moss two point roll bars

alproc · September 14, 2013, 10:58:56 PM

I'm thinking about installing a 2 point roll bar from moss motors. Does anyone have any pictures of one installed or issues with it.

MGBV8 · September 15, 2013, 12:56:20 PM

2 point?

alproc · September 15, 2013, 02:22:29 PM

A 2 point roll bar attaches to the car in 2 locations. Moss motors offers two types of roll bars. Just trying to get an idea from someone who has already installed one. Seat clearance, top clearance, etc.

rficalora · September 15, 2013, 02:53:00 PM

Sounds pretty dangerous.

MGBV8 · September 15, 2013, 05:37:03 PM

I've not seen less than a 4 point. I'm with Rob.

mowog1 · September 15, 2013, 07:14:13 PM

These would be cosmetic only in my opinion.

And you sure don't want to hit the back of your head on it during a crash/whiplash.

MGBV8 · September 15, 2013, 09:49:49 PM

I'm having a hard time accepting that Moss actually sells a 2 point bar. Makes no sense. Do you have a pic?

pspeaks · September 16, 2013, 02:12:59 AM

I think no matter how strong the roll bar itself is, there is no attachment point on the MG chassis strong enough and it would end up closing like a rat trap in a roll over. I don't think I would do it.

Paul.

Moderator · September 16, 2013, 04:19:58 AM

I expect this must be the roll bar in question:
http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=79286&SortOrder=10

Moss's photo:

The thing is... I don't think it actually IS a two-point roll bar! Moss doesn't say - one way or the other - how it mounts. Their photo doesn't show the device's mounting features. I expect there are two diagonal braces, one on either side. There are a bunch of cars in our photo gallery with similar roll hoops. Here are two examples:

Mikel Moor's

Pete Smith's

Do these devices enhance safety? Certainly not as much as ANY of the custom hoops shown on BritishRacecar.com! (The braces should be angled out to spread loads over a larger area. The hoop should be taller. There should be a diagonal brace in the plane of the main hoop. Moss doesn't describe tube type or thickness, so it might be really cheesy tubing. Etc.) I definitely wouldn't use one of these bars on a Mk1 MGB (with seats that don't have headrests), but I'm skeptical that these hoops make an MGB appreciably less safe than original. Roll hoops are a pretty good place to mount a third brake light, they can sometimes be a good place to mount a shoulder harness, and they might possibly give you a little extra survival space in a major accident. Consider paying extra for Moss' padding kit.

alproc · September 16, 2013, 10:03:00 AM

That was my concern. Moss gave no specs and they didn't describe the mounting points.I'm a tall guy and seat and head clearance is also a concern. Thank you for all your input. I think I'll hold out until I can physically see one.
Also , a note to Rob Ficalora. I've been building my mgb with a 302 roller motor. And your mg was a big inspiration to me. Very clean build. I would like to see it one day. I'm in Texas as well. About 2 and a half hours south of Dallas.

Again, thanks to all for the information.

MGBV8 · September 16, 2013, 07:28:33 PM

It will likely interfere with being able to get the seat far enough back for you.

rficalora · September 16, 2013, 07:57:44 PM

Alan - where south of Dallas? I spend a lot of time in Conroe, if you are along I-45 you can't be far. Maybe we could meet up one weekend.

Rob

alproc · September 20, 2013, 10:19:28 AM

Rob, we're about three hours apart according to the GPS. I'm in Florence tx off of I-35 . About 45 minutes north of Austin. I would really like to see your car. Mine is going in the body shop in October. I'm shaving the bumpers and using the omni fender flares, like yours. I'll try to make a plan in the future to come down to cypress and visit you before then.

Thank you

Alan

rficalora · September 21, 2013, 09:34:23 PM

I'm goung to be on Round Rock the 1st week in Oct. Unless the weathwrman is calling for heavy rain I'll probably take thw MG. PM me your contact info and i'll give you a shout.

alproc · September 26, 2013, 09:59:05 AM

Rob, I think that event in round rock is this coming weekend and I will be there. My cell number is (254)535-5728. Talk to you soon

rficalora · September 26, 2013, 04:42:27 PM

Yeah - All TX British Car Day is this coming weekend -- unfortunately I can't go. I've been working till 8pm every night & back at the office @ 7am... promised my wife I'd stay home & spend time w/the family instead of going (again

). Next week I will be in Austin for work though & am planning to take the MG. Headed there Monday & back Thursday night or Friday some time.

alproc · September 26, 2013, 07:11:39 PM

Great, we'll meet up in Austin next week. Give me a call Monday and we can make a plan.

Thanks

rficalora · September 29, 2013, 09:35:00 PM

Change in plans Alan. I'm still coming to Austin, but won't be taking the MG - even though the weather looks like it'll be OK. I started hearing a noise coming from under the car the last few times I've driven it so this evening I decided to jack it up and see what I could see. I'll post more info in the suspension section, but net is the retainer for the spherical bearing on my right side front shock apparently came out and the bearing retainer is toast. While I had it up, I also noticed my rear hub/bearing assemblies are already showing wear again too!

alproc · September 30, 2013, 09:29:57 AM

Rob, sorry to hear that. I'm sure we'll get together in the future.