Roll Cage
Roll cages are metal frameworks designed to protect drivers in the event of a rollover accident, required by some racing classes and capable of saving lives. Roll cages can be constructed in various ways; for instance, some people opt for four-point cages connected by four points behind front seats, while others prefer six-point ones that extend further forward into their cabin. However, in order for any roll cage to function effectively, it must be fitted and appropriately welded for optimal effectiveness.
Building a cage requires an understanding of both metallurgy and physics. A cell must be strong enough to prevent metal fragments from shattering during an accident while still permitting its occupants to exit quickly, and flexible enough to absorb shock from an impact without breaking. To achieve this feat, a metal must be thick enough, with proper thickness distribution across its surfaces, while being welded at an optimal angle so as to minimize any chance of it deforming out of shape during welding operations.
A good cage should include not only its main hoop but also side bars to protect from side impacts. They should be made of similar material and size as the main hoop and securely attached. Furthermore, corner gussets and grab handles should be installed near the body in order to facilitate safe entry/exit of vehicles; otherwise, fingers could become trapped between it and its cage during a rollover event.
Installing a cage requires keeping in mind its purpose: not as an alternative to seat belts but as part of an overall safety system that must adhere to all NHRA rules and requirements. A cage must never be used by anyone other than an appropriately harnessed and helmeted driver; any other individuals using it could compromise its integrity in an accident situation.
For those unwilling to invest the time and money required for custom cage construction, bolt-in kits offer an easy alternative. Constructed from stainless steel and designed specifically to fit one type of car (RideTech offers their Tiger Cage kit that is compatible with various early and late model muscle cars), bolt-in kits provide quick installation. Whatever route is chosen – bolt-in or custom-made – welds must be done correctly so they don’t deform under pressure during an accident, which would compromise both safety and the vehicle itself.
