Rear Cages

[Matt]

Are they really worth it? How much protection do they really offer?

I would image they would help stop the roof caving a bit in the event of a roll and provide extra rigity for the shell, however without the front cage and bar along the top of the windscreen, the cabin is surely left pretty exposed to crushing?

Are they best left just for show?

I'm talking about something like this...

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff60/mattmdavies/2004_0808Image0014.jpg

[Benn]

They'll stop that part of the roof where the bar is, the front and most rear bit can still cave in, that rear brace does funk all tho.

But are you really thinking you'll get it on its roof? Chances are quite low really..

[Matt]

I'm aware that braces between the dampers like that are useless, just intrigued as to how well a cage like that would stand up in a roll.

[AlexW]

Usualy somthing like that is ok in a light roll if you get me, not landing on your roof like WRC cars do.

The main point is the tip of the bonnet and the top of the cage, if your head is in that area then its not ideal.

[RickW]

is it not just for rigidity. The cage doesnt just stop your car from crushing it can be also used to stiffening up the car to improve handling.

[AlexW]

Very true it can, its still ment to stop it crushing in. Cars dont have enough strength in them to stop it crushing in like they do, well novas at least lol

[RickW]

yea..a normal roll a cage would be a good thing to have. The X at the back provides much of the rigidity...and looks pretty good. Somewhere to mount your camera too

[AlexW]

The hoop it self wont hold the car, it would fall eather way, the X is usualy there for extra strengh, after all your putting about 1 ton on that cage. If not more if have a heavy landing.

[MattBrown]

TBH, its alot down to how you fit the cage aswell, if you just bolt it in, then it will just stamp through the floor in the event of a roll, 3mm+ spreader plates should be welded in under the cage feet, on inside and outside for max safety!

If your going on your roof, you want a full cage, buckets, harnesses and a serious dose of something!

Going over is no fun at all, and ive only done it on a field! lol

[AlexW]

I done it on a field too, but i found the 5door clio i was driving stood up fairly well.

[MattBrown]

I done it on a field too, but i found the 5door clio i was driving stood up fairly well.

Rottern escort mk5!

Free field cars FTMFW!

Great fun in the puring rain, hemmering round!

Till we built a ramp, and the car died:(

Then we killed a 205, then a 106, fiesta, and a clio 1.2 i think lol

[AlexW]

I didnt mean to, i left the road first.