Mustang_Eater

Had a "debate" in my office today. If a (my 89) C4 Corvette did a couple rolls would the cars roof collapse and leave the car flat? (targa top on)

I didn't know for sure but I always that the mid section of the roof right behind your head would be some what strong..... I know it's not a roll cage but I would think it could support it's own weight a couple rolls?

Anyone know?

Also, do these cars have any anti-roll bars in them?

pkazsr

I understand that the A and B pillers will support the weight of the car during a rollover whether the targa is on or not.
Always wear your seatbelt.

rithsleeper

The a pillar? You mean beside the windshield? (That's what I always assumed the a pillar was...)

I get nervous pushing on my targa to get the bolts to catch, let alone thinking it would support the car without the targa

I would trust the car in a roll with the targa on. Bet it would get messed up but wouldn't "flatten" its not that heavy of a car and that is all connected to the frame.

Would be good to know for sure, try it and see...

RollaMo-LT4

The windshield frame is an intragel part of the frame structure.
It was designed to support the car in the event of a roll over.
Same can be said of the "halo" (rear pillar).

Ron posted a pretty good drawing here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1576212424-post1.html

I think there are several others floating around too.

More:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...e-diagram.html

The rest of the posts from Ron's thread I mentioned above. I posted that link before I scrolled down to actual pictures from Vette Daddy.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...e-drawing.html

Frizlefrak

But in a rollover, it's not uncommon for the targa top to come off.

RollaMo-LT4

Would only be an issue for really tall people.

Frizlefrak

Yeah, I've never had to worry much about it.

zr1fred

As long as the windows are up and you are belted in (increased strength, but more to prevent foreign objects coming in the passenger compartment, such as trees,rockd or signs), no problem. They'll even take a pretty substancial bounce. Generally pretty easy fixes too. Survivability is very good in endo's too.

JackDidley

If you've ever seen the B pillar naked, you would say "that's a heck of a roll bar". Serious metal above your head, in a coupe.

cv67

Wouldnt wanna find out, if you can roll a C4 youre doing something really wrong.

Mr. Peabody

Great post

SQUIRMIN VERMIN 84

or really tall heads,

SurfnSun

obviously speed has a lot to do with it. Looks pretty sound though

C41987

http://www.wreckedexotics.com/corvet...081602_001.jpg

anciano

I saw that one on Craigslist: "Some paint damage; easy restoration."

navy_vette

There is a picture of a naked frame rolling around here somewhere. I was worried when I first saw it, but if you take a good look at it, you'll be suprised how massive it really is.

Tell your office friends they are just jealous and that they should be worried about the Prius more than you are about your corvette.

Loby 1

I don't think that will buff out.

96 Vette CE

[QUOTE=navy_vette;1578846550]There is a picture of a naked frame rolling around here somewhere. I was worried when I first saw it, but if you take a good look at it, you'll be suprised how massive it really is.

Tell your office friends they are just jealous and that they should be worried about the Prius more than you are about your corvette




http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-p...-c4-frame.html

bangbgC6

I would rather be upside down in my C4 than drive a Prius!

87Vetteowner

Well, if it wasnt able to survive a rollover, I doubt insurers would allow it to be run in Autocrosses.

I imagine GM tested the C4 chassis extensively.

It is basically a built-in rollcage. Probably as good as can be designed.

Lots of pictures out there with C4 and other generations in a zillion pieces, but the chassis is intact with barely a scratch.

I would guestimate, it is probably one of the strongest out there.