[vega-playa]

HI GUYS,

I HAVE A 95 mustang im going to install a roll cage and rear frame in for drag racing. It will never see the street. I have asked around and the labor to do this is a little over my budget. I have seen this done a few times but never attempted it myself. Is this something someone could take their time with and do right.. or should i bite the bullet and pay someone? I believe i could do it but was wondering if any first timers ever attempted this. Any opinions are appreciated

[russ69coupe]

since you are going to be racing it I would pay someone qualified to do it, unless you happen to be a professional welder. Your life could depend on the quality of the welds.
IMO, that is.
Russ

[vega-playa]

i understand that part.what i was going to do was tack everything in place and get a pro to weld it in..

[russ69coupe]

In that case as long as you get everything aligned right it should be no problem.
Just check with whoever you are going to have do the final welding to see if they have any special requirements.
Also, I am assuming you have the rules handbook for whatever organization (NHRA, IHRA, etc) to make sure you meet all their requirements.

Oh, I have seen some online instructions from some of the manufacturers about doing these sorts of installs. Making sure everything is square is the biggest thing.

Have fun.
Russ

[vega-playa]

thanks..any idea where i can take a look at the online instructions

[chevykid90]

I cant really give you any good info about building a cage. But in Eastern Washington I don't know of any person that will finish weld a roll cage of any kind. My pops ran an automotive business until L&I told him he couldn't do it anymore (needed carpal-tunnel surgery) but he used to build roll cages for circle track cars (along with his own cars), and he would only just tack them together and the person who it was for had to finish weld it. Even if they paid him extra he would not finish it nor would he even do a waiver if something happened. And it was not because of his welding abilities (had done it for 25+ years) he just would not take the chance of having a weld break and it be his fault. Maybe times have changed since then.

[68NovaSS]

You can get a good idea how to here. . I did the Alston back half kit, cage and FAB-9 kit in my garage without any problems on a '68 Nova. I'm an accomplished welder, but not a pro/certified. There are some photos in my journal here as well.

[dinger]

Originally Posted by 68NovaSS

You can get a good idea how to here. . I did the Alston back half kit, cage and FAB-9 kit in my garage without any problems on a '68 Nova. I'm an accomplished welder, but not a pro/certified. There are some photos in my journal here as well.

Alston has a lot of quality parts out there. Think about back-halving at the same time, might save some money in the long run.

[vega-playa]

Originally Posted by 68NovaSS

You can get a good idea how to here. . I did the Alston back half kit, cage and FAB-9 kit in my garage without any problems on a '68 Nova. I'm an accomplished welder, but not a pro/certified. There are some photos in my journal here as well.

Thanks for info,
Heres my problem.I have do to the backhalf outside on the grass because i mucked up our garage with my last project and wife almost threw me in the dog house An y suggestions on how to do this outside and keep chassis square..thanks alot

[russ69coupe]

yeah, get used to living in the dog house.
If you had a concrete pad to work on it would be different, but grass?
Maybe get some big steel plates to put under the car?
Russ

[vega-playa]

ive heard of people doing it outside. i saw a guy one time build a stand out of wood to keep everything square but i dont know how it came out..

[1932bantam]

If she won't let you work in your own garage, is she going to let you spend money on it , back halving is not cheap, I would ask permission first.( and get it in writing)

[NEW INTERIORS]

This may give you a idea or two..
And it worked out just fine...
Making A Willys Frame !!!!!!!!

[1971BB427]

I can't imagine getting everything square enough if you're working off grass and dirt that changes as you add weight. Only way you could get it all squared up would be if you had a frame to build off that was extremely strong. Then it wouldn't matter what it sat on if it didn't flex.
I know a local builder who does all his frame work outside, but his frame jig is huge I beam all welded together and stiffer than the concrete floors. He can build anything on it, but the cost of building such a frame would be too much for the one time builder.

[vega-playa]

thanks for all the replies and help.. Any of you guys know anyone who might could do this to help me out without breaking the bank..on your time no hurry..thanks..close to alabama