In an effort to learn more about rollcages, we at Circle Track visited Bob Schick's race car chassis-builder's shop, AMF Chassis, in Lake Hamilton, Florida, for some hands-on info. Schick walked us through the building process and explained how and why each step is performed. This truck is being built for a local driver, Bill Davis, who will race in the Parts Pro Truck Series throughout Central Florida.
 The first step is to remove...  The first step is to remove the factory frame from the truck. Schick sends the frame out to be cleaned and have the old paint sandblasted off. Here he is measuring to check for squarness of the frame. |  Once the frame is back, Schick...  Once the frame is back, Schick mounts it onto a work rack (arrows), where it's checked and made square and level. |  The frame must be mounted...  The frame must be mounted on this rack because most factory frames can be off by one to two inches; also, the rack will prevent the frame from moving during the 'cage-building process. |
 The first step is to weld...  The first step is to weld "X" bars inside the framerails. This will increase the strength and prevent the frame from twisting. |  Next, weld the side frame/weight...  Next, weld the side frame/weight rails (arrow) onto the factory frame. The Parts Pro Truck Series requires any additional width to be applied equally on both sides of the frame. |  With a good, solid foundation...  With a good, solid foundation in place, Schick attaches the rear hoop (arrow). To meet regulations, the rear hoop and all main bars must measure 13/4-inch diameter with a wall thickness of .095 inch. |
 The top hoop (arrow A) and...  The top hoop (arrow A) and two front down bars (arrow B) are welded in place to form a four-point 'cage. Schick proceeded with the horizontal dash bars (arrow C) in the front and rear. |  Before Schick goes any further,...  Before Schick goes any further, he installs and removes the engine with the headers attached. This is done to check for clearances when mounting the front hoops (arrow A) and diagonal triangles. Once Schick has determined the clearance, he then adds the radiator and its supports (arrow B). The supports allow a forward mounting location for the front hoops (arrow C). Next, he adds smaller tubing--1- to 11/4-inch, .065 gauge--to form triangles for additional strength. Next Schick designs and adds the front suspension. |  Before the rear of the truck's...  Before the rear of the truck's 'cage is welded on, the old frame is cut off above the back axle, at the centerline (arrow). |
 Then, Schick builds the new...  Then, Schick builds the new frame box and welds it in place. This box will house the fuel cell and support the rearend and suspension. |  At this point, most of the...  At this point, most of the 'cage is complete, so Schick moves to the truck's interior. He assembles the floorpan and foot box (arrow) with 14-gauge sheetmetal. Once he fits them in place, he installs the seat mounts, seatbelt mounts, and steering-column mount. He also adds the brake and gas pedals. Behind the driver seat, Schick sets up the battery box. |  The last of the main components...  The last of the main components to weld in place are the door bars. Shick saves them for the end because they ease entering and exiting the truck during the building process. The vertical door braces (arrow) are staggered to keep radiant welding heat from weakening the steel. On the exterior of the door braces, 14-gauge steel plate will be added once the body is fitted to the 'cage. ct |