[NZ]

Well i have taken the top off. i think i will get a soft top made up incase it rains though.



what do you think?

[JonsYJjeep]

now that looks wierd, almost like an old full size bronco.

[Storm]

come on! now thats just SWEET! you gotta do that spring over now NZ... those guys at the safety inspection don't even know whether a Patrol is sprung over stock or not do they? JUST DO IT!

and forget the exo cage, ya need to cut the roof off, window frames off too, build a cage.... dang I need one of those rigs!

[Onkover]

I just had to put my doors back on I like that rig with and without a roof. YOu should take the doors off also The soft top is a real good idea as long as it isn't much work to take it on and off.

[JonsYJjeep]

Dont do a SOA. you'll just opne a can of worms for more money to be dumped into it and be inviting more axle wrap.

[NZ]

Yea im not going to go SOA yet. just lifted springs superior shackles and a 20mm Guard cut. this will easily fit 36" tires then. then after i have done everything else i might go SOA and fit bigger tires but that will be a long way down the track. but the superior shackles i am getting will help stop the axle wrap.

I am actually thinking of going for an internal cage now. just have to have a look at it and get some ideas. i also want to pull the carpet and trim out of the back and line it with checker plate alluminium (so it is like a sealed tray) and build a loackable alluminium box into it so people dont steal my tools and recovery gear i have in the back.

[VirginiaJeep]

No top wheeling is the best! I think you should make some sorta cage over the rear section where the roof goes, it would add protection and give the rear some shape. It looks kinda like a really short pickup truck without the top, but its still awesome :headbanger:

[NZ]

Well this is the design i have come up with (its a 4 point)

[VirginiaJeep]

hey, i like that NZ! Go for it! :headbanger:

[NZ]

is the design going to be strong enough?

[Jackalope]

I like it too

will the roof fit over the bars when you are done?

[Rockinelle]

Is there a reason you don't have the X going all the way to the floor? If there's room, I'd suggest you do that.

[redneckbrat]

looks good topless

[NZ]

I might be able to get the x all the way to the floor but there is a mulitple bend in that part of the cage (pic doent show it) it bends towards the back of the car and then inwards at the same time.

an yea the roof will still fit.

Should i use chromoly or mild steel?

[Sarah(Jers Gal)]

I like it with the top off, NZ, I think it looks sa-weeet. BUT, in honor of Halloween, I think you should do the cage a little differently...... :cool2:

[Rockinelle]

NZ, on Oct 18 2005, 07:40 PM, said:

I might be able to get the x all the way to the floor but there is a mulitple bend in that part of the cage (pic doent show it) it bends towards the back of the car and then inwards at the same time.

an yea the roof will still fit.

Should i use chromoly or mild steel?

The only reason I could see to use chromo would be to save weight, as if you're building a whole chassi. You're just building an internal cage and the weight savings would be insignificant. I think you're best bet would be mild DOM or just regular ERW tube. On Jer's cage we're using regular ERW tubing and I have no doubt it is going to be very strong. Design is everything!

I suggested putting the X all the way at the bottom because should you roll with it as you've drawn it, it will likely fail right below the X. It acts like a lever. I know there are always comprises you have to make, but optimally, the X should go all the way to the floor.

[NZ]

The other idea if i cant get the x all teh way to the floor is to put another x underneath the top(bellow the horizontal bar) that will be able to follow the bend.

[NZ]

What about this design? any better?

this way i also have some points to mount some 4 point harnesses and some new seats if i want to (later on)

[mwilley]

You are taking the top off of your rig, and it is just about time for us topless rigs here to put them back on.

[VirginiaJeep]

mwilley, on Oct 27 2005, 02:30 PM, said:

You are taking the top off of your rig, and it is just about time for us topless rigs here to put them back on.

:angry:

I don't like putting the top on... taking it off is so much easier and the result is a lot more fun! Besttop's Tops fit so tight it is hard to get those babies on sometimes.. specially when its cold :cold: