Cusco Roll Cage Guide
There are numerous options and variations of Cusco/Safety 21 Roll Cages so we have put together a guide to help answer all questions about cages and their fitment, also to help you choose the ideal roll cage for your activities.
Cusco Roll Cages
There are a wide range of roll cages available for a broad range of cars, suitable for street, track and competition use. As Cusco has a long line of racing heritage, the structures are based on feedback straight from the competition field, so you can be assured you are receiving quality products.
The standard construction for a Cusco cage is a 40mm diameter tubular frame with joints that can either be welded or bolted. Each leg has a base plate that can be welded into the vehicle or bolted to the body. Cusco’s roll cages are made to order and each one is custom to fit the driver preference.
1. Bolt In Or Weld In?
Bolting the roll cage to your vehicle is a lot easier than welding and also gives you the ability to remove it you wish.
Welding the roll cage to your vehicle is lighter than bolting in the cage and also offers more rigidity and safety.
2. Choosing The Material
Cusco D1 Chromoly/CRMO (Chromium Molybdenum) – Is 33% lighter than conventional steel cages, lightweight joints are used to increase safety with competition roll bar designed layout. Being strategically mounted, and designed from extensive hands on experience, the D1 roll cage has the ability to absorb light-medium impacts without jeopardising the structural integrity of the cage.
Safety 21 CDS (Cold Drawn Seamless Steel) – This roll cage is cheaper than the Cusco D1 cage which is beneficial to those on a restricted budget. The roll cage is cleverly designed and constructed of carbon steel thus the structural integrity is not threatened by heavy impact; recommended for heavy track use. As explained above, the material can withstand heavy impact making the roll cage safer all round.
3. Selecting Manufacturer & Chassis Code
Cusco is manufactured in Japan so not all cars have the same production line and name as its overseas counterpart. In order to ensure the right fitment for your car, you must go by chassis code which can usually be found in your vehicles papers (the code is incorporated in the cars VIN No.)
4. Got A Sunroof?
Cusco only makes a small number of ‘sunroof compliant’ cages. If you have a sunroof and do not purchase this type of roll cage you will have to make a basic modification in order for the cage to fit your vehicle. To modify a roll cage, not designed for a vehicle with a sunroof, you would need to shorten each leg of the roll cage (to compensate for the thickness of the sunroof). NOTE: Fitting a roll cage may mean the sunroof no longer opens.
5. Through Dash Or Escape Dash?
If you choose to purchase a roll cage 6 point or higher, you have the option to escape the dash or go through the dash.
Through Dash – (‘A’ pillar bar goes through the dashboard). Maintains rigidity and safety, installation should be carried out by a professional.
Escape Dash – (‘A’ pillar bar bends around the dashboard). Easier to install than through dash, decreases rigidity and safety so it is not recommended for track cars.
6. Choosing The C Pillar Bar Style
Choosing the style of your C Pillar bar is just another technique to ensure the roll cage suits your needs to the best it can. There are currently 3 styles available:
Window Style – Predominately used on 2-door vehicles as it ensures their rear seats are still accessible, allows you to keep your car as close to stock as possible.
Roof Style – The C pillar bar runs along the edge of the roof and down the C pillar, over the rear seats, to the C pillar mounting position, predominately used on 4-door vehicles as it ensures the rear seats are easily accessed & left intact.
Race Style – The C pillar bar runs directly through the rear seats (the shortest distance between the B pillar bar to the C Pillar Mounting position). This is the sturdiest configuration for the C pillar bars. Requires the removal of rear seats and interior trims. This is recommended for 2-seater vehicles and regular track users.
7. The C Pillar Bar Mount Position
The position where the C Pillar bar will mounted is pre-determined by Cusco (for each individual car) as, with their knowledge and experience, they can ensure the position gives maximum strength and safety.
8. How Many Points?
The number of points determines the roll cage’s size and number of bars. A general rule is: anything below 5 point will only have B and C pillar bars; anything above 6 point will have A, B and C pillar bars. Since there is no universal pattern amongst roll cage manufacturers, the mounting point system is easy.
