ClubRoadster.net banner

Blackbird Fabworx 6-Point Rollbar Review.

5K views 22 replies 12 participants last post by  Beef Supreme 
#1 ·
I didn’t want a rollbar for my Miata. I didn’t want a rollcage for my Miata. I didn’t want the added attention created by a rollbar. I didn’t want excessive, intrusive, and un-reversible modification required with a rollbar installation. I didn’t want the additional weight from a rollbar. Plus, I didn’t want the hassle of having to install the thing myself or pay for anyone else to install it.

I have had polite and inconclusive arguments with Miata enthusiasts and forum members regarding rollbars and their claimed “added safety” in rollovers in the likelihood of such incidents.

Personally, I don’t feel rollbars are necessary for the type of driving ‘I’ do on or off the race track. When I participate in track days, I’m not out there for bragging rights or to win a trophy. I simply want to have fun with my car in a safe environment without the need to worry about breaking any laws or putting others in danger.

In short, I hate rollbars.

However, I do love participating in track events. Track driving is one of my favorite hobbies to participate in. After my failed search for an organization that will allow me to run my Miata on a race track without a rollbar, I was forced to concede and purchase a rollbar, simply because I had to, not because I wanted to. Ultimately, my love of track driving made me do it.

I knew I didn’t want to install the rollbar myself incase I made a horrendous irreversible error during the install, so I decided to post in an open thread on the forums for a suggestion for a local shop to install a rollbar for me. Immediately folks started to post their recommendations of trusted, inexpensive, and reliable shops for a Miata rollbar installation. Just as I was about to call one of the shops posted in the thread, I received a PM from a forum member (red-in-la). He suggested that I contact Moti at Blackbird Fabworx for a quote on an off-the-shelf rollbar installation or the fabrication and installation of a custom rollbar. I thought, CUSTOM rollbar…now were talking.
I began to think that perhaps I can get something made that was more to my liking than the typical off-the-shelf variety. So, I decided to call Moti that night and talk to him about the cost and the possibility of having him install a rollbar for me.

Moti is extremely knowledgeable and professional. Plus, he is sporting an impressive résumé.
As we talked I started to realize he knew his stuff and really cared about the quality and craftsmanship of his work. He truly takes ownership of his fabrication projects.
I had seen pictures of Moti’s rollcages posted on other forums and cringed as I began to discuss the cost with him. To my jaw-dropping surprise, he was extremely reasonable. In fact, a custom 4-Point rollbar from Blackbird Fabworx was no more expensive than if I bought an off-the-shelf 4-Point rollbar and had another shop install it.

We then started to discuss what I wanted out of a rollbar. He asked questions like; What is the purpose of my Miata? A daily driver that spends minimal time on the track.
What is your suspension setup and future plans for suspension? Stock with FM V-Maxx Coilovers…and soon larger sway bars.
What do you really want out of a custom rollbar? Something lightweight.
Moti then started to discuss the possibility of a 6-Point rollbar utilizing specific metals and materials that would increase the rigidity of my Miata more than any 4-Point rollbar and not add too much additional weight to my car. We discussed many different possibilities and configurations but, in the end, he sold me on the 6-Point rollbar that will be lightweight, work with my OEM door panels, retain the option to reinstall my soft top, and be practical enough for a daily driver.

I learned a bunch more from Moti regarding the rollbar once I dropped my Miata off at his facility. In addition to the 6-Point rollbar we had already discussed, I decided to have Moti add a harness bar, harness collars, and install Scroth Racing harnesses which he had recommended.

Moti’s work included fabricating and installing the custom 6-Point rollbar (with the additional harness bar), properly installing the Scroth Racing Harnesses and welding the brackets in the correct manor for safety, modifying the OEM door panels to fit the two forward bars that makeup the 6-Point rollbar, painting the finished product, and even adding some clear 3M protective material to the forward bars.

During the installation process, Moti called me and emailed me everyday informing me on the progress of my Miata. He even included daily pictures. Amazing service! I’ve never had a fabricator go this far to please a customer, I was, and am, impressed.

When he called me and let me know my car was ready, I’ll admit I was excited and eager to pick up my Miata and see his work and my custom rollbar in person. I was not disappointed.
Not only was the Blackbird Fabworx 6-Point rollbar a work of art, Moti even washed my car! He took the time to go over the entire installation, show me all the modifications that were performed in detail, and fit me, like a tailor, into the Schroth Racing harnesses.

The fitment of the 6-Point rollbar in my Miata is perfect. The welds are perfect. The paint job on the rollbar is beyond what I expected. The modifications to the carpet are perfect. The modifications to the OEM door panels and ‘kick-panels’ are remarkably well done.
Everything that was touched, changed, or modified was exceptional. I must say, very impressive work Moti and Blackbird Fabworx, A++.

Forget all that.
What really impressed me about the Blackbird Fabworx 6-Point rollbar is how the car drives now. It is SOLID. There is absolutely no noticeable flex in the chassis whatsoever. I can’t believe it! My improved aftermarket suspension now feels soft, when just before the rollbar installation, it felt firm. My brand new FM V-Maxx coilovers now feel like they are constructed of worn-out springs and 10 year old OEM absorbers. I don’t have any squeaks or creaks in the chassis when driving over any road surface or pulling into steep driveways, compared to before the rollbar installation. I can drive over ridiculously (I mean ridiculously rough patches…think speed bumps) rough patches of road at 80+ MPH and nothing upsets the car, nothing inside or outside the car even rattles. The car is planted, completely predictable and controllable.
Before the rollbar, I was getting feedback of what I thought the car was doing. Now, I can feel exactly what the car is doing and with complete confidence. I’m sold.
I love my Blackbird Fabworx 6-Point rollbar.













Thank you Moti.

Mike
 
See less See more
6
#4 ·
^^^^
The entire rollbar is painted black. To be honest, the fabrication is so nice it should be painted silver or perhaps brushed and then clear coated. Here are a couple more pics;





Mike
 
#6 ·
It's a beautiful piece. Every bit of their work I've seen on here is top tier.

I hope for your own sake that you completely change(d) your attitude about roll bars, especially since you drive your car on race tracks. There are a couple of people on here that probably wouldn't be here without their roll bars and will vouch for their safety factor. One of those people was saved by a roll bar in an accident that wasn't even on a race track. It's not always your own fault, but us meat sacks aren't as invincible as you might think. In some cases, it might take being saved by one for you to realize it. I hope it doesn't come to that.

That being said, it's good to see that a roll bar has some pluses for you. The added chassis stiffness is a night and day change for sure. Enjoy it!
 
#15 ·
Hey Mike or Moti, do you know what is the weight of the Roll bar with the side bars?
Was that steal or chromoly?
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top