Co-ordSport Performance Parts – Technical Blog

There are numerous options and variations of Cusco/Saftey 21 Roll Cages so we have put together a guide to help you answer your questions about cages and their fitment, also to help you choose the ideal roll cage for your activities.

This guide includes:

• Bolt in or Weld in?
• Choosing the material
• Selecting Manufacturer & Chassis Code
• Got a Sunroof?
• Choosing the C Pillar Bar Style
• The C Pillar Bar Mount Position
• How many Points?
• Through Dash or Escape Dash
• Accessories
  

 

Cusco Roll Cages (General)

There are a wide range of roll cages available for a broad range of cars, suitable for street, track and competition use. As Cusco has a long line of racing heritage, the structures are based on feedback straight from the competition field, so you can be assured you are receiving quality products.

The standard construction for a Cusco cage is a 40mm diameter tubular frame with joints that can either be welded or bolted. Each leg has a base plate that can be welded into the vehicle or bolted to the body. Cusco’s roll cages are made to order and each one is custom made to fit the driver preference.

1. Bolt in or Weld in?

Bolting the roll cage to your vehicle:

• makes it a much easier job to fit
• gives you the ability to remove it

Welding the roll cage into your car:

• is lighter than bolting the cage in
• gives better rigidity and safety

2. Choosing the Material

>>Cusco D1 Chromoly/CrMo (Chromium Molybdenum)

33% Lighter than Steel Cages : The D1 roll cage uses the material Chromium Molybdenum for the pipes, making it around 33% lighter than the conventional Steel cages.

Lightweight Joints: Lightweight joints are used to increase safety with competition roll bar designed layout

Withstands Light-Medium Impact: Being strategically mounted, and designed from extensive hands on experience, the D1 roll cage has the ability to absorb light to medium impact without jeopardising the structural integrity of the cage.

 

>> Safety 21 CDS (Cold Drawn Seamless) Steel

Affordable: This roll cage is cheaper than the ‘D1 CrMo’ version; beneficial to those on a restricted budget.

Withstands Heavy Impact: The roll cage is cleverly designed and constructed of carbon steel thus the structural integrity is not threatened by heavy impact; recommended for heavy track use.

Higher Rigidity & Safety: As explained above, the material can withstand heavy impact making the roll cage safer all round.

3. Selecting Manufacturer and Chassis Code

>> Go by chassis code

Cusco is manufactured in Japan so not all cars have the same production line and name as its overseas counterpart. In order to ensure the right fitment for your car, you must go by chassis code which can usually be found in your vehicles papers (the code is incorporated in the cars VIN No.)

4. Got a Sunroof?

>> Purchase a sunroof compliant roll cage

Cusco only makes a small number of ‘sunroof compliant’ cages. If you have a sunroof and do not purchase this type of roll cage you will have to make a basic modification in order for the cage to fit your vehicle.

>> Modify roll cage

To modify a roll cage, not designed for a vehicle with a sunroof, you would need to shorten each leg of the roll cage (to compensate for the thickness of the sunroof). NOTE: Fitting a roll cage may mean the sunroof no longer opens.

5. Through Dash or Escape Dash?

If you choose to purchase a roll cage 6 point or higher, you have the option to escape the dash or go through the dash.

>> Through Dash (‘A’ pillar bar goes through the dashboard) Maintains Rigidity and Safety Installation should be carried out by a professional	>> Escape Dash (‘A’ pillar bar bends around the dashboard) Easier to install Decreases Rigidity and Safety Not recommended for track cars

6. Choosing the C Pillar Bar Style

Choosing the style of your C Pillar bar is just another technique to ensure the roll cage suits your needs to the best it can. There are currently 3 styles available:

>> Window Style

* For diagram see image (right); click to enlarge

The C Pillar bar is bent out and runs along the edge of the rear window going around the rear seats.

• Predominately used on 2-door vehicles as it ensures their rear seats are still accessible.
• Allows you to keep your car as close to stock as possible.

>> Roof Style

* For diagram see image (right); click to enlarge

The C Pillar bar runs along the edge of the roof and down the C Pillar, over the rear seats, to the C Pillar mounting position.

• Predominately used on 4-door vehicles as it ensures the rear seats are easily accessed & left intact.

>> Race Style

* For diagram see image (right); click to enlarge

The C Pillar bar runs directly through the rear seats (the shortest distance between the B Pillar Bar to the C Pillar Mounting position).

• The sturdiest configuration for the C Pillar bars
• Requires the removal of rear seats and interior trims.
• Recommended for 2-seater vehicles and regular track users

7. The C Pillar Bar Mount Position

The position where the C Pillar bar will mounted is pre-determined by Cusco (for each individual car) as, with their kn0wledge and experience, they can ensure the position gives maximum strength and safety.

8. How Many Points?

The number of points determines the roll cage’s size and number of bars. A general rule is: anything below 5 point will only have B and C pillar bars; anything above 6 point will have A, B and C pillar bars (see image). Since there is no universal pattern amongst roll cage manufacturers, the mounting point system is easy.

View the chart below to decide how many points you prefer:

Cusco D1 Chromoly 4-8 point Rollcages (above)

Cusco Saftey21 4-15 point Rollcages (above)

9. Accessories

Last of all, you have the option to purchase accessories. These include:

Coloured Padding for the bars	Roll Cage Reinforcement Plates	Removable Driver Side Protection Bars

We hope this guide has helped!

If you have any queries regarding Cusco’s roll cages please feel free to contact us or your local Cusco Distributor/Dealers.

Click here to buy a Cusco Roll Cage from PartBox or ring us on: +44 (0)121 661 62 63 for any advice

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 26th, 2011 at 3:59 pm and is filed under Any Car!, Cusco / Safety 21 / Carrosser. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.