How do I anchor my window net?

nine14cats · 07-22-2007, 09:02 AM

I need to finish installing my window net for Lucille. I have a spring loaded bar at the top to open, but I need to anchor the bottom of the net to the roll cage. I was told everything I need is at my local hardware store. Basically I was told to use metal cable.

How and where do I mount the bottom bar of the net? I need to meet SCCA regs....

Here's a pic.

Thanks,

Bill P.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

Bill, if you have a GCR there is a good diagram of what you need.

Basically you need a support rod attached to the bottom of the net similar to the one you have on top. It needs to run horizontally far enough to reach the roll cage front and back.

What I have seen most of the time is a loop welded at the aft end of the rod and hook type bracket on the forward end.

To put the net in place you slip the aft end into the loop and pull down on the forward end to hook in place.

The picture in the GCR shows this pretty well. If you don't have one I think you can go to the SCCA website and download it.

Nice looking race car by the way. I have not seen a Boxster race car in person.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

Here is the website for the GCR.
http://www.scca.com/_FileLibrary/File/GCR2007.pdf

It is a pdf. file site. as you should see. You need to go to page 87 and it has the info and diagram you need.

nine14cats · 07-22-2007, 01:36 PM

Thanks Jerry!

I was hoping I could use a cable tie solution for the netting but it appears it must be a rod. I was under the impression that you could somehow loop to the x bracing at the door entrance of the cage.

I will need to schedule a visit to a shop as I do not have welding equipment. When the cage was built we have the spring loaded rod mounts welded to the top side, but the bottom side has a flat steel bar running through the loops.

Bill P.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

You want to make sure that you install it so that in event of a crash it is easy to get out. The net should stretch just enough to hook and unhook in the front.

ZOA NOM · ZOA NOM's Garage

Why not straps?

North Coast Cab · North Coast Cab's Garage

Straps or metal cabling is the way to go. That way when you release it it drops all the way down and out of the way so you can get out.

nine14cats · 07-22-2007, 05:17 PM

Rick,

Where did you get the straps and the lower bar and clamps? My cage guy set up the bottom piece I have for my net, but it is flat. Any suggestions on how to keep it from moving side to side?

Thanks,

Bill P.

ZOA NOM · ZOA NOM's Garage

The Autopower net came with all the hardware from IOPort Racing supplies. The rods are round, and the stops are tightened with two setscrews.

ZOA NOM · ZOA NOM's Garage

Here's some closeups:

jester911 · jester911's Garage

Are you guys running in SCCA with straps? The GCR clearly states
"Nets shall be attached to the roll cage: plastic buckles,cable ties, hose clamps and elastic cords shall not be permitted
The diagram in the GCR is very clear on how they want it done.

It may be that they will allow other setups but it does not mention it in the book and the cars I have seen are done like the diagram.
Bill before you do it you may want to talk with someone in tech with the SCCA.

You are apt to fail tech inspection if not.

dtfastbear · 07-23-2007, 12:13 PM

Wire rope (metal cable) with crimped ends is what I use for an SCCA legal mount. You can drill a hole in the lower metal (net) bar for the cable to go through, so you don't need anthing to "locate" the cable on that bar. Just loop the cable around the side door cage tubes and you're good to go! Looks like the front one would loop around the intersection of the X in the door, and the back one would just loop around the lower tube.

Jester - that diagram is a suggestion. It isn't the only acceptable method. Many cages do not have tubes that high in the door to allow the net to be mounted directly to a cage member.

Cheers,

Dean

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

Here is mine:

The rear of the bar goes into a tab welded on the cage, held in place with a cotter pin.

A literal reading of the quoted rule from the GCR would make me think the net Zonas posted would be legal for SCCA, assuming the buckles on the straps are metal and not plastic.

I race with NASA, and they require that "fasteners must be metal", so that one wouldn't fly.

Tom

ZOA NOM · ZOA NOM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by jester911
Are you guys running in SCCA with straps? The GCR clearly states
"Nets shall be attached to the roll cage: plastic buckles,cable ties, hose clamps and elastic cords shall not be permitted
The diagram in the GCR is very clear on how they want it done.

I don't run in SCCA, but the installation shown above meets the criteria you quote. There are no plastic buckles, cable ties, hose clamps or elastic cords.

dtfastbear · 07-23-2007, 04:32 PM

Rick,

I'm sure your installation would pass SCCA tech. But, I'm not a tech steward, so what do I know?

See you at Thunderhill Aug 11/12?

Cheers,

Dean

Mahler9th · 07-23-2007, 04:59 PM

One potentially easy answer for Bill is to contact Tony Coliccio at TC Design in Milpitas. He is familiar with all of the different rules and has probably built more cages in the past few years in the SF Bay Area than anyone else. I think he favors a cable approach, and even has special tools to terminate the cable.

ZOA NOM · ZOA NOM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by dtfastbear
Rick,

I'm sure your installation would pass SCCA tech. But, I'm not a tech steward, so what do I know?

See you at Thunderhill Aug 11/12?

Cheers,

Dean

I'll be there. It's been too long of a break. I hope I handle the heat a little better this time.

I agree with Mike about Tony Coliccio at TC Designs. He installed my net for me.

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

I runn SCCA and I also have straps, have never had a problem. One thing I was told was to get rid of the alu lower bar. It flexes too much, use steel.