SEMA Cars (Show Cars) Safety

[rfalker1]

I was just wondering when people build Sema Car and super customs that aren't really made to be raced (non caged), how safe would you consider them??? I mean it seams that aesthetics are the basis of designs but i I never see much depth when it comes to safety. So I was wondering what u guys take on it was!! I would love to hear from people who actually build the cars chime in!! Thanks for any imput

[exwestracer]

Bottom line is, if you don't have to hold to any sanctioning body rules, it's pretty much up to the owner as far as what safety equipment goes into the build. We might expect that a car with 14" wide tires and 1200hp would have a full cage, fuel cell, racing seats, etc., but no one is gonna say it HAS to...

What worries me more (not so much with SEMA cars) is the lack of general knowledge of load paths and even basic fab skills. Anyone can buy 1000hp nowadays, but building a safe car around it is another story...

[rfalker1]

Bottom line is, if you don't have to hold to any sanctioning body rules, it's pretty much up to the owner as far as what safety equipment goes into the build. We might expect that a car with 14" wide tires and 1200hp would have a full cage, fuel cell, racing seats, etc., but no one is gonna say it HAS to...

What worries me more (not so much with SEMA cars) is the lack of general knowledge of load paths and even basic fab skills. Anyone can buy 1000hp nowadays, but building a safe car around it is another story...

Makes sense... So I wonder how people feel about buying show cars to drive!! Doesn't seem to be very wise

[wmhjr]

It's in the "it depends" category. Every car, every builder, and every owner are different. You can't just categorize all "show" cars as being the same. Heck, you can't even come up with a consistent definition of a "show car". Frankly, I'd say that you're probably better off with many of the "SEMA build" cars than most of the cars that roll across the floor at Mecum or BJ.

[rfalker1]

It's in the "it depends" category. Every car, every builder, and every owner are different. You can't just categorize all "show" cars as being the same. Heck, you can't even come up with a consistent definition of a "show car". Frankly, I'd say that you're probably better off with many of the "SEMA build" cars than most of the cars that roll across the floor at Mecum or BJ.

Well that could be the case, I guess i shouldn't categorize! And maybe your right but how do I know that when looking at Show Car

[MarkM66]

It's in the "it depends" category. Every car, every builder, and every owner are different. You can't just categorize all "show" cars as being the same. Heck, you can't even come up with a consistent definition of a "show car". Frankly, I'd say that you're probably better off with many of the "SEMA build" cars than most of the cars that roll across the floor at Mecum or BJ.

And cars that roll across the floor at auction also shouldn't be categorized. It all depends on how the car is built.

[SLO_Z28]

Bottom line is, if you don't have to hold to any sanctioning body rules, it's pretty much up to the owner as far as what safety equipment goes into the build.

Couldn't have said it better. I would always build the car into a racing class if you're going to go that extreme.

[wmhjr]

And cars that roll across the floor at auction also shouldn't be categorized. It all depends on how the car is built.

I think that was kind of my point. However here's what I meant by SEMA vs Mecum or BJ. SEMA builds such as the OP was questioning are IMHO generally of a higher level of detail and effort than the "average" you see rolling across the auction floor. Note the word "average".

[LeighP]

I agree....SEMA cars are there to demonstrate parts, systems or the workmanship of vendors....quality workmanship would be a given, I'd think.
Just because a car has 1000hp, doesn't mean it needs to be driven to that level....so if it doesn't have the safety gear in it you think it should have....well, that really depends on how its used.
For instance, a fully track capable cage is not the smartest item to have in a street car.......people always seem to forget whats going to happen in a relatively minor street accident when driver and/or passenger's heads come in contact with exposed tubing.

[BulldawgMusclecars]

I would say most are going to be safer than the average car in the same class, simply because the builder knows everyone is going to be scrutinizing it. As far as what constistutes safe, that is totally up to the owner and builder. To me a cage in a street car is a negative, unless its so carefully routed as to be nearly invisible.

[TheJDMan]

For instance, a fully track capable cage is not the smartest item to have in a street car.......people always seem to forget whats going to happen in a relatively minor street accident when driver and/or passenger's heads come in contact with exposed tubing.

That is a bit of an overstatement. The same cage could just as easily save the occupant's life. In point of fact you have no idea what is going to happen in any given accident.

[tazzz25906112]

There are all kinds of cars that we "all" build and at the end of the day it is a personal call as to what you place in the car for safety equipment.... I personally had my last SEMA build done with a molly cage, bay bars and fire suppression system,,,, is it likely to be more safe,,, I think so but that is a personal decision/choice...

It frankly causes me to reflect when these "safety threads" pop up,,,, ultimately very few people discussing the issue/thread are qualified to really assess the true risk/s and nature in which we plan to use the vehicle in,,, just food for thought...

[Flash68]

There are all kinds of cars that we "all" build and at the end of the day it is a personal call as to what you place in the car for safety equipment.... I personally had my last SEMA build done with a molly cage, bay bars and fire suppression system,,,, is it likely to be more safe,,, I think so but that is a personal decision/choice...

It frankly causes me to reflect when these "safety threads" pop up,,,, ultimately very few people discussing the issue/thread are qualified to really assess the true risk/s and nature in which we plan to use the vehicle in,,, just food for thought...

Very true Albert..... and speaking of..... I am patiently waiting for some pics of said fire system in your car :D

[tazzz25906112]

Very true Albert..... and speaking of..... I am patiently waiting for some pics of said fire system in your car :D

Hear that bud,,, the car is on route to Baldwin city with Scott and I'll ask him to shoot some pic's for you,,, my bad sorry.

[Flash68]

Hear that bud,,, the car is on route to Baldwin city with Scott and I'll ask him to shoot some pic's for you,,, my bad sorry.

Just ribbin ya Albert... no need to apologize one bit.... if it doesn't happen, no worries, I can check it out up close at El Toro in a month. :)

[rustomatic]

Since when are cars safe?