Cage

[crc13]

Question...where or how does one go about finding a cage builder? I would like to get a few quotes and designs to pick from.

[NeilM]

Fall Line in Chicago fab good cages, although they're quite expensive. However easily the better option, if you're willing to travel somewhat farther, is Mark McMahan in the Akron, OH area. He's considered by many to be the most skilled cage builder in the Midwest. He's also very familiar with BMW's. See http://www.rollcageguy.com

Neil

[modernbeat]

I'd also go to a race and look at cages and talk to the owners about who built their cage and how they like it. There are a lot of small fitment concerns to a cage that make entry/egress, head and elbow room, and maintenance and repair easier, but aren't evident from a quick glance. The quality of the construction and engineering is easier to check with an inspection.

[thedizzle]

Whomever you choose, don't go cheap with your cage. If you're prepared to spend 2-3k on brakes you better be prepared to spend 3-5k on a quality cage.

[gsxify]

You can try The Arc Asylum in De Pere. His work from his facebook page. thearcasylum@gmail.com


A few more shops you can ask Rawsomotion (Germantown). You can also ask Mueller Motorwerks (Kohler) or Kummrow (Milwaukee) if they know anyone. Also E-Fab down in the Chicago area!

[jimmypet]

If you choose someone other than say Fall Line or Mark McMahon,,, look at their previously built cages.
Look particularly at how close they get the cage to the A pillars, B pillars and Roof.
Are their welds pretty?

You want the cage tucked as close as possible to the car, no gaps, the angles should be parallel and tight. The guys who do that, are also paying attention to all the other details.

This example on Mark McMahon's website is a perfect example of how you want it done.


If you can wrap your hand around a cage builders tube where it runs along the A pillar or B pillar, along the roof line above the windshield, or roof line next to the drivers head keep looking.

[EdP]

... how close they get the cage to the A pillars, B pillars and Roof ... If you can wrap your hand around a cage builders tube where it runs along the A pillar or B pillar, along the roof line above the windshield, or roof line next to the drivers head keep looking.

I've always thought this was conventional wisdom too, but some recent factory race cars from BMW would fail that test, especially at the A-pillar. Thoughts?

[thedizzle]

I've always thought this was conventional wisdom too, but some recent factory race cars from BMW would fail that test, especially at the A-pillar. Thoughts?

The Z4s have double A Pillar bars which is why you can grab a bar at the A Pillar.

[EdP]

The Z4s have double A Pillar bars which is why you can grab a bar at the A Pillar.

Right, but even the forward bar is not particularly tight against the A-pillar. Would seem like a good idea to have the A-pillar bar a little less raked and a little more vertical (or have two bars).

[crc13]

Hey all, thanks for all the info! It is appreciated. The only thing that sucks is waiting for the cage to be put in and not being able to assemble the interior.

[thedizzle]

Right, but even the forward bar is not particularly tight against the A-pillar. Would seem like a good idea to have the A-pillar bar a little less raked and a little more vertical (or have two bars).

My best guess is they're trying to center/lower all of the weight as much as possible forming a tight "cockpit" around the driver. Just a guess but seeing how much better the Z4 is in aero and handling compared to the rest.

[Massive Lee]

The only thing that sucks is waiting for the cage to be put in and not being able to assemble the interior.

The cage build is perhaps the most important aspect of your racecar. Both for safety as well as structural strength if you also build your cage for that. And one little mistake and you'll have to live with it for years.

Build your cage now. Start reassembling after Christmas.

And don't drive on streets with a cage.

Lee

[Boris3]

Another WI option is Chris Taylor who works out of CS Motorsports in Lannon. He did my SE30 cage, very tight to the A and B pillars and roof.

In the Midwest region SE30 paddock, there are cages by McMahan, E-Fab, Izzy's, and a few other builders. As others have said if you're looking to be on the track by the early spring, work on booking a cage builder now.

[JamesM3M5]

If you can wrap your hand around a cage builders tube where it runs along the A pillar or B pillar, along the roof line above the windshield, or roof line next to the drivers head keep looking.

I'd be careful on that one. It's easy to get the A and B pillars close, but can you weld the door bars? I've seen SO many cages that were tight against the body with absolutely no way to weld the bars all the way around. Tall drivers need the B-pillar roll hoop farther back, and in a 2-door, that does not leave room to weld the door bars.

[S50ti]

Another option in Wisconsin is DCA race fab in LaCrosse. He started as a circle track chassis builder, now he does everything. I know of 5 cars (e46m, e36m, chump cars) he's built cages in, including mine. Quality is first rate.

[fuggle]

The cage build is perhaps the most important aspect of your racecar. Both for safety as well as structural strength if you also build your cage for that. And one little mistake and you'll have to live with it for years.

Build your cage now. Start reassembling after Christmas.

And don't drive on streets with a cage.

Lee

I'm not trying to start an argument. What is your concern about driving on the street with a cage?

I know quite a few guys that have street-able track cars with a cage. Not saying they are correct or anything. Just searching for info.

[SilverAP1]

I'm not trying to start an argument. What is your concern about driving on the street with a cage?

I know quite a few guys that have street-able track cars with a cage. Not saying they are correct or anything. Just searching for info.

Unless you are wearing helmet your head will be right next to cage....

[bimerok]

I'm not trying to start an argument. What is your concern about driving on the street with a cage?

I know quite a few guys that have street-able track cars with a cage. Not saying they are correct or anything. Just searching for info.

The anology would be to ride a crutch rocket bike without a helmet.

[Massive Lee]

I'm not trying to start an argument. What is your concern about driving on the street with a cage?

I know quite a few guys that have street-able track cars with a cage. Not saying they are correct or anything. Just searching for info.

Well. Roll cages are designed to be used in conjunction with a racing harness that allows no body movement, and a helmet to protect your head. You wouldn't want your body, and especially your head, to bounce around those steel tubes in the smallest impact. No more helmet to protect your head, and no more harness to keep your body still. ;-) The smallest impact could be lethal...

[autowa]

Not trying to hijack the thread here but since it's being talked about what your take on half back cage for hpde car that you can drive to the track since I agree on previous post about a full cage.

[Massive Lee]

Roll bar is safe. ;-)

[thehounder]

Not knowing where you are in WI, if you are in the southern part of the state I would recommend Vulcan Racing Fab. You can find pics of the build here . Great work. Great fab and welds.

For what it''s worth, I've spent a fair amount of money with big shops, and unless you have a grand-am budget, your project is their last priority. Just my $.02.

[jrkoupe]

Not trying to hijack the thread here but since it's being talked about what your take on half back cage for hpde car that you can drive to the track since I agree on previous post about a full cage.

Any roll bar/cage tubes in the car while on street increases risk IMO.....there is no textbook black/white answer on this. And my track car is driven to tracks..w/ a 4 pt RB...........................but I wear my helmet at all times. .....its a sacrifice i make.

[bimerok]

................but I wear my helmet at all times. .....

Even when driving to the track with just a 4 point???

[Bud Scott]

Izzy's Custom Cages in St. Louis. Contact Scott Rhea. Tell him Uncle Bud sent you. 3 cages (2 Bimmers, 1 RX-7) Only crash tested one and it did it's job perfectly.