Nick DV
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 01:04 PM |
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Roll Cage Question
Please note that I do not want to start any arguments regarding whether or not a roll cage is MSA/FIA spec etc, etc.!!!!
My posting is regarding the price of cages, or in my case part of a roll cage, and I would like to get some feedback from those in the know.
My car is a Dax Rush, and it has a rear hoop with forward facing side inpact bars/stays (pics in my archive). This is acceptable by the MSA for use in
sprints/hillclimbs (I have a letter from the MSA stating that fact) but as I would like some front/top protection, I have made enquires about having a
front hoop and top bar set up made that could bolt on to my existing set up. The front end would bolt to plates welded to the main part of the chassis
for max strength, the top bars to the existing roll over hoop. I do not intend to race the car, only use it for hillclimb/sprint/trackdays.
Given the average price that some of the well known fabricators are charging for a full cage, I estimated that the cost would be no more than £500 - I
would like to think it would be less! However, the quote that I have received is over double that!!!
Now I like to think that I know a bit about the way things are designed and what goes into making them, but would someone enlighten me if I am way out
on my estimation or whether the quote I have is actually far too high!
All feedback is most welcome 
Cheers, Nick
"The force will be with you, always!"
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iank
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 01:27 PM |
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Well bespoke always costs a little more than off the shelf.
But for two long bits with single bends, a straight bit (or two if you have a roof diagonal) two clamps and two plates >£1000 seems very rich to
me.
I'd have expected it to be much closer to your estimate.
Have you tried MK engineering (not sportscars)
From their website
Martin Keenan: Telephone numbers: Home: 01709 815740 Mobile:07956397404
E-Mail: martin@keenan7060.freeserve.co.uk
Address: 2, Addison Road, Maltby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S66 8DG
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
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eddie99
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 01:30 PM |
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As above, i'd try around a few other places, unfortunately they are probably charging you for more of the design as people with designs already
done are churning them out easier. I would be surprised if you get down below £500 but i would have thought a little bit more would get the job
done.
EDIT: thinking about it a bit more and whats involved. I wouldn't pay much over £500
[Edited on 6/6/11 by eddie99]
http://www.elitemotorsporteng.co.uk/
Twitter: @Elitemotoreng
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elite-Motorsport-Engineering/153409081394323
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NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
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TimC
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 01:42 PM |
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Find a local fabrication firm or, if you can sketch exactly what you want, someone like Merlin will be able to do the bends. You'll then need
to sort out the profile-cutting and welding.
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Nick DV
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 01:45 PM |
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Ian - My thinking exactly. MK would be a little to far for me to travel, but thanks anyway.
Eddie - I thought that around the £500 was a good and fair estimate, or maybe as you say a little more. (The price I was quoted was plus VAT!!) I will
shop around though.
Tim - Another one I thought of. Merlin is a good bet for the materials and bends, and I go there a fair bit. There is also a couple of rally prep
places not too far from me.
Cheers, Nick
[Edited on 6/6/11 by Nick DV]
"The force will be with you, always!"
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mark chandler
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 01:45 PM |
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Hello Nick
If you are willing to weld then flat pack, front hoop, side bars and diagonal should be ~£200 above this and they are being greedy 
You will need 6m CDS tube, this retails at £70-£100 depending upon size required to MSA regs.
Bends are £15 each, so 2 x 90degree front hoop and 2 x 30degree on side bars.
Fitted is a different matter but should be 1/2 days work at £50 per hour is only another £200 !
tom@tube-bender.co.uk quoted me £200 for the above as a flat pack + postage last week using 38mm x 2.5 CDS.
Regards Mark
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Nick DV
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 01:49 PM |
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Thanks Mark, another one that supports my estimate I will also look up the tube bender chap.
Cheers, Nick
"The force will be with you, always!"
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Neil P
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 02:28 PM |
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I'm planning on doing the same thing. What type of brackets are you planing on using to fix to the rear hoop?
Neil
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iank
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 02:41 PM |
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Roll cages typically use this style
eBay Item
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
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Nick DV
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 03:03 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by iank
Roll cages typically use this style
eBay Item
I doubt I will use these. I will attach the top bars to the rear in the same way the Tiger cages are fixed - a curved plate on the end of the top bar
and bolt through the rear hoop. I will post a pic later.
Cheers, Nick
"The force will be with you, always!"
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femster87
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 03:23 PM |
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Hi Mate, I just dropped of my car yesterday at MKengineering for a roll cage, and its miles cheaper than that. I think that price is just abit too
much. I also had a quote from someone very close to you I would U2U details, its less than £500. Plus he is mobile and quite close to you.
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Nick DV
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 03:41 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by femster87
Hi Mate, I just dropped of my car yesterday at MKengineering for a roll cage, and its miles cheaper than that. I think that price is just abit too
much. I also had a quote from someone very close to you I would U2U details, its less than £500. Plus he is mobile and quite close to you.
That would be spot on if you could let me have those details, I would be most grateful 
Cheers, Nick
"The force will be with you, always!"
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lewis
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 04:06 PM |
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Hi mate I just finished my own rollcage,jus had a roll hoop welded in before I started so for a full cage Inc rear struts cost me about £250 Inc bends
and delivery a bit of time on your side fabricating will save lots of pennies and get someone else to weld it there is a good computer prog to help
you work out tube angles mitres ect see my post about fitting my cage it's not to hard. Lewis.
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procomp
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 06:14 PM |
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Hi
If you have no luck give me a call or U2U. I can fabricate and fit a fully MSA compliant front end working to your budget.
Cheers Matt
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Nick DV
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| posted on 6/6/11 at 09:51 PM |
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Lewis - That looks good, and like you say, a good way to save some pennies.
Matt - Thanks for the offer. I know whatever you come up with will be the proper job
This post has certainly given me plenty of options and much food for thought. Just need to sort myself out now, so thanks for all the replies.
Cheers, Nick
"The force will be with you, always!"
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