MY Lemons Build (Page 2 of 2)

When I was looking into understanding the whys and whatfors of cage design (in layperson's understanding, not engineering lingo) it came up more than once that one reason for the diagonal being "sided" was because early race vehicles didn't necessarily have seats that extended above shoulder height and the norm was to put a helmet pad on the diagonal as a sort of head restraint. Having the diagonal top at the driver's head allowed the pad to be affixed. Not sure if that's the original reason, but interesting reading.

I've read some discussion where folks have wanted the diagonal away from the helmeted area, even with a full halo or above the shoulder seat. The discussions surrounded deceleration rate and how seats flex and deform (in a good way) but when they encounter a solid tube they stop dead.

There is an FIA approved design (that I had to clear with tech during the build of the moke) that has 2 diagonals in a V shape terminating at the centerpoint of the floor / tunnel. I went this way for 2 reasons-- the center seating position and the harness bar, and because I didn't have great access to be able to pass the diagonal through bodywork and into the main hoop foot area.  I'm not saying it's right or encouraging anyone to build something this way. Just introducing that alternatives to the archetype could still cut the mustard.

Regardless of what outside entities deem to be a safe cage, it's ultimately the approval of the Lemons folks (and their attorneys) that we need to get. And your first stop is John.

The rule doesn't mandate the Direction of the Main Hoop Diagonal. It identifies the simplest way of achieving a good, installed piece. Lemons also does not currently mandate single-piece diagonals, however, it would be in your best interest, if building a new cage to implement one. The point of the diagonal is to redirect forces and help prevent deformation of the main hoop in a roll-over. The Track Pillagerz! Buick currently utilizes a Top-Passenger side to Floor-Driver side configuration for it's diagonal and precisely 0 people, which includes tech personnel and John and Jay, have taken issue. I actually agree with keeping it away from the driver's head, as it somewhat goes hand-in-hand with the need to keep the cage structure as far away from the driver as reasonably possible.

To the original poster .....

Bear in mind that at near 3000 pounds with 1.5" tubing; based solely on tube size the only sanctioning body that will pass it at Tech Inspection will be Lemons.  All the other groups set the bar size change at 2500 pounds.

And as Hoonatic pointed out if the seat fits so should the helmet.  As I see it in fabbing a cage there are 3 primary areas to focus on :

1. Building the cage to fit the rules - bar size, number of bars, anchors, etc
2. Building the cage to fit around the driver(s)
3. Building the cage to fit in the car.

Considering each of those in that order makes it easier.  You know that you have these bars that have to fit around that inside this.

The problem isn't giving inspections.   The problem is failing her.      

I'm sure there are other ways, but this works:
1. Got to http://www.tinypic.com
2. Click the 'Browse' button and find the picture you want to post
3. Click the green 'UPLOAD NOW!' button
4. Click in the 'IMG Code for Forums' box and then press Ctrl-C (this copies the text)
5. In your message on this forum put the cursor where you want the image and press Ctrl-V (this pastes the text for the image)

Thanks Sublimate!  That is simple enough, even I can do it.  Look out, I'm a picture posting fool now!