Universal agreement here! Aside from the logistical issues of tunnels and odd shapped floor pans, why aren't cages built with pair of "X" bars on the floor diagonally between the cage feet? That would support all the cage footings, add huge triangulation to the cage making it really stiff, form a triangulated box instead of just an open box, support the main hoop feet like you want for side intrusion, make a great mounting place for the seat "on" the cage.

 

This is how most WRC cages are constructed.

I still personally like the horizontal tube to support the bend in the b-pillar and add strength against side impacts.

 

No problems here, G;

I think you know I meant that as in simplisitic, not simpleton. And you're right. I don't have a clue what that squiggle was about.

You know... you guys and your damned conventions cost me a lot of time and effort today. But... I realized something that tipped the balance. I realized that you guys were really all saying that you loved me and were concerned for my safety. Sorta like when your mother tells you to put your coat on... every 15 seconds. After a while, you just do it. It's only cause she cares, after all.

I was so touched I got out the Sawsall again. Sonzabitches.

 

To know you is to love you John!

 

I did not know that. What a great thread!

 

Man I read this and bust out in huge laughter. You are a riot. What is "right" I'm not so sure but yeah "safe" is the way to go. After posts from Geo I'm going to add the cross bars on my floorpan one day when I cut out the floor and centrally locate my driving position and add a CF/foam sanwich floor. I'll seriously consider adding the passenger side harness bar. I run with no second seat so no bar here except my harness bar. Thanks GEO.

 

Attaboy!

 

FBB, I have GOT to see a photo of your whole car when it's done. I was never certain I would someday own a Porsche. I've just GOT to someday own a Ferrari.

 

John,

You owe me a keyboard. mine has beer in it after reading that.

I love threads like this. I figure in a few years, my bolt in cage will be replaced with a proper cage to the suspension, so I love learning about what people are doing and why.

 

cut,cut,cut,cut,cut....... grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,
grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,
grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,
grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind,grind....

Yep... Sonzabitches.

 

Funny you should mention an 'X' in the main hoop. In the latest issue of Excellence magazine, there is an article on a 997 modified by Manthey Motors that has a full cage (it is a street car though). In a picture of the interior, the main hoop appears to be supported by a large 'X', and the belt bar is on the bars going to the rear seat area, putting it in almost the same location that John had his. They refer to it as a modified version of the factory 996 bolt-in cage. Has anyone seen a factory 996 bolt-in cage ( I assume for the GT-3 Clubsport)? Is the belt bar really in the rear seat? Seems an odd way to do it as it leaves a very long shoulder belt length.

 

John I question almost everything except Newtonian physics and Euclidian geometry. Conventional thinking is not my M.O.

Good luck with the build! I will be following suit later this summer.

 

BTW, I just realized I read the question wrong (ADD I guess). My response was wrong. The X is within the main hoop, not across the floor. Sorry for any misunderstanding.

 

OK... it's done;

A transverse bar, which required a new diagonal. Nothing conventional about my conventionalism, though.

I can't wait to hear the uproar about this transverse bar.

 

Unconventional Conventionalism;

New diagonal and transverse tubes.





The crosstube is sectioned into the tunnel portion of the rear seat base x-member beam.



This is the gussett that reinforces the diagonal tube. Super strong, looks really nice. Hand hammered 14g steel.