Convertible roll-over protection?

[kart3l]

Right as I was seriously considering trading my car in for the convertible version, I have my mind now stuck on the roll-over protection. I realize that the probability of rolling over in this car is probably not probable, but it seriously has me thinking...

For those that bought the convertible, has this thought ever crossed your mind? I can't imagine Ford not implementing an auto pop up roll over design as the majority of other manufacturers had. Is the windshield really reinforced in a way that they do not need these bars?

It is such a shame that these cars don't get tested for roll overs..

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[NightmareMoon]

Well its pretty hard to flip a sports car. I've seen one BMW coupe in my neighborhood (which is all flat terrain) resting upside down on it's back in the middle of an intersection. I would have paid to see what the heck the did to get it there, so it can happen. Usually you have to get sideways and hit a curb hard or slide sideways in the dirt and have the wheels dig in to flip a sports car. Ditches and hillsides can also flip a car.

Back in my Miata days, a good chunk of the enthusiasts would put rollbars in the cars. Those of us who drove aggressively did think about it, and the protection was worth the reduced 'open' feeling with a rollbar behind your head. OTOH, Having a static piece of steel just behind the headrest is a hazard in itself. You're more likely to be rear-ended than roll the car, so some heavy thick padding is a good idea for street cars with fixed rollover protection.

With the miatas, from the factory the windshields were strong enough to support the car resting upside down, but not strong enough for a dynamic event. Very rarely did we ever see a Miata that actually used it's rollbar. I can remember only one example (the guy wrecked on a mountain road, the windshield flattened, and the rollbar saved the driver). I had one in my car for track days where it was required by the rules. For driving on the street I probably would not have bothered.

Some miata drivers would elect to install a stylebar (aka mouse-trap). It looked like a rollbar, but didn't have the rearward or diagonal braces and would probably collapse instantly if the car flipped. No thanks! If you're installing rollover protection, make sure its going to do the job.

 

[DANA44]

I have a convertible and looked into this. I also rolled a car in the 80s on its side. Some manufactures have an active system that deploy while other have a passive. Either way the effectiveness is based on the terrain you land and this is a last resort. Stability control should keep you getting this far along with common sense. I’ve driven top heavy trucks for almost 20 years you would have to work real hard to roll over a Mustang. For those looking to get in to trouble the event most likely would be a trip rollover
http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/Rollover/Types+of+Rollovers

I drive it with the top down even when it’s 40 degrees out. I don’t have the words to explain the feeling of cruising in it. It is very unique.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

I drive it with the top down even when it’s 40 degrees out. I don’t have the words to explain the feeling of cruising in it. It is very unique.

Awesome, we're not quite that hardcore, but my top is down 90% of the time.

Yeah, there's no substitute for a convertible, even a targa roof while very fun doesn't give you the full on experience.

To answer the question: it's almost a nonexistent concern. For the most part, on the street, in my street car, I'm pretty dialed back anyway.

:cheers:

 

[Redcruzer]

I really don't see one of us rolling this vert on our own. However I have see accidents that have flipped cars. Mostly T- bones where the other car is able to nose dive underneath your rear wheel. Stuff happens. I'm not going to worry about it.

40 degrees? Hell ya, enjoy your vert!

 

[cbrookre]

Knock on wood, I have not even been in a minor fender bender in over 20 years, let alone a crash big enough to roll over. I believe that the best roll over protection is what is on your neck, if you keep yourself out of suspect situations then the chances are very, very low. My wife and I did research, and statistically your chances of dying in a crash with a convertible are identical (or close enough to be in the noise) overall to any other average car. Pop up rollover protection would be expensive, would add weight and is not guarantee of protection anyway as they are only generally attached to the frame rails on the bottom. May become a weapon if rollover from the side.

 

[cbrookre]

Awesome, we're not quite that hardcore, but my top is down 90% of the time.

Yeah, there's no substitute for a convertible, even a targa roof while very fun doesn't give you the full on experience.

To answer the question: it's almost a nonexistent concern. For the most part, on the street, in my street car, I'm pretty dialed back anyway.

:cheers:

Not all of us live in Florida, we have to endure top down in the cold. This week has been a top down week for us, rare for Feb. But I have had the top down in <40 weather myself, I have to admit. The only concern around here has been usually when it gets that cold, there is also a high chance of rain!

 

[cyberbro]

Very few cars roll in an everyday situation without the driver driving like an a..hole
Drive like you should and you will never need to worry about it. This is not an SUV that has a high center of gravity.

 

[altjx]

Sub'd. I was curious about this too. Although I'm in love with my vert and all of its power, it does become a little uncomfortable pushing it every now and again. I've never really gone as fast as I've wanted to just because of the discomfort. So, just gonna be some spirited driving until I figure out what I'm gonna do about this.

 

[volinbham]

3 of my last 5 convertibles had no roll over protection and I never worried about it at all.

The real bummer with mine is I can't take it to DE events at the track because of the lack of it.

 

[TheDivaDanielle]

Mustang is 5-star rated on rollover i thought

 

[cbrookre]

Mustang is 5-star rated on rollover i thought

All that means is that it did not show any signs of "tipping" when doing an evasive maneuver (very unlikely to roll due to evasive steering action). They do not roll them over and see how they hold up as a part of that test.

 

[mikef523]

Knock on wood, I have not even been in a minor fender bender in over 20 years, let alone a crash big enough to roll over. I believe that the best roll over protection is what is on your neck, if you keep yourself out of suspect situations then the chances are very, very low. My wife and I did research, and statistically your chances of dying in a crash with a convertible are identical (or close enough to be in the noise) overall to any other average car. Pop up rollover protection would be expensive, would add weight and is not guarantee of protection anyway as they are only generally attached to the frame rails on the bottom. May become a weapon if rollover from the side.

While I agree with you somewhat... Unfortunatly, no matter how attentive we are, It is now the other drivers who are "staring" at their phones that scare me most. Just look around. They are everywhere.
Two lane roads have become much more deadly now, because some asswipe is looking at their phone, as their car is moving into the oncoming lane.

 

[cbrookre]

While I agree with you somewhat... Unfortunatly, no matter how attentive we are, It is now the other drivers who are "staring" at their phones that scare me most. Just look around. They are everywhere.
Two lane roads have become much more deadly now, because some asswipe is looking at their phone, as their car is moving into the oncoming lane.

True and that is the one thing that does still give me concern. When the car crosses over the center line, it comes very quickly and even evasive actions (losing control in the gravel/grass/etc on the side of the road) can be as devastating as the oncoming vehicle.

 

[MX5Racer]

Hell, if we started worrying about un-probable events we would need to add parachutes for when we drive off a cliff, inflatable pillows for water crashes, and bullet proof glass for drive by shootings! As others have said, drive within your comfort zone and you'll always have fun and be safe. I will say I had a bike before my Miata and after an SUV pulled out in front of me (I T-boned him), I never felt comfortable on a bike again. Now in a convertible, I have my balls back!

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