goldenfri

So my hardtop was recently stolen from the S I was going to turn into a track car. I have been looking at replacements because the idea of spending $3500 on another OEM isn't very appealing. The replicas seem to be much lighter with out the glass and I would want to get an OEM replica for potential time trials etc, but I'm wondering how safe fiberglass and/or carbon fiber is in the event of a rollover.

I imagine it would shatter and splinter and the result wouldn't be pretty and could possibly dangerous. I know race teams use carbon fiber but I assume its dry carbon which is considerably stronger (and much more expensive) but I'm no expert.

Does anyone have any opinions on this?

rohde88

the top isn't going to do anything for you in a rollover. Get a roll bar if you're serious about tracking.

goldenfri

Obviously I'll have a roll bar, but the hardtop is the first thing that hits in a roll over so its going to do something and I'm wondering if that something could be shooting jagged fiberglass shards into my body.

SlowTeg

I've often wondered the same thing, which gives me all the more reason to not get a hardtop (money being the primary reason). I'd be worried enough with an OEM one that the front latches would become detached and the top could come crashing down on my head. With a fiberglass top, I'm sure it'd snap like a twig if it was a bad rollover. Haven't there been a few s2k wrecks? Were the owners running a hardtop? I don't remember hearing about anyone injured so maybe it's not as bad as I think.

rohde88

its likely going to rip off, no shards. its woven cloth, not plate glass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMmjaaSQP08#t=82

Dravens08S2k

^^crazy vid! Was that you? And if so, were you okay afterwards?

DTP525

The Challenge top has Kevlar lining on the inside of the top portion to help with splintering. Also a no points hardtop if you're competing in TT.

SlowTeg

Found links to the after pics: http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/89-...tml#post471403 Man that video is painful to watch. I'm not sure what you can conclude from that video/pictures. Personally I'd probably prefer nothing non-structural over my head in the event of a rollover vs. anything, but perhaps an aftermarket top would be fine.

rohde88

not me, but the driver was unhurt.

The non-structural comment reflects the logic of NASA as they always require soft-top down.

goldenfri

That helps answer that question, thanks!