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Dear all, I'm preparing to fit the John Aley roll bar into my restoring bare shell. However, I found it very tight fit, and the U-loop is in fact touching and scratching the roof rails on sides. Is it normal?
Also, I have no idea about the front and rear positioning of the bar. Can anyone advice on the fitting? Any photos showing the pocket fittings and the rear parcel shelf fitting will be good!
Thank you very much!
Ted

Original Alley 3 point cages were A:WAYS a terrible fit.

Best to cut & weld it so you are happy with how it goes in.

Lets face it, it's not going to do anything in the event of an accident is it.

mk1 wrote: Lets face it, it's not going to do anything in the event of an accident is it.

it gives the firebrigade an excuse to get the jaws of life out when you crash!

mk1 wrote:Original Alley 3 point cages were A:WAYS a terrible fit.

Best to cut & weld it so you are happy with how it goes in.

Lets face it, it's not going to do anything in the event of an accident is it.

Hi Mark,
Thanks for reply, I'm so much comfortable to hear that!
Lets get the cutter and welder out!

Lets face it, its all about cosmetic!

sorry, but it's just nice for exhibitions but not for fast riding.

I've got one to fit soon. Will be interesting to see how this thread goes.

I have some pics I will post up later.

They offer more protection than you might think - especially to those in the back!

I wonder at what point some bright spark thought

'do you know what it would be a great idea to carry the cage over to the front - where it actually might help'.......

steve1071 wrote:I've got one to fit soon. Will be interesting to see how this thread goes.

I have some pics I will post up later.

Hi Steve, would love to see some pics of yours! Before I take the cutter out!

This one might give you an idea on the rear plate.



I haven't fitted mine yet. Will be having a try soon and will post pics

I did some digging about on these cages some time ago and pretty much couldn't get anywhere.

I have the rear section with the clamp and was looking to find out the angles and bore of the steel.... To make the other sections.does the over bar come in two sections or one?

Was considering getting steel and having it bent to rough angle then work it from there....

Cheers.

The 'over' bar is one section, same bore as the rear leg, with two small angled plates on the bottom to fix.

Will take some pics

I have the bar and the three way clamp but did not get the rear bar. All the rolled minis I have bought had damage to the wings in the head lamp area and along the roof line above the screen. They were all slow rolls. I bought one that did a triple endo and wrapped a tree. Just happened to be a RHD and most damage was to left front corner of roof. Driver walked away. Owner was not happy with the result. Steve (CTR)

Did a trial fit yesterday, it's way too high and will need a 'cut and shut'. It's not as tight as yours Ted near the b post. Rear leg will also need bending a bit.

Tag cage may be designed for mk2 shell.... I believe the mk1has a slightly different shape(going from the doors)

rich@minispares.com wrote:I wonder at what point some bright spark thought

'do you know what it would be a great idea to carry the cage over to the front - where it actually might help'.......

According to Aley it was the Ford works team in 1970 that telephoned him from Africa asking him to design, fabricate and air freight a front cage to them pronto because the front pillars kept breaking on the Escorts whilst practicing for the East African Safari rally, allowing the front screens to fall out! I presume the Aley front cages for Minis followed soon after.

Hi Steve, seems your U-loop is too high, and my loop is too wide?
Any chance to have some pics?
I'm planning to cut at the middle and weld back, and you may need shorten the legs.

Simon776 wrote:They offer more protection than you might think - especially to those in the back!

Great photo!

Tedwong wrote:Dear all, I'm preparing to fit the John Aley roll bar into my restoring bare shell. However, I found it very tight fit, and the U-loop is in fact touching and scratching the roof rails on sides. Is it normal?
Also, I have no idea about the front and rear positioning of the bar. Can anyone advice on the fitting? Any photos showing the pocket fittings and the rear parcel shelf fitting will be good!
Thank you very much!
Ted

Bugger the roll cage.....interesting garage, or what....?!

I always think the skinny alloy one with polished looks serves better in cosmetic purpose! And is easier to fit, but has no approval or period feels! Once you fit it in, better don't take out again!

Al