where to buy an install an MX5 rollbar in/around Auckland?

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:08 pm

I'm looking to buy and get installed a rollbar.

There's some places to buy them from America - search for Hard Dog Miata, for example - but shipping all that weight to NZ would probably be expensive. So I was wondering if this MX5 Forum has any local suggestions?

Also, would need a shop to install it. There's some sheet metal work involved, so a shop that specializes in MX5's and/or racing safety gear would be great. Any recommendations?

Thanks! (For those wondering why I'm looking to buy one... I clear the top of the seats by a good 10 cm or so... so I need some more protection in the event of a flip. Otherwise the MX5 will fold into a pancake starting with my head first

)

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Thu Aug 14, 2008 7:56 am

Also wondering about where I can my car to a twisty track here in NZ to explore the handling limits in a safe environment (in America they're called "track weekends" or "high performance driver education / HPDE").

And if someone has a mariner blue hardtop, or can point me to one, that'd be awesome.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:04 am

So if I understand you correctly, you are looking to install someroll over protection (as opposed to a style bar - usually chrome, which offer virtually no rollover protection and are often missnamed as 'roll bars'), but without the intention to use the car in Motorsport NZ sanctioned competition?
That being the case, I would be lookingto obtain a used motorsport 'half roll cage' which has come in from Japan and been removed from a car. These cannot be used in competition in NZ but are oten superbly made and effective and will be way cheaper than having one made here in NZ. (I have seen a Mazdaspeed one which would have cost a small fortune in Japan, but could have been had here for $150!) You want one of the 'bolt in variety, preferably with all the bolts and backing plates, and then installatin will be reasonably straight foward but will require drilling in at least 4 different locations...a race prep shop will do that fairly quickly. Such cages are advertised on Trade me from time to time.......

Ian

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 12:53 pm

When I was working on some rules and regulations for a racing MX5 class one guy I was working with got the ball rolling by getting 10 x MANZ approved half cages built. As nothing eventuated from it they went into storage.
From memory Andy at RaceFX has them. I can ask him next time I see him or contact him yourself. http://www.racefx.co.nz/

Growler.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 2:35 pm

marinerbluemx5 wrote:Also wondering about where I can my car to a twisty track here in NZ to explore the handling limits in a safe environment (in America they're called "track weekends" or "high performance driver education / HPDE").

And if someone has a mariner blue hardtop, or can point me to one, that'd be awesome.

Opps...now I have seen your second post, this throws a different complexion on things.
My understanding is that most circuit owning car clubs in NZ will not allow you to compete on the track in an 'open' car (includes MX5s with hardtops) without a Motorsport NZ approved rollover protection! The Cant. Car Club for intance will allow straight line events but as soon as you start going round corners.....there is paperwork to be done and signed off by the installer etc, but nothing plenty of forum members have not already done. An MX5 club may be able to hire a circuit, and have relaxed rules , esp if no 'friendly competition' is entereed into!
For 'dual sprints' and the like, your friend is your local car club chief scruitineer plus an MX5 owner in the same club who has 'been there, done that'.

Good luck

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 10:04 pm

Pukekohe has practise days. All you need is a helmet, overalls (Even workman type overalls will suffice) and to sign an indemnity form.
Last time I used to practise when running in SS2000 the cost was $125 for the day.

Edit: The next one is on the 30th August. http://www.countiesracing.co.nz/motor-r ... kingid=298

Growler.

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 8:22 pm

Awesome, thanks guys. I've contacted Andy at Race FX here in Auckland and it looks like I'll be getting a rollbar through them.

I'm very interested in that Pukekohe practice day thing, I think I'll go for it. Hopefully the rollbar will be in by then. Wonder if any other MX5 owners are coming out?

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:12 pm

Well I did the Pukekohe track day, it was a lot of fun, but I wish more MX5's (or um other slow cars, heh) would come out, because one of these thing is not like the others:

It's just a tiny tiny bit stressful going into a corner with V8 supercars on either side arriving side-by-side at the apex and everyone's deep in a rollcage except me with my softop MX5 canvas protecting me in the event of a roll

madandy · Post by **madandy** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:31 pm

Mates of mine, and myselft frequently hire Taupo circuit. The same circuit used by A1GP. MX5's may run with out MANZ approved cages, though no passengers are allowed in any car without a MANZ approved cage and harness. WHo needs the weight of a passenger anyway!

There are dozens of track days through the year, run by various, non competition car clubs. The format is each car is let out of the pits at 6-10 second intervals, in failry equal paced groups and before long some friendly overtaking usually occurs.

I'm buying & prepping for such track days an MX5 myself. I'm very interested in these half cages you've discussed. What sorta money are we talking?

thanks
Andy

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:29 pm

madandy wrote:Mates of mine, and myselft frequently hire Taupo circuit. The same circuit used by A1GP. MX5's may run with out MANZ approved cages, though no passengers are allowed in any car without a MANZ approved cage and harness. WHo needs the weight of a passenger anyway!

There are dozens of track days through the year, run by various, non competition car clubs. The format is each car is let out of the pits at 6-10 second intervals, in failry equal paced groups and before long some friendly overtaking usually occurs.

I'm buying & prepping for such track days an MX5 myself. I'm very interested in these half cages you've discussed. What sorta money are we talking?

thanks
Andy

For a regular street-use rollbar, $1000 has been the best I've been able to find. For Motorsport NZ approved rollbars, I've gotten quotes in the $1500 to $2500 range. I'm getting my (street spec) rollbar put in this coming week, so I'll know more once that's done.

I've been looking for a listing of the track days happening in NZ, but not much luck in finding them. Like you said, I'm sure there's dozens happening year round. Just need to find out about them. As for Taupo, I'd be happy to make the drive down and try it out if you guys are organizing another one.

Cheers,
Colin

madandy · Post by **madandy** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 5:30 pm

Colin, are you getting a roll bar from Race FX? What was the deal with the 10 unused half cages they had/have?

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 8:11 pm

madandy wrote:Colin, are you getting a roll bar from Race FX? What was the deal with the 10 unused half cages they had/have?

I haven't spoken to Andy as yet...been pretty busy.
I'll see if I can get to him this week.

madandy · Post by **madandy** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:51 pm

Great, thanks - that'd be terrific

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:18 am

I dropped off the car this morning at RaceFX and while there I asked Andy about those half-cages. Here's the story: they did build 10 of them for a guy who was planning to setup an MX5 series or something like that. That series never happened, so the half-cages just kind of sat around after RaceFX built them. 3 of them were eventually sold to individuals. The other 7, well, they've been lost track of... RaceFX doesn't have them anymore. Andy isn't sure where they are, his best guess is that they're sitting in someone's garage gathering dust.

By the way this was my first time at RaceFX and they're running an impressive-looking operation, and are also very friendly and helpful. Recommended.

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:44 pm

marinerbluemx5 wrote:I dropped off the car this morning at RaceFX and while there I asked Andy about those half-cages. Here's the story: they did build 10 of them for a guy who was planning to setup an MX5 series or something like that. That series never happened, so the half-cages just kind of sat around after RaceFX built them. 3 of them were eventually sold to individuals. The other 7, well, they've been lost track of... RaceFX doesn't have them anymore. Andy isn't sure where they are, his best guess is that they're sitting in someone's garage gathering dust.

By the way this was my first time at RaceFX and they're running an impressive-looking operation, and are also very friendly and helpful. Recommended.

I wanted to tell the guy not to go ahead with creating roll cages until we had firm numbers and a solid structure in place...but didn't want to knock his enthusiasm!
And to think he was selling them off for around $400 each!!
Andy still should have the jig for them. I'll check sometime this week.
I found the rules and regulations I had originally drafted up the other day. If there are people out there keen to look into this again I could forward on a copy.

madandy · Post by **madandy** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:49 pm

This is criminal! We must find the missing 7 and rescue them!

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:52 pm

madandy wrote:This is criminal! We must find the missing 7 and rescue them!

Andy has moved about four times since they were built. They could be anywhere!

Keith Jones · Post by **Keith Jones** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 9:06 pm

Colin

Check out www.playdayontrack.co.nz.
Tony and Gary organise track days at Taupo and Manfield.
The next one at Taupo is 11 October and costs $125 for the full track.

Cheers

Keith

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 10:37 pm

Keith Jones wrote:Colin

Check out www.playdayontrack.co.nz.
Tony and Gary organise track days at Taupo and Manfield.
The next one at Taupo is 11 October and costs $125 for the full track.

Cheers

Keith

Awesome, I'll be there

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 3:20 pm

Spoke to Andy on Saturday and to see the progress but he had finished it.
Also mentioned about the rollcages - no one knows where they have gone to. If there was that much interest I could possibly locate them.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 4:05 pm

Growler wrote:
marinerbluemx5 wrote:I dropped off the car this morning at RaceFX and while there I asked Andy about those half-cages. Here's the story: they did build 10 of them for a guy who was planning to setup an MX5 series or something like that. That series never happened, so the half-cages just kind of sat around after RaceFX built them. 3 of them were eventually sold to individuals. The other 7, well, they've been lost track of... RaceFX doesn't have them anymore. Andy isn't sure where they are, his best guess is that they're sitting in someone's garage gathering dust.

By the way this was my first time at RaceFX and they're running an impressive-looking operation, and are also very friendly and helpful. Recommended.
I wanted to tell the guy not to go ahead with creating roll cages until we had firm numbers and a solid structure in place...but didn't want to knock his enthusiasm!
And to think he was selling them off for around $400 each!!
Andy still should have the jig for them. I'll check sometime this week.
I found the rules and regulations I had originally drafted up the other day. If there are people out there keen to look into this again I could forward on a copy.

Could you foward me a set of those draft regs please?

Cheers, Ian
walksdrives@xtra.co.nz

madandy · Post by **madandy** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 4:47 pm

I'm definitely keen on locating one of these half cages.
A copy of the regs would be interesting too.

madandy@gmail.com

cheers

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 6:05 pm

Here's some photos of the finished product, got her back a few days ago...

And what's a 17-year-old car without a fire extinguisher

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 6:08 pm

Hopefully I never get to use them, but who knows, maybe if I try hard enough one day I too can join the MX5-goofs gallery. Time will tell.

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 6:50 pm

And now I'm moving on to the final bit that needs taking care of... tyres!
http://www.mx5forum.co.nz/viewtopic.php?p=40732#40732
^ Your advice much appreciated.

where to buy an install an MX5 rollbar in/around Auckland?

where to buy an install an MX5 rollbar in/around Auckland?

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