Spider Safety Options

[AlfaNeely@domain.elided]

       If you are planning to run the time trials at Costa Mesa California, 
you will need a roll bar that is above the top of your helmet.  Unless you 
are really short, street bars are worthless in my opinion.  They are not tall 
enough and they do not have the required diagonal brace.
       I will send you an article I wrote a few years ago for our local AROC 
newsletter before our annual Alfa Rodeo Driver's Education Day at the track.  
It is about tech inspection and the AutoPower roll bar in my street racer 82 
spider.  The top is modified to clear the roll bar; however, it takes 15 
minutes to disassemble the top to put it up or down.
       I have never run a chassis stiffener.  I am not sure I like the 
concept that much.  Plus I know they are not legal for SCCA racing or solo 
events, so I have never bothered.  If you want a real chassis stiffener, 
build a full roll cage, but then access to the seats would be limited and 
your wife would not like that.
       Another option would be a Petty bar.  This would run from the center 
of the roll bar to the passenger foot well.  It would limit your wife's 
access to the seat, so make it removable.
       If your roll bar is truly well above the top of your helmet, then I 
suggest full five point racing harness.  The lap belt portion bolts nicely to 
the stock attachment points beside your butt.  A horizontal brace in the roll 
bar is the best place to attach the shoulder belts.  The anti submarine strap 
(required by AROC rules) should be bolted to a hole in the floor pan under 
the seat.  Attach it with very large washers so it does not tear out the 
sheet metal.

Ciao,
Russ Neely
Oklahoma City


In a message dated 04/08/2002 10:06:06 AM Central Daylight Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:


> Date: Sun, 07 Apr 2002 23:44:57 -0600
> From: Brian Pleet <bpleet@domain.elided>
> Subject: Spider Safety Options
> 
> I'm California bound for Alfiesta in June. Yahoo!
> 
> My wife, who has taken to evening drives in my 82 Spider, agreed to join 
> me...on one condition. She insists that I do everything possible to make 
> the car "safe" for a long (22 driving hours) freeway trip. I'm working now 
> on replacing shocks, suspension bushings, brakes (pads and master cylinder) 
> and ordered Dunlop Sport A2s yesterday. She says my driving is fine.
> 
> Questions:
> 
> a) Roll bars...I've been watching a discussion about options for street 
> (the roof must close) and to be able to join in a track event (if I decide 
> to try it). Is the IAP street bar useful? Autopower? Getting one made 
> locally from scratch? Cost and issues with installation? Any used ones for 
> sale?
> 
> b) Chassis reinforcement...Does this provide safety, or at least the 
> feeling of it? Are there options to the pricey IAP at $465US? Does anyone 
> have one they want to sell?
> 
> c) Seat belts...is there anything better than the stock 3 point belt?
> 
> d) Other suggestions?
> 
> 
> Thanks in advance.
> 
> P.S. Is anyone else looking for someone to join them making the trip down 
> the west coast, or via Utah?
> 
> 
> Brian Pleet
> 82 Alfa Spider
> Calgary, Alberta
> bpleet@domain.elided

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