Originally Posted by
S Lathrop
This car would be a great candidate for early vintage FV racing.
Down side for current FV racing is that this car will not be very competitive. The roll bar structure is not something I would allow out of my shop and will not meet SCCA requirements. The original roll bar height on this car would have been just above the engine cover. The proper driving position would be much more reclined to where the top of the driver's helmet would be even with the engine cover. Sitting this high has a detrimental affect on the performance of the car.
I am currently working on a Zink Z12 which is the successor to this car and I am doing a roll bar structure that fits within the original body work and meets the current roll cage rules in the GCR. When I have the forward braces installed, I will be able to supply pictures of what I have done. The long forward braces that terminate near the dash, may meet the rules but I think they are a real hazard to driver safety because if they are bent inward, the driver could be trapped in the car.
Another issue here is the fuel cell. These tall roll bars are frequently the result of trying to use the ATL 5 gallon wedge cell (or something similar)instead of a cell that has been designed to fit behind the driver but allow him to be positioned properly in relation to the roll bar so as to provide maximum protection.
Sorry for the rant but I hate to see good cars compromised.