Rollcage update (pics)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,139
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From: Salina Kansas
Rollcage update (pics)
Hey all,
I finally got my body mounts repaired and replaced, so back to the roll cage. I pretty much have the main hoop and down tubes setup, need to cut a bit off the main hoop to drop it for some headliner clearance, but I'm going to try to get it as close as possible without touching.
Here are some pics, what does everyone think? Now is the time for criticism, lol.
I finally got my body mounts repaired and replaced, so back to the roll cage. I pretty much have the main hoop and down tubes setup, need to cut a bit off the main hoop to drop it for some headliner clearance, but I'm going to try to get it as close as possible without touching.
Here are some pics, what does everyone think? Now is the time for criticism, lol.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
From: Salina Kansas
I guess to clear interior panels and get as much seat room as possible. That's why I did it anyway. Is that bad? I don't think the NHRA rules say anything except that it needs welded/bolted to the frame (among other specs).
DW
DW
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,139
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From: Salina Kansas
I actually bought a prefab 8 point mild steel cage for a c3 from Jegs (Jegster). It was designed to weld to the frame behind the seats, but I really didn't want to chop up that part of the car, so cut it down and had it bent in slightly on either side so that it could be welded to the kickup area of the frame.
I think the 8 point kit was $150+$75 shipping+$40 for the S&W swing out bar kit, so I will have all of $265 + a ton of time into the cage. Not sure how much people charge to install these.
I also am building it to NHRA, 5-point 'rollbar' specs that should make it good to a 10.0 quarter mile times, which I won't be able to run anyway.
I think the 8 point kit was $150+$75 shipping+$40 for the S&W swing out bar kit, so I will have all of $265 + a ton of time into the cage. Not sure how much people charge to install these.
I also am building it to NHRA, 5-point 'rollbar' specs that should make it good to a 10.0 quarter mile times, which I won't be able to run anyway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
For what it's worth, after referencing the old testament, I mean vintage Chevy Power book Corvette (C3) Chassis Section, chapter 5, verse 3, it appears the almighty factory had no problem advising attachment of the main hoop to the kick-up area for use in very serious racing applications of the era. Then again, that hoop location was part of a heavily triangulated, 396 point cage system. 
Team Owner
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From: Reno Nevada
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Le Mans Master
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St. Jude Donor '07
I actually bought a prefab 8 point mild steel cage for a c3 from Jegs (Jegster). It was designed to weld to the frame behind the seats, but I really didn't want to chop up that part of the car, so cut it down and had it bent in slightly on either side so that it could be welded to the kickup area of the frame.
I think the 8 point kit was $150+$75 shipping+$40 for the S&W swing out bar kit, so I will have all of $265 + a ton of time into the cage. Not sure how much people charge to install these.
I also am building it to NHRA, 5-point 'rollbar' specs that should make it good to a 10.0 quarter mile times, which I won't be able to run anyway.
I think the 8 point kit was $150+$75 shipping+$40 for the S&W swing out bar kit, so I will have all of $265 + a ton of time into the cage. Not sure how much people charge to install these.
I also am building it to NHRA, 5-point 'rollbar' specs that should make it good to a 10.0 quarter mile times, which I won't be able to run anyway.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
From: Salina Kansas
OK guys thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I can't redo where I am welding the hoop to the frame at this point, so I will just have to make it work. I see what you mean about stiffening the frame better the other way, but it's not like I am running that much hp (550ish).
Have the down tubes welded up to the hoop tonight, will work on the seat brace and swing out door/bar this weekend. Will post some picks if you all don't make fun of me too much on my welds, they will pass any inspection, but aren't a work of art, lol.
Have the down tubes welded up to the hoop tonight, will work on the seat brace and swing out door/bar this weekend. Will post some picks if you all don't make fun of me too much on my welds, they will pass any inspection, but aren't a work of art, lol.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Also, I hope you're at ease with your main hoop location as it appears most anyone who's really thought it out ends up with the same solution. I believe it actually better facilitates triangulation from there forward than if you were to put the hoop down ahead of the kickup, anyway. (If anyone has evidence otherwise, here's your chance to state your case.)
Keep posting updates...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Keizer Oregon
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
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St. Jude Donor '03,'11
I've got C4 seats and they don't interfere with the bar. I believe the whole system is stronger the way i did it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I'm no engineer, but the factory advice would appear to be contrary. However, before deciding for myself, if seat interference doesn't pose itself as an issue, I may go to the trouble of building a couple of balsa models to test out. But, please, anyone else is welcomed to do that and report findings to save me the trouble if you have the spare time on your hands...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Check the Chevy Power manual's recommendations, as I refered to earlier. Of course, you'll need to find a vintage edition which included the Corvette Chassis Section for road racing C3's. The design in question was aimed at Trans-Am competition back in the day when Corvettes shook the planet. If I were smart enough to figure out how to include a picture, I'd share the three view suggested. ...not saying anything's inherently wrong with yours...
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Apr 20, 2007 at 01:30 AM.
Le Mans Master
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From: B'Ville NY
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St. Jude Donor '05
That's how I did mine and it's really nice having it behind you. There should be nothing wrong with attaching to the upper frame, I've never had a tech comment on mine being located there. Looks like your're making some great progress