22 replies to this topic

[D3YMO]

Im after fitting a role cage to my VX...

 

Now i a coupe back and hard top does this become a problem with the roof bars of a cage?

 

I have briefly looked at the safety devices cage and it looks great and provides what i want...but are there others out there avaliable for a better price and provide better safety? (whilst also looking the part, i dont want a monstrosity installed)

[siztenboots]

if anything removing the rear window means fitting the cage is easier, speak to Mark about his Safety Devices one in his race car.

[Nev]

If I you are considering this, you could buy a welder, saws and the metal tube + sheet (CDS or whatever) and probably make your own for much the same price.

Edited by Nev, 05 February 2014 - 12:36 PM.

[techieboy]

But it wouldn't have any kind of MSA/FiA approval, unlike the Safety Devices one.

[siztenboots]

But a DIY cage will not be FIA certified and not meet MSA blue book regs

[Nev]

True, no rubber stamp to say its fit for purpose.

[slindborg]

I guess it depends on the end use, and if the OP is even competant to design/weld etc..... afterall, not all DIY racecar builds are well/properly engineered

[FLD]

You can build a cage and get it approved.  You used to have to submit a collection of different joints all welded up which are sent off for x-ray to check the integrity of the weld.  Then you can get your cage certified.  Its not too challenging.

[D3YMO]

Im thinking about racing so would need the MSA/FIA approval...

 

One which has been developed and tested and proven would be my only choice ATM i think...

 

I will be taking out the rear window completely (no need with the coupe back)...does anyone have Marks contact details please?

[The Batman]

There's an exige cage on eBay at the moment The problem is if you look back at vxs with roll cages sale prices they are looooowwwww so unless you are gonna race it I wouldn't bother dude

[siztenboots]

Im thinking about racing so would need the MSA/FIA approval...   One which has been developed and tested and proven would be my only choice ATM i think...   I will be taking out the rear window completely (no need with the coupe back)...does anyone have Marks contact details please?

or you could phone Back on Track, they will know all the details , and probably Mark will answer the phone anyway lol

[D3YMO]

im never going to be selling so price of the car isnt in the equation anymore lol...

 

ill give them a call and have a chat to them, hopefully its good news

[Pidgeon]

A self build is possible within MSA regs.  No need for certification or approval, just follow the regs in the BB.  FIA is another matter.

[JimmyJamJerusalem]

im never going to be selling so price of the car isnt in the equation anymore lol...

 

ill give them a call and have a chat to them, hopefully its good news

 

 

To be fair the only cars that have been sold with cages were wrecked old TMS racers which were all broken for parts.  A well presented cage is an asset imo and if you opt for the safety devices cage then the front section is removable anyway

[The Batman]

I have thought about it in the past.. I think If I got one I would want the brace going through the dash so it's a little easier to get in...

[fiveoclock]

You cant use a petty bar as with the Elise and have MSA approval as the roll bar in the VX has the cut outs for the headrest brackets and isnt considered to be up to the job, the Elise doesnt.The Safety Devices cage seems to be the only one that you can buy "off the shelf". Even so I had to order it and it and it was made to order, they dont keep any in stock. I ordered it from MSAR and it took 2 months to arrive. If you intend to race at the start of the forthcoming season you've left it a bit late.

 

Regarding fitting you have to remove the rear window and fit a plastic one as the new spars on the cage foul the window. You also have to modify the window surround mount. Its got to be said it wasnt a good fit, I had to bend the middle mounts in by way of a twisted rope and bar to get them to line up, the front mounts werent a problem, the rear mounts (spars) didnt line up well but were easier to tease into place. Drilling 10mm holes through the side beams to fit the froint mounting plates was entertaining!!! You cant fit a soft top nor a factory hardtop with it so I'm not sure how you'll get on with the coupe back, I have a Lotus Hardtops single skin roof bonded on.

[fiveoclock]

I have thought about it in the past.. I think If I got one I would want the brace going through the dash so it's a little easier to get in...

If I can get in without it going through the dash you can get in fatty

[The Batman]

I suppose it's like when you get into a standard vx for the first time you look like a tit until you can do it in 2 seconds flat

[techieboy]

Think it was MaxR that had one custom built for his VX and it turned out rather "interesting".

[JimmyJamJerusalem]

I can fit a standard hardtop on mine no problem at all.