Another build thread - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

I decided, after watching some in-car video and seeing a bunch of flex between the a-pillar and a-pillar downtube, that it was time to put a cage in the car that was "proper" and would be something I wouldn't rip out again. This being the 3rd rebuild of it, I had some serious learning points from the first two times and wanted to implement ALOT of changes. With that being said, my goals were:
1. Enhance safety
2. Enhance torsional and longitudinal stiffness
3. Build the car in a way which would fit rule sets to keep my idea of a "play toy"
4. Attempt to build a tube frame within the factory sheet metal without doing a full conversion.

With that in mind, I'd always liked the idea of creating a truss structure since it seemed to offer the solutions to #'s 1 & 2, and seemed to more closely mimick a full tube framed car. I figured if I could get the design and stiffness out of the tube structure, I could get rid of alot of the factory sheet metal and get the cars weight down. I had played around with many different designs (modeled on FEA software) and found one which I really liked but ran into problems with packaging.

The solution came from some pictures I found of some of Alans work. He built a cage in a Black camaro which was just what I was looking for. Many thanks to Alan, his great work, and willingness to post pictures and help everyone out as he was a huge help in this build.

On to the pics (some of these were taken with a phone, apologies)

(IMG:http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/silentmover1/IMG00082.jpg)

(IMG:http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/silentmover1/IMG00083.jpg)

(IMG:http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/silentmover1/IMG00085.jpg)

(IMG:http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/silentmover1/P1010004.jpg)

rr97cmaross View Member Profile	Feb 7 2011, 12:50 AM Post #1
Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 83 Joined: 8-February 08 From: SO CAL Member No.: 2,111	I decided, after watching some in-car video and seeing a bunch of flex between the a-pillar and a-pillar downtube, that it was time to put a cage in the car that was "proper" and would be something I wouldn't rip out again. This being the 3rd rebuild of it, I had some serious learning points from the first two times and wanted to implement ALOT of changes. With that being said, my goals were: 1. Enhance safety 2. Enhance torsional and longitudinal stiffness 3. Build the car in a way which would fit rule sets to keep my idea of a "play toy" 4. Attempt to build a tube frame within the factory sheet metal without doing a full conversion. With that in mind, I'd always liked the idea of creating a truss structure since it seemed to offer the solutions to #'s 1 & 2, and seemed to more closely mimick a full tube framed car. I figured if I could get the design and stiffness out of the tube structure, I could get rid of alot of the factory sheet metal and get the cars weight down. I had played around with many different designs (modeled on FEA software) and found one which I really liked but ran into problems with packaging. The solution came from some pictures I found of some of Alans work. He built a cage in a Black camaro which was just what I was looking for. Many thanks to Alan, his great work, and willingness to post pictures and help everyone out as he was a huge help in this build. On to the pics (some of these were taken with a phone, apologies) (IMG:http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/silentmover1/IMG00082.jpg) (IMG:http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/silentmover1/IMG00083.jpg) (IMG:http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/silentmover1/IMG00085.jpg) (IMG:http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/silentmover1/P1010004.jpg)

rr97cmaross View Member Profile	Feb 27 2011, 11:49 PM Post #2
Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 83 Joined: 8-February 08 From: SO CAL Member No.: 2,111	Finally got the shift knob on. I was a bonehead and told Alan the shifter is 1" square, it's not, it's 3/4, so all the work Alan did to grid those flats in (what a PITA to get them square) I had to undo. I ended up just pulling the threaded post back out and it fit perfectly in the 3/4 square. 2 plug welds and I called it good. Much more comfortable and looks good too. Now I just have to learn how to haul my ass out of the car with the HN restraint on.........harder things have been done, like putting a man on the moon........ (IMG:http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/silentmover1/ShiftKnob1.jpg)