So I've been debating removing the roll bar from my CMC and it got me thinking. I noticed it bolts through body/pan and also connects to upper body. It seems it would add a lot of strength and stiffening to the entire car. I really can't stand the look but don't want to de-engineer anything either. My car literally handles like a slot car. It's my first one but I am beyond impressed with it.
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I have a cmc as well and removed mine, I just put the bolt's back thru, no problems so far. I hated the look with the roll bar on, the guy I bought it from put a modified Miata roll bar on and it just had to go even thou I see a lot of speedsters running around with that style.
Here is what it looked like before removal.
And not the best picture but after removal.
A roll cage usually bolts or is welded to the body/frame at 6 points, and does measurably stiffen the car, which aids in handling, reduction of body roll, etc. A roll cage is usually installed in a coupe. With a roll bar, as opposed to a roll cage, the stiffening effect is minimal. In addition, you would need to closely inspect the bar itself, the material it's made of, any welding on the bar and attachment points, and the means of attaching the bar to the frame. All those elements determine whether you have a roll bar or a show bar. A roll bar can be useful in a rollover, but a show bar is dangerous in any type of accident.
CMC= showbar has no value what so ever, except to bounce my head off it every once in awhile.
Well not anymore. 
Badfella - I would remove that roll bar. When you initially look at the car, that padded roll bar really draws your eye away from the clean lines of the car. 
Jeff - it looks much better without the roll bars! Car look good!
What Jim said.
Real roll bar--fantastic. "Show" roll bar? Junk.
Bill Webster would likely still be with us if he had a real roll bar.
Musbjim nailed the visual 'awkwardness' of that light colored padded roll bar distracting from the clean lines of your dark speedster.
Kelly nailed the 'protection' peace of mind of having a sturdy roll bar installed should you ever do a loop-de-loo on slippery fish intestines and wind up with the "shiney side down"...and Jack pointed out the possible tragic consequence of not having one.
BUT...there might be a compromise to consider!
Why not discard that Italian sausage looking padding, and paint the bar matte black.
Now it isn't visually disturbing...and you retain a sense of security.
You're one smart cookie, Carl!
I totally appreciate all the constructive comments! Yeah, the padding comes off tonight and most likely the entire bar this weekend.
If your bar only has two mounting points you're safer with it gone. In a roll over it would act like a giant mouse trap.
If it was four mounting point (to the frame) then it's worth keeping, as Jim mentioned, without the padded cover.
I have one in my IM and it has noticeably improved the chassis stiffness. When I had Intermeccanica restore my IM I wanted Henry to install a low bar behind the seats to use as mounting points for my four point seat belts. He had a spare roll bar and sold it to me for the same price as the low bar.
Mine is painted the same color as the car.
