[DeTomaso] roll bar /roll cage question

[GW]

Also,

If you like the use the bar to add strength to the back like I did 
(attach to the decklid hinge as well as tie into engine brace area) it 
would be easier on the firewall side because I end up going through the 
rear window. If you think about putting it on engine side you could make 
a mounting plate on and to the fire wall to mount the forward side bars 
which would be easier then going through the window. I think that was 
what you were saying.

As far as bolting to the rockers, some weld large plate steel across the 
entire rockers (alot of steel). I did not but I did build an inner 
structure. Is that adequate? Lot of speculation as only destructive 
testing would confirm. I have been told of one fatal crash which 
collapsed the rockers but there are too many variables to draw some real 
conclusions from.

In the end, everything is a compromise. If you build it like a tank 
then...it is a tank. I chose the cockpit config because I may make a 
removable cage area at a latter date for the front. In doing so I didn't 
need to do it now.

G


cullen mccann wrote:
> Question:
>
> I notice with respect to the firewall (or bulkhead is referring to the same
> panel correct?) that some/ most cages appear to have the main hoop on the
> passenger side/ interior side of the firewall ( like Gary's) and some if
> seen have it on the engine bay side. I would think the engine bay side would
> be less intrusive on the passenger area, but then obviously if you have door
> bars or A-pillar down bars and they tie-in to the main hoop you would have
> to penetrate the firewall to anchor to the main hoop, etc. I suppose if the
> main hoop is on the engine bay side it probably crowds the fuel tank on the
> driver side and electrical system on the passenger. 
>
> Structurally, it seems to me that both solutions would provide adequate
> reinforcement, and you can anchor at the inner rockers in either case since
> it extends past the firewall towards the motor bay. I do like way Gary ties
> so much of the suspension anchor points in, and the roofline near deck lid
> hinges...etc. Great for chassis bracing from what I can see, especially
> considering the stress points. 
>
> Referring back to the "cardboard box with the lid off" comparison that I
> have read about, and combined with Garth's Rodericks compiled "Pantera
> upgrade tech summary"  (Thanks Garth, I found that and its really cool,
> taught me a lot about the overview of the car) . Also in chassis bracing, I
> was also reading up on seam welding. When I think about the bracing, the
> seam welding could add some strength, but it would be like putting 3 layers
> of packing tape on the edges of the cardboard box. It undoubtedly would
> help, but the triangulation of the cage would be leaps and bounds ahead for
> providing chassis strength, correct?
>
> So, case-in-point.......given the compromises on either end with regards to
> main hoop on the interior vs on the engine bay side, what are the arguments
> for either side? Which do you prefer if you had decided you were going to
> have a cage?
>
> Thanks for helping out the new guy!
>
> Cullen
> rusty 3925 in OK
>
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