I think you might have stumbled across something here, a cheaper option :-)
I'd do it, recognising the current value of the cage is severely diminished.
Only thing I'm not sure of is whether there would be holes drilled in the tubes behind the cross pieces you cut off? (To prevent Pressure build up when welding??)
Graearea - I really don't want to open a fresh can of worms on the topic of trackday rollover bars but, as a member of the Club's trackday team, I should point out that a cage modified in this manner would not be acceptable for use on Club trackdays.
I have no idea if that might matter to you or not, but I thought it might be helpful to be clear up front. The Club's trackday rules (TSRR documents are accessible in the 'Trackdays' area of the site) explain what is required and allowed.
Interesting thread for me, as I ordered a new Track Day cage (double D without side bars) for my Imperial car from Caterham last month. I was told it wasn't a problem to order one for an Imperial car and would take the usual approx 10-12 weeks.
On the subject of modifying an existing cage, for me, the jury is out. If the side bars were chopped off and the remnants sensibly flattened off on the green cage above I cant see how it would be much different than a new Track Day cage, so long as the tubing spec and tube junctions are the same. If done properly it would surely be safer than a simple rear roll bar which there are plenty of on track.... It always shocks me that so many owners are prepared to drive their cars on track with only a rear roll bar rather than proper cage. If they're only driving at 7/10ths or so then so be it, but if pushing on, which is presumably why they're on track in the first place... Gulp!
As for not being eligible for Club track days, it's understandable that any cage that's been modified should be disallowed as the modifications could seriously compromise its structural integrity/safety in case of accident (which is why you have a roll cage in the first place).
"You only live once - but if you do it right, once is enough" - Mae West
James - has the new cage offering from Caterham, with open sides, been approved by the club for trackday use? I know we went through a technical exercise a few years ago concerning roll bars.
If done well I doubt you'd be able to tell if it was a modified FIA cage or a trackday cage albeit I understand the position of the club.
I think you might have stumbled across something here, a cheaper option :-)
I'd do it, recognising the current value of the cage is severely diminished.
Only thing I'm not sure of is whether there would be holes drilled in the tubes behind the cross pieces you cut off? (To prevent Pressure build up when welding??)
Graearea - I really don't want to open a fresh can of worms on the topic of trackday rollover bars but, as a member of the Club's trackday team, I should point out that a cage modified in this manner would not be acceptable for use on Club trackdays.
I have no idea if that might matter to you or not, but I thought it might be helpful to be clear up front. The Club's trackday rules (TSRR documents are accessible in the 'Trackdays' area of the site) explain what is required and allowed.
Hope that is helpful!
James
Interesting thread for me, as I ordered a new Track Day cage (double D without side bars) for my Imperial car from Caterham last month. I was told it wasn't a problem to order one for an Imperial car and would take the usual approx 10-12 weeks.
On the subject of modifying an existing cage, for me, the jury is out. If the side bars were chopped off and the remnants sensibly flattened off on the green cage above I cant see how it would be much different than a new Track Day cage, so long as the tubing spec and tube junctions are the same. If done properly it would surely be safer than a simple rear roll bar which there are plenty of on track.... It always shocks me that so many owners are prepared to drive their cars on track with only a rear roll bar rather than proper cage. If they're only driving at 7/10ths or so then so be it, but if pushing on, which is presumably why they're on track in the first place... Gulp!
As for not being eligible for Club track days, it's understandable that any cage that's been modified should be disallowed as the modifications could seriously compromise its structural integrity/safety in case of accident (which is why you have a roll cage in the first place).
"You only live once - but if you do it right, once is enough" - Mae West
yeah thinking about this. it does seem like a bad idea.
oh well. back to the drawing board.
UFO7 WTF? , UberNiche printed stuff
#13
James - has the new cage offering from Caterham, with open sides, been approved by the club for trackday use? I know we went through a technical exercise a few years ago concerning roll bars.
If done well I doubt you'd be able to tell if it was a modified FIA cage or a trackday cage albeit I understand the position of the club.
Ian
Yes Ian, the 'trackday' or 'open' cage is approved for use on Club trackdays.
James
#15 I'm after one like the green one for myself. Do you know if they are up for selling it or was it a deal for yourself?
Hi
The 'green' one as shown in the earlier post is available for sale. If you are interested i can send some more pics
Regards
Yes please. I'll send some info via pm for you to send the pictures to