Gentlemen, did a search but too many words the same...too many hits. I hope this hasn't been hashed out a million times, but here goes. What amount, if any, of protection would you think could be attributed to the frame or ribs of a convertible top ( in the up position ) if a driver was unfortunate enough to find himself in an accident in which the car rolled over on its top, or down the side of a ditch or culvert? Just for interest.....or have we talked about this extensively and I missed it?

Cheers, R. B.

Well, I can assure you the convertible top frame will protect you as best it can, which will lead to the top being about fender level.

Unless you want to add a roll bar or cage, upgrade your suspension, wheels and tires so the car will stay shiny side up. :)

The vinyl or fabric might keep some of the leaves or grass out of the holes poked into your body by the snapped bows.

Thanks, grim but interesting. I may want to add some protection. Cheers, R. B,.

Some guy on craigslist around here had some kind of bolt-in home made roll bar. I like how the bars look in convertible mustangs though I don't know how much protection they offer, but it might be possible to take something meant for a different car and make it work.

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/pic/2700/Ford-Shelby-Mustang-GT500-KR-Convertible_2.html
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/pic/2700/Ford-Shelby-Mustang-GT500-KR-Convertible_1.html
Wrong brand of car, but I think this type looks good, and could be made to offer decent protection if it's tied in to the frame and braced at the base (triangulated somehow?).
Old short thread about making a custom oval style rollbar.
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-82524.html

Here's one that looks kinda stealthy, but would limit your backseat use to those that can enter Dukes of Hazard style. Scroll down and click on the pics to enlarge for detail... bad car!
http://www.superchevy.com/features/chevellemontecarlo/sucp_0909_1971_chevy_chevelle_convertible/index.html
http://www.superchevy.com/features/chevellemontecarlo/sucp_0909_1971_chevy_chevelle_convertible/photo_14.html
Sorry hope this isn't too much info- John

Thanks John, toying with the idea of building one that could also be removed for the sake of appearance. I beleive that I have seen some of the pros on television do something like this. Best regards, R. B.

... toying with the idea of building one that could also be removed for the sake of appearance ...
I'm looking for the same to bolt in both of my cars. I will be following this thread should there be any positive responses.

Frank