Hi Terry:
'Sounds like I would prefer the lower bar , since I would not like to sacrifice the rag top or make it unfit for a hard top to be fit over it. And , it needn't pass any race quality inspections since I don't intend to race it in serious competition. The Gatineau hill climb , likely the only one I would consider entering, is not governed by any racing standards beyond seat belts. The reason I want a bar is for protection against a roll over in case I slipped off a corner and went over a small cliff or embankment the way I saw a young fellow die a few years ago.
The Miata bar is made from chrome and bolts in ; it is at least 3 inches in diameter, but so thin , I don't reckon I could weld it , even with TIG . 1.75" is rather small for a bar, although I have seen big cages made in that diameter . But if it weighs 60 pounds , it must be fairly thick walled - at least 1/4" I should think, and therefore weldable for me with my Lincoln AC "Buzz Box".
So, if I understand correctly, the main strength of an E-type bar has to be the cockpit sheet metal and whatever braces that can be attached to it...
This sounds like the best chance I will have to put a functional bar in my E-type.
Dave