Building a roll cage

[maddog]

Shortly after Tuff Truck, I plan on tearing out the existing 'cage' in my TJ to build a serious for the comps I'll be in this year.

We're just looking at what tube bender to buy at the moment, so I need to work out what size and type of steel to use.

Wooders mentioned to me that CAMS schedule J has the information I need, but I haven't really been able to find that on the net yet.

Does anyone have any pointers on what specs I should go about making the cage with? Ie. what type of steel is required, and the thickness.

So far the plan is to make it a 6 pointer, with main hoop behind the seats, front going down behind the dash, and the rear being a fast-back style from the main hoop to the rear of the tray/back floor area.

The mounting will be plates sandwiching the body. Does anyone have the minimum sizes that these plates can be?

Any information is appreciated.

[Wooders]

Reminder recieved - I'll try and send it through tonight

[maddog]

I've just been drawing up some designs and had a thought. The current windscreen is bolted to the stock cage. If I remove that cage and built an independant cage, will the windscreen lack support? Will I need to tie the windscreen frame into the new cage?

[Butt Craic]

I think that there is a basic retaining mechanism / bolt built into the hinge assembly so I think that you'd probably be ok without the windscreen tie in points but I'll defer to the experts before you have me running beside your rig to hold up the windscreen after you foolishly followed my advice

[Wooders]

BC is correct.
For example the TBT cage no longer attachs to the w/screen.

[maddog]

OK that's one ticked off my list

I quite like the look of it with no cage.

[Gordo]

Just buy a REALLY good helmet

Doggie, can't comment on front leg to floor mounting. I went the sport cage-ish route and bolted to firewall with angle steel (plus other improvements done by a professional). Will only change the design when the comp of that week knocks me back.

<side-track>
CAMS schmams...every bloody 4wd comp runs it's own rules at present anyway

For comp rules at the moment what's kosha one day is a deathtrap the next.

I do like the xtreme winch challenge system - sign your life away - you say it's safe - it's safe. Puts the onus (anoos ?) back on the gumby behind the wheel. More responsiblity is required not more litigation.

I reckon use CAMS (and your state's ADRs if legality is an issue) as a rule if you're spending big bucks for a cage but ultimately get what you're happy with for your needs.

I've seen a very dodgily-welded gal pipe cage which snapped off cleanly at some points at the "welds" after a multiple rollover which probably barely saved the driver's life.

Although bodge is definately not recommended when it comes to safety..
.. the bottom line : any beef's gotta be better than the stock toothpick cage for a big accy.

Think about it next time your seeing sky through the windshield

<return to main trail>