Can I Bolt My Roll Cage Instead of Welding?

A roll cage is a safety device used on race cars as well as some street machines. The purpose of a roll cage is to protect the occupant or occupants of the vehicle in the event of an accident, particularly if the accident involves a rollover. A roll cage is made of tubular steel installed in the interior of the vehicle and usually hugs the inside panels. A roll cage can be bolted into a car, or it can be welded in.

Bolt-In Roll Cage Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of installing a bolt-in roll cage is the fact that it is far easier to install than a weld-in cage. A weld-in cage requires that the base of the cage be welded to the interior of the vehicle, which not only takes welding equipment but knowledge of how to weld. To install a bolt-in roll cage, you must first drill holes into the interior of the vehicle that correspond with holes in the base plate of the roll cage. The roll cage is then positioned in the interior of the vehicle and bolts are inserted through the holes in the base of the cage and the chassis. Nuts are then fastened from the opposite side that hold the cage in place. Bolt-in roll cages are also relatively easy to remove, should the need arise, though they will leave bolt holes in the chassis.

Bolt-In Roll Cage Disadvantages

If you are installing a bolt-in roll cage in a race car, it may not be legal for some racing classes or organizations. Depending on the class and racing body, the organization may require that the roll cage be welded to the vehicle rather than welded in. Consult the organization you are racing with to determine if it requires a weld-in roll cage. Roll cages that are bolted on are not as rigidly attached as weld-in cages, so they may not function quite as well as weld-in cages. A roll cage adds rigidity to a vehicle's chassis, which can benefit its handling and stability. However, a bolt-in roll cage will not provide as much rigidity as a weld-in roll cage.

Weld-In Roll Cage Advantages

A roll cage that is welded to the vehicle's chassis will be more rigid than a bolt-in cage since it is connected directly to the vehicle. Weld-in roll cages are required for certain racing classes, so they may be necessary for racing where a bolt-in roll cage would not be legal.

Weld-In Roll Cage Disadvantages

If you having the roll cage installed by someone else, a weld-in roll cage will be far more expensive to install because of the amount of labor and expertise required for installation. A roll cage that is welded into a vehicle's interior is far more difficult to remove than one that is held on with bolts since the welds will need to be cut and ground out of the interior.

References

• Roll Cage Components
• Rocket Car: About Roll Cages
• Off Road Web: 14 Ways to Build a Better Roll Cage