I wanted to inform my fellow Lightning owners of a new NHRA cage requirement. Due to the issues so many of us have with rear braces in pickup trucks, NHRA will now allow a "semi-cage"(for lack of a better word).

This will still be good down to 10.00 and be completely invisible from outside the truck. And the tubing can be 1 5/8" rather than 1 3/4". NHRA legal for pick-ups only, in lieu of a roll bar.

This is what is required. The main hoop (over your noggin), a "halo" around the perimiter of the top of the cab, two front down tubes (along side of the windshield) to the floor, and the diagonal door braces. You do NOT have to install the back braces that go through the back window and you will still be good down to 10.00.

I didn't post this to debate the subject. If you don't want to believe it...fine...I couldn't care less.

Post flame warning. Anyone that wants to rain on this parade can KISS MY ****.


Great news for those that haven't done their rear brace bars yet.


Rocks

 

Great info and good to hear!

Thanks for keeping us up to date!

Peace,

Suavy

 

I see a cage in my future.

Jim

 

Great info Rocks! Where did you hear this from? Also, to me, that would be cool on an old (60's) truck, but for an L, that sounds like there would be dash board cutting involved to make the halo work properly. Maybe some would rather do that. Or, maybe someone will make it work with out hacking the interior. I'm just coming to terms with the fact that my truck will some day have monkey bars going out back. (Hey, maybe they will make good hand cuff spots for my girlfriend!

 

Rocks,
Is this what you are having installed?
Mark

 

Well...this sucks.........I may have to rain on the parade myself.

I just got off the phone with the main office in California....we apparently have a difference in opinions between the different divisions. Stay tuned...I will post up any firm rulings I get when I see it in writing.

Let's hope the south central division can convince the home office.


Sorry guys...at least nobody has had the chance to start the cage yet.


Rocks

 

I got the info this weekend from FFW tech director George Klauss. I could have sworn he told us that he got it from the NHRA tech Director. He just posted the info at the FFW rules forum.

I am completely bummed now............... Jim D. was in a meeting with them Friday about this and they gave the go ahead. Thank goodness I am finding out before the cage gets started.


Rocks

Edit.......you fellers can keep up with what ia what at this link

http://forums.funfordevents.com/showthread.php?t=7452

I wouldn't be surprised to see another post saying to hold up...............I could just *****

 

Seems like kind of a trade off... Instead of replace the rear-window, you have to cut into the dashboard, through all of the wiring, etc and another location through the floorboard...

Seems like kind of a nightmare... I would prefer the rear-bars method as the window is replaceable and the holes in the bed can be hidden with a bed-rug or something, should you ever decide to remove the rollbar.

-Dale

 

OK....more news. Jamie K. spoke with the tech guy in California after I did and got a better explanation of the issue.

It is in debate. They are trying to get this worked out for us....


I may not be bummed anymore.


Rocks

 

Good straight info here. Lets keep the BS out of it.

 

 

Well you know how it is in California.

 

Pretty much sums it up... . The technicallity that is being decided on is the exact one Jamie pointed out. It is all about being adequately supported not meaning rear braces...such as in the way a cage is designed in funny cars.

Somebody may have known more than he was given credit for.... .

 

LOL......I was really polite to that feller too. I never mentioned what I thought of california... .

 

Now see....I always thought the 206 page argument was over the angle of the bars....not wether or not they were required....

Your buddies arguement was that they could be stood straight up and stay in the cab....Correct??
Dale