Jacking Rails added rigidity?

[JAL racing]

I had BMR jacking rails on my 2019 GT.
I was t-boned at a 45 degree angle at speed by a drunk, the corner of the other car's front bumper hit right in the middle of my (driver's) door. I walked right out of the wreck. Police and paramedics couldn't believe it.
My question: do jacking rails do anything for the rigidity of the chassis and side impact protection, or is the chassis already so rigid that the effect is similar to laminating a toothpick on a 2x4?

 

[yotah1]

It probably didn't do considering most bumpers will hit the door and not your rocker area, even less the underside of your rocker area. I would say if you spin and hit a telephone pole sideways, then maybe yes. But if the car just hit your door, then it's the door's design and the door aperture structure that did it's job.

 

[blacksheep-1]

I agree ,t eh rails may add a small bit of strngth but very little, the door design saved you. Hope you sue his *** off, I have no use for those driving impaired. I've cut too many out of cars thanks to those guys.

 

[JAL racing]

It probably didn't do considering most bumpers will hit the door and not your rocker area, even less the underside of your rocker area. I would say if you spin and hit a telephone pole sideways, then maybe yes. But if the car just hit your door, then it's the door's design and the door aperture structure that did it's job.

Yes the door was dented deep, but the door surround was also deformed at the door sill and the area where the tire inflation sticker is located (see photo), which is what made me wonder whether the rails did anything for me.

 

[blacksheep-1]

if the other car hits the cowl or the B post, they are very formidable. If the guy hit the door only, you'd prolly be in a trauma unit

 

[JAL racing]

if the other car hits the cowl or the B post, they are very formidable. If the guy hit the door only, you'd prolly be in a trauma unit

It's hard to know 100% as it happened so fast, but from my recollection and the pic (attached), it looks like his front right corner hit right in the center of the door, but the base of the B post is deformed, even as the sheetmetal behind the front door is intact.

 

[blacksheep-1]

Good solid hit, that's for sure, I assume it's a total?
If not, and you live in PA, I would highly, highly suggest Bob Doonan at Phoenix Performance in Phoenixville. That guy is magical.

 

[JAL racing]

Good solid hit, that's for sure, I assume it's a total?
If not, and you live in PA, I would highly, highly suggest Bob Doonan at Phoenix Performance in Phoenixville. That guy is magical.

Yes, a total. 4 airbags, chassis bent. I'm 400 miles North of PA, near Ottawa.

 

[blacksheep-1]

Yes, a total. 4 airbags, chassis bent. I'm 400 miles North of PA, near Ottawa.

Well, they're a great resource

 

[JAL racing]

Well, they're a great resource

I just browsed their website. Looks like a very successful operation for sure

 

[KazarS197]

BMRs go full length. That's a solid hit. The question is if the BMRs were not there, even though a higher hit, would it have pulled in lower with the door or was the door frame structure enough. It could probably turn into a "is this the best oil debate". I have 3/4 length rales on my 2012 and glad they are there.