Roll cage

[ScottT]

So I've never welded, just started practicing on scrap metal. If I buy one of the pre fabbed 4, or 6-point cages for my 67 Camaro would I have any chance at installing it myself if I learn fast, or is it best I leave it to a professional. I know 6 point cages run around 400 for chromoly. And I heard around $100 per point so 600 install. $1000 overall, if I remove and reinstall interior. But I look at some costs guys have into their cages and its anywhere from 1500 to 2800? I'm looking through internet and in magazine build in PHR, Hot Rod, and Chevy Hi-perf. I really want to be able to use harnesses since the lap belt isn't too reassuring, especially if i rolled. And I plan on driving this car hard so alwaya risk. Plus a 6 point would provide side protection if I got T-boned.

[NOT A TA]

Take it to a good shop. Your life might depend on it. Search the threads in general tech and safety about bars/cages and chromoly vs DOM. If you have plans to run with certain sanctioning bodies get their rulebooks. DOM tubing is recommended by most of the sanctioning bodies with tubing diameters determined by weight class.

[ScottT]

DOM is actually cheaper, figure CM would be stronger and lighter. Ballpark what does it cost to install?

[Yoda4561]

There are other issues at play, just looking at sheet specs for CM might make it look better, but the welds don't hold up as well due to the thermal stress of welding, on smaller stuff that can be stress relieved in an oven it's not an issue and CM works fine, but on a cage you really can't do that.

[Bryce]

NHRA has a very specific way that you have to weld CM.

CM is stronger but the same density as DOM. CM can be made with a thinner wall thickness therfore a lighter cage.

Stay away from ERW like jegs and summit advertise, I have read that some sanctioning bodies do not allow it.

[bret]

An alternative to consider:

http://www.ridetech.com/shop/index.p...tegory_id=1828

Make no mistake...the TigerCage is not YET certified for any sanctioning body. Certification is coming, but not there yet.

[Jim Nilsen]

I 2nd the motion for a tiger cage. I have seen Velocity and the cage is a very well built piece and you should be able to do it yourself or with the help of a good fabricator in his time off and if you are lucky BEER !

It just makes sense for your build since most of us will never have the need to have a certified cage. Velocity has been on all of the tracks you would ever want to go and has been accepted with no problems.

What more could you ask for except it being polished !

[676869addict]

my tigercage is on the way, just ordered wed. cant wait i'll post pics of install.

[wendell]

Having some one learn to weld on a prefabbed cage VS. screwing together a stainless steel car necklace. I honestly don't know which one I'd choose...

[Yelcamino]

Having some one learn to weld on a prefabbed cage VS. screwing together a stainless steel car necklace. I honestly don't know which one I'd choose...

Me personally, neither. That's why I opted to have a professional build/install my bar.

[The GMR]

Have a professional build you a cage.

Pre-Made setups never turn out great. There are always serious head clearance issues.

FYI, DOM is the same weight as CM. Thinking its lighter is a common misconception.

All to ofter I see people get caught up in the material being used and not the design. MIG welded DOM is more then strong enough, focus efforts on looking for a good builder with proper layout and design. The layout and design is what you pay for, not the material. A poorly welded/ built structure will still fail regardless of the material. I have seen ERW cages take far more abuse then CM cages simply because of the design.

Just for some ballpark figures, our cage work starts at 3K.

jason

[Jim Nilsen]

I think one of the good points about the Tiger cage is that you get the chance to get it done and be safe to start with and if you really feel you need to step up to a more agressive cage you can take it out and sell it.
Most of us think that we need a lot more to start with for our needs and then find it is way more expensive than we thought to go there. I started out wanting to build a GT1 car and found I would never have enough money to even get in on the ground floor.

I personally don't think 6 point cages offer the really best protection ,without the front bars and hoop if you roll over it just makes me feel a little less safe. And a cage that is not custom installed is not the way to go either.I was steered away from the exact fit cages and was glad I listened. Having a good shop install a welded cage is also my 1st choice to if a guy can't weld.

[HarleyR]

If I had to do a cage in my car and wanted the best result I would use buffed DOM and have it TIG welded....

[hivewax]

I'd recommend linking the cage to the frame rails.

[mikedc]

If I had to do a cage in my car and wanted the best result I would use buffed DOM and have it TIG welded....

I have never understood what TIG offers better than MIG for chassis-building purposes. Prettier welds do not equal structurally better welds.

[HarleyR]

Im not claiming they are... But Seeing how people care a Great deal how things on thier car look it makes perect sense..

[wicked68]

go with custom fabbed cm if you can afford it. a good fabricator will tuck it right up to the roof and sides to give you maximum clearance for your body parts.

[Jim Nilsen]

I have never understood what TIG offers better than MIG for chassis-building purposes. Prettier welds do not equal structurally better welds.

I agree, you can put more meat so to speak in a mig weld than a tig weld with equally good penetration.

Tig is soooo nice to look at and it really does give better clues as to the penetration that was achieved.

Always remember "welders do it with electrifying penetration"

[bbcc]

I have never understood what TIG offers better than MIG for chassis-building purposes....

Heat control man.

[ScottT]

Well I guess I have alot to study. I just don't want to take out my car thinking how great it will stop and handle without the cage and harnesses to save me incase. I'm thinking 8 point cage now. But the tigercage does look good