Lots of sexy fap/fab pictures.
I couldn't imagine dismantling a functional truck for this when there are eleventy-billion of them in junk yards already gutted and ready for this.
I really like the way they tied the cage into the chassis. Looks good and should work well. I would add a horizontal tube as a gusset or plate gussets to make sure it wont bend or push away from the frame if it ever goes shinny side down...
What diameter and thickness tube are you using? Is it chromoly or DOM steel, I'm sure it is not EW with your emphasis on safety.
Great that you father in law will loan you the gear. I'd suggest a Hybrid neck restraint rather than the neck roll, that's what I use. http://simpsonraceproducts.com/simpson/hybrid-sport/ It doesn't rely on the belts solely like a Hans device and the sport version is affordable. Impact has a couple HNRs similar to a Hans at the same price as the Hybrid Sport as well.
Also, you can find good deals in the clearance sections of Simpson and Impact racing. Another couple good sources for safety gear at good prices are PCI Race Radios http://www.pciraceradios.com and UPR Racing Supply http://www.upr.com. I hope that helps you to get your own gear without breaking the bank.
I bought my father in law the gear for his birthday, so i did a little research at that time. I'll take note of the head restraints you mentioned. I've read what you have to say about cages in other threads, and understand that you might not consider what i have to be "safe". It's 1-5/8 083 4130N. It'll be a funny car style cage or driver's cage. I'm using my best judgment above and beyond the rules to come up with what i feel is safe.
You'll love that shifter. I have the same one in my truck.
Out of curiosity what is the part number on that piston?
It's a little on the small size for my taste, but with the chromoly and the funny car driver containment style it should be safe. AND hopefully you'll never need to use it to its limit!!!!!
I would look seriously at the gussets or additional tubes to brace the chassis mounts though. It would only add a little weight, but it would strengthen that joint a ton and prevent the cage from pushing past the chassis in the event of a turtle...
As for the neck restraint, I purchased one to protect both myself and my family while I navigated in the Baja 1000 for 2012. It wasn't a safety requirement, but I felt it was needed to help prevent possible death from a bad wreck. It was comfortable to wear during the time I was in the race truck. Since the Hybrid uses belts around the torso it offers protection even if the shoulder harness is loose or slips off the lip of the HNR as could happen in an angular crash. At the speeds you'll be running, I would highly suggest the additional investment, and you and your father in law can share it as long as you are not racing at the same time. Just get an extra set of mounting hardware for the helmet so you both have it installed on your helmets.
What's your target weight? And what class will you be racing in?
Your build is extremely well done! Can't wait to see it done. Keep the posts coming I'll be watching/fapping hehe
Heck no I won't!! I'm usually to busy dreaming about my slow piles going down the track. HahaHahah. As long as you don't do it at the track man!
Look what showed up!
The hood and tailgate will be held on by dzus fasteners.
The doors will have chromoly race-car style lift-off hinges.
I should be able to have the front bumper, hood, doors, and tailgate off the truck in less than a minute.
If anybody needs a set of gutted factory doors or tailgate, give me a shout.
Does anybody know any details about the lower corner of the door glass area? Some models have a radius like the doors in the picture, and some do not. Was it a year specific design?