window net with no roll cage

[MazdaMatt]

Anybody have a picture or a description for installing a window net with no roll cage? I have a roll bar only, so there are no door bars and roof hoop to attach to. My doors still open and my roof is removable (Del Sol). It COULD attach to the roof, i suppose.

I bought a standard kit with the 3 short pieces of tubing and a buckle.

[John Powell]

First off, what discipline and what do the rules say for competing in a potentially open car with a roll bar, and second, will you be running with the roof on or off? If you'll be running with no roof, a window net will only give you side protection for flailing upper limbs, and you'll probably be better of with SCCA type arm restraints.

[MazdaMatt]

I will be running solosprints. The rules don't even say I need the window nets. I am using them for the purpose of restraining my arms in a rollover. The roof will remain on during competition, but during open lapping days i may go for light cruises with the roof off.

I think we have it figured out. The bottom mounts will go inside the door panel. The buckle will be on the A-pillar and the last corner will mount to some flat bar coming off the B pillar.

[Marsh]

In an open top car a window net will do nothing to keep your hands inside the vehicle, since it's open from above. It's also foolish to assume that the roof will stay in during a roll.

If you're worried about your arms leaving the car, then you need arm restraints. If you're seating position is correct you won't even notice them on the track.

http://www.leafracewear.com/images/products/45010.jpg

If I remember correctly you're in London right now? If so go down the LEAF factory. You can try mentioning my name for a discount, but it's been a few years since I've been by. It won't get you much.

[MazdaMatt]

Thanks for the tips, Marsh. I've got the nets mounted now, we found some good mounting points. Safety, of course, comes in degrees... for the level of my build, i'm VERY well equipped for safety. I know that the roof COULD come off during a roll, but it is held in by 4 rather large pins, and my roll bar will help to maintain the integrity of the roof. Driving without the nets would have been "okay", but having no windows I feel safer enclosing it; for both me and my passengers.

As it turned out, mounting to the A-pillar would not have covered enough of the window. I removed the sun visors and welded the latch to the roof just over the top of the A-pillar. (funny enough, these sun visors weigh about 8 pounds each, good weight reduction!) Other mounting points are the B-pillar and two spots on the door panel. It is well secured.