Projectus maximus rollcageus has begunus

[KarlVP]

I started this project last weekend. Finally decided to take some pictures to show you all. There will be much more to come. This is about halfway done.

bout halfway there time to start on the B pillars.



The fit of the A pillar through the dash. This worked out rather nicely but was a pain in the butt to get right.



Me trying to squeeze myself through the Cage. I had to prove to the wife that in the event of an emergency, you could still get out that way.




C Pillar frame landing. This was tougher on the gas filler side, but it will work nicely. It didn't pinch the filler lines at all.



Finish grinding on the b-pillar fitup.



Here's the B pillars in place.



For them we cut holes near where the old roll bar was. The frame is right below there.



Finally a rough estimate for the Dash bar. I used inch and a half but still lose some usefulwindshield. The "TJ sight advantage" with the raked hood is no longer there.

[87B2XLT]

I was wondering when you were going to get around to that, Karl. Lookin' good so far. I see you finally got some BFG M/T's... guessing the A/T's finally bit the dust? Can't wait to see when it's all cleaned up and back together. Is it going to work with a "stock" soft / hard top? Oh.. yeah... when are you going to do the front fender mod? Heh. I can't wait to see the first roll / flop test ;D

[KarlVP]

As per request, here is a pic with the windshield up.



Also made these bars today. The fitup really sucks on the left one and the angles aren't the same. They are coming back out so I can do them again. It just wouldnt be right to do all this work and then halfass this.



Another angle of the crappy mistake. You can see the fitup on the right side piece just sucks. It's coming out tomorrow and I'm gonna re-do it.






I also made these little plates that will be welded to the B pillar at the floor. And then bolted into the body. This covers up the massive hole I put in there and also strengthens the body mount.



Added the rear bracing on the top tonight too.




Slow going, but at least is is going.

And Dave, I killed the AT's on the Rubicon this year. Got that set of MT's for $100. Couldn't beat that price. They have a funny wear pattern but will work for me.

The front fender mod will probably be in february. I'm gonna do my 6:1 Transfer case in January. Work work work.... it never stops with this thing.

[CORE 4WD]

Looks good Karl! I need a garage like that...

[Chele]

Just out of curiosity, will the Jeep pass inspection with the roll cage obscuring the windshield?

And..it's really pretty. Good job!

Edit: I mean...handsome!

[Deleted]

That looks very good Karl! That's one thing I wish I would have learned how to do...bend, notch and weld tubing.

[KarlVP]

chele said:

Just out of curiosity, will the Jeep pass inspection with the roll cage obscuring the windshield?

And..it's really pretty. Good job!

Edit: I mean...handsome!

I don't think it would pass VA inspection, but out here in WA we don't have state inspection.

[87B2XLT]

I was going to respond to 'Chele's question... but ya beat me to it, Karl! ;D Yeah, WA doesn't have a state inspection, only emissions inspection, and that is dependent on city/county where you live.... which I don't have to do since I'm out-of-state.... gotta love exemptions! ;D

[KarlVP]

First, a look at Hip's precision sawzalling skills.



Here's a look at the b to b connector, and the b pillar triangulation. I had to kink them just a bit so the seats would slide all the way back.



Another look at that with the seats removed.



Jungle gym anyone?



Now the Jeep is off to TommyBilt Fab in Sultan, Wa to have all the finish welding done, 5 point harnesses installed, and paint. Should have it ready for some high quailty snow wheelin this weekend.

[87B2XLT]

Yeah, with your knack for flops and rolls, Karl, you needed that cage badly ;D Kidding. Looks awesome! I don't know if I'd go that extreme with a cage in my junk, but I have some plans I'm tossing around in my head. I would like to incorporate some way of doing a removable top like a FSB, but at the same time, have all the sheetmetal, etc. more directly tied into the tubing so if it flops or rolls, I don't have to worry about it getting too crunched. I certainly don't want to end up like this: www.off-road.com/4x4web/travels/hcctrail.html ... scroll down to the August 1993 Attempt section and take a peek at the pics. OUCH!!

[KarlVP]

View from drivers side.



Picture of the top fitup. You can see the gap in above the drivers door. This isn't bad and doesn't leak inside of the Jeep, but I'm still going to take it to an upholstry shop and have that gap closed and a "halfcab" thingy made.






I went to Hip's this evening and made a tab to put the rear view mirror on. And also welded some tabs on the cage to mount my Hi-Lift. Put your oven mitts on kids, cause this thing is done!!!

[87B2XLT]

Schaaaaweeeeet! That's lookin' awesome, Karl! I like the incorporated "oh, sh*t" grab handles at the front pillar corners.... located so it's not so prone to smack your head on ;D And, now you got your harnesses... that'll be a lot nicer for those precarious rides, too. I guess I need to start drafting up some plans for when I get around to doing a cage, heh.

[JeepinGoose]

;D dude thats sheet is suhweet!