cage styles

[Mondo]

I'm looking at different styles to get more protection. I haven't seen any cages with over head protection on an ultralite. I think it's due to the raising of the hood (no cowl).

These are the two I'm interested in... or a combination of them as I want side protection. I like the first one for egress but the bars directly over the seats might be better protection.

[rnr]

One thing to take into account is how easy/difficult it is to get out of the car. Ideally you want to be able to get out of the car in 2 different ways (eg roof and side) without removing your helmet.

[Kitcat]

The first one offers side protection, the 2nd doesn't. Of all my nightmare scenarios, being T-boned on the driver's side by anything more than a kid on a Big Wheel is tops. Being upside down with my FIA bar and 5 point belts doesn't scare me 1/2 as much (or much at all).

 

Getting upside down in our cars would be quite a trick too, given their low center of gravity, wide stance, etc. Not so being T-boned: anyone can do it.

 

Second on my list is being rear-ended. I have not seen a cage yet that accounts for that (distinct) possibility.

 

Mike

[Bster13]

I am interested in the same thing....here was a thread I started w/ pics:

 

http://usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5329

[Mondo]

Oops... should of added to that thread

[shiva]

Here is the cage that was built on mine last year

 

http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo86/bimmershop/IMG_2779.jpg

http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo86/bimmershop/IMG_2778.jpg

http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo86/bimmershop/IMG_2796.jpg

 

Only lacking part is side impact. But since it's mostly a track car, t-boning protection is not my main priority.

[Mondo]

Yeah, I have your cage in my files. I like it a lot and was thinking of just changing that bar along the sides to go out more for side impact, and remove the outside upper bars for easier access (maybe have it so they can be taken off/on). Still have to figure out if it's possible with the way my hood opens.

[slomove]

Only lacking part is side impact. But since it's mostly a track car, t-boning protection is not my main priority.

 

Not sure about that one. Once you spin, other traffic can hit you at random angles.

 

That said, I don't have a cage at all :toetap05:

[shiva]

True in case of a spin there is risk... but since it's not racing and only lapping chance of impact are greatly reduced...

 

In the 5 years of lapping I've done so far, 0 car to car impact. All accident were single car.

 

But the risk is still there. And one option I once checked was adding side impact brace like a door. that would open on a hinge and clamp to the other cage tube. The trick is finding a way so it's easy to open and close. and still leave space to leave the car in case of emergence (ie: crash or fire).

[Kitcat]

As a lapper who spun and found himself stopped side ways in the middle of the track after a sharp turn, I can attest to the possibility of T-boning. Fortunately my pursuers manged to get around me. And no, still no side impact protection. But it's on my list.