13 replies to this topic

[andrewinlondon]

I've just picked up my newly roll caged mini from Andy Robinson Race Cars - and I have to say I'm delighted with the result.

Apparently the roll cage exceeds MSA and FIA requirements. If anyone wants the specs then I would be happy to post them.

I got the roll cage because my wife and I could be doing a lot more travel to France if she ends up studying there next year, which we're planning on currently. (Of course it will also provide some added protection on the 'Ring).

They also fitted the ring bolts for me to put a 5-strap seat belt in. I'm not sure about the legality yet of the 5 pointers for road use, so I wore my regular seat belt underneath, just in case.

Anyway, it was an awesome feeling to feel completely strapped in on the motorway. It was especially great over the odd bumps on the motorway, not being thrown about as can sometimes happen at speed.

I'm happy to pass on Andy Robinson's details to anyone who's interested in going this route.

Photos to follow...

[andrewinlondon]

First picture attempt



 Mini_Cooper___Web3.jpg   79.38K   52 downloads

 MiniCooper___Web2.jpg   100.03K   39 downloads


Note the base plate is fully welded in...



 MiniCooper___web1.jpg   109.4K   28 downloads

[mini-gti]

please post or pm all specs and loads of pics please please please

gaz

[andrewinlondon]

Hi,

Andy Robinson has already posted photos of my mini on his website. You can also find details of the roll cage specifications there.

Check it out under "Roll Cages" then scroll to the bottom for "Modern Saloon Cars".

Robinson Race Cars

I took the car for a big drive out to Essex (Southend on Sea) on the weekend and it drove fantastically - and was quite a bit more rigid when driving over bumps.

You are welcome to PM me if you have any specific questions...

[Brawlyrox]

Looking really good andrew, I bet it feels a million more times rigid!

[Ollie_Gozzett]

surprised i didnt see u lol

[CharlieBrown]

Looks great Andrew, glad you got it all sorted!

[Dom]

Looks great. How long did it take to put in? And I didn't realise your sunroof was electric.

[andrewinlondon]

Thanks for all the positive comments friends.

It only took a week for the full installation.

And my sunroof was an earlier Webasto installation that I had done. It opens up fully, closes automatically and has been one of the best additions to the car. Nothing like open air driving (without all the negatives of being fully convertible).

Cheers,

[Wil_h]

Looks like a nice install.

I would advise putting padding on the cage, especially where your head might make contact in an accident. This is specified in the MSA regs. Also specified in the MSA regs is that the cage needs at least one triangular cross member (from the top of the roll hoop to a mounting foot - you can see one in my avatar) so it dosen't meet the MSA regs. Although the mounting points do exceed what is necessary.

Not being negative, just pedantic.

Wil

[retrodan]

i have 3 inch fia trs 5 point harnesses and when i finished restoring mini and took for mot with them in they did not bat an eye lid, so put them in!!!!

[MaryQuant88]

How much was the cage?

[andrewinlondon]

Hi,

I have MSA approved padding on all the steel bars that could possibly come in contact with my or my passenger's head.

The cage cost me around £950 including VAT. Andy Robinson charges about £135 per join (ie, 6 x £135 + VAT for a 6-point cage).

I figured this was comparatively good value as I got an MSA quality cage, custom installed in my mini. The pre-made alternatives from Safety Devices etc looked to be around the £300 mark for a full cage, plus the cost of labour to install it (and the risk of it not fitting correctly etc). On this point, Andy Robinson was able to preserve the storage bins in the back seats with his custom cage.

The steel used also looked to be much stronger (thicker) than the Safety Devices cages. I am not trying to bag the SD cages as I know many forum members have them installed. I just went for a more expensive and therefore hopefully stronger option...

[Dog]

I am building my cage up this weekend, ready for when the mini is Finally going!