Title: Roll Cage fitted. Pleased as Punch. Post by: parrish on October 03, 2009, 12:32:06 PM Whilst waiting for some further ECU/EFI bits i decided to fit the cage that i bought some time ago.
The previous cage i had fitted necesitated the complete removal of the rear seats and the fitting of harness type belts. This cage however is designed to allow all original equipment to be used, seat belts and seats, with no hacking of the dash board. Im pleased as punch as i have managed to re-fit the rear seats with only slight modification (some seat wires cut) so the interior is as Fiat intended. It was necesary to remove a door and the centre consol a well as all the seats, once removed the cage slid in nicely, alignment is out slighly on the front cage, when bolted up the front seems to be pulled over slighhtly to the drivers side. For this reason i am yet to bolt the front legs to the floor as i need some metal spacers made. (http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq71/parrish_028/PA031475.jpg) (http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq71/parrish_028/PA031479.jpg) (http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq71/parrish_028/PA031480.jpg) (http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq71/parrish_028/PA031485.jpg) (http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq71/parrish_028/PA031477.jpg) (http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq71/parrish_028/PA031470.jpg) (http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq71/parrish_028/PA031469.jpg) (http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq71/parrish_028/PA031474.jpg) (http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq71/parrish_028/PA031473.jpg) (http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq71/parrish_028/PA031471.jpg) Title: Re: Roll Cage fitted. Pleased as Punch. Post by: Testament on October 03, 2009, 07:03:50 PM It's nice to have it so you dont need to cut the dashboard - BUT - it's not very good for strength with the knee in in the front bar to clear the dashboard. Quite a few japanese cars get imported to New Zealand with cages like that and it's not allowed for proper competition by Motorsport New Zealand. Rules might be different where you are and you might not be doing competition so it might be ok.
Title: Re: Roll Cage fitted. Pleased as Punch. Post by: Walezy on October 03, 2009, 07:58:35 PM It is not worth risking your life with such rollcage. Of course it is better than nothing but if you plan serius rallies with it then make a new one done according to newest appendix J to FIA rules. It helps a lot for safety and also improves handling as the chassis is much stiffer(in case you weld it to the A and B pillars). I know that it is not too comfortable for a road car but 131 is not too safe when you hit anything so i thing that it is worth to get less comfort for much more safety.
Title: Re: Roll Cage fitted. Pleased as Punch. Post by: parrish on October 03, 2009, 08:04:15 PM Thanks for the feed back.
This car is simply being built with looks in mind, no competition use. Previous rally cars i have owned have had the cages welded in, i agree its the best way and as mentioned stiffens the chassis as well. This cage has no manufacturer or number on it and couldnt be used for competition any way. By the way its steel and weighs a lot compared to other cages ive had. Steve |