hoop.

I guess it comes down to what look you want. The GT3 looks more race car while the double hoop looks more vintage. Maybe have someone photoshop your favorite bars on to your Miata?

mx54life
11-03-2015, 02:33 AM
^^^I do have the Boss Frog double hoop for one reason alone......no cutting of the sacred red carpet lol.

oldgrayleather
11-03-2015, 02:55 AM
R
Personally i LOVE the look of the double hoop and asked Moti if he would make one for me but he doesn't feel they are effective roll over protection
I'd heard the same. Does anyone have any data/ facts about safety of BF vs Blackbird? I don't want a style bar and had decided the GT3 seemed the best route (+ bonus for supporting a local/ awesome guy) but that double hoop BF looks stunning.. and probably even better with the Nakamae's..

Hyper
11-03-2015, 01:02 PM
I have Bethania Garage Hard Dog Hard Top Double Diagonals for NB and it is a much better design compared to single diagonal bars they sell for NAs and NBs. It fits the Hardtop which some bars do not and they sell a roll bar padding which makes the interior looks nicer.
Roll bar and dirty seats
http://mazdaroadster.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=12431&d=1408714975
http://mazdaroadster.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=12435&d=1408716820

http://mazdaroadster.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=8177&d=1372868406

kung fu jesus
11-03-2015, 05:33 PM
http://mazdaroadster.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=12435&d=1408716820



I noticed your belts. Are those 4 or 5 pts? Just wanted to let you know they are installed incorrectly, poses a dangerous situation for you and your passenger.

Cxmoney
11-03-2015, 05:39 PM
Phat, come up to Atlanta area and ill show you my boss frog double hoop stainless in my NA

Phatmiata
11-03-2015, 06:33 PM
I'm not feeling the "hoops" I dunno, I would have to see them in person

Also not worried about cutting my carpet. I have a complete carpet set new in the box anyhow if I decide to go back to stock.

I like the design of the Blavkbird rollbar but I don't think the extra welded in corner pieces would look right in this car, they look great in a Racecar, but mine is a streetcar.

Might just go back to the Harddog version.

mx54life
11-03-2015, 06:33 PM
Phat, come up to Atlanta area and ill show you my boss frog double hoop stainless in my NA

Why are you not posting Pandora's pics anymore? I miss your car as she was the one that fired my quest for the LE interior 3 years back which yielded successful finds. I also snag a boss frog double hoop this year but it's black so I am saving to it chromed.

Unk577
11-03-2015, 07:20 PM
Double hoops are:fab:
Unless you're driving a actual Cobra and then yeah they "look" ok.

I tell ya what I would do..

lablu
11-03-2015, 07:36 PM
Only have experience with the Blackbird GT3, I am very happy with it.

freedomgli
11-04-2015, 08:29 AM
Might just go back to the Harddog version.
You know what to do. For a street car it's hard to go wrong with the simple elegance of the Polished Stainless Steel Hard Bar Sport (SHS).

Cxmoney
11-04-2015, 10:19 AM
Why are you not posting Pandora's pics anymore? I miss your car as she was the one that fired my quest for the LE interior 3 years back which yielded successful finds. I also snag a boss frog double hoop this year but it's black so I am saving to it chromed.

I moved back to GA and there are no good picture taking spots close to me. Lol. And she is in project mode right now. I really should post some new pictures of my badass seats though!

Phatmiata
11-04-2015, 12:49 PM
I moved back to GA and there are no good picture taking spots close to me. Lol. And she is in project mode right now. I really should post some new pictures of my badass seats though!

pics or ban :teehee:

mx54life
11-04-2015, 01:52 PM
...drum roll.........for the badass Pandora seats + the polished Boss Frog double hoop roll bar............

Cxmoney
11-04-2015, 05:16 PM
I'll take her out of the garage Tomorrow and get some pictures if it isn't raining. ;)

Rogue
11-07-2015, 04:10 PM
I'm a fan of the HD Deuce, non intrusive and classy.
I have 3, one polished stainless, one painted silver, and one black.

Phatmiata
11-07-2015, 05:02 PM
lets see some photos!

Rogue
11-07-2015, 05:50 PM
I only have pics of the 93LE with the silver painted one.
I have the polished one slated to go in my ex95M (that will not be Merlot) with red interior.
and the Black one is in my wires '92 BnT….but its in many pieces at the moment.
Hers will be 9700 black with Atomic orange Rpack stripes, much like the V8 Miata i painted.
(The LS has a Prowler orange Deuce as well)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o756/RogueRace/Miata%20Solutions/93LEGML07_zpsplp19biy.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/RogueRace/media/Miata%20Solutions/93LEGML07_zpsplp19biy.jpg.html)

http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o756/RogueRace/Miata%20Solutions/Copperhead%20V8_zpswujuruoa.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/RogueRace/media/Miata%20Solutions/Copperhead%20V8_zpswujuruoa.jpg.html)

oldgrayleather
11-07-2015, 09:19 PM
Do you have any pics of it from the inside (particularly how it connects between the seats)?

Greasemonkey2000
11-07-2015, 09:45 PM
Post #4:
http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?2849-The-Story-of-Smac-s-Eunos-Roadster-so-far&p=45236&viewfull=1#post45236

I keep trying to post a pic of the boss frog double hoop and how it mounts, which imo seems better, but things aren't cooperating. Just Google boss frog double hoop images.

BoBo
11-07-2015, 09:48 PM
I keep my Roadster simple 75% street/ 25% track. I got the Hard Dog Hard Bar Sport w/no diagonals. I've always wanted the Boss Frog double hoop though, that vintage look is timeless. My second pick would be the Blackbird Fabworx because the paint finish is awesome and it looks good. It's maybe a bit overkill depending on you needs, but it's a quality made roll bar.

Rogue
11-07-2015, 11:43 PM
Post #4:
http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?2849-The-Story-of-Smac-s-Eunos-Roadster-so-far&p=45236&viewfull=1#post45236
That…. shows how substantial the crossbars are, with out the tubes across the rear deck and the brace across the console.
in addition I just can't stomach the shape of the hoops of the frog.
I like that the deuce gives me plenty of headroom, and I can't even see it in my mirror. So visibility is not hindered.
Installation doesn't require cutting up the side panels but does require cutting the shelf carpet, but for us with 93LEs…….Nakamae can remedy that. ;)

mx54life
11-08-2015, 04:29 PM
I like the Duece for it's simplicity and retro appeal. My only gripe about it is that the hoops are centered in the car cockpit but not in relation to to the seats like that of the Audi Roadster. A narrower hoop will fix this but HD is not willing to change their design. The Boss Frog hoops are centered in relation to the seats but it's kinda big hoop. Which in theory probably offers more protection.

On another note if protection is of utmost importance then a hard top is it. Also if the car rolls over God forbids, a helmet may probably save ones head far better along with the 5 pt. seat belt.

Back on the roll bar, the simpler the line design the better it compliments those gorgeous Nakamae seats you got just my 2 cents.

Agent☣Orange
11-08-2015, 06:36 PM
This was my install. There is quite a substantial cradle that connects the roll bar to the floor on either side of the tunnel.

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa375/YellowYata/Boss%20Frog%20door%20bar%20install%20-%20modified/Doorbarinstalleml2.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa375/YellowYata/Boss%20Frog%20door%20bar%20install%20-%20modified/Doorbarinstalleml4.jpg

Phatmiata
11-08-2015, 06:56 PM
Time for you to build another miata bro

Slipstreem
11-08-2015, 07:30 PM
AO how hard was it to install it?

Agent☣Orange
11-08-2015, 07:39 PM
Just the roll bar would have been easy but I also installed door bars at the same time where a few bolts from the door bar share the same location with the roll bar at the seatbelt tower (B pillar) so it took a little more measure-twice-drill-once. Then, I wasn't satisfied with just mounting to thin sheet metal so I added braces underneath to beef it up. If I were to do it again, it would be much easier. Most of the time was spent measuring and fitting.


A little more on the door bars install with picts: http://gearheadsmiataclub.net/vB/showthread.php/300-Boss-Frog-door-bars-modified-installation?highlight=door+bars

Slipstreem
11-08-2015, 07:50 PM
Just the roll bar would have been easy but I also installed door bars at the same time where a few bolts from the door bar share the same location with the roll bar at the seatbelt tower (B pillar) so it took a little more measure-twice-drill-once. Then, I wasn't satisfied with just mounting to thin sheet metal so I added braces underneath to beef it up. If I were to do it again, it would be much easier. Most of the time was spent measuring and fitting.


A little more on the door bars install with picts: http://gearheadsmiataclub.net/vB/showthread.php/300-Boss-Frog-door-bars-modified-installation?highlight=door+bars

Great write up on the door bars! Now to do my homework while I save up money.

Agent☣Orange
11-08-2015, 07:56 PM
Thanks! Instantaneous upgrade in rigidity, that's for sure. I almost made it to fender braces but never got to finish. That would have been awesome short of a full cage.

MLambert19
11-09-2015, 10:23 AM
Does anyone offer a single hoop for the driver? I know the Pitcrew one kind of serves that purpose... but what about just using 1/2 of one of the others? Maybe it would look odd...

That said, as much JDM goodness as your car is displaying, what about finding one of the chrome Pitcrew ones, Randy?

Phatmiata
11-09-2015, 10:38 AM
Does anyone offer a single hoop for the driver? I know the Pitcrew one kind of serves that purpose... but what about just using 1/2 of one of the others? Maybe it would look odd...

That said, as much JDM goodness as your car is displaying, what about finding one of the chrome Pitcrew ones, Randy?

Most of the Japanese rollbars dont meet the same SCCA standards, so if I want to autoX now and then I need a bar rated as such, not to mention importing a big bulky item like a rollbar would would cost a small fortune.

Rogue
11-09-2015, 11:06 AM
Here, Rollbars are not needed for AutoX, and we can run DE's on street tires without a bar as well.
IIRC, a legal SCCA Solo 1 bar will not fit under a top or Hardtop.
what rule/class are you trying to comply with?

Hammerhead
11-10-2015, 06:25 PM
Here, Rollbars are not needed for AutoX, and we can run DE's on street tires without a bar as well.
IIRC, a legal SCCA Solo 1 bar will not fit under a top or Hardtop.
what rule/class are you trying to comply with?

Randy doesn't know. He'll never risk a flying rock chip or cone mark blemishing his paint. :)

Rogue
11-10-2015, 06:32 PM
Randy doesn't know. He'll never risk a flying rock chip or cone mark blemishing his paint. :)

LOL, so he knows nothing of……….15137

Vegard
11-10-2015, 06:50 PM
Does anyone offer a single hoop for the driver? I know the Pitcrew one kind of serves that purpose... but what about just using 1/2 of one of the others? Maybe it would look odd...

That said, as much JDM goodness as your car is displaying, what about finding one of the chrome Pitcrew ones, Randy?

From what I can see I think you can run the boss frog double hoop bar, with only one bar connected, making it a single hoop, and double hoop when you want that. Someone correct me?

fwdtamiya
11-10-2015, 08:49 PM
I'm also in the market for a rollbar. Does anyone know where I can find weights of different rollbars? I bet the weight of a double diagonal bar is significantly more than a standard bar, that much is easy to see. But, I'd really like to know the weights...of any bars, I can't seem to find any solid weights.

roadsternut
11-11-2015, 04:29 PM
This rollbar weighed hardly anything when I removed it.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n109/saz9961/S-Limited/P1110141_zpscf8b1554.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n109/saz9961/S-Limited/P1110163_zpsad54d217.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n109/saz9961/S-Limited/P1110469_zpsc6472f26.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n109/saz9961/S-Limited/P1110470_zps3fa15e53.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n109/saz9961/S-Limited/P1110471_zpscf66d24d.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n109/saz9961/S-Limited/P1110472_zps3b2f4a0c.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n109/saz9961/S-Limited/P1110475_zpsc81db5d1.jpg

Makross7
12-08-2015, 07:36 PM
Blackbird.

NB03
01-26-2016, 07:41 AM
Love the side by side picture. Sweet!

Phatmiata
01-26-2016, 07:48 AM
Just an update to this thread, ordered my rollbar late December from Hard Dog. They said it will be 6 to 8 weeks before it's shipped as it's a custom Polished Stainless Steel version

turboedpickup
01-26-2016, 02:26 PM
Awesome.

theothersawyer
01-26-2016, 03:12 PM
Awwww yeah!

Rogue
01-26-2016, 04:36 PM
it's a custom Polished Stainless Steel version

Sweet! I have a polished Deuce for my ex95M.
I now have 4 Deuces

Agent☣Orange
01-26-2016, 07:12 PM
From what I can see I think you can run the boss frog double hoop bar, with only one bar connected, making it a single hoop, and double hoop when you want that. Someone correct me?

The Boss Frog double-hoop is a singular upper piece, a double hoop that mates to a separate "saddle" piece that goes over the tranny hump. There is no way to just use one hoop from the kit.

Vegard
01-27-2016, 02:27 PM
Aha, I thought it was two upper pieces. Are they connected at the saddle point?