So this is what my main hoop looks like if I want 2" of broom handle space (hoop to dash, not top of windshield). I'm just thinking safety at the moment.
http://i116.photobuc...zpsb8c56d41.jpg
I need to drop it 3-4" to be eligible for hardtop. I am thinking three possible courses of action.
1) Keep it as is, weld it in (half cage) and never utilize a hardtop. Save the front half of the cage for a future build.
2) Drop the main hoop 1.5" and weld in full cage so broom handle test is passed. Never use a hardtop.
3) Drop the floor pan 1.5" and then drop the bar the rest. I should fit very well (allowing for 10% expansion in the event of a roll/crash) according to my mock up today.
A well known cage builder here in Houston said the SCCA is going to allow floorpan mod to fit us big guys, has anyone else heard this? He said it is very recent and I checked the the GCR and CCR for updates and there aren't any about the floor pan.
I am considering the car for NASA TTE and/or PTE right now so I think lowering the pan is the best option right now. However, does anyone have a good reason not to drop the pan (other than SM rules)?
I have access to any and all machines you could imagine (except a pipe bender, lol) and I think a I could drop a 10"x17" section of the floor 1.5-2" using a .095" sheet metal box and then spot welding it into place.
TIA,
Kyle