Choosing the right 1 5/8 inch roll cage tubing is essential for safety and performance in motorsports projects. This article highlights top 1 5/8 roll cage tubes and closely related sizes, focusing on DOM and mild steel options that are commonly used in roll cages, chassis fabrication, and performance builds. Each product is evaluated on material quality, compatibility with standard roll cage specs, and ease of fabrication.
| Product | Brand | Material | Length Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round DOM Roll Cage Tubing, 1-5/8 Inch X .12 Inch, 3 Foot Length | Speedway Motors | DOM Steel | 3 ft (pre-cut) | 1-5/8″ O.D. with .120″ wall |
| Speedway Motors Round DOM Roll Cage Tubing, 1-5/8 Inch OD x .120 Inch Wall, 7 Foot Length | Speedway Motors | DOM Steel | 7 ft | Ideal for roll cages and chassis fabrication |
| JEGS 64460 Swing Out Door Bar Kit 1 5/8 in. x 0.083 in. Wall Chromoly Steel Tubing | JEGS | Chromoly Steel | Not specified (kit) | Chromoly option for strength and weldability |
| Speedway Motors Round 1020 DOM Steel Roll Cage Tubing, 1-3/4 Inch OD x .095 Inch Wall Thickness | Speedway Motors | 1020 DOM Steel | Pre-cut lengths available | 1-3/4″ OD close to 1-5/8″ sizing |
| Speedway Motors Mild Steel Roll Cage Tubing, 1-3/4 OD, .109 Wall | Speedway Motors | Mild Steel (HREW 1020) | 7 ft | Pre-bent and pre-notched options |
Below are five primary product sections with detailed specifications and usage considerations. Each section links to the product page for more technical details and installation notes.
Round DOM Roll Cage Tubing, 1-5/8 Inch X .12 Inch, 3 Foot Length
Speedway Motors offers a Round DOM steel roll cage tubing with a 1-5/8″ outside diameter and 0.120″ wall thickness. DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) construction provides uniform wall thickness and strength, which is critical for roll cage integrity in frontal and side-impact scenarios. This 3-foot length is suitable for short sections, sensor mounts, or nodes in a modular roll cage build. When planning a full cage, pre-cut lengths simplify assembly but may require precise on-site fitting. Compatible with standard automotive fabrication practices, this tube is a common choice for hobbyist and professional projects alike.
Speedway Motors Round DOM Roll Cage Tubing, 1-5/8 Inch OD x .120 Inch Wall, 7 Foot Length
This 7-foot DOM roll cage tube from Speedway Motors is designed for longer cage sections and chassis components. The 1-5/8″ outside diameter with a 0.120″ wall ensures robust performance in structural applications critical to safety. DOM tubing provides predictable wall thickness and weldability, which is advantageous for consistent fabrication results. It is well-suited for rails, crossbars, and main cage hoops where precise, high-strength tubing is required. This length helps reduce the number of joints in larger projects, contributing to overall rigidity and safety compliance in motorsports builds.
Speedway Motors Mild Steel Roll Cage Tubing, 1-3/4 OD, .109 Wall, 7 Ft.
While slightly larger than 1-5/8″, this mild steel tubing provides a versatile option for budget-conscious builds or specific fabrication constraints. The 1-3/4″ outer diameter paired with a .109″ wall offers a balance of strength and weight that suits certain street-legal or competition applications. The HREW 1020 material specification indicates good weldability and formability. The tubing is pre-notched in places to aid assembly, which can save time during the fabrication process. Consider matching this to compatible fittings and gussets for a cost-effective cage build.
Speedway Motors Round 1020 DOM Steel Roll Cage Tubing, 1-3/4 Inch OD x .095 Inch Wall
This DOM-based tubing from Speedway Motors features a 1-3/4″ outside diameter with a .095″ wall thickness, designed for durability in roll cages and fabrication projects. The DOM process yields consistent wall thickness, contributing to predictable welds and uniform strength along the tube. Available in pre-cut lengths to fit various chassis configurations, this tubing is a common choice for teams seeking reliable performance without excessive weight. When designing a cage, integrate this tubing with compatible joints, gussets, and mounting points to maximize rigidity and safety margins.
JEGS 64460 Swing Out Door Bar Kit 1 5/8 in. x 0.083 in. Wall Chromoly Steel Tubing
The JEGS kit features chromoly steel tubing with a 1-5/8″ diameter and a thin 0.083″ wall. Chromoly is known for high tensile strength and weldability, making it a strong choice for door bars or swing-out components in race cages. This option is useful for builders prioritizing high strength-to-weight ratios and performance-oriented design. Ensure proper heat handling and proper fitment within the overall cage geometry when integrating chromoly with DOM or mild steel sections to avoid mismatch stresses at joints.
Duda Energy Clear Vinyl PVC Tubing 5/8″ ID, 10 Foot Length
Note: This is a general-purpose tubing option that is included for comparison purposes with a different sizing. It is not a direct substitute for 1-5/8 roll cage tubing but can be relevant for auxiliary systems or non-structural plumbing within a project. PVC tube is flexible and easy to work with for non-structural components, but it does not replace the structural strength of DOM or chromoly tubing in a roll cage assembly.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Material and strength: DOM steel offers uniform wall thickness and predictable welds, ideal for safety-critical cages. Chromoly provides high strength-to-weight but may require different fabrication practices. Mild steel is cost-effective and easier to work with but heavier.
- Wall thickness and diameter: 1-5/8″ diameter with around .095″ to .120″ wall is common for cages. Thicker walls increase rigidity but add weight. Ensure compatibility with mounting points and gussets in your design.
- Length options: Pre-cut lengths reduce on-site cutting but may limit customization. Plan for joints and alignment, and use accurate fabrication jigs to minimize misalignment.
- Compatibility with standards: Check alignment with racing federation requirements and teams’ build specs. DOM channels are widely accepted in many sanctioning bodies, but verify local rules for tubing type and wall thickness.
- Installation and weldability: Consider the welding process (MIG/TIG) and required filler materials. Chromoly typically needs precise control to avoid warping; DOM and mild steel are more forgiving for beginners.
- Cost vs. performance: Chromoly generally costs more but provides higher strength-to-weight. DOM is a strong, reliable mid-range option. Mild steel offers a budget-friendly alternative with good weldability.
- Durability in use: Consider environments and impact scenarios. DOM is known for consistent properties and reliability under stress, while mild steel may require protective coatings to resist corrosion.
- Fabrication time: Pre-notched or pre-cut pieces save time but still require precise cutting and alignment during assembly. Plan for jig setup and potential rework if tolerances aren’t met.