Roll cage

[Varn]

Hey guys ive got a car very battered 1.8 eunos picked out that I will be buying in 2 weeks for use on trackdays and weekends.

1)I need to purchase a roll cage for it - anyone know where to look and how much it will cost me?

2)Im 6'1 and very tall in the body - do they come in different sizes?

3) Will the hood fit over it?

[Red Firecracker]

Hard Dog are the roll bar of choice it would seem and a very good UK supplier are;

Performance 5

[Munter]

As above if you go for the Hardog bars they will fit under the hood. Although I would opt for the sport model as it offers most protection. My deuce is lower than the top of my helmet....arse.

[Varn]

Red Firecracker said:

Hard Dog are the roll bar of choice it would seem and a very good UK supplier are;

Performance 5

I was told to stay away from hard dogs as they are not as safe as a full cage...is this true? remember this will be used regularly on a track

[Munter]

Well thats true. It's a roll bar not a roll cage. Unfortunately I'm not sure if anybody makes a full cage that fits in the car and allows use of the hood. I know the one they use on the MAX5 race cars stops use of the hood.

[MX-5 Lazza]

There aren't many full roll cages that allow the soft-top to be used. Not just because they are too tall but also because they obstruct the clamp-points above the windscreen.
Hard-dog do a lot of different styles, some of which are approved for racing so are fine for your needs.
However, if the car has been bought as a cheap project you might be better off watching ebay for 2nd hand roll bars. They appear quite regularly as they are often removed from imports when they arrive in this country.

[Red Firecracker]

Indeed, 2 entirely different things. A roll bar is good for road use and offers protection whereas a style bar doesn't.

A full cage is much better than a roll bar, but in my opinion makes the car problematic for everyday use. If it's just a track machine, you might as go for a full cage and get one custom made.

You pays your money etc etc

[MX-5 Lazza]

Here is the Hard Dog website: http://www.bethania-garage.com/why.htm 

And it looks like they do a full roll-cage now though I have no idea if they could make it for RHD. http://www.bethania-garage.com/cages.htm 

[Varn]

Red Firecracker said:

Indeed, 2 entirely different things. A roll bar is good for road use and offers protection whereas a style bar doesn't.

A full cage is much better than a roll bar, but in my opinion makes the car problematic for everyday use. If it's just a track machine, you might as go for a full cage and get one custom made.

You pays your money etc etc

Its not for everyday use but I would still very much like the use of the hood + space for both seats. (I dont mind if its a mission to get in and out of).

Where could i get one custom made?

Im only interested in getting one new.

[Red Firecracker]

Varn said:

Its not for everyday use but I would still very much like the use of the hood + space for both seats. (I dont mind if its a mission to get in and out of).

Where could i get one custom made?

Im only interested in getting one new.

Pick up a copy of Motorsport News on Wednesday and look through the adverts in the back. You're sure to find a reputable cage builder in there. Be wary of the more showy cages in some tuning magazines that may just be for 'show'. For something like that I'd always personally go to a specialist motorsport professional who you can talk to and get exactly what you want.

Edited by Red Firecracker on Monday 28th April 12:39

[Varn]

Red Firecracker said:

Varn said:

Its not for everyday use but I would still very much like the use of the hood + space for both seats. (I dont mind if its a mission to get in and out of).

Where could i get one custom made?

Im only interested in getting one new.

Pick up a copy of Motorsport News on Wednesday and look through the adverts in the back. You're sure to find a reputable cage builder in there. Be wary of the more showy cages in some tuning magazines that may just be for 'show'. For something like that I'd always personally go to a specialist motorsport professional who you can talk to and get exactly what you want.

Edited by Red Firecracker on Monday 28th April 12:39

Thanks for the tip - should I find one that specialises in MX-5 cages? Or can they all build for a selection of models?

[MX-5 Lazza]

Varn said:

Im only interested in getting one new.

Why? I'm not questioning your motives, I'm just interested as you said the car you bought was a bit tatty so it can't be the looks...

[Varn]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Varn said:

Im only interested in getting one new.

Why? I'm not questioning your motives, I'm just interested as you said the car you bought was a bit tatty so it can't be the looks...

Well if I buy one off an import/ebay/whatever then I have no idea how old it is or what its made from.

As im buying it to provide safety id prefer to be certain

I just cant decide....

Do I make the car road legal and have room for the hood over the cage/bars.

or

Make the car road legal without room for the hood over the cage/bars.

or

Trailer it to trackdays and dont pay insurance MOT or tax.

Whichever of these options I choose ill also need somewhere to store it!

[Varn]

Does anyone have an MX-5 with a cage that would be willing for me just sit in to see if I fit?

[Red Firecracker]

Varn said:

Thanks for the tip - should I find one that specialises in MX-5 cages? Or can they all build for a selection of models?

If you find one that specialises in good cages they'll be able to help you. If you're going to the extent of having one made you need to speak to the person doing the building so that you get exactly what you want. They can advise you on things.

I think you first need to decide on what you are going to use it for.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Try getting in touch with one of the Max5 racers - I'm sure they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Or talk to Phil at Performance 5. He's worked on most types of MX5 and I'm sure will know what's available.

[GHW]

These people did a jolly good cage for a Westfield-owning acquaintance of mine. I did get them to quote for a one-off cage for my '5 a while back, but it wasn't especially cheap.

http://www.therollcagepeople.com/index.html

[Varn]

Red Firecracker said:

Varn said:

Thanks for the tip - should I find one that specialises in MX-5 cages? Or can they all build for a selection of models?

If you find one that specialises in good cages they'll be able to help you. If you're going to the extent of having one made you need to speak to the person doing the building so that you get exactly what you want. They can advise you on things.

I think you first need to decide on what you are going to use it for.

The reason Im getting the car is for the track, if i can use it as a weekend car (i.e. working hood over the cage) then thats a bonus.