Home-Built and Installed Family Roll Cage

[70 U150]

What is the height of the cage? Will the hardtop fit? I would like to build my cage and don't know how to determine the height and width.

Thanks

 

[xcntrk]

I really like this design, running a single span of tube from front A-pillar all the way back to C-pillar. It really maximizes the headroom. The only thing keeping me from going this direction is lateral support (side-to-side). Theoretically this approach needs trianglation by running linear bars (floor to ceiling) that span between driver and passenger side at the pillars. But obviously that defeats the interior space which is likely why you went this route in the first place. For example if you were to push on the top of the B-pillar (think common roll-over) what is to stop it from pushing to the opposite side?

If you figure out a way to solve this without linear bars, I'm all in this design!

 

[joshd1971bronco]

What is the height of the cage? Will the hardtop fit? I would like to build my cage and don't know how to determine the height and width.

I'll have to get some measurements for you, but I built the entire cage with the TOP ON THE VEHICLE. So, yes, the top fits. Seems I held the bars about an inch and a half away from the top to allow room for headliner, flex, etc.

Theoretically this approach needs trianglation by running linear bars (floor to ceiling) that span between driver and passenger side at the pillars. But obviously that defeats the interior space which is likely why you went this route in the first place. For example if you were to push on the top of the B-pillar (think common roll-over) what is to stop it from pushing to the opposite side?

If you figure out a way to solve this without linear bars, I'm all in this design!

I completely understand your question. I plan on adding some gussets to the location where the vertical B-pillar bar intersects the overhead spreader bar. I believe that by doing this, it will increase the moment capacity (bending capacity) of that joint to a point where it would be at least as strong as a conventional b-pillar hoop. You are correct in that this design (single bar from a-c pillars) yielded the most headroom around the driver while still allowing the top to be on. If I start to get extreme in my off-road antics, I will probably add provisions for a REMOVABLE triangular brace or something to add yet more lateral support. I am also going to be adding a removable seatbelt bar that goes horizontally behind the front seats (and supported by the b-pillar 'kickers').

 

[70 U150]

I'll have to get some measurements for you, but I built the entire cage with the TOP ON THE VEHICLE. So, yes, the top fits. Seems I held the bars about an inch and a half away from the top to allow room for headliner, flex, etc.

Thanks for the info.

 

[xcntrk]

If I start to get extreme in my off-road antics, I will probably add provisions for a REMOVABLE triangular brace or something to add yet more lateral support. I am also going to be adding a removable seatbelt bar that goes horizontally behind the front seats (and supported by the b-pillar 'kickers').

I was thinking more about your concept of removable internal bracing for different situations. I stumbled across these neat tube clamps that would work well for the removable joint. Thought I'd share...

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

Cage looks great!