Roll cage fron hoop (Page 1 of 2)

AFAIK the only legal setups are a continuous front hoop from side to side (which is what's described in the rules), or a halo hoop and A-pillar bars (which is the exception to the rule).

I'm sure someone will be along to confirm or deny this shortly.

On the plus side, I'm sure that cage is grade A awesome for circle track.

That is an acceptable cage design.  That design, with side bars running from the footwells to the main hoop, is what we run in two of our cars.  With that design, you need a bar running across the top of the a-pillars to make a front hoop.  You have that and a dash bar so you are good.

OK, sorry about the pictures, it was really late. 

The hoop goes up from a 6X12 spreader plate along the door post, angles back along the A pillar then follows the roof back to the main hoop.  There is one horizontal bar between the left and right hoops above the dash and a second horizontal along the roof line.  The builder added a 3rd fore and aft bar in the middle of the car along the roof line.

So according to the pictures of the acceptable cage designs, I think we're OK on that part of the design.  We know we're missing the diagonal on the main hoop and will add that ourselves.  Where I know we're boned is that he made both the front hoop on the left side and the main hoop from 2 pieces each and butt welded them together.

That noise you heard was my head exploding.

Ouch, ouch, and ouch.  I'll think good thoughts for you.  Just don't give up!

Unfortunately, the main bars are still not 1 continuous piece as per da'rulz.

Sorry, you are screwed. You may be able to reuse some of the material in the next cage, but, no way to sugar-coat it, you are screwed on this cage.

The best thing to do is to remake the cage. 

As an alternative...  You may want to check with Jay and Co. about thier concerns about sleeving the affected tubes.  I've seen sleeved cages pass tech but don't know the specifics about what would or would not pass - I don't like them, don't make them, don't use them.  I do know that sleeves need to be integrated into the design of the cage so that they can be slid into position before welding or bolting them into place.

Payment should be stopped on the work done.
If he is a reputable cage builder he should have known better.
Print out the SCCA rules and give the guy a copy.
http://cms.scca.com/documents/Club%20Fo … anuary.pdf

Pages 153 to 160 to be more precise. This is a good starting point along with the Rules on cage building #3 in the Lemons Prices and rules section. Between the Lemons requirements and the info from SCCA rules you will end up with a very nice and structurally sound cage that will pass Lemons inspection with ease.

I just talked to the builder and the tubes are sleeved internally.  I was able to verify by sound that there are tubes inside and they extend about 3 inches either side of the welds.

I've added some more pictures of the areas in question:  http://picasaweb.google.com/FilthyMecha … eat=email#

I suppose that they could run a drill through the outside and verify the inner piece if they wished.  Has anyone everheard of this being allowed?

Thanks, will do.

The back tubes don't seem to meet at the floor, they meet at the rear crossbar that ties the strut towers together. The crossbar has a tube that drops to the floor of the trunk and is welded without any type of spreader. Ouch! The rules aren't terribly clear on the backstays, but I don't like the tube welded to the floor with no spreader.

Perhaps I'm trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, but at least you've unintentionally given us a pretty good what-not-to-do tutorial. Sorry, dude.

I didn't work with the builder, but the guys who did gave them a current copy of the rules and a print out of the picture showing the cage designs.  I've emailed Jay and he sent me on to John Pagel.  I'm waiting to hear back.

Perhaps, in the section of the rules where it states if you don't know what you're doing with the roll cage, you should take the car to a pro the following caveat: one who'll read the rules and not just do it his way.