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Roll Cage Talk

swettysblazer

swettysblazer

Swetty The Yeti
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I am at the point where I want to put a cage in my truck. I am thinking of starting with the DIY4X cage, and building off of there. Now, I have a few questions and if anyone has any experience I would appreciate it.

First, in a regular cab truck, who has run this cage? I'm 6'3 and don't want to buy the cage and then realize that I don't fit in the cab anymore. Has anyone of a similar stature run this cage in a regular cab truck? Any suggestions?

Next, I am thinking of going through the dash. Best way to go?

Also, I was thinking of adding an X into the top halo, and also maybe a windshield bar and an X in the back wall of the cab. I am also going to be doing seats and harnesses at the same time. Any input on this stuff would be greatly appreciated.
 
Do not be afraid to cut and sleeve straight sections. You may need to do this to get the cage as tight as possible. Doing this down by the floor plates is a good idea.

As many x braces as possible. If they are gonna be in the way use inserts so you can remove said tube ( such as by the back window.

Going through the dash is best although it can be difficult to get right.

Getting a stick of 1.75 and a stick of 1.5 before you start will be a good idea. Maybe 2 sticks of 1.75 depending on how much bracing.

Tack everything no final welding till all tubes are inserted in their place.

If you have a bad weld cut it out and redo it.

I'm sure I'll think of other stuff
 
On my blazer I dropped it down through the floor so I could weld the tops ok and then I raised it to the desires spot and burned it into my sliders.

You definitely need an x behind the seats

20121010_210804.jpg
 
Plan on starting my cage in my first Gen in a week or two. No advice to give I just fabricate. Hope it builds itself like the rest of my projects. I'm gonna scratch build it tho bc I want to tie certain parts of the body together with the cage since I no longer run torsion boxes n my body wants to fold up
 
obijuank5 said:
dropped it down through the floor so I could weld the tops ok and then I raised it to the desires spot
Click to expand...

yeah, i lucked out on my K5 in that my floor was out, so i was able to drop it for my welding...
 
Where is your fuel tank? Cut out a K5 floor and weld it in to get rid of the tank hump.... Your melon will thank me haha.
 
You'll definitely have to drop the cage to fully weld it, or get creative.

Also don't be afraid to use ratchet straps to pull a tube into place.

Build with measurements finalize with your eyeball.

If you think your head might hit the cage it will. Don't be afraid to spend 10 hours getting something just right. Oh and use antispatter spray
 
blazinzuk said:
You'll definitely have to drop the cage to fully weld it, or get creative.

Also don't be afraid to use ratchet straps to pull a tube into place.

Build with measurements finalize with your eyeball.

If you think your head might hit the cage it will. Don't be afraid to spend 10 hours getting something just right. Oh and use antispatter spray
Click to expand...
I did this, pretty much wasted tube and sleeved it where I needed and that made the fit sooo much better, almost to the point where if not a race vehicle id prob bend the corners and section the middle so that I didn’t have to worry about the width. That way it’s nice and tight and tight leaves no room for the body to flex. Tying it all together makes for a safe stout cage.
 
Thanks for the advice so far. Keep it coming, this i going to be a big undertaking for me.
 
At your size it may become necessary. Get in the truck and move around. See how close your head is too stuff.

Most of the exos I have done are because you couldn't fit an interior cage.

Neither is easier or harder. Both have challenges.
 
This thread comes at the perfect time as I’m planning on building my cage in January.

I was under the impression that I could gain enough access for welding by dropping the front legs through the floor. Is it really necessary to drop all 4? I plan on pulling the windshield too.
 
skunked said:
This thread comes at the perfect time as I’m planning on building my cage in January.

I was under the impression that I could gain enough access for welding by dropping the front legs through the floor. Is it really necessary to drop all 4? I plan on pulling the windshield too.
Click to expand...

Back then I sucked at most things and didn't really know what I was doing. Now with some more fab experience it doesnt seem necessary but was still helpful for easy access to my shitty notches.
 
You could put the b pillar out past the end of the cab, then run the a pillar tubes inside. You might have to cut the interior skin out of the way for head clearance. I had to lower my seating position because of the location of my b pillar..
 
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