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View Full Version : Got my Cage Installed... Dial Up Beware...



AprilzWarrior
05-16-2005, 01:22 AM
Well I installed an EOR cage in my Grand this weekend. The cage was designed for a ZJ without a sunroof, but I massaged it to fit. I used all different magnets and Welding blankets to cover some areas of the interior. I used my woman's cookie sheet to slide above the cage and headliner before welding. All of the mounts use 3/16” plates above and below the floor. I hid all of the bolts and plates under the carpet for the cleanest look I could achieve. The A&C Pillars are welded and bolted to the floor, and once I build my long arms I will tie the cage into them as well. Also the cage is 1 5/8” DOM.

Here are the pics… Enjoy.
http://fototime.com/0D66F17FE1FB311/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/B9857879040B2EA/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/C2FB3DC6E2475EF/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/F55B3BC84E03A53/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/64FCD7FF868D1D6/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/5FF70943E662E9B/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/95C5EE05BCB305F/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/77D0E75EEBAA25B/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/67570210EF9967D/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/5CB811AA6353339/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/C5222A315CE37CD/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/FD34426D6FD0AF2/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/D8E51114A0EEA9A/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/9F250B2955485E7/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/CDA793C102D3305/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/BA37122BF12073E/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/3F4237B7EB74D11/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/C3C6AD695CDD487/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/87798AA6AA8F215/standard.jpg


All in all the cage is not intrusive for me, being that Im 6’3” 235lbs. I have plenty of head room and leg room still. I hit the whole cage with Gloss Black once I was done and Im very happy.


Thanks
AprilzWarrior

ptownTSI
05-16-2005, 01:56 AM
looks good bro. that things ready for the 9's...8 point with the beams across the dash/windshield like that is NHRA approved.

I cant wait to ride in it, a ZJ that doesnt feel like a flimsy tin can over bumps must be nice.

AprilzWarrior
05-16-2005, 01:59 AM
looks good bro. that things ready for the 9's...8 point with the beams across the dash/windshield like that is NHRA approved.

I cant wait to ride in it, a ZJ that doesnt feel like a flimsy tin can over bumps must be nice.


To my understanding, NHRA cages need to be TIG welded to make specs.


This is all MIG. But I still love it.

Nordic1
05-16-2005, 02:00 AM
Attention whore x2 :flipoff2:

deadman
05-16-2005, 03:50 AM
I am surprised... with your skills I thought you would make one yourself and not buy one. However... it looks good. :smt002

Cody
05-16-2005, 04:15 AM
Kick ass!

norcaljr
05-16-2005, 04:22 AM
I am surprised... with your skills I thought you would make one yourself and not buy one. However... it looks good. :smt002


the bastid didnt buy it :prayer: :prayer: :prayer:



looks good man...... . :supz: :supz: :supz:

JohnBoulderCO
05-16-2005, 08:55 AM
I cant wait to ride in it, a ZJ that doesnt feel like a flimsy tin can over bumps must be nice.

That called a WJ :mrgreen:

That cage looks good!

KevinM
05-16-2005, 10:56 AM
The install looks really clean. Did you end up setting anything on fire? That padding under the carpet is like kindling :mrgreen:

BigDaveZJ
05-16-2005, 11:30 AM
Looks like if I shorten up the B to C spreaders and don't even bother with past that it should work out quite well for my application. Thanks for all of the pics!

Now go roll your shit and let us know how it held up!!!

Swamp boy
05-16-2005, 01:04 PM
Funny you should say that dave.. My first thought was.. Man. Thats nice.. I wonder if I get a dicount cause I dont need anything past the C pillar?? :smt003

Nice Work AW as always.. And Ditto on how did you keep it from setting on fire?? :smt003

Carl

AprilzWarrior
05-16-2005, 01:25 PM
Funny you should say that dave.. My first thought was.. Man. Thats nice.. I wonder if I get a dicount cause I dont need anything past the C pillar?? :smt003

Nice Work AW as always.. And Ditto on how did you keep it from setting on fire?? :smt003

Carl


Thanks guys...


I pulled ALL the Carpet out & Used Tillman Welding Blankets, Fire Proof up to 2500*

Zero over spray, lots of cardboard on top of the cage and headliner, and I also used Alminum Foil LOTS of it, to cover the front headliner and dash board.


All of my carpet and padding was sitting on the shop floor so no burns for me.


Jerod

chadjans
05-16-2005, 01:46 PM
Hope you aren't taller than 5 foot. I'd hit my head on that low thing. And why is there no triangulation in that kit. I don't get it. :goodman:

Chad

BMRisko
05-16-2005, 01:57 PM
Hey Jerod, did they change it up so you can retain full movement of your front seats?

jiddup
05-16-2005, 03:25 PM
Hope you aren't taller than 5 foot. I'd hit my head on that low thing. And why is there no triangulation in that kit. I don't get it. :goodman:

Chad

as he already said he is 6'3" so obviously it isnt something that bothers him or is in his way.

norcaljr
05-16-2005, 06:18 PM
Hope you aren't taller than 5 foot. I'd hit my head on that low thing. And why is there no triangulation in that kit. I don't get it. :goodman:

Chad


we got him one of these... so he should be ok

http://imagiware.com/brian/Corrinne/photos/20020417-helmet.JPG


http://www.bicyclebuys.com/productimages/BELBS4PART.jpg

:smt003 :smt003 :smt003[/img]

Jim311
05-16-2005, 07:08 PM
Orange space robots?!! Hella sweet!




I think the bar that runs down the dash would piss me off.

OverkillZJ
05-16-2005, 07:23 PM
:partyman:

Cue-Ball
05-16-2005, 07:30 PM
I think I would like the B pillar to be a little more forward so that it tucks in behind the pillar better. I know this would limit seat movement possibly though.

I also am not sure I like the location of the A pillar I will have to swing by and take a look at it, but think I would like to push it a little more forward as well to hug the door opening a little better to keep it out of the way a bit more.

Norcal love the helmet pic that was great.

Krash80
05-16-2005, 09:12 PM
looks like you did a real nice job installing it, but i've got to say i was less than impressed with the cage after seeing it installed in Brandon's jeep. I had already purchased one and told EOR to keep it in storage at their shop and that i'd have them install it, but then i rode in Brandon's ZJ at GSMW last year and decided no way in hell that thing was going in my rig.

To start with, the design of the cage seems to be lacking a lot of work that would make it far more ergonomically correct. I'm 6'0", and sitting in Brandon's jeep i felt as if we were to roll over that the crumpling roof would hit me in the head before it hit the overhead spreaders. They really need to bend those 4 bars up to flow w/ the roof lines and sit right next to the overhead console. I realize that more bends equals a higher cost, but to me it would be well worth the added cost for the extra headroom that could save my life.

And it's a good thing you installed the cage yourself Jerod, as when i bought my cage from them i told them I felt most comfortable having them install it at their shop, cause i figured the ones who designed the cage were probably capable of the best installation job....but damn was i wrong. I don't know if any of you saw Brandon's ZJ w/ the cage in it, but it seriously looked as if it was the welder's very first welding project and he did it blindfolded. No joke, the cage i welded in my buddy's YJ w/ my AC stick welder had FAR better welds on it than Brandon's, not to mention his cage only had welds that went around about 75% of the tubing...not even close to being welding all the way around the tube.
And then....if they had installed that cage in my ZJ and done to mine what they did to his interior (ie. burned the crap out of the headliner to the point where it looked like Brandon rolled the ZJ and spilled his lit crack pipe all over the ceiling), i would've gone absolutely nuts and demanded half a new interior.

Anyway, i'm not trying to rip on EOR, as i think it's great that someone finally offers a production cage for a ZJ, but i would say that it seems like you get what you pay for with this cage, hence the low cost. And if any of you are planning on having the cage installed at EOR, find out from Brandon who installed his cage and make sure that guy is in another room while any welding is taking place.

So, i sold my cage at a loss, but was just thankful that i never had it installed in my rig and had the opportunity to see Brandon's in person beforehand. I've since decided to do a full exocage.

-Xavier-

AprilzWarrior
05-17-2005, 11:23 AM
Well,
Since I put the cage in myself I was REALLY CAREFUL with the interior... but I also fit the cage for me... I did some cutting and moving of the pillars but not much different from what the original design was.



And as stated Im over 6 foot and dont have any problems with head room, I do need some padding though.


Jerod

KevinM
05-17-2005, 12:03 PM
Jerod,

What did you do as far as mounting to the floor? I was only able to tie in to the frame/rockrails on the A and B pillars. The C and D are welded to the body. It is pretty sketchy welding the D pillar support right above the gas tank.

I padded my cage with the high density half round padding from www.ioportracing.com. On the top cross bar and the A pillar where the padding would be visible I used their 1/4 round padding so it is not wider than the tube. I had good luck with those guys and I think they are right up near your part of the state.

This is the mini padding

http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RBP-Mini&Category_Code=MDI

Sweet.[/url]

AprilzWarrior
05-17-2005, 05:38 PM
Ok...

A Pillars. Cage is welded to 3/16" Plates which is welded to the uniframe form the interior. I also used another 3/16" Plate under the Frame to sandwich it, with Grade 8 hardware.

B Pillars. Hoop is welded to 3/16" Plates. I also used another 3/16" Plate under the Frame to sandwich it, with Grade 8 hardware.

C Pillars. Hoop is welded to 3/16" Plates which is welded to the uniframe form the interior. I also used 2 smaller plates of 3/16" under the Frame to sandwich it, with Grade 8 hardware. Reason for using 2, not enough room around the frame for a whole plate.

D Pillars. The Rear Kickers are welded to the 3/16" plate, and the plates are only bolted to the floor. I did not weld for the same reason... I didnt need/want a trip to the hospital because of the gas tank.

Im not really crazy about the rear kickers... the way EOR designed them they KILL the cargo area, I did change this some what, BUT Im still not really done back there !




Jerod

Trancezj
05-19-2005, 10:55 AM
I welded my rear kickers. I like my cage fine. I got the base cage because I knew I would add to it later and it wouldn't be hard. I already had no carpet, and I ripped my roofing down before installation. The only way to weld around the tubes 360deg with out burning the roof would be to do it like chadjans did (I think him) where the you cut the holes in the floor and lower the entire cage, which is also the way I beleive to be right. Mine is 360deg, but as I said I have no roofing. I also didn't put any plates on the underbody either. I know I should have, but I had the intentions of making custom 1/8" plates that would contour the floorboard inside and that would solve any push through issues. I've not gotten around to it yet. My feet are welded all over except for the A pillar and they're bolted pretty well. Mine is very strong so far, I've winched off the b pillar when I rolled it (yes tested it good). Didn't seem to budge. I'd certainly go over it with a fine tooth comb after a good roll though.

AprilzWarrior
05-19-2005, 08:41 PM
I welded my rear kickers. I like my cage fine. I got the base cage because I knew I would add to it later and it wouldn't be hard. I already had no carpet, and I ripped my roofing down before installation. The only way to weld around the tubes 360deg with out burning the roof would be to do it like chadjans did (I think him) where the you cut the holes in the floor and lower the entire cage, which is also the way I beleive to be right. Mine is 360deg, but as I said I have no roofing. I also didn't put any plates on the underbody either. I know I should have, but I had the intentions of making custom 1/8" plates that would contour the floorboard inside and that would solve any push through issues. I've not gotten around to it yet. My feet are welded all over except for the A pillar and they're bolted pretty well. Mine is very strong so far, I've winched off the b pillar when I rolled it (yes tested it good). Didn't seem to budge. I'd certainly go over it with a fine tooth comb after a good roll though.


That does help me with some strenght issues that I questioned with the cage, and it sounds like I will be just fine the way my cage is... Its HELLA strong inside, my Jeep drives SO NICE and SMOOTH.

And FWIW winching off one of the pillars is a VERY good test IMO, but I dont care to try it unless I have NO other choice.


Thanks
Jerod

Kraqa
05-19-2005, 10:11 PM
As stated before the installation is the best that i have ever seem. but the design is questionable. i'm not claiming to be a expert, but after recently building one i learnt alot. I still have more learning to do but that cage is missing alot of support.

Don't get me wrong it would hold up fine in any flop but a real hard endo or barrel roll and i think it woudl warp and or break very easy.

the only triangulation i see is the two peices in the rear....where the driver is not. Atlest throw some gussets on there in the corners.

BMRisko
05-19-2005, 11:38 PM
As stated before the installation is the best that i have ever seem. but the design is questionable. i'm not claiming to be a expert, but after recently building one i learnt alot. I still have more learning to do but that cage is missing alot of support.

Don't get me wrong it would hold up fine in any flop but a real hard endo or barrel roll and i think it woudl warp and or break very easy.

the only triangulation i see is the two peices in the rear....where the driver is not. Atlest throw some gussets on there in the corners.

You gotta remember he still has the factory Jeep crush areas. If the roof is chopped off like yours I would definately be all about adding more triangulation.

AprilzWarrior
05-20-2005, 01:24 AM
driver is not. Atlest throw some gussets on there in the corners.




Ohhhh my... but I have been gusset hunting... but which ones are right for me ?


I sorta like the Spyder ones and Flames from Poison Sypder Customs... or there is the Finger one LOL


Jerod

norcaljr
05-21-2005, 02:30 AM
http://www.bluetorchfab.com/oscomm/catalog/index.php?cPath=24&osCsid=190067fd32c48105de9174a6 cd38a1cb

LouisianaZJ
05-21-2005, 02:45 AM
looks awesome

probably want to add a big V brace in the b pillar area from drivers side to pass side

http://www.tellico4x4.com/catalog/images/products/bluetorch/blue-btf03024.jpg

i only wish they came in a thornturd pattern, not the bawgeers

KevinM
05-21-2005, 01:23 PM
I wouldn't want to hit my head on that one in an accident. The roll cage gussets that summit sells by the 25 pack work well. I think I went through 32.

chadjans
05-21-2005, 05:07 PM
The only way to weld around the tubes 360deg with out burning the roof would be to do it like chadjans did (I think him) where the you cut the holes in the floor and lower the entire cage, which is also the way I beleive to be right.

Yeah, dropped mine through the floor and the feet are welded to the frame rail. Found here: http://www.imagestation.com/album/index.html?id=4286931395 The floor panels are super thin. I would never rely on a cage foot just welded to the super thin panel. I have seen the panels crumble.

I find it impossible to beleive your head doesn't stick through the top of this cage because of the extremely large gap between the tubes and the roof.

Nothing comes together in a node and there is no trianglation. The purpose of the gussets is not to make them an intergral structure, just to give you more weld area, reducing your likely hood of a weld failure. The 25 pack of gussets from summit racing work fine and are super cheap.

Jim311
05-21-2005, 05:17 PM
Yeah, the BT ones look cool, but I'd hate to wack my head or any body part against them :goodman:

AprilzWarrior
05-21-2005, 10:43 PM
[quote=Trancezj]

I find it impossible to beleive your head doesn't stick through the top of this cage because of the extremely large gap between the tubes and the roof.

The 25 pack of gussets from summit racing work fine and are super cheap.




Oh... my head is right up there !! No Doubt about it. Ill look into the Summit gussets, most custom made ones are friggin pointy...


AW

Trancezj
05-23-2005, 08:53 AM
I did neglect to mention a few things that just occured to me as I was testing my cage yet AGAIN this weekend. I shortened mine. I moved the b pillar 3" forward. Also, mine doensn't lean like yours either. My b pillar is verticle, and the rear kickers go straight down from the c pillar and not in.

chadjans
05-25-2005, 11:13 PM
Oh... my head is right up there !! No Doubt about it.
AW

And you don't find it a problem that your head could become a pin ball between the two bars that your head protrudes through?

AprilzWarrior
05-26-2005, 01:22 AM
Oh... my head is right up there !! No Doubt about it.
AW

And you don't find it a problem that your head could become a pin ball between the two bars that your head protrudes through?


Dont worry... Im on the look out for some padding.... just on a budget right now...

:goodman: