AutoPower rollcage, Any body have experience w/ these? Options

[nocones]

I just picked up an AutoPower roll cage for my car from a fellow who never installed it. Just wondering if anyone here has used on of these before. It has the rear hoop w/cross bar, angled door bars, a section that runs around the top and front of the doors, and another bar tying them together across the top edge of the windshield.
It's supposed to be a bolt-in and has plates for the attachment to the chassis, but all the parts have these tubes to fit over each joint were the different parts come together. Do I need to weld these? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/welder.gif)
Maybe I'm just having a major brain fart but I don't see how else it goes together. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smash.gif)
Anybody, ...Bueller...

[URY914]

My main hoop is a A/P rool bar.
I would call them, the owner (forget his name) is a 914 owner and he'd probably walk you through it.

Paul

[Quebecer]

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/thisthreadisworthlesswithoutpics.gif)

[mihai914]

Hi!

Sorry I can't really help you but could you take some pictures of the setup and the plates, I'll probably be installing a lighter version some time soon and would like to see how the plates look, etc.

Thanks,

Mihai

[J P Stein]

I have an Auto Power cage in my 914. The "directions" consisted of a drawing of a VW Rabbit (Golf) with the cage inside......I am not BSing you. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)
Mine is a weld in. I can send you some pics after I get outta here (wurk.)....if you want em'.

[VegasRacer]

I had an autopower cage in my 1st race car. Never 'tested' it, but I expect it would do the job.

Yes the short tubes are for the joints. That is how you are able to get it in place and adjust the fit. The hardest part was making sure there was room to operate the windows, doors, and targa top. Welding is better, but it will pass tech if you bolt it in place.

[nocones]

Thanks for the replys.
I would really like to weld it in, I'll just have to see how things go. (don't own a welder at the moment)
I've got to figure out if I need to lose the back pad in order to fit the cage.

Quebecer, mihai914: Sorry, no photos yet. I'll try to shot some pics of the parts tonight, and of course in the car once finished.

JP: I'd love to see your photos.

VegasRacer: Thanks, I know getting everything placed appropriatly is going to be a chore. Is that an affirmative on welding those tubs over the joints?

Thanks again.

[jgara962]

I had an Autopower bolt in cage in a VW GTI I use to autocross. I had it bolted together and used alluminum plates to bolt it to the chassis. Welding it together, and then welding it to plates on the cassis is the better way to go though. Even just bolting it in, I was amazed at how much it stiffened the chassis. It was a great addition.

[nocones]

Just got off the phone with autopower.
Said that it is meant to be bolted together. Fit it all up then drill all the tubing and pass bolts through.
Hmmm...
Maybolt together then weld as well. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/welder.gif)

[VegasRacer]

The AutoPower cage will fit in the car without removing the back pad.
The only potential problem is on the passenger side.
With the diagonal corss bar, the seat will not be able to go all the way back.

Bolting it in should be fine. Welding is just a little added security.

[yarin]

I have an autopower roll cage in my 914.

http://coewww.rutgers.edu/~yarin/my914/

The previous owner put it in and tied it to the rear shock towers. Is this what you have?

[nocones]

VegasRacer,

Thanks for the helpfull information.

yarin,

Mine is similar but different. My door-bars aren't X shaped, they come down from the main hoop and end at the base of the front hoop. Also I do not have a bar under the dash.

I'll go see if I can shoot some decent photos.

[nocones]

and a 1...

[nocones]

and a 2...

[nocones]

Und a 3!

[john rogers]

I put an Autopower cage in my race car when we decided to go vintage racing. Several reasons, one they are in San Diego, it had DOM tubing for a reasonable price and it was something I could do over a weekend myself. It came with 4 large nut plates that were welded to the side box sections, and also grade 8 bolts. They told me to make sure the car was blocked level and then install the pieces (they are undrilled as you noted) and use duct tape to hold the sections in place and mark where the nut plates go. The nuts go down so you have to drill 4 holes for each plate and then make sure it is flat on the sheetmetal. I tacked them down, then bolted in the rear hoop and drilled the holes that mount to the targa bar seat belt holes. I then drilled additional holes as I assembled the whole thing and test bolted it together. I then took it out, welded the plates in solid, POR15 coated the interior of the boxes , touched up the paint and then installed it solid. So far I have not had to use it thankfully and it has never loosened at all. Good luck

[iamchappy]

I have the same bar, mine was welded and I had to cut it out to remove it. I have thought about reinstalling it at some time, When I cut through the side bars to remove it, I was surprised to find it was under alot of tension. I will bolt mine together again instead of weld so it can be removed when its not needed.

[nocones]

Chappy,
Thanks for your input on the subject.
I was looking at it again this evening as I was taking pictures and thinking perhaps bolting it together would be alright.

John,
Thank you for the details of your install. I'm starting to think that welding in the plates is a fine idea, then bolting it together as you described. This way I can remove as needed with minimum hassle.

As always, 914club rocks! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/aktion035.gif)

[iamchappy]

Mine is a little different, my front upper bar is solid and welded. I wonder if the other owner made these bolt up mods to it.

[nocones]

He said that he specified the configuration when ordering from Autopower.
It all looks original to me, and according to him it was never mounted in the car, only test fit. There is no evidence that it was ever bolted in, I believe him.