Roll cage ideas

[Beginnersluck]

hey everybody just trying to think outside the box and try something a little unique and was wondering is it safe/possible to have a hinged roll cage with hydrolic/pnuemic lifts. maybe even just those old door pistons that release slowly (kinda like the one off those nice cars)

 

[gokart14]

it seems like you might be able to do it.. not sure if it would be structurally sound or not! but why would you want to have it hinged anyway?

 

[qtband]

You could use the gas cartridge form a hatch or hood. Get them at the junk yard or they'll be pricey.

 

[Beginnersluck]

well i was thinking of having it be almost like an enclosed cabin so to speak instead of trying to squeeze through the roll cage just lift it up and get in

 

[Beginnersluck]

Good idea I'll look into that!
Thx I'll post if I find anything

 

[r_chez_08]

I an sure it would be doable, nice idea!
Be sure to brace and reinforce plenty.

 

[fowler]

It will come out much heavier as u have to really over build it

I'd also look at putting a few heavy duty latches on it so it is tied in to the cage

 

[Timtreo]

I think it's a cool idea, kind of like one of those Mech robots. Yeah just make sure it's got some good latches.

 

[OzFab]

IMO: BAD IDEA! In the case of a rollover, where you need the cage the most, the hinges & latch points are the weakest &, therefore, you will lose the whole cage in one hit.

Even on the drag cars where you see the body in the air, it's just that, the fibreglass body, the roll cage is attached to/part of the chassis.

 

[fowler]

It has been done before
Many times

But as u are saying the door provides very little structural strength and u must make the rest much stronger

Why do u want a door
Really they are only added because the driver has difficultly getting in
Like a wheelchair bound or older person

U would be best making a normal roll cage
Safer and stronger
If u are worried about your arms being crushed in a rollover then use window nets or wrist restraints

 

[bighead]

Pro street cars have hinged roll bar at the doors. So they can open the bar that blocks the doors. Granted they are just the doors though.

I do not like them as well and think a cage should solid. But thought I would shoot these pics to give you some ideas. I would just stick to the doors if anything though.

 

[machinist@large]

Ouch prevention

Pro street cars have hinged roll bar at the doors. So they can open the bar that blocks the doors. Granted they are just the doors though.

I do not like them as well and think a cage should solid. But thought I would shoot these pics to give you some ideas. I would just stick to the doors if anything though.

If you are just starting off, keep it simple and keep it stought. If not done right, a poorly designed/ built cage can be worse than no cage at all. There was a member here in the last year who built a sweet looking rig that wasn't strong enough when push came to shove, and both he and his passenger were injured pretty badly. (I'll have to go find the build).

EDIT- I found it, I just don't know how to link it here; it was Bugzuki's build, middle to end of last summer. Bad crash on the first real outing.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

This was it, no? http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10642

 

[machinist@large]

Yeah!!!

This was it, no? http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10642

That's it!!

 

[Beginnersluck]

alrighty good advice, especially since its my first build might as well play it safe. it was more hypothetical than anything but just wanted some insight. also my budget is done (was over quite awhile ago haha) so my turning is pretty restricted at the moment due to homemade parts and its extra wide so for starting off, on-road driving shouldnt be to risky

 

[OzFab]

A simple rule of thumb when it comes to roll cages is "make the fewest joins as possible". Every join becomes a weak point.

Now, what's the deal with your steering?

 

[Beginnersluck]

nevermind i got the steering fixed but originally it couldnt turn very sharp ill try and post some pictures