Need some pics and info on cages (Update: Need help planning tube length)

[lectric80]

I am planning on BB09 this year, but I also do other wheeling with my kids in the Blazer. Obviously for a slow speed roll my wife and I will be ok, if a bit bruised, but the kids in the back are a different story. Let's face it, the fiberglass top isn't really a roll over shield.

Originally I was going to have someone local build me a simple 4 point cage for the back of the Blazer, but my brother in law has bender, dies, welder, and notcher available, as well as experience building cages. He has a nice one in his solid axle 4 Runner, and he has said that if I buy the tube he will help me get it all setup and ready to install.

I need to be able to run my hard top during the winter months, so it must be able to clear that. I am thinking the front hoop would come down to the main floor below the ledge, and the rear hoop at the back would have to be angled to clear the top. It is not going to be tied into the frame, for simple ride comfort since this is still a driver.

So, who has done similiar setups, who has plans for the tubing, who has pics to show that I can use when building this? I have to get it done before spring, since I am tearing the interior out to replace some floor panels and install new carpet and wiring. Also hoping to install new seating all around at the same time, along with the sound system which has to be built around the cage. If there are things you would do differently let me know, I want this to be a long term setup that isn't going to interfere any more than necessary with back seat access.

 

[lectric80]

BTTT

Anyone with cages should post up, ideas for the design, access, or any other concerns you have are welcomed. I will be offline for a day or two, but will check back when I can, and I want to try and get the design work done by next week when I pick up some of the tube.

Is 1.75" large enough, and what wall am I going to want? Should I go with 2"? This is my first cage, although he has done others, he has never done one for a vehicle with this much weight, so any and all information is going to be handy and appreciated.

 

[NorCalKid]

Most people agree that 1.75" .12 wall DOM is the way to go as far as tube goes. There was a good cage build on here not to long ago that was on a half cab let me find it real quick

edit: maybe it was awhile ago http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187373&highlight=roll+cage

 

[LeadFoot69]

I like the inside full rollcages, because its inconspicuous

 

[mcwright]

Here is my cage I had done last year. I designed this with a backseat in mind. It is tied to the frame, and I have harness seats bolted to the cage. But, I allowed for access to the rear seat from the front. The top fits on as well. I used 2" tube for mine.

 

[lectric80]

Most people agree that 1.75" .12 wall DOM is the way to go as far as tube goes. There was a good cage build on here not to long ago that was on a half cab let me find it real quick

edit: maybe it was awhile ago http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187373&highlight=roll+cage

That one is a pretty good design, if I eliminate the front hoop. I may decide to tie a front hoop in later in life, but I don't think I will do it just yet. Thanks guys, keep the good ideas rolling.

 

[cdoggwsu]

mcwright, that cage is awesome. I'm curious to hear everyone's input as well.

It's probably a dumb reason on my part, but I like the look of the 2" tube better, especially on these big trucks.

 

[lectric80]

Ok, so here is kind of what I am thinking about.

Front hoop, with braces coming down to the fender wells. Rear hoop connected to the front hoop by long straight tube, with cross in the roof section.

Like I said, I hope I never need it, but it would be a nice peace of mind.

 

[Mr. Pickle]

Here is my cage I had done last year. I designed this with a backseat in mind. It is tied to the frame, and I have harness seats bolted to the cage. But, I allowed for access to the rear seat from the front. The top fits on as well. I used 2" tube for mine.

Can you post a few more pics please?

 

[nvrenuf]

Can you post a few more pics please?

+1

 

[jt512]

Here is my cage I had done last year. I designed this with a backseat in mind. It is tied to the frame, and I have harness seats bolted to the cage. But, I allowed for access to the rear seat from the front. The top fits on as well. I used 2" tube for mine.

I love that cage!!!!! More pics would be great that is one one best looking passenger sections I have seen.

 

[TDAWG1]

yes is there a write up on that cage or some more photos

 

[lectric80]

Bringing this back up.

Anybody here with software want to create a basic 4 point cage for the rear of a Blazer, and give me approximate length of DOM to order? Basically a front hoop, rear hoop angled forward to clear the top and tailgate, and a cross through the center joining the two hoops, with a pair of straight tubes running between the front and rear as well. Something like Desert Rat's design in the back posted by NorCalKid above, including the two tubes running just above the bedsides. Nothing will extend into the half cab portion of the Blazer.

Prices are coming down a bit, and I want to have the tube down to him by next month, but I need to plan for the cash to buy it in bulk and save a few $$$.

 

[nvrenuf]

bump! How about some more pic mcwright!