Izzy's Custom Cages

Here's a lesson on BAD fabrication.... especially when someone's life could depend on it.

I performed a “biopsy” on the Lola Formula Fords old roll hoop and the results were fairly scary. As a little background, the outside radius came to a point at the top of the hoop, but the inside radius was smooth.... hmmmm???

After a little wire wheeling, there were tell tale signs of the pink stuff we all know and love... Bondo. The inside radius as well as some craters were smoothed using filler. The craters formed a fairly obvious weld line. So, the hoop that was supposed to be (per the rules and common sence) one 180 degree bend was really 2 poorly welded 90's.

At this point, I just had to see what was hiding inside the tube. A “pie” slice was made at the point in the hoop. What I found was a little surprising.

When making a splice in a tube, it's always suggested to add a sleeve either on the inside or outside of the main tubes. There was a sleeve inserted at the joint. However, the sleeve was not attached to either half of the hoop. Normal (and smart) practice is to “plug” weld the inner sleeve to the spliced sections so that it basically forms one solid tube. The tube was actually loose and free to move side to side.Not only was it not plug welded, it was a SOLID bar! An estimated 6” long, 1 3/16” thick solid bar at the highest point on the car!

So, if you bet that it was a two piece splice you win the prize! If you bet there was a hidden solid bar underneath, go buy a lottery ticket as you are on a roll today!!!

Izzy's Custom Cages