Sorry if there are some good posts about this already, I couldn't find much information....

I am at the stage where I want to start to tandem and need to get a roll cage, I want it to pass all rule books for the top levels for future use(if i ever get that good :-p)

But my question is: what brands are legal and good quality or should I Build my own/does anyone have experience with this? I have found limited info on this subject

-hooman

 

If you want to compete seriously just have a cage built. If your cage builder just goes by Formula D standards you should be able to pass tech for most (if not all) competitions in the U.S.

You can find their requirements for cages in their rule book on their website.

 

sometimes you can find pre cut cages on the internet, these meet a lot of requirements for most drifting. usually if you have door bars, and everything is welded together good you'll be fine.

Bolt in cages are USELESS

 

i have the ability to get everything welded, just no pipe bender, thats why i was thinking prefab pipe that I weld in myself might be cheapest/best?

 

Custom is the only way to go.

 

Ive always like the idea of a bolt in cage, but are they legal for drift comp?

I understand the weld-in is optimal but bolt in cages cant be THAT bad lol...def better than nothing...

 

Most competitions require boxed welds. Actually never heard of a serious competition that allowed bolt in cages.

 

I think there use to be a few sanctioning bodies that allowed bolt ins years ago but now pretty much everyone follows the formula d (the proams) or nasa rules (XDC) which require weld in cages.

 

Hmm interesting, makes sense meow

 

Anyone ever made this themselves or everybody take it to a shop?

 

the major issue with building your own is it requires a mandrel bender and they are expensive(starting around 1500 iirc for the machine and dies for a manual bender.) the cheap 100-200 dollar pipe bender at harbor freight wont work. these are all crush type benders and when they crush the tubing it weakens it and will not pass any sanctioning body in america. its alot cheaper to take it to a shop and have it custom built

 

bolt in cage with door bars will allow you to run tandem at local events. If you plan on running FD pro am you can usually compete with a bolt in cage with door bars. The only Pro Am event that will require a full FD spec cage is the Pro Am nationals at Irwindale which means you earned a pro license and at that point you will need a full custom FD spec cage anyway. until then run a bolt in and have the ability to drive your car to and from events on the street.