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MG MGA - Crash Helmets

I guess we can all be quite vulnerable in our old, low down MGAs in modern day heavy traffic. Other than seat belts that some of us have fitted, we do not have a lot of safety features going for us. Have any of you considered wearing crash helmets as normal attire? Indeed, is there anyone out there already doing so? The thought came to me today while driving to work in a very heavy sleet and hail storm. The wet did not bother me, it was just the severe stinging on the face....and that got me thinking about protection, and not just from the weather.

I could have also done with windscreen wipers on my glasses, although they did save me from stinging around the eyes!

Steve
Steve Gyles

I'm sure they made a version with proper windscreen and wipers and a hood lol

you asked for it


gordon
g c pugh

Steve,
When it's raining, or even just bitterly cold, I put the top (hood) up and install the side curtains. Sometimes I even go so far as to turn the heater on. As for using a crash helmet, I use one when riding my motorcycle, but I don't ride it in the rain or sleet. That's what cars are for. If you want to increase the level of safety in a MGA beyond seat belts I would think the next move would be a roll bar.

Ed Bell

It's not a "crash" helment, but I did buy a nice leather flying helmet and goggles for inclement or cooler weather. I can put a tight fitting underneath for extra warmth.

GTF
AKA: Pierre

G T Foster

Ummm, tight fitting stocking cap that is....
GTF
G T Foster

One of members has one

dominic clancy

Which he sometimes wears on his other form of transport. It is sprayed to match his car.

dominic clancy

If we are going for silly poses......

Steve Gyles

I used to wear a crash helmet on the road when driving back from a race meeting where I had replaced the normal windscreen with an aero screen.

The problems are

(a) You do look a little bit silly!
(b) A full face helmet restricts both your field of vision and hearing.
(c) If you use the open face helmet goggles are required which mist up very easily.

In summary.

Let Mrs Gyles use the bus and you can take the new Mercedes

Regards...JB
J Bray

Dominic, your friend seems to be giving a secret sign from a secret fraternal organization. Can you identify the organization? It looks to be the sign of wellness and fortitude from the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.
David Holmes

You folks have proved one thing—that I would look as goofy in a helmet and goggles as I think I would.
David werblow

I beleive that unless you use a racing style low windscreen that a standard full face motorcycle helmet would also mist up? As they are made to circulate air while moving I think the realtively calm space behind the front screen would not be so good.

In rain I use a peaked cap pulled down low as this keeps most of the rain off the face. That and driving quickly usually do the trick.

Neil
Neil Purves

John and others

I have Mrs G on the bus already (free to old age pensioners here in the UK). I also maintain her bicycle for the more local journies.

I much prefer the MGA to the Merc. I find other drivers more courteous to the old car at roundabouts, giveways, T-junctions etc.

I am a little surprised about the 'misting up' comments, bearing in mind that motor cyclists use them all the time and I used one (several infact) for my 25 years of military flying. I also ran a motorbike as a daily commute for 10 years and never had a problem with misting.

I guess the image is another factor, but should looks over-ride safety? I think not.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve, Shouldn't you have your flat-at on backwards for maximum aerodynamic effect?
I do think the 50's style helmets like Dominic's friend's look the part.
I was at a British car event in Seattle last year and there was an Aerial Atom whose driver and passenger were wearing helmets painted to match the car...complete with lightning bolts on the side!

Cheers,
Rich
(Fortunately I drive a Magnette so I don't have to worry about my trilby blowing off!)
Rich McKIe

Ed Sullivan to Jose Jiminez.. "Is that your Crash Helmet?
Jose Jiminez to Ed Sullivan... Oh I hope not!
MLS Somers

Dear MLS,don't quite follow but is that in the same vein as " The Boys Own Exhibition---Good God, that's not your own is it?"

Merry Xmas
MR Blencowe

This thread was discussed between 09/12/2008 and 25/12/2008

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