Need nasa regulations on roll cages and roll bars... specifically the sizes of the tubing used in the roll bars and cages.. whats legal and what isnt..

 

http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/ccr.pdf

11.4.7 Roll Bars
All open cars should have a roll bar installed to help protect the occupant(s) from injury
during a roll-over. The roll bar should be able to withstand the compressional forces
involved in supporting the full weight of the car. The roll bar’s main hoop should extend
the full width of the car (except certain cars that have been approved by NASA). The
main hoop shall be one continuous piece with smooth bends and no evidence of
crimping or wall failure shall be present (i.e. should be Mandrel bends). All welds should
be of the highest possible quality, with full penetration [Ref15.5.15)]. All cars with roll
bars are required to have adequate roll bar padding per CCR section #15.5.4. In cases
where the driver’s head may come in contact with the roll bar should the seatback fail, a
seatback brace is required in conformance with section #15.5.22. The material and
minimums are as follows: (All cars with full roll cages should conform to the applicable
sections found in section #15.0.)
Vehicle weight DOM or ERW
Under 2000 lbs. 1.50" x .120”
2001 - 3500 lbs. 1.75" x .120"
Over 3500 lbs. 2.00" x .120"
Vehicle weight Alloy (CM)
Under 1500 lbs. 1.375" x .095”
1501 - 2500 lbs. 1.625" x .095"
Over 2500 lbs. 2.000" x .095"

Roll Cage
(See diagram at end of section)
15.5.1 Purpose
The basic purpose of the roll cage is to protect the occupant in case of a rollover or a
collision. It must be able to withstand the weight of the car landing on the roof. These
rules apply to all classes, unless otherwise superseded by the class rules. Cars
homologated by, or built to the specifications of, SCCA, IMSA, and Grand AM must
conform to these rules, or may conform to their respective current class rules for roll
cage requirements. It is the responsibility of the driver to have these (non-NASA) rules
in his/her possession.
15.5.2 Intent
Chassis stiffening is a side benefit of a good roll cage system, but it is not the intent of
these rules. Parts of the cage deemed by the Chief Scrutineer, to serve no practical
purpose other than chassis stiffening may be considered in violation of the intent of
these rules (Note: Some class rules allow for chassis stiffening.). The Chief Scrutineer
may order the removal of said parts, or require that the vehicle owner redesign,
reconstruct, and re-certify the roll cage if warranted. The removal or redesign of the
cage, whole or in part, to comply with these rules, does not imply that penalties will not
be issued for violating the intent of these rules.
15.5.3 Installation
The cage may be removable or may be permanently welded, or any combination
thereof, providing that all aspects of the cage meet these rules.
15.5.4 Padding
All roll cage surfaces that may come in contact with the driver shall be padded with highdensity
padding such as Ethafoam or Ensolite. It is recommended that padding meeting
SFI specification 45.1 be used.
15.5.5 Bends
None of the tubing may show any signs of crimping or wall failure. All bends must be
Mandrel type. The center radius of the bends may not be less than three (3) times the
outside diameter of the roll cage tubing.
15.5.6 Main Hoop
The main roll cage hoop shall be as wide as the full width of the interior and must be as
close to the roof as possible without violating CCR section #15.5.2 Inspection. One
continuous length of roll bar tubing shall be used as the main hoop. The main hoop
must consist of not more than four (4) bends maximum, totaling one hundred eighty
(180) degrees +/- ten (10) degrees.
15.5.7 Diagonal Brace
At least one (1) diagonal brace shall be used in the same plane as the main hoop. One
end of the diagonal brace shall attach to the corner, or horizontal part, of the main hoop
above the driver’s head, within twelve (12) inches of the driver’s-side corner. The other
end of the diagonal brace shall attach to the mounting plate (or to the main hoop as
close to the mounting plate as practically possible) diagonally opposed to the driver’s
head (passenger floor).
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15.5.8 Forward Hoops (Option 1)
The forward hoops shall extend from the main hoop (in a forward direction) to the floor
by following the roof and the “A” pillar of the car. There shall be a bar connecting the
two (2) forward hoops at the top of the windshield mounted as close to the roof as
possible without violating CCR Section #15.5.20 Inspection. The forward hoops shall
incorporate no more than four bends each. Optionally a “15.5.9 Halo Hoop (Option 2)”
or “15.5.10 Front Hoop (Option 3)” construction may also be acceptable.
15.5.9 Halo Hoop (Option 2)
A “halo bar” extends from the main hoop (in a forward direction) following the roof line to
the windshield then following along the top of the windshield, then following the roof line
back to the main hoop, thus creating a “halo” over the driver’s head. A “halo” bar shall
be constructed of one continuous piece of tubing. One (1) down tube following the “A”
pillar must support the “halo” on each side of the car. The down tubes shall incorporate
no more than two (2) bends each.
15.5.10 Front Hoop (Option 3)
A “front hoop” is a bar that extends up from the floor, then follows the “A” pillar up to the
roof, then follows the roof line across the top of the windshield, then back down the other
“A” pillar, and then terminates on the floor. There must be one (1) horizontal bar
(following the roof line) connecting the main hoop and the forward hoop on each side of
the car. The front hoop shall incorporate no more than four (4) bends.
15.5.11 Rear Braces
The main hoop must have two (2) braces extending to the rear. The braces shall be
attached as near as possible to the top of the main hoop, and no more than six (6)
inches below the top. The braces must not contain any bends. There must be at
least 30 degrees between the plane of the main hoop and the plane of the rear braces.
The main hoop rear braces shall be installed to form no more than a one hundred five
(105) degree angle or no less than a seventy (75) degree angle with the main hoop
when viewed from the top. The main hoop braces may be mounted at the rear shock
mounts or suspension pickup points (providing that the braces remain in compliance with
all other sections of the CCR). They may go through any rear bulkheads provided the
bulkhead is sealed around the cage braces.
15.5.11.A Rear Braces - Exceptions
On cars where the rear window/bulkhead prohibits the installation of rear braces
(Porsche 914, Pontiac Fiero, etc.) the main hoop must be attached to the body by plates
welded to the cage and bolted to the stock shoulder harness mounting location. There
must also be a diagonal bar connecting the top of the main hoop to the lower front
passenger side mounting point (“Petty bar”). Some cars built for racing in other
recognized sanctioning bodies may be granted a waiver of this rule, however they must
show proof of compliance with the current published rules for their class.
15.5.12 Door Bars / Side Impact Protection
At least one (1) door bar on driver side and one (1) on the passenger side must be used.
Door bars on the passenger side are optional. The driver’s door window glass, window
operating mechanism, armrest, map pockets, door panel, and inside door latch may be
removed providing that is for the sole purpose of installing “NASCAR” style door bars.*
The stock side impact beam, if equipped, and the outside door latch/lock mechanism
shall not be removed or modified.
59
*This gutting of the door is only permitted on driver’s door and, if undertaken, the roll
cage must incorporate at least two (2) NASCAR style door bars that extend into the
door. Certain class rules may supersede this rule. “NASCAR Style” means to NASCAR
specification in regard to configuration. For example, the two required bars should be
parallel with respect to each other, and contain the appropriate vertical support tubes.
See NASCAR rules for more information.
15.5.13 Mounting Points
The roll cage shall be mounted to the floor of the car in six, seven, or eight points. The
cage shall not go through the firewall. The seventh and eighth points must attach to the
firewall or front fender wells. All cage attachment points must be mounted to plates.
Each required cage bar shall terminate on a plate with a 360 degree weld to the
mounting plate, except as specified in Section 15.5.14.B. There shall be only one (1)
mounting “point” per plate. This point is defined as where the “required tube” mounts.
All additional tubes mounted to that plate must be mounted as close to the required tube
as possible [Ref: (15.5.14.B)].
15.5.14 Mounting Plates
Each mounting plate shall be no greater than 100 square inches and no greater than 12
inches or less than 2 inches on a side. Welded mounting plates shall be at least 0.080-
inch thick. Plates may extend onto vertical sections of the structure. Any mounting plate
may be multi-angled, but shall not exceed 100 square inches total including vertical
sections. Each mounting plate should have an area of not less than nine (9) square
inches.
15.5.14.A Mounting Plates – Bolt-In Cage
The attaching points of a bolt-in cage to the body must use reinforcing plates to
sandwich the body. At least three (3) bolts are required for each bolt-in plate and the
plate must be at least 3/16 inch thick. All hardware must be SAE Grade 5 or better with
5/16” diameter minimum. All nuts must be held securely by a locking system such as
safety wire, lock washer, Ny-lox, or jam-nuts.
15.5.14.B Tube / Mounting Plate Specifications
Any number of tubes may attach to a plate so long as they are touching each other at
the plate. There may be a small gap between tubes to allow welding 360 degrees
around each tube. If there is no gap between the tubes, they must be welded around
the base as much as possible to form a single figure-eight weld, AND the tubes must be
welded to each other two (2) inches up from the base plate.
15.5.15 Welds
All welding must be of the highest quality with full penetration and shall conform to the
American Welding Society D1.1, 1994 Edition, Structural Welding Code, Chapter 10,
Tubular Structures and Standards for the material used. Arc welding should be used
whenever possible. It is strongly recommended that the welder inspect all welds using
Magnaflux™, x-ray, or other effective methods. All tubes must be welded 360-
degrees around the circumference of the tube.
15.5.16 Tube Structure Design / Body
Tubes may touch the body in any place (not to violate CCR section #15.5.2 Inspection),
but shall not be attached anywhere except as permitted by CCR Section #15.5.11.A
Rear Braces - Exceptions. No deformation of the interior body panels is permitted,
except that the horizontal part of the sheet metal between the main hoop and the top of
the “A” pillar (next to the driver’s and/or passenger’s head), may be pushed in to
60
accommodate the roll cage. The intent of this allowed deformation is strictly to allow for
more headroom for the driver and/or passenger.
15.5.17 Additional Reinforcement
Any number of additional reinforcing bars are permitted within the structure of the cage
provided that they are installed strictly for safety and do not violate CCR Section #15.5.2
Intent. This rule does not permit reinforcements in classes with spec cages.
All required bars must be made of the same material and meet with at least the minimum
specifications for size and thickness.
15.5.18 Roll Cage Tubing Sizes
For the purposes of determining roll bar tubing sizes, vehicle weight is as raced, but
without fuel and driver. Note: There is an allowance of minus 0.010 inches on all tubing
thicknesses. Minimum tubing size for the roll cage is:
Up to 1500 lbs.
1.375” x 0.095” DOM/Alloy/Seamless
1501 - 2200 lbs.
1.500” x 0.095” DOM/Alloy/Seamless
(No issuance of log books for cars with ERW cages being certified after April 30th, 2003)
2201 - 3000 lbs.
1.500” x 0.120” DOM/Alloy/Seamless
1.750” x 0.095” DOM/Alloy/Seamless
(No issuance of log books for cars with ERW cages being certified after April 30th, 2003)
3001 - 4000 lbs.
1.750” x .120” DOM/Alloy/Seamless.
No ERW allowed.
Over 4000 lbs.
2.000” x 0.120” DOM/Alloy/Seamless.
No ERW allowed.
15.5.19 Bending Allowances
If the maximum number of bends is exceeded all components shall be made from the
tubing size listed for the next heavier category and must be approved by a NASA race
tech station or scrutineer.
15.5.20 Inspection
A 3/16-inch inspection hole must be drilled in each of the required bars in a non-critical
area for the purpose of determining wall thickness. All welds, except those mounted to
plates on the floor, must be accessible for inspection (360 degrees).
15.5.21 Head Restraint
A head restraint must be used to help prevent whiplash. The head restraint shall have a
minimum area of thirty-six (36) square inches and be padded with a non-resilient
material such as Ethafoam or Ensolite with a minimum thickness of one (1) inch. It is
recommended that padding meeting SFI specification 45.1 be used.
61
15.5.22 Seat Back Support
A seatback support must be made to hold the seat from going back in the event of a
crash. A plate should be used to distribute the load. No bolts, corners, or sharp objects
should be placed is such a manner that could lead to a possible puncture of the driver in
a high impact crash. Proper design and installation is crucial to safety and it is
recommend that the driver employ the services of a professional race car builder for this,
as well as all other vehicle safety items. An exception may be made for those seats
homologated to, and mounted in accordance, with FIA 8855-1999 standards. Those
seats that qualify for the aforementioned exception must conform to the entire FIA 8855-
1999 set of regulations. This includes a mandatory seat replacement of any seat more
than five (5) years old. Please reference the FIA regulations. http://www.fia.com/

 

um , who designed that "cage" ??

 

lol that rawks, where'd you get it from?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mike C &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">lol that rawks, where'd you get it from?</TD></TR></TABLE>

his other post.

 

well... it'll pass tech for hpde, but that is only because you don't need a rollbar/cage for hpde. race tech? it'll fail miserably, in under 5 seconds.

 

he thought i was lying

and looking at the finished pics closely the welds look like buger welds.

 

WHAT THE **** IS THAT!!???

Seriously Jamie for a second I was like man I hope you're making some sort of jungle gym in the back of your car (then realized 92-95) for some reason for Burt Reynolds.

:whew: That was a close one.

Seriously though who made that?....and thought it was a good idea?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tur*bLu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well it was built buy a pro NHRA drag racer and to NHRA specs. But is it legal for other sanctioned events? Ill have to find out once I have to time to get it cert'd.</TD></TR></TABLE>

from this thread https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1045135

heres the rest of the pics

 

so what exactly is wrong with it? I see that bends are not allowed, this cage was built in a fast time for the street. The X is to stiffen up the chassis. Seriously this is all a learning experience for me... and the welding will all be redone, this was simply a test fitment... thanks... btw... the cage is made of 1.75" by .34 DOM material..a little thicker than .12.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tur*bLu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">so what exactly is wrong with it? I see that bends are not allowed, this cage was built in a fast time for the street. The X is to stiffen up the chassis. Seriously this is all a learning experience for me... and the welding will all be redone, this was simply a test fitment... thanks... btw... the cage is made of 1.75" by .34 DOM material..a little thicker than .12.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Well, everything is wrong with it. There is no triangulation in that cage except for the back which does NOTHING!


Do a search on this forum. Take a look at most of the other IT legal cages, and go from there! Use 1.5" .120 wasll to be safe, and do some research before you start again.

The harness does not look safely mounted, and there is no diagnal in the plane of the main hoop. The rear kickers can't have any bends. NONE!
That is just to start....

Please do A LOT of research before you begin again...

 

why even bother with the back seat?

actually, if you just made two diagonal rear bars from the top corner of the main hoop to the rear anchors, itd be fine and wouldnt be different than the standard roll bar except youd have a lot more extraneous metal.

its the bent rear bars at almost 90 degrees that basically make everyone cringe, and the silly cross bar you have in the rear.

 

the reason for the back seat was I use this car daily. I wanted to build around a full interior. The person who built this is a very experienced cage builder. The X is just his signature piece. The welds are done like that because it was done in a quick time for fitment. So I guess I have to settle with having just another BLING cage...BTW, the kirks bolt in has the 90* bend in the back too(as in VTECVOODOO's old car)... thanks for the help guys... next one will be better now that I have proper knowledge. Sorry it upset some of you guys... And yes the harness will be remounted correctly, just waiting on my proper harness, this was borrowed from his race car...

 

&lt;screaming&gt; My eyes, my eyes!

yeah, next time if you are looking to have your cage pass any type of "tech" then get a rulebook from the sanctioning body that you wish to "tech" your car.

 

hey did you buy a kit? im looking for a kit for my ek coupe. i have over 5 years of welding exsp. but i dont have the time nor machine-ary? to bend piping. dose anyone know where i can get a diy weld together cage kit. thanks

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by average_boost &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">hey did you buy a kit? im looking for a kit for my ek coupe. i have over 5 years of welding exsp. but i dont have the time nor machine-ary? to bend piping. dose anyone know where i can get a diy weld together cage kit. thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>


PM user joestypes he can send you a DIY kit, I bought something like that from him except i had him weld the main hoop. HIs welds are BAD ***

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tur*bLu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the reason for the back seat was I use this car daily. I wanted to build around a full interior. The person who built this is a very experienced cage builder. The X is just his signature piece. The welds are done like that because it was done in a quick time for fitment. So I guess I have to settle with having just another BLING cage...BTW, the kirks bolt in has the 90* bend in the back too(as in VTECVOODOO's old car)... thanks for the help guys... next one will be better now that I have proper knowledge. Sorry it upset some of you guys... And yes the harness will be remounted correctly, just waiting on my proper harness, this was borrowed from his race car...

</TD></TR></TABLE>

People are only "upset" because we'd hate to see anyone get hurt by expecting that cage to provide any safety. I can't argue with your statement that the builder is very experienced in cage design because I don't know who your builder is, but I CAN say that it sure doesn't show in their work. If I'm riding in your back seat, I'm not too sure if I would appreciate their "signature" X-brace within a foot of my head, but that's just me. All it does in endanger your passengers, add weight, and potentially restrict vision. Quite a signature

As for the Kirk cage, they never had a 90* bend in the rear supports. The DID used to have a bend (much less than 90*) and they have since stopped producing that cage unless you ask for it (they told me directly over the phone that they had customers have trouble passing tech with the bends, no matter how gradual or strong).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mike C &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well... it'll pass tech for hpde, but that is only because you don't need a rollbar/cage for hpde. race tech? it'll fail miserably, in under 5 seconds.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I know for NASA HPDE if you have a roll cage, it must meet their requirements.

 

and the bend is a 70* bend. the same angle used in hoops...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tur*bLu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">and the bend is a 70* bend. the same angle used in hoops...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Basketball Hoops?