Another dumb cage question

[ponyracer1]

Ok after about a week of reading and reaserch, I'm looking to cage my 01 XJ. I'm starting with an internal, probably will grow to a roof external at some point. I'll be using 1 3/4 .120 DOM.

My question is this, I'll be running full length from A pillar to D pillar and I'm thinking about going through the dash and tying it into the front bumper. Why don't more people do this?? I see 85% of pics where people put this funky S bend to clear there dash, and weakend there cage in the process.

Is there a reason NOT to go through the dash?? I know it's more work but I'd rather do it right the first time.

Thanks

 

[CRASH]

I'm cutting my "funky" bend out next week and going through the dash. It's a better way to go, but you do have to hack your dash and several air vents to do it. Wish I had done it that way the first time, but I was on a very tight schedule, and the bend was easier.

 

[et89xj]

I pull the whole dash out, build cage then fit dash around cage. When done you still can open glove box and maybe even keep some air vents(didnt worry about that the XJ was doorless by that time). You do hack up the dash to fit but if you take some time at it, will come out good looking...andy