chappers Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 Hi, I just had a query from Soft Bits for 7's about the turnbuckles I have mounted on my rear stays that are fixed by rivets in holes drilled into the bar. They were asking if this set-up would pass scrutineering? I don't know for what specific racing at present. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveD Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 afaik you cannot drill roll bars thats what i have allways been told ,so i have never drilled them ,when folk mount rear view mirrors to full cages they are never drilled and screwed or riveted they are allways held on with either a propa mount or tie wraps ,jubilee clips,bailing string ,anything but drilled ,i know its extreme but by drilling it you are adding a weak point Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robo1968 Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 I was going to drill some holes in mine this weekend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Green Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 afaik you cannot drill roll bars thats what i have allways been told ,so i have never drilled them ,when folk mount rear view mirrors to full cages they are never drilled and screwed or riveted they are allways held on with either a propa mount or tie wraps ,jubilee clips,bailing string ,anything but drilled ,i know its extreme but by drilling it you are adding a weak point Totally agree. By drilling the roll bar, you are weakening the metal more than you think and should the unthinkable happen, you will need all the strength the roll bar is designed to afford. Do not drill it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evo,s 7SE Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 you have to have a hole drilled in it so they can check the thickness of the bar sure it was in blue book may be wrong though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thos Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 I think you'll find that a lot of roll cages are actually required to have inspection holes in the bars for scrutineers to inspect the wall thickness. I've seen 1/8" or 5mm specified. Still doesn't sound like a good idea though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamnreeves Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 The only place I have drilled mine is the plates that are welded on the sides for mirrors. Don't drill it. I am sure you could come up with some clamp arrangement. First time I heard about inspection holes but then I am not a competitor. However there's an inspection plate on mine with information pertaining to the approval requirement I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephenh Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 Can't recall seeing a hole, for inspection or otherwise, in my cage. I agree drilling a hole in one of the main tubes is foolhardy. Different drilling a hole for your wing mirrors in the plate provided for that purpose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bananaman Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 I think you'll find that a lot of roll cages are actually required to have inspection holes in the bars for scrutineers to inspect the wall thickness. I've seen 1/8" or 5mm specified. Still doesn't sound like a good idea though. I thought that most bars/cages were now certified so would not need a hole drilled? Personally i'd not be drilling one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cast iron Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 yes cages are certified, any modification like drilling a hole would need to be done by the OEM of the cage and be re tested, otherwise its scrap metal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chappers Posted March 15, 2012 Author Share Posted March 15, 2012 Thanks guys. I'll pass the comments over to SoftBits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete g Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 Where in the blue book does It say don't drill any holes My old rac type bar had a inspection hole and Allen key fitted. Strength loss from a small hole Is hardly going cause a safety issue. If it is certified,Then it would null that I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewart pickles Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 if you change the bar/cage in anyway ie weld bracket's to it or drill holes in it you have changed it from the design submitted to the FIA/MSA so any certification it had would be void having said that if all your doing is sprinting or hill's in a road going class you don't need a certified bar anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chappers Posted March 16, 2012 Author Share Posted March 16, 2012 Nick at Soft Bits has said he will supply y-pieces for the rear straps with a long strap as standard so that they can be fixed around the rear stays mounts or similar so no need to drill the stays for those who need to pass scrutineering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocket_rabbit Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 As much as it isn't the greatest idea, it is only a small hole and the cage has a factor of safety built into it. In addition, you have a fastner going through the hole so lines of stress can be conducted thusly and no concentrators are apparent. Remember also that your chassis is full of holes. I can't see why you'd be knocked back by scrutineering or why you should worry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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