Roll Cage Mod

Posts: 10

I have a couple of structural questions.

I would like to either:

a. move the existing, front crossbar of my rollcage (indicated by the red arrow) forward to the red line or;

b. add a second crossbar to the cage (preferred).

If I move it forward will it degrade the stability or safety of the rollcage? If I add a second crossbar, does anyone know if there is somewhere to purchase Yerf Dog Cage pieces or do I just need to have one made? And secondly, what is the purpose of the dimple in the underside of the bars at all of the bolting points? If I drill holes for new bolts on the new or relocated bar, do I need to somehow create that dimple in the underside of the bar?

I am going to use this forward bar for both lights and to attach the front of a custom canopy to. The stock bar location is to far back for my liking as far as the canopy is concerned. I want the canopy to extend all the way forward to the front of the cage.

Thanks!

Todd

Posts: 1889

JTRamsey added an extra cross bar in the location you indicated. Although the picture is incorrect, this what you need from BuggyDepot.com: http://www.buggydepot.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPat h=42&products_id=205

I think the holes were "dimpled" in to counter sink the bolt heads. Before I added a rack to my Yerf, I used a pre-drilled piece of angle to mount my lights. The holes even matched up to the existing cross bar bolts.

Posts: 10

Thank you sir! I just ordered the crossbar from BD. I never would have guessed that the parts for these karts were so affordable (well, most of them). For $10 you can't beat it. I couldn't have purchased the metal bar for that if I had to have one fabbed. Not to mention the labor.

You're a lifesaver once again and I've only been here for what....2 days?!?!

I also read somewhere (can't remember exactly) that someone replaced all of the bolts on his cart with Grade 8 bolts. What's your opinion? Good idea? Waste of time and $$? The ones that are there stock seem fairly weak. I took the cage off to do the CDI, and UNI upgrades and already partially stripped the head of one. They seem very soft.

Thanks,

TK

Posts: 1889

I have been buying 6-sided sockets for quite a while and have not had problems with the heads on the hardware. When I bought my buggy, I did add heavy fender washers between the bolt heads and frame tubes since the metal is soft. I use the cage and rack as a platform to stand on when I need get a good view and have not had problems with any structural hardware failing in four years. When I replace or add hardware, I will spend the extra money for hardened versions but I am not going to replace all my existing hardware.

Posts: 648

Welcome to the mix, tkkoegler!! Moving the top bar forewards or adding an extra bar is a good idea . It does add a lot of strength to the roll cage. here's a pic of a yerf that has had that done along with another section added plus more down tubes connected to side rails at steering wheel level . On this particular yerf , the original bolt on end sections have been removed, replaced with full tubes and the roll cage is welded to the frame. It has proved to work quite well!! Laughing

Posts: 1733

and you just had to test it lol sweet pics looks strong Very Happy