Half or full cage

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Cotty
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Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:42 pm

I want to put together a basic track day toy. Nothing serious just a 325i with some safety kit like harnesses and bucket seats. I would like a cage but do I need full cage if I am using harnesses or will a half (rear) cage be adequate?
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harry_p
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Wed Jun 24, 2009 1:32 am

i wouldnt want a harness without a cage, and i wouldnt want a cage without harnesses. if youre going to the trouble of fitting the rear bit of a cage, i wouldnt hesitate to do the forward sections and make it a full cage. e30 pillars are pretty thin, and i know that i wouldnt far rather have a cage there helping hold the front of the roof up should the worst happen! you'll also benefit from far greater shell stiffness improvements than the rear alone would give, plus you'd be able to fit doorbars.

you might not think theyre vital on a trackday toy, but i've seen a lot of cars lose it and hit things sideways.
cheers,

harry
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ROC
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Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:11 am

I agree with harry, got to be a full cage (with harness bars) :thumb:
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Boyraceruk
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Wed Jun 24, 2009 11:31 am

Yeah, not much more work for a lot more benefit. Full cage or nothing.
Cotty
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Wed Jun 24, 2009 2:01 pm

ROC wrote:I agree with harry, got to be a full cage (with harness bars) :thumb:
I definately want a harness bar.
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finite
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Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:38 pm

I have a half cage in mine, it is a lot of extra work to fit the front half if you're doing a weld in. I'm not a fan of bolt in cages having seen far too many cages that wouldn't stand up to a low speed smash let alone anything at pace. A good cage should be CDS steel minimum (T45 is better if you can afford it), weld in with no reverse bends (tubes bending back on themselves).

Custom cages are a great company for providing anything from just the basic "clubman" type cages all the way to full FIA approved 6 point +.

While I agree with the previous posts, full cage is better than half, don't be fooled into a "full" cage that's just a badly designed bolt in. A well designed rear cage constructed of CDS or T45 and welded in by a professional welder (preferably with cage experience) will do you far more good than a POS full cage. Having said that obviously a full propper weld in will do better than just the rear.
Cotty
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Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:35 pm

Cheers for the advice.
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Black_Potato
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Wed Jun 24, 2009 11:29 pm

I'm removing a Safety devices CDS 6 point bolt-in cage with removable door bars thats in pretty much imaculate condition shortly should you be interested PM me..

It fits infront of the dash so you dont need to cut into your dash as you do with most cages.

Re protection, I dont disagree that a full roll in would give you the best protection but PBMW cars run these 6 point bolt in cages and loads have been written off through impact damage or rolling and they stand up very well.

I wont mention specific makes but I would avoid half cages or anything cheaper than a 6 point safety devices one.

Oh and harness bar is part of the cage.
Cotty
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Thu Jun 25, 2009 10:24 am

I might be interested, is it a sunroof or non sunroof version?
So why are you removing the cage?
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Black_Potato
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Thu Jun 25, 2009 10:35 am

I'm pretty sure its non sunroof, but I can confirm if needed.

Its being removed as I'm re shelling my car and the donor already has a Safety Devices Bolt in so this one is spare.
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N00b
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Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:30 pm

harry_p wrote:you'll also benefit from far greater shell stiffness improvements than the rear alone would give.
Even putting the safety issues to one side, the above is reason enough on its own IMHO to go full cage.
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Brian28
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Thu Jun 25, 2009 7:37 pm

Richard, if this chap doesn't have the cage let me know please, TTRS 318is now looking a definite possibility :wink:
For sale - E30 320i racer project - sold.
Black_Potato
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Thu Jun 25, 2009 8:38 pm

Brian you have PM
Cotty
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Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:08 pm

Brian28 wrote:Richard, if this chap doesn't have the cage let me know please, TTRS 318is now looking a definite possibility :wink:
I have not found a suitable base vehicle yet so you can have it you want
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clegy1
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Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:41 am

i have a 320 with a 2.5 in with 97000 on the clock for sale very clean with cobra monaco s buckets, sparco harneses, half a cage already welded in but have the front half to put in just havent got round to doing it yet, has had some engine mods like 6 branch and closed induction kit. its all striped out with a 45 gallon alloy tank in the boot and fuel pipes running through the car
it has all the 2.5 running gear. just past mot and i have just taxed it. i was looking for around £2750 only selling dues to just having A baby and no time for it amy quetions or interest please call dave on 07590058712
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clegy1
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Wed Jul 01, 2009 2:01 am

o it also has full pollycarb windows with the little squre hole sliders i have just spent over 2000 on it in the last year to get it to where she is now
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N00b
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Wed Jul 01, 2009 2:22 am

^^^
Cars for sale section?
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