Mini Mad
Posted 26 January 2014 - 11:20 AM
I'm quite tempted by a show cage I've seen...does 'show' cage simply mean it hasn't received FIA approval? Could I safely use the harness bar on a show cage- is it capable of withstanding loads generated by an impact? In the event of a roll-over scenario I would like it to have some structural value?
Thanks.
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Crazy About Mini's
Posted 26 January 2014 - 11:31 AM
Speeding Along Now
Posted 26 January 2014 - 12:09 PM
Mini Mad
Posted 26 January 2014 - 12:24 PM
No, a show cage is just for that - show. It most likely has no structural benefit and could even be more dangerous in a crash than not having one. It has been designed to look good not to keep you safe.
Would you say it's inadvisable to use the harness bar on show cage? Cheers.
Up Into Fourth
Posted 26 January 2014 - 12:24 PM
slightly off subject - but I always wonder how many roll overs were caused by the extra weight
& the raising of the center of gravity & extra inertia
also a loss of performance on the road with the extra weight
make it out of balsa if you want looks 
Crazy About Mini's
Posted 26 January 2014 - 01:01 PM
It could be dangerous and potentially an MOT failure. Harnesses to be properly fixed to structural parts of the cars. The forces exerted through a small area in the event of a crash are enormous. Don't take risks with mounting them. I am only here because of a well mounted harness in my first mini. I was involved in a massive smash. An idiot overtook me as I was turning right. Had the harness come free I would have suffered horrendous and possibly fatal head injuries. Be careful.Would you say it's inadvisable to use the harness bar on show cage? Cheers.No, a show cage is just for that - show. It most likely has no structural benefit and could even be more dangerous in a crash than not having one. It has been designed to look good not to keep you safe.
Speeding Along Now
Posted 26 January 2014 - 03:23 PM
Hi
No, a show cage is just for that - show. It most likely has no structural benefit and could even be more dangerous in a crash than not having one. It has been designed to look good not to keep you safe.
Would you say it's inadvisable to use the harness bar on show cage? Cheers.
ERR NO its just dangerous and stupid
and people that know about cages will just take the pi!!
Uncle Cooperman, Voted Mr TMF 2011
Posted 26 January 2014 - 07:39 PM
It is really only sensible, as alluded to above, to fit a cage for proper motor-sport. They are not necessary on a road car and can be unsafe if not properly padded with the car having FIA approved seats & belts, plus wearing helmets when driving hard.
On Sabbatical
Posted 27 January 2014 - 10:06 AM
It could be dangerous and potentially an MOT failure.
Edited by Dan, 27 January 2014 - 10:07 AM.
Crazy About Mini's
Posted 27 January 2014 - 11:27 AM
It could be dangerous and potentially an MOT failure.
Installing something that looks like a seatbelt but is so dangerously fitted that it won't offer any protection may also result in a criminal prosecution. It might fall under "Interfering With a Safety Belt Installation", big fines and mandatory jail time.
yup :)
Puke-Boy!!
Posted 27 January 2014 - 11:39 AM
Speeding Along Now
Posted 27 January 2014 - 01:14 PM
Uncle Cooperman, Voted Mr TMF 2011
Posted 27 January 2014 - 04:10 PM
If fitting a cage, then go for an FIA Approved one. They will take the stresses of rolling in the best way possible, provide for 4-point harness mounting and be right for competition. That's the best you'll get.
The Safety Devices ones I always use in rally cars are super and they fit well too.
I never fit a roll cage in a road car as I feel it is unnecessary and it's extra weight as well. Plus they make the car a 2-seater.
Crazy About Mini's
Posted 27 January 2014 - 04:14 PM
Having had the pleasure to see at first hand how safety devices go about designing and testing a cage I can say categorically that no one person could do this at home to the same standard. Even if you regularly work with the correct materials and are a fully qualified welder, that is only half the picture. The vast majority of work in a cage happens before any metal is cut. The load paths are studied with hundreds of hours going into making the cage do what it should. I have a safety devices full weld in cage sat at work ready for our project and it seems a lot of money for a few tubes, that is until you see what it takes to get there and suddenly it seems very good value indeed. And with regards to having an accident with/ without, that entirely depends on the accident and what the driver or passenger are wearing.People call any type of cage a "show-cage". At the end of the day, there's possitives and negatives to all goes of cage.
Personally I would rather have an accident in a mini with a rear cage and harnesses, but being FIA approved doesn't make it ideal. I would rather make a cage myself personally
Speeding Along Now
Posted 27 January 2014 - 06:05 PM
Hi
MSA regs stipulate CDS in 45mm o/d 2.5mm thickness or 38mm o/d 3.0mm thickness IIRC. T45 can also be used. Roll cage manufacturers have big hydraulic tube benders to cope with such heavy material
I am fitting one of these
http://www.customcag...5&type=Historic
but you will want one of these
http://www.customcag...ll&type=Bolt in
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