BigIrish
Well-known member
For my next speedster, I want to build a kind of rollcage structure for the cockpit (still open top) for a little bit of safety. What size/thickness tubing to people typically use for circle track cars, etc?
For dirt circle track we used 1-3/4" diameter .104 wall mild steel tubing.
If I remember correctly schedule 40 1-1/4" pipe is a little larger in daimeter and a little thicker than the required 1-5/8" dia. .134" wall mechanical tubing. Some people think pipe is too brittle but many, like Mr. Gussett have proven otherwise.
I would go with what NHRA and SFI specifies as safe tube not only in case of potential runs at a track, but they deem it safe in the event of a high speed crash, so the safety aspect is there too. Drawn over mandrel tube has better qualities for a safe structure system than pipe. . . .Listen to Pookie and BobW and do it right. Even if you don't think you are going to take it to the tack now, what if you change your mind? They will not let you run with pipe. What happens if you ever want to sell? As far as people proving what works and what doesn't 60 mph isn't really that fast. NHRA makes those rules cause they know what works. In the end it's your decision, but remember it's easier to do it right the first time then it is to go back and cut all those tubes out and start over.
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