Fitting SLR rollcage, how best to locate the threads..

[Chris300]

Hi, just starting to fit the SLR rollcage and need to drill out the panels to find the  welded in threaded bushes to take the forward three bolts. Any advice please on best way to do this?

Thanks, Chris 

[7 wonders of the world]

Which SLR cage is it the early one with tubes and the front mounts thro the scuttle or the later one with sliding square plates and the front mounts thro the side skin.

I have the first if that's any use to you...?

[Chris300]

its this one:

https://caterhamparts.co.uk/rollcages/3689-rollcage-assy-lhd-a-rhd-r400-race.html?search_query=rollcaGE&results=25

So new version, but not sure what you mean by sliding front plates? I do need to find mounting points through the side skin

 

[7 wonders of the world]

The two mounts effectively under the door / driver elbow have a degree of adjustment with a square plate which can slide in the corresponding larger square lug on the cage in order to accommodate tolerances in hole location.

Mine simple has tubes on the cage for the bolts to go thro so they need to line up pretty perfect.

Since yours is new its the later type, 

If you can remove the inner trim adjacent to your knee you will be able to see if your chassis has the mounts already, I understand all new chassis should have them otherwise you will need to get them weld in place.

If you have then you can use them as a guide and mark the skin.

If you use the cage as a guide the holes are oversize for the adjustment previously mentioned and you risk being off centre.

[Chris300]

Thanks for the help...  have found the mounts that line up with the sliding plate, there are also two mounting points just under the scuttle. These are not visible on the inner side, so guess and hope they are there on the outer of the frame, but under the skin.... otherwise are you supposed to drill and tap these yourself? 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aiCCdLtiNZ3m9sk96

 

[7 wonders of the world]

ASAIK all the cage mount bosses are tubes welded under the chassis rails, I've not seen any that got thro the chassis rails.... unless the metric chassis are different..?

Sounds like you might not have the front two mounts on your chassis, not a major job to have them put on though. even do them yourself depending on if you have a MIG handy ?

 

[Chris300]

Yes, you would think 2014 car would have them as standard. I don't feel they will be through the rail as nothing visible on the inner side. Will call Caterham in the morning as they insisted they were present, before I bought the cage. 

Thanks again, Chris

[Englishmaninwales]

Arch will fit the 7/16 UNF (or the metric equilivent) threaded bosses for the two forward mountings that are in the top chassis rail, while you wait. Avoid the unthreaded variety that used to be provided by Caged, as you will require through bolts with a nasty lock nut on the inside.

Malcolm.

[Chris300]

Thanks both. I have located and exposed all fixing points. Caterahm helped with a quick phone call. There are four bosses on each side at lower part of the cage. From left to right: 1. located in chassis rail 2. Located under chassis rail. 3 and 4 Inside chassis rail, but not visible from inside with skin removed as there is an additional plate over the rail and Caterham say they are blanked off on the inside. Now to fit the cage one night this week. Still need to remove rear springs an not done this before, so further investigation needed... believe its straight forward (famous last word, I know). I'm enjoying the learning though :)   

[7 wonders of the world]

Good news you have all the mounts, might be worth having another pair of hand when fitted as some cages can be tight and new to be eased open in order to clear paint work, 

Mine was too tight to fit and needed easing slightly using a pair of ratchet straps between two trees !

Either way its worth applying masking tape on vulnerable areas for first fit.

Spacers for cage to side skin can be bought on ebay with the correct ID in 5mm and upwards too.