I hope he doesn't have to find out if you stand corrected :p

 

I still don't see how your additional bracing is sufficient. Because of a lack of a B-Pillar, Mazda integrated a roll hoop design into the roof. Now that the roof is gone, your RX8 has the rigidity of cooked spaghetti. If that thing ever gets into a car accident, I can see it folding like a omelette.

Edit: This is coming from someone that is has designed and built two full Baja SAE frames and proficient with Solidworks, Autocad, and Catia.

 

B-pillar is still there, as it attatches to rollbar justbelow window line, I too do structural engineering and if I show you where, how, makes a lot of sense.

On the folding part, not at all, will post pics of underside of roof, weak. A lot of cars become verts, its hard, but not impossible, and as I will be the testdriver and one who breaks it in, will be sure its more then stout.

 

There is no rollhoop to the car, the strength lies in the 1.5" bar vertically in door, that's also where it gets its rigidity to support door latching to it. On the structure, with the braces off bars, mounts, and the fact that the new A_pillar rollbar/windowupper bar; will be part of rollcage structure, think of it like a rollcage with a targa part removed, and lower section, and mid height section compansating. Love the feedback, questions are good, doubt too, allows me to explain a bit for those who havnt seen the legwork. Junkyard pics, time is crutial to knowing how they fold, where.

 

Unless you mean rollhoop as in the doorframe, front to back hoop. There is no strong side to side support in top. Junkyards taught me that side impacts are scary in these, so made sure I am safer when done then before

 

Front pics, so those who wondered about front.... now gona start cutting drivers doors, and reattatch, get started @ cage over next month.... more to come.

 

Wow!? That's all i'm gonna say.

 

The only Mazda RX-8 convertible ever. 'laythor' posted it from a similar thread.

 

I'm no structural engineer, but shouldn't you have that thing on a jig, or have a jig tacked in to keep it square? You just cut off a huge structural element. I'd be worried about it flexing on uneven surfaces.

Looks interesting like an interesting idea, but not quite my style. Good luck with the build.

 

yeah, you really need a roll bar.. I think if mazda added one, i doubt it was for the comfort so they have something to hold on to lol

 

To the best of my knowledge, correct.


That's why I had to take the challenge. I don't like the roofline of car, rear upperdoor half, and have the tools, ability, and knowledge..... I like it, and when its done, will get enough attention, and i will test it to be sure its stout. Still like to go 2 seater 2dr, but there is so much extra space then, and I do not want to make a haiding folding hardtop. Originally planned to go 2dr, but like the continental look with doors open.

What movie had convt RX8? When in flick.... thanx as curious how others have done it.


So that means ya'll don't like the factory 1?

 

The lower frame bridges, supports are done, and then we cut top Friday. I was wondering how long till somebody asked that, thankyou. The cage going in is for rigidity, safety. It is staying on flat surface from here out so top can be open. The roof measurements didn't move a bit before n after, no fle,

 

A lil history, when I got it, built underside to do a V8 swap, havnt had anyone offer more then 2k for the whole driveline, been planning how to, if I decided to, and did. Just finished installing 2 doors, most interior, to see how she looks before setting to side to work all week.

 

At least it was an auto.....someone had to say it.

 

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/torsional-rigidity-why-i-like-rx-8-a-10961/

As a lesson about the rigidity, yes the top helps, but lower is the main structure, and with the new inner frame in tunnel, and frame bridges, and rails, I am way past this issue

 

Here's one. Not sure if it's photoshopped or real?

 

I figured you would be all for the just cutting it method.

 

After seeing the response, may just keep the 2 dr, 2 seater design, as not seeming to impress with ability to keep the rear seats, but with bars, less comfy. With 2 seats I can do my upper bar as hoops over rear of each seat, and then going to rear. Also the 2 seater cage design looks better then rollbar.

 

It was a huge reason I spent time thinking it out, drawing it out, and researching in yards and internet.

Still want to do the aluminum 400hp DOHC v8 swap, but now probably not

 

Appears to be fake pic. -- rear deckline,height doesn't match in windsheild as to drivers side of view. Looking @ what is there, it should still be a high cover over to pass side by a good bit,

 

Interesting project. I wish you'd stick to the 4 door/4 seat HARDTOP convertible, I think it would be awesome to see a 'vert with all four doors open, specially the Rx8s suicide rear doors.
Something along the lines of the 60s Lincoln Continentals..........

..........just wicked.
Kudos on your work, and please keep us updated.

 

Thank you. After putting interior back in, and sitting in it, I too like the fit,feel, very Conti', but with rollbar/cage, rear seat will be more challenging to get in. Will see. 50/50 either way @ moment

 

After 67; no other 4 dr convertble in us market except the new jeep, n it has glass frames

 

updates?

 

Working on a 348 TS @ moment. Planning out doors @ moment. Really want to keep 4/4, but then again, there are no 2/2 rx8. If 2 door similar design of rear as carrera gt, front door lines would be kept. Can't imagine doing that though. The 4 is so much more of a challenge. After this one is done and tested, will be able to produce the underbracing for sale, and may do a few more vert builds of it. The more I am around it, the more I love the looks.