Roll cage material

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IVIayheIVI

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Hey fellow Rampers!


So I'm going to my dad's place this weekend and I'm going to get his help in making a roll cage for my rig. He's an experienced fabricator but he's usually working with steel. I know he's got some experience with aluminum, I don't know how much. Also, he's far more used to working on large scale items like farm equipment.


Having noted the above, I was thinking it would be easiest for him to make a roll cage out of steel rod. He suggested if I wanted to use steel rod to go with 3/16, it should be strong enough for a 35 pound truck.


Oh, btw... I upgraded to an MT Pro. I'll get picks when I'm at dad's place and post upon return. ;)


I welcome comments and suggestions on the decision to use steel rod and the size. I've read MANY cage threads on here and gathered about 40 photos from this forum as samples for us to look at before starting the cage. I know lots of people prefer tubing of different types. I'm planning on picking up the materials today after work, and I leave tomorrow for dad's place. I'm just questioning the decision to go with steel rod, and I should really try to get a hold of him before buying materials and see what he can weld. He's got a mig welder btw.
 
Oh nifty, was just doing some reading on chromoly material. I didn't know anything about it aside from the fact that it is one of the recommended materials to use for a roll cage. I didn't realize it can be manipulated like steel.
 
So yeah... after some reading here, looks like chromoly is the way to go, shouldn't be any harder for my dad to weld up for me. 5/16 or 3/8 tubing. I just answered my own question. :p

Unless someone has any other suggestions...
 
nylon 12mm

i used it and it is light and indestructible

i used metal also with very poor results.

imo you need flex and metal cages do not offer that
 
I have to disagree, and it's why I'm making a custom roll cage in the first place. I bent the frame on my XT. I want a roll cage that not only protects the top components on the truck, but makes it more rigid by attaching to and bracing the top of the shock towers.

I appreciate the feedback though! Who knows, I might be looking to make a nylon roll cage in a few months. :D
 
I also used chrome moly. It welds as easy. I used a mig on mine. Just have to watch the heat. The chrome moly is more ridged than other steels. That's the benefit of it. You can use thinner wall and it is still strong. Its rigidity does make it harder to bend, but it is still possible. Solid steel rod would be very heavy. I have a lot of tube on my MT, about 25ft. I added around 4 pounds. Steel rod would be almost 3 times more weight. Some day I want to get fancy and try titanium.
 
RCDAD said:
I also used chrome moly. It welds as easy. I used a mig on mine. Just have to watch the heat. The chrome moly is more ridged than other steels. That's the benefit of it. You can use thinner wall and it is still strong. Its rigidity does make it harder to bend, but it is still possible. Solid steel rod would be very heavy. I have a lot of tube on my MT, about 25ft. I added around 4 pounds. Steel rod would be almost 3 times more weight. Some day I want to get fancy and try titanium.
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You try the titanium first and let me know how it works,too rich for my blood, lol
 
You try the titanium first and let me know how it works,too rich for my blood, lol
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My biggest problem is my skill level. I would love to do it if I had a tig and then some one to train me on titanium. When it comes to a tig I still suck at aluminum. Lol

I just have not had enough practice.
 
i think mine is 3/8 6061 aluminum, my cousin who is a welder/fabricator made it. we may try titanium some time also. might get an xt for that one.

35ccttpics007.webp

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sorry for the pic's but when i see a chance to show off my v1 ramps i can't help it...
 
Yup, already have those pics saved too lol!

So yeah, it sucks living in this part of the world. Why? Cuz a man can't find anything specialized. I was stupid to think I might find moly tubing here. I'll likely go with 1/4" steel rod or something like that. If I don't like the weight, I'll work something out later on. I bought this thing used and it didn't come with a cage at all. I need something to protect it cuz I'm just ITCHING to drive it!!
 
Yup, already have those pics saved too lol!So yeah, it sucks living in this part of the world. Why? Cuz a man can't find anything specialized. I was stupid to think I might find moly tubing here. I'll likely go with 1/4" steel rod or something like that. If I don't like the weight, I'll work something out later on. I bought this thing used and it didn't come with a cage at all. I need something to protect it cuz I'm just ITCHING to drive it!!
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I was not able to find it here either. The small stuff is not very common. I know you wanted to do it this weekend but if you can put it off a little longer here is where I got mine. I'm not sure what part of the rock you live on.

http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?id=250&step=2&top_cat=0
 
Regina Saskatchewan Canada.

No, I'm not waiting lol! It's sitting there whispering... "drive me... DRIVE ME!!!"

If I drive it without a roll cage, with my luck, I'll break something.
 
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