Where do I begin...
-Glass doesn't add much rigidity, if any.
-You really don't want a roll cage in a street car - not unless you're getting bucket seats, harnesses, and you never drive without a helmet.
-A roll bar adds a lot of chassis rigidity - I speak from experience.
-Why on earth would you want to remove the windshield???? If you really feel that a 2300lbs car is too heavy, there are better ways to save weight, I would think.
-What are your plans for this car? Street? Autocross? Track? Rally?
-You're an engineer, I expected more.
:lol:
-Yeah, I was thinking roll cage because it would be a hardcore, as light as possible track day toy.
-Could a roll
bar substitute the windshield for rollover protection? (Assuming the windshield frame provided any)
-Don't get too focused on a Miata, it was just an example. Could be any other car, even non-convertibles ones. Also, it would be an extreme project, stopping short of removing body panels.
-Track, I guess? I don't have a specific plan, I was just walking and thinking about cars and the stuff people remove to make them lighter.
After thinking and Googling a bit, I got reminded of this:
I really like the looks of it. It is mostly my desire of owning a Caterham Super 7. :lol:
I don't know guys, I kind of like playing these "what ifs". Keeps the mind going.
I can imagine that a windshield can provide a little in the way structure to a convertible. However, it can't be much. The goop they hold the windshield in with must have some flex, but I also imagine that just like if you build a square out of 2x4s and then cover it with a thin plywood it adds a lot of stiffness.
However, if you are removing the windshield with the intent of saving weight, but then adding a roll bar. I'd think the roll bar would weigh more than the windshield.
That's what this thread is: a big "what if".
The trade-off between roll bar and windshield also crossed my mind: would I be trading rigidity for
more weight? Would I be ending with the same weight but more rigidity? I was just curious.
I can't comment about my 24 year old NA, but on any modern convertible the windshield frame plays a non-insignificant structural role. Personally, I wouldn't recommend it; you won't be saving much weight and really fucking up the dynamics of the car.
See above: roll bar. Better or worse compared to a windshield?
The 2x4 frame is not supported and the windshield frame is. There is very little that a windshield adds to the rigidness of the chassis. I am sure there is a plexiglass kit you can get for an MX5, but unless you are using only for the track, I don't recommend it.
Fair point, but I liked the experience of riding on a Caterham without a windshield. :lol: