T.R.Lane or Hard Dog?

[GC8]

Im looking for a rear only, whichll remain intact in the event of a hard roll. Ive given more than enough money to safety devices in the past and OMP cages look like a few bits of rough bent scaffold and need major fabrication to fit, leaving these two manufacturers as possible suppliers...

Id be interested to hear peoples opinions.

[MX-5 Lazza]

If it's a pure road car then I'd say HD because they look the best and fit a bit further back. Pure track car then TRL because it's cheaper and does the job. If it's a road & track car then the choice is yours...

[JQ]

I have a HD in my Mk1 and had a TR Lane GPV in my Mk2 - either one will do the job. I'd probably get a TR Lane as they're easier to source and get add-ons like a harness bar.

[MX-5 Lazza]

JQ said:

I'd probably get a TR Lane as they're easier to source and get add-ons like a harness bar.

So do HD

[CaptiV8ted]

I've recently put a TR GP bar in my MK1. I really wanted a hard dog, but they're massive ££££. My seat headrests fould the inner part of the bar a little, but I'm hoping a foamectomy will resolve that.

[GC8]

Budget is important. Ive got two old FrontRunners and a Impreza that can all soak up money, so Im not looking to spend more than I need to.

What sort of price do the HD products come for here? TRLs seem to be quite competitive, particularly for their full cage @ £450. Unfortunately if it doesnt require any welding (for mounting plates)then I doubt that MSA approval will be possible, but youll get the piece of mind for half the cost of Safety Devices.

Does anyone know what the Bovington MX-5 was fitted with?

Edited by GC8 on Saturday 19th November 04:44

[MX-5 Lazza]

CaptiV8ted said:

I've recently put a TR GP bar in my MK1. I really wanted a hard dog, but they're massive ££££. My seat headrests fould the inner part of the bar a little, but I'm hoping a foamectomy will resolve that.

And that's why I'm not so keen on them for a road car. The proximity of head to bar is just a bit too close for my liking.

[S Works]

TR Lane is OK for occasional track use I suppose, but if you want one that'll sit under the hood you're taking a gamble. I've got one fitted and it's solid as you like, but with a lid on, the top of the hoops is lower than the top of my head. It'll stop you getting crushed, but it won't stop your head/nack possibly getting bashed.

[JQ]

MX-5 Lazza said:

CaptiV8ted said:

I've recently put a TR GP bar in my MK1. I really wanted a hard dog, but they're massive ££££. My seat headrests fould the inner part of the bar a little, but I'm hoping a foamectomy will resolve that.

And that's why I'm not so keen on them for a road car. The proximity of head to bar is just a bit too close for my liking.

I've had exactly the opposite experience having owned a Mk2 with a TR Lane GPV bar and a Mk1 with a Hard Dog. The Hard Dog bar is considerably closer to my head than the GPV ever was, as the GPV sits further back, whereas the HD wraps around the seats.

Hard Dog in my Mk1




TR Lane GPV in my Mk2

[GC8]

Every day use and complete protection are mutually exclusive, I think. Id prefer an MSA rear section, but thatll preclude the use of the hood or a hard top...

[matlee]

Whats the second hand value of a HD? The mx5 i bought as a donor for an Exocet has got one fitted which is surplus to requirements

[Scho]

What I did is fit a TR lane then mount a proper seat to the floor for track days. Just about gets my head lower than the bar.

[GC8]

Will the hood go over them if theyre padded? Im thinking about proper FIA padding, whichs directional; as opposed to pipe lagging from Wickes...

[Scho]

GC8 said:

Will the hood go over them if theyre padded? Im thinking about proper FIA padding, whichs directional; as opposed to pipe lagging from Wickes...

I doubt you'll need to pad a TR lane one if you're using harnesses? I've not bothered as I can't really see a situation where my head could move anywhere near it.

[GC8]

If thats the car I think it is, then you dont have a hood (or much of anything actually).

[Scho]

GC8 said:

If thats the car I think it is, then you dont have a hood (or much of anything actually).

Ha ha,

Thing is. Once you fit a roll bar, You really need to use harnesses to stop you smashing the roll bar in an accident.

Next you'll find out that harnesses don't really work that well with a standard MX seat. So you'll end up fitting a bucket seat.

It's a slippery slope!

[Farmboy UK]

Scho. Your car seriously causes me so much inner conflict. Low weight and an affordable budget is what I would look for in a track weapon (and your Mazda is the perfect example of my perfect track car). But I know once I start ripping things out, I'm also going to start spending haha

[Mallone]

Appreciate this is a fairly serious thread resurrection but I've just put my Hard Dog roll bar on eBay if anyone's interested? Know they're rare so thought I'd give Pistonheads a heads up. Drop me a PM if you want the link.

(Mods: Not sure if I can do this? Only reason I did is because I would rather someone on Pistonheads got it. Feel free to delete if I'm in the wrong!)

[lastmin8264]

Had already spotted the sale, I have a mark 1 but looks like a mark 2 roof as it has a glass rear screen. Does anyone know if this bar will fit in a mk1 but with glass rear screen?