Style Bars - Autospec Christchurch - Have you seen these???

poison · Post by **poison** » Thu Jul 08, 2004 11:57 pm

Has anyone bought a Style Bar from a guy in Christchurch trading as Autospec
at http://www.autospec.co.nz/mx5.htm I found him on TradeMe and makes the bars
in 38 and 45mm for $325 (chromed). Seems like a good deal, has anyone bought
or seen these... comments please...

Cheers

Gazza
"PO1SON"

Colin Francis · Post by **Colin Francis** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 12:28 am

On Thu, 8 Jul 2004 23:57:54 +1200, you wrote:

Has anyone bought a Style Bar from a guy in Christchurch trading as Autospec at http://www.autospec.co.nz/mx5.htm I found him on TradeMe and makes the bars in 38 and 45mm for $325 (chromed). Seems like a good deal, has anyone bought or seen these... comments please...

Cheers

Gazza

I would check with him that the style bars (incorrectly labelled as Roll Bars on
his site) are LTSA approved . They have specs for style bars .

They look fine though and price is not too bad .

Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

Biff · Post by **Biff** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 1:16 am

Hey Gazza, where in ChCh are you, we should get together and see if we can do
a deal, I am interested in the style bars and the headlight scoop.
We have to get a better price with 2 of us???
Biff
ZOOM1N

poison · Post by **poison** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 8:50 am

Sorry Biff I'm a "JAFA" stuck in Auckland, found these bars
on the internet. Would really appreciate if you could have a
look though, I hate to buy something sight unseen.

As I said he makes both 38 and 45mm bars. I personally don't
like the thin bar look at all, but it would suck if we all
had exactly the same thing.

Cheers
Gazza

PO1SON

[...]

poison · Post by **poison** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 8:59 am

Hi Colin

Not sure what exactly you mean? I thought a "Style Bar" did
not need any certification at all. I was going to make some
along the same lines as Glenn's one's but at this price it's
not worth my time. If I made them my self they would not
have any certification. Maybe they need a sticker saying
"Style Bar, this is not an approved safety device" or
something like that.

Has anyone in the club had a problem with a WOF because of
their Style Bars???

Cheers

Gazza

"PO1SON"

[...]

Colin Francis · Post by **Colin Francis** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:20 am

On Fri, 09 Jul 2004 08:59:44 +1200, you wrote:

Hi Colin

Not sure what exactly you mean? I thought a "Style Bar" did
not need any certification at all. I was going to make some
along the same lines as Glenn's one's but at this price it's
not worth my time. If I made them my self they would not
have any certification. Maybe they need a sticker saying
"Style Bar, this is not an approved safety device" or
something like that.

Has anyone in the club had a problem with a WOF because of
their Style Bars???

Cheers

Gazza

Gazza,
Here's a relevant copy of an email posted a while ago.

To: MX5List <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Subject: RE: Roll your own Style bars
From: Mike Pearson - WYSIWYG Ltd <mike@wysiwyg.co.nz>
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 00:23:51 +1300

Colin wrote:
Now I have just to work out how to attach these to the
strut behind the seat.

Just remember to comply with the LTSA rules...

DRAFT AMENDMENT

Fitting of or modification to:
Roll-bar or roll-cage structures (roll protection or cosmetic)

LVV Certification is not required provided that:
(refer to lvv certifier if beyond threshold below)

? each seating position is fitted with an effective head restraint; and
? the bars are positioned:
- behind, following a plane extending upward,
parallel to the back of the backrest on the rear-most seat; and
- in such a way that the head-restraint would provide protection
from head contact with any bar section during a crash

As an example at the Racing Beat site, using the principle "the head can't
strike them in an an accident situation", then some would pass and some
wouldn't:

Ok:
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset.asp ... mber=57222
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset.asp ... mber=57223
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset.asp ... mber=57224
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset.asp ... mber=57211
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset.asp ... mber=57212

Not ok:
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset.asp ... mber=57200
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset.asp ... mber=57226
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset.asp ... mber=57225
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset.asp ... mber=57228

Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

SLYDIT · Post by **SLYDIT** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 4:05 pm

ive never had any problems with WOFs with my style
bars and i get mine done at the vehicle testing
station. Once i had the tester firmly hold them and
"shake" them to see if they were sturdy and was happy
with that. I dont think youd have to worry about certs
as i beleive that there was an ammendment made to the
roll bar specs to exempt style bars from cert requirements.

Vince · Post by **Vince** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 7:30 pm

I spoke to a local certifier in Tauranga before I had my bar made up in May
this year and he assured me that this type of bar did not require
certification if it was behind the rear most seat, and there was no chance
of your head striking it in a crash, basically what was in the draft
amendment Colin sent through earlier. I haven't taken it back for him to
look at and I haven't been in for a WoF since, but it's much the same
configuration as Glenn's so should be OK. Going on that I would say
Autospec's bars won't need certification either as they fit this
description, but they would be the ones to ask and they should know, as they
also do roll cages for race cars etc which would require MANZ certification.
Cheers, Vince.

Colin Francis · Post by **Colin Francis** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:26 pm

On Fri, 9 Jul 2004 19:30:08 +1200, you wrote:

I spoke to a local certifier in Tauranga before I had my bar made up in May
this year and he assured me that this type of bar did not require
certification if it was behind the rear most seat, and there was no chance
of your head striking it in a crash, basically what was in the draft
amendment Colin sent through earlier. I haven't taken it back for him to
look at and I haven't been in for a WoF since, but it's much the same
configuration as Glenn's so should be OK. Going on that I would say
Autospec's bars won't need certification either as they fit this
description, but they would be the ones to ask and they should know, as they
also do roll cages for race cars etc which would require MANZ certification.
Cheers, Vince.

Thanks Vince . The only contensious point is the fact that they are being
marketed on the website as "Roll Bars" which is bordering on the illegal as they
are NOT roll bars . If anyone buys these and installs them and rolls they offer
no protection as such and the manufacturer may face litigation from the estate
in the case of a fatality. He would be better off to proclaim them to be Style
bars and as such offer little protection in a rollover. Most overseas supplier
add a disclaimer to this effect .

Original Message -----

From: "glenn roberts" <supasparky@yahoo.co.uk>
To: "MX5List" <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Sent: Friday, July 09, 2004 4:05 PM
Subject: Re: Style Bars - Autospec Christchurch - Have you seen these???

ive never had any problems with WOFs with my style
bars and i get mine done at the vehicle testing
station. Once i had the tester firmly hold them and
"shake" them to see if they were sturdy and was happy
with that. I dont think youd have to worry about certs
as i beleive that there was an ammendment made to the
roll bar specs to exempt style bars from cert requirements.

=====
Glenn "SLYDIT"
http://miata.cardomain.com/id/supasparky

AnnoyingAdHere

Messenger - sooooo many all-new ways to express yourself
http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

Biff · Post by **Biff** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:07 pm

Gazza,
I have emailed them and as yet no reply.
If I get the chance tomorrow I'll drive over and see them.
I'll let you know how I get on, I'll take the digital camera and see what I
can get, I'll also ask about the LTSA Certification.
Anything else anyone wants while I'm at it?
Cheers
Biff

PS Gazza, sorry ya stuck in Auckland, ya cant have everything

poison · Post by **poison** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 8:47 pm

Hi Biff

Sorry did not see your email in time, did you have a look see??? my only
question was did they look reasonable, ie; nice welds and general finish.

Cheers

Gazza
"PO1SON"

Biff · Post by **Biff** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 10:59 pm

Closed on Saturday!
Do you believe it?
I'll have a look on Monday.
I have left a voice message on their answer phone.
Cheers
Biff
ZOOM1N

Biff · Post by **Biff** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:58 pm

Hi all,
After a request (or 3-6) I went to see Rod Akins at Automotive Specialties
(autospec.co.nz) today.
I had a look at some of the gear he makes, they are listed below.

I took a close look at the style bars, nice work, the welds in the centre of
the bar are spot on, and they are finished very well.
The "Nudge Bar" number plate holder is great, he is re-working the cool air
intake that fits over the headlight cover, he wasn't happy with the fit.
I didn't see the chrome luggage racks, he sold them and the new stock is
either being chromed or made up, but the pics were great.

I spent nearly 2 hours at the factory and Rod showed me the workshop and the
other goodies he makes, including an MX5 Trike!
V8 power plant with an MX5 bodied rear end, absolutely great, and a real piece
of craftsmanship, he has about 15 (I think) trikes on order, and the
craftsmanship I saw was great, not an engineer, but a true fabricator.

I would have no hesitation in buying gear from him, and in fact I am.
Autospec supplies to some stores around the place, but he's going to redo the
web site (after he's finished a workshop expansion) so it will be about 6
months, until then you can contact him via the web site, or direct, the
details are below.
Rod checks his mail before work in the morning, and when he gets home, he
hasn't got time at work, neither would I with a heap of trikes to build as
well as a Mk2 Cortina, with MX5 running gear for another customer, yep I did
ask why...Rod isn't sure either

Here we go:
Style Bars Chrome, 38mm, 10min to fit, $300 + freight (Skyliner, about $35 to
Auckland)
Style Bars Powder coated (Black), 38mm $275 + Freight
Style Bars Chrome 45mm, $325 + Freight
Style Bars Powder Coated (Black) ------------------- $??? ouch forgot to ask!

Nudge Bars Chromed ( + Rego plate holder) $155 + Freight $25.00 approx to
Auckland
(I've got one on my MX - )

Headlight fresh air scoop, ready to paint, $25.00 + freight, ask Rod to get
you a freight price, he hasn't shipped one past ChCh.

Rear Spoilers, he has 2, one is the 3 post model, the other is the tame boot
lip spoiler, the 3 poster is $280 + freight (again ask )

My favourite, the rear chromed luggage rack.
2 models to choose from, both are the same except for the height.
The tall one was designed for use with the high rear spoiler.
Both are $280 + freight.
I was impressed with the design, 4 padded feet, and some very nice adjustable
clips that hook under the boot lid.
Simply screw up 4 studs with an Allan key and off ya go, come home undo said
bolts and hang it on the garage wall till next time.
NOTE Rod sends all you will need, so if like the Nudge Bar you need studs, he
includes them, and if ya don't need em, ya don't get em...sounded fair to
me:)

Contact details:
Rod Akins
autospec@xtra.co.nz
PH: 03 377 4248
FAX: 03 377 4247
Cell 027 664 2598
428 Tuam St ChCh.

That's about it, he did mention that if he knew what the MX5 fraternity
wanted, he could most likely make it...so if you have anything on
the wish list you need fabricated, let him know.

Hope this answers the questions,
Cheers
Biff
ZOOM1N

poison · Post by **poison** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 11:57 pm

Hi Biff

Good on ya for going to check it all out, thanks, I'm sold after such a great
reference. I'm just awaiting a reply from an email and I'll be placing an
order for a style bar.

Cheers

Gazza
"PO1SON"

greg.powell · Post by **greg.powell** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 2:50 pm

Hi Biff - most kind of you to checkout Automotive Specialists.

I am keen on a set of the chrome style bars for my black 91 V Spec and I think
his prices are first class especially if the welds and workmanship is good.

I priced a set of alloy bars via our local Mazda dealer here in Dunedin at
$350 but the welding was Bl...y awful.

Any way the point of this e-mail is to ask a question re the style bars. So
far I have looked at two types (both have double loops that sit behind the
seat headrests). One type is just straight cross bar that bolt to seatbelt
towers and the "loops" welded on. The second type has support stays that come
out of the top of the two loops and angle down to rest on the parcel tray.

Can you tell me which type Rod makes?

Greg.

Colin Francis · Post by **Colin Francis** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 3:03 pm

On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 14:50:23 +1200, you wrote:

Hi Biff - most kind of you to checkout Automotive Specialists.

I am keen on a set of the chrome style bars for my black 91 V Spec and I think his prices are first class especially if the welds and workmanship is good.

I priced a set of alloy bars via our local Mazda dealer here in Dunedin at $350 but the welding was Bl...y awful.

Any way the point of this e-mail is to ask a question re the style bars. So far I have looked at two types (both have double loops that sit behind the seat headrests). One type is just straight cross bar that bolt to seatbelt towers and the "loops" welded on. The second type has support stays that come out of the top of the two loops and angle down to rest on the parcel tray.

Can you tell me which type Rod makes?

The type he makes is just straight cross bar that bolt to seatbelt towers and
the "loops" welded on. I have ordered one which he is modifying slightly to
accommodate a detachable wind blocker.
I was impressed with the workmanship. I also bought a chrome nudgebar and 10
minutes later drove away with it installed.

Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

Colin Francis · Post by **Colin Francis** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 3:05 pm

On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 14:50:23 +1200, you wrote:

Hi Biff - most kind of you to checkout Automotive Specialists.

I am keen on a set of the chrome style bars for my black 91 V Spec and I think his prices are first class especially if the welds and workmanship is good.

I priced a set of alloy bars via our local Mazda dealer here in Dunedin at $350 but the welding was Bl...y awful.

Any way the point of this e-mail is to ask a question re the style bars. So far I have looked at two types (both have double loops that sit behind the seat headrests). One type is just straight cross bar that bolt to seatbelt towers and the "loops" welded on. The second type has support stays that come out of the top of the two loops and angle down to rest on the parcel tray.

Can you tell me which type Rod makes?

Go to http://www.autospec.co.nz/mx5.htm and you will exactly the design of the
style bars .

Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

Colin Francis · Post by **Colin Francis** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 3:56 pm

On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 14:50:23 +1200, you wrote:

Hi Biff - most kind of you to checkout Automotive Specialists.

I am keen on a set of the chrome style bars for my black 91 V Spec and I think his prices are first class especially if the welds and workmanship is good.

I priced a set of alloy bars via our local Mazda dealer here in Dunedin at $350 but the welding was Bl...y awful.

Any way the point of this e-mail is to ask a question re the style bars. So far I have looked at two types (both have double loops that sit behind the seat headrests). One type is just straight cross bar that bolt to seatbelt towers and the "loops" welded on. The second type has support stays that come out of the top of the two loops and angle down to rest on the parcel tray.

Can you tell me which type Rod makes?

The type he makes is just straight cross bar that bolt to seatbelt towers and
the "loops" welded on. I have ordered one which he is modifying slightly to
accommodate a detachable wind blocker.
I was impressed with the workmanship. I also bought a chrome nudgebar and 10
minutes later drove away with it installed.

Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

ghead · Post by **ghead** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 9:29 am

Return Receipt

Your Re: Style Bars - Autospec Christchurch - Have you seen
document: these???

was Graeme Head/R&SA/NZ
received
by:

at: 19/07/2004 09:29:50 a.m.

Colin Francis · Post by **Colin Francis** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 9:46 am

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 09:29:50 +1200, you wrote:

Return Receipt

Your Re: Style Bars - Autospec Christchurch - Have you seen
document: these???

was Graeme Head/R&SA/NZ
received
by:

at: 19/07/2004 09:29:50 a.m.

**********************************************************************
CAUTION - This message is intended for the addressee named above. It
may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the
intended recipient of this message you must not use, copy, distribute
or disclose it to anyone.
**********************************************************************

Waste of bandwidth ..
Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

ghead · Post by **ghead** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 9:52 am

Yep and as the guilty culprit I have no idea why my mail program returned
a receipt to the list!

Sorry...

Graeme

Colin Francis <Krenford@paradise.net.nz>
Sent by: e-admin@mx5club.org.nz
19/07/2004 09:46
Please respond to
MX5List<mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>

To
MX5List <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
cc

Subject
Re: Style Bars - Autospec Christchurch - Have you seen these???

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 09:29:50 +1200, you wrote:

Return Receipt

Your Re: Style Bars - Autospec Christchurch - Have you seen
document: these???

was Graeme Head/R&SA/NZ
received
by:

at: 19/07/2004 09:29:50 a.m.

**********************************************************************
CAUTION - This message is intended for the addressee named above. It
may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the
intended recipient of this message you must not use, copy, distribute
or disclose it to anyone.
**********************************************************************

Waste of bandwidth ..
Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

Colin Francis · Post by **Colin Francis** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 10:36 am

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 09:52:24 +1200, you wrote:

Yep and as the guilty culprit I have no idea why my mail program returned
a receipt to the list!

Sorry...

Graeme

No problem Graeme

I can see the use of that system in business . What system do you use to call
for a receipt Graeme .

Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

ghead · Post by **ghead** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 10:58 am

Colin, I have no idea - all I did here was open the email from my inbox &
I saw the note at the bottom saying "return receipt submitted for
delivery". Haven't looked at email since Friday as this is a work address.
Currently using Lotus notes 6, which has been doing a few unusual things
lately... I always thought return receipts were requested at the sender's
end, not the receiver's?

Graeme

Colin Francis <Krenford@paradise.net.nz>
Sent by: e-admin@mx5club.org.nz
19/07/2004 10:36
Please respond to
MX5List<mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>

To
MX5List <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
cc

Subject
Re: Style Bars - Autospec Christchurch - Have you seen these???

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 09:52:24 +1200, you wrote:

Yep and as the guilty culprit I have no idea why my mail program returned

a receipt to the list!

Sorry...

Graeme

No problem Graeme

I can see the use of that system in business . What system do you use to call
for a receipt Graeme .

Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

Colin Francis · Post by **Colin Francis** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 5:56 pm

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 10:58:52 +1200, you wrote:

Colin, I have no idea - all I did here was open the email from my inbox &
I saw the note at the bottom saying "return receipt submitted for
delivery". Haven't looked at email since Friday as this is a work address.
Currently using Lotus notes 6, which has been doing a few unusual things
lately... I always thought return receipts were requested at the sender's
end, not the receiver's?

Graeme

LOL
My simple little email program has no facility to order receipts Graeme. Still
it is no problem

Colin Francis
Krenford Holdings Ltd
P.O. Box 18547
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph (64) 3 3387-450 or (64) 0 274 321-737

www.westmorland.co.nz

Who is online