Roll Cage, sort of...

[runpasthefence]

Let me start off by saying I have zero experience in cage design, I've never owned a caged car/truck, and I've never required an approved cage for racing or anything like that. I'm a cage virgin.

That said, I've just been thinking of the feasibility of having a custom cage built for my 50 project. I should be putting down around 500hp when it's all said and done, and I find myself wanting a little peace of mind once she's on the road. I should mention that I commute daily on a motorcycle, so this really isn't a huge deal to me, but I'm exploring some options. Here are my thoughts:

• Seat belt/harness anchor points would be substantial
• Rollover and impact accident survival chances could be improved
• Chassis stiffness

BUT, and it's a big but, I don't want to have to tie into my frame rails by going through the rear of the cab like this:

That's for a number of reasons, but mainly because I'm trying to maintain as much usability of the bed as I can.

TL;DR: If I'm not worried about any racing organization approving my cage, is there any advantage to adding a roll cage that doesn't tie to frame rails through the rear, or am I being stupid?

[fredscarryall]

Check this out. Sorry my iPad will only let me post one pic at a time. This is not mine, but I know it was a custom made roll cage.There's a lot of pics. Hope this gives you more ideas. I think a cage would be a lot safer because there are only 4 bolts holding the cab to the frame and would look awesome.

[fredscarryall]

Another

[fredscarryall]

Interior

[fredscarryall]

Back cab

[mr48chev]

If you have a roll bar/cage close to your head inside the truck you not only needed it well padded but need a real good safety harness.

We had a guy who was a member of an OT board get killed in a wreck where he rolled missing some old timer who turned in front of him when he was running at a pretty good clip and best as people could tell he hit his head on the roll bar inside the street/track car. As he was driving a pretty fast sports car at speed they wrote it up to his speeding and not the other drivers negligence for turning in front of him.

[fredscarryall]

Top

[fredscarryall]

Another

[fredscarryall]

Engine bay

[fredscarryall]

Inside bed

[fredscarryall]

Back

[Valarius_Starchaser]

subed same thing going on for my 57.

[Highsider]

Cool photos, Fred.
Thanks for posting.

[runpasthefence]

That is a bad ride...makes me wish I'd gone through the trouble to set my engine back further.

I guess the core of what I'm asking is: is it possible to have a cage that's contained completely in the cab and forward of the firewall that still adds enough safety to justify it.

It's a question that's probably best suited for a professional cage builder, but I was wondering if any of you guys have heard of such a thing.

[fredscarryall]

Here is a great option. I used Rhodes racing for roll cages is my last couple builds. Had to trim some slightly but I was very happy with the outcome. They make one for a 54 chevy truck (will work with 47 to 54)but I have not done one yet. They have been around for years. Here is what there 10 point design is. Takes a lot of guess work out. This is not the exact design for the 54. The 54 design follows the cab contours a lot better. This has to be welded or bolted to the frame all 4 corner. This will make the cab a lot stronger. I know it's also important to tie the back two bars from the cab to the bed. This helps avoid collapse. But the cage can be done without it. It just won't be as strong. But it may not pass safety inspection if you are racing ( depending on how fast you want to go or class)Not sure what you plan on doing with you truck. Whether is drag racing or just for added safety. If you are racing you need to check to see Nhra and Ihra rules. But these guy meet or exceed requirements. Mild steel in $299, Dom is $499, Scca nasa and drift Dom is $599. Make sure you contact Rhodes racing before order to double check rulings I alway do.

[fredscarryall]

Also recommend side roll bar hinges so you can in and out easier. May or may not be allow depending on racing rules.But you ahave to a good 4 or 5 point harness and seat belt tabs. Hinges are $49 and tabs are $20

[fredscarryall]

Seat belt tabs

[Highsider]

Educational thread, thanks to Fred.

[OrrieG]

I have seen a couple of trucks in town that have roll cages and run the back diagonals thru a lexan back window instead of the body.