Greg Amy
01-29-2007, 12:16 PM
A fellow NX2000 driver asked me a question in regards to what to do with glass t-tops (which NX2000s have). That's a fine question. The rules are not particularly clear on the matter:
Convertible tops and attaching hardware shall be completely removed. Note: Convertible model cars are permitted if they were only available as convertibles (e.g. MG Midget), or if the convertible model is specifically allowed on the vehicle spec line. Manual and electric sunroofs, original or aftermarket, where the panel is not normally removable shall be retained and run in the closed position. Components (motors, cables, rails) may be removed provided the panel is securely retained. Removable sunroof or T-top may be retained if bolted or welded in, or removed completely. Glass sunroofs must be removed. All sunroofs may be replaced with panel or replacement skin of the same material as the original surrounding roof material.
These are somewhat contradictory: it says that t-tops may be bolted in (or removed), but it also says glass sunroofs must be removed (with no such requirement for glass t-tops). The NX2000 does not have a "sunroof" but the purpose of mandating the removal of glass sunroofs is to avoid shattered glass on the track in case of an incident. Further, glass provide absolutely ZERO protection in a rollover incident.
To make matter more confusing, the rules allow replacing glass sunroofs with steel, but not glass t-tops.
So, what does one do?
Literally to the rules, you have to bolt in the t-tops or remove them, at your option. However, this does not address the issue of glass. As a tech inspector, I think that I would insist that someone with a car with glass t-tops remove them entirely, and as a result of having an open top car will have to use arm restraints. This, I think, is a appealable issue, but I also suggest that upon review any Chief Steward will tend to the most-safe position, that being their removal. Then, the competitor can appeal to Topeka for a final ruling.
An alternative - not specifically allowed - is to completely tape over the glass with a thick Mylar such that a rollover won't cause the glass to spread out, but the thought of having broken glass 5 inches from my face is not particularly appealing. Thus, as a tech inspector I would not agree to that.
Finally, I can find nothing in the rules that allows the glass in the t-tops to be replaced with appropriate steel, and then the assembly bolted in. But, I suspect this is something that could be allowed on appeal via Errors and Omissions.
Bottom line: there is no clear answer. I suggest this is a good question to pass along to the ITAC and CRB for clarification and guidance... - GA
Convertible tops and attaching hardware shall be completely removed. Note: Convertible model cars are permitted if they were only available as convertibles (e.g. MG Midget), or if the convertible model is specifically allowed on the vehicle spec line. Manual and electric sunroofs, original or aftermarket, where the panel is not normally removable shall be retained and run in the closed position. Components (motors, cables, rails) may be removed provided the panel is securely retained. Removable sunroof or T-top may be retained if bolted or welded in, or removed completely. Glass sunroofs must be removed. All sunroofs may be replaced with panel or replacement skin of the same material as the original surrounding roof material.
These are somewhat contradictory: it says that t-tops may be bolted in (or removed), but it also says glass sunroofs must be removed (with no such requirement for glass t-tops). The NX2000 does not have a "sunroof" but the purpose of mandating the removal of glass sunroofs is to avoid shattered glass on the track in case of an incident. Further, glass provide absolutely ZERO protection in a rollover incident.
To make matter more confusing, the rules allow replacing glass sunroofs with steel, but not glass t-tops.
So, what does one do?
Literally to the rules, you have to bolt in the t-tops or remove them, at your option. However, this does not address the issue of glass. As a tech inspector, I think that I would insist that someone with a car with glass t-tops remove them entirely, and as a result of having an open top car will have to use arm restraints. This, I think, is a appealable issue, but I also suggest that upon review any Chief Steward will tend to the most-safe position, that being their removal. Then, the competitor can appeal to Topeka for a final ruling.
An alternative - not specifically allowed - is to completely tape over the glass with a thick Mylar such that a rollover won't cause the glass to spread out, but the thought of having broken glass 5 inches from my face is not particularly appealing. Thus, as a tech inspector I would not agree to that.
Finally, I can find nothing in the rules that allows the glass in the t-tops to be replaced with appropriate steel, and then the assembly bolted in. But, I suspect this is something that could be allowed on appeal via Errors and Omissions.
Bottom line: there is no clear answer. I suggest this is a good question to pass along to the ITAC and CRB for clarification and guidance... - GA