Windshield rollcage cross brace

[seckerich]

While it is legal it is not very useful when you can not tie the cage to the chassis above the floor. It will help cage cross strength but will do almost nothing to stiffen the car. Consider the weight up high for almost no gain. Sure looks cool!!

ps. I was looking through an old thread the other day and I was somewhat of a jerk in my response to you. I am sorry, was having a bad day.

[rsportvolvo]

Why can't I tie the roll cage into the uni-body above the floor? Only 6 of the 8 points allowed are near the floor. The other 2 are open. I will be tying into the firewall were the factory strut-to-firewall braces mount. This way I have a load path from the strut towers to the roll cage.

My car will be a bit on the light side so adding a few extra tubes isn't a problem. Since non-required tubes can be any size I can use a smaller diameter piece of tubing for the windshield diagonal. This way I get some added cage stiffness without as big a weight penalty.

You were a jerk to me? If so I don't recall when.

[Greg Amy]

I will be tying into the firewall were the factory strut-to-firewall braces mount. This way I have a load path from the strut towers to the roll cage.

Just ensure you're actually touching the FIREWALL PANEL itself; cars have been bounced and forced to mod their cages because they attached to brackets or braces that attach to the firewall... - GA

[markw]

I believe any additional tubes added are required to be the same diameter as the roll cage in IT. The view can be very obstructed. Here is my view and my windshield braces are smaller than the 1.5 roll cage tube.

YouTube Video

[rsportvolvo]

I believe any additional tubes added are required to be the same diameter as the roll cage in IT. The view can be very obstructed. Here is my view and my windshield braces are smaller than the 1.5 roll cage tube.

YouTube Video

The 2010 GCR states:

9.4.F.3 The required tubing elements must meet the material minimums set forth above. Optional tubing elements may be any size.

[markw]

Well, I guess I was wrong. Anyhow, my point was, racing my car is like looking through a jungle jim. You don't notice it once you start racing, but sitting on the Grid you wonder how you are going to drive it. Fortunately when racing, you are always looking far ahead. If it were my choice, I'd rather have a much a clear view as possible. Since my car is a GT car, there is some torsional stiffness that comes from these added braces.

[Speed Raycer]

A diagonal bar across the windshield would be one of the last bars I'd add. I can think of about 10 other bars that'd give better results.

From FEA that I've seen, you're better off making a diamond l<_>l

Problem is that pesky dashboard and steering column.