Roll cage roll call!

[IronFreak]

Ok boys.....and girls....the time has come and I will be starting the cage on the car soon. I'm building my own bender and need to order the die and wanted to know what you guys that have either built or had them built were using.

Need to decide between a 4.5" or 6" die....

....and whether I want to use 1-1/2" .120 wall or 1-3/4" .95 wall D.O.M. Weight between the to are minimal so maybe provide insight on which might be preferable and why. I'm thinking 1-1/2" as it's smaller.

If you have any cool cage photos I'd take those too, I'm a visual guy and am always looking for ideas!

Bender (Air/Hydraulic goodness)


Test subject

[iansane]

Are you building the cage for a particular series or class?

[IronFreak]

I want to do a full cage that meets scca specs and allow tandem drifting. Not a spec car or anything.

[Jb325is]

Space is not an issue in an e30, go with the 1 3/4".. 1 1/2" will look like toothpicks in there. I just had my back half done with 1 3/4" and I'm happy with it

[cmcgrogan]

berlow94 just got a cage put in while at levent's. dont remember who made it though

[Jb325is]

Here's mine so far

[10Toes]

Space is not an issue in an e30, go with the 1 3/4".. 1 1/2" will look like toothpicks in there. I just had my back half done with 1 3/4" and I'm happy with it

I disagree, I have been in cars with both and think the 1.75 looks big and blocks more of the A pillar in an E30. This is why I am going to use 1.5 even though 1.75 is stronger in some ways and a little lighter (about 10lbs+- for a whole car).


1.5X.120 DOM is also a little cheaper then 1.75X.095

[Solarian]

When you're building a cage you should just look at the spec required for whatever race type you want to enter, or just pick a random one if it's not for competitive use. They all have quite a large safety factor built in, so it doesn't make sense to up size on the tubing just because you think it looks too skinny or something. It's for structural reasons, not aesthetics, and it doesn't make sense to add unnecessary weight to the car.

[obrian]

You don't need to stick with one tube size. Lots of sactioning bodies only require 1.75 on the main hoop, etc. you can go back to 1.25 for the diaganals and windshield bar etc. get the smaller radius die. And a good notcher. Good joints are the key.

[Eric]

tandem drifting.

Coolest E30 cage build I've seen in a while: http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread...ighlight=build

[Jb325is]

When you're building a cage you should just look at the spec required for whatever race type you want to enter, or just pick a random one if it's not for competitive use. They all have quite a large safety factor built in, so it doesn't make sense to up size on the tubing just because you think it looks too skinny or something. It's for structural reasons, not aesthetics, and it doesn't make sense to add unnecessary weight to the car.

1 3/4" is lighter and just as strong as 1 1/2," and in my opinion, when all else is equal aesthetics definitely matter, although it all comes down to opinion. I work on Miata race cars all day long, where 1 1/2" tubing is a must and space is still tight, the e30 is like a Cadillac in comparison. It's all relative I suppose.

[dmoney(AB)]

:( wish I could cage my beast.

I'm jelly

[e30vert]

JD Squared Notchmaster

https://www.jd2.com/p-63-notchmaster.aspx

Coupled with the Swag Offroad

Notchmaster Reach Around if you want ultimate versatility in your notches.

http://www.swagoffroad.com/JD2-Notch...ound_p_49.html

[e304me]

You don't need to stick with one tube size. Lots of sactioning bodies only require 1.75 on the main hoop, etc. you can go back to 1.25 for the diaganals and windshield bar etc. get the smaller radius die. And a good notcher. Good joints are the key.

the cage looks great but I always wondered how strong the rear shock towers are....if the shock mounts rip out how can they be expected to support the car in a rollover. I understand they have a plate welded to them to reinforce them but that still awfully thin sheet metal.

[obrian]

My shock towers are stitch welded in, cage is attached to the towers, floor, and rear bulk head. Don't think it's going anywhere. But most modern non drag cages are attached to the towers in most cars anyways, and it doesn't seem to be a problem. Lots of guys do use the spot right on top of the spring mount also.