Driver Safety Cell / Pod

[maguromic]

We are working on a driver safety cell for the rear engine roadster and currently looking at either carbon honeycomb construction or a combination aluminum or carbon and foam construction.  I would like to hear from others that have built a driver cell /safety pod on their construction methods.  Maybe George form the BBII team will chime in with their experiences of the driver cell in their liner.  Tony

[Gwillard]

The safety cell in the BB2 is made of 1/2" aluminum honeycomb with 6 layers of carbon fiber, 3 per side. Hardpoints are incorporated to facilitate mounting the cell to the chassis as well as attaching belts, controls, etc. It is easiest to design these hardpoints in from the start. Not that they can't be added later, it's just much easier to build them in.
Overall we are extremely pleased with the cell. It is strong, light, and adds an extra dimension of safety for the driver.

[maguromic]

George thanks for the info.   Did you guys use an autoclave to build the tub and if you did what was the mold made out of? Tony

[Gwillard]

No, it wasn't autoclaved. Roush did all of our carbon fiber work, including molds. The molds are made of a high density foam that most people think is hardwood when they first hold a sample.