I often carry around tools and stuff in the back of the xj for my hobbies or for work. I had a lot of close calls with large metal objects that keep almost hitting the side cargo windows.

I was at a junkyard walking around when I spotted a wire mesh shelving unit inside a work van and had a light bulb moment.

I bought two of them and brought it home.
I made a pattern out of cardboard and test fit it in the windows to make sure it get in fine.

I used the patterns to cut out the wire mesh from the shelving and welded a rod all around it so anything won't catch on the sharp protruding points.

I welded tabs on top and bottom of the cage, top using two factory trim screw locations and bottom was bolted on the bottom plastic trim with large fender washer underneath.

I removed the floor d rings and put it on top of the bottom tabs and bolted it together, that way I have extra anchoring points whenever I need it.

Of course I painted it black

 

Nice!

I would want it anchored to something more than the interior panels, but I tend to overkill.

I will eventually do something similar, but to the outside.

 

Yeah I planned to do that then I got lazy. I guess I probably would reinforce the inside of the panels when it break off lol

 

A big washer on the back side should provide a decent amount of strength.

Its not like you'll be putting the vehicles weight on it.

 

I actually REALLY like this idea. I have had plenty of hairy mishaps. I would need them for all three rear windows. Hummm.

 

Yeah I wanted to make one for the hatch too. Just couldn't find one big enough piece to cut out.

 

Do you have a pic of what it looks like from the outside?

 

I did try taking a picture but its really hard to see because my windows are tinted lol. I guess I can try again when it's really sunny outside.

 

Ummm, it's cool and all but it seems that it would be much more beneficial to your health to secure any 'large metal objects' that are going to be bouncing around back there instead of protecting the windows... What's protecting the back of your head?

 

I guess apparently I value the windows over my life.

 

Clearly.

 

Smile

 

What are these "large metal objects" that you have flying around back there?

 

Lol it isn't flying around. It isn't like I'm driving a hundred miles per hour getting air time over every bumps.

Mostly it's projects that I make for customers and I go around dropping them off, most of the time it get anchored down. Most of stuff I make is long lengthwise and sometimes it go in cargo area diagonally and a lot of them are too close to the windows and even that its anchored down, it still move slightly and I really would rather not to have it scratch or break the windows.

 

Another reason for the guards so when people is going to break in the jeep by the windows, they will see the guards in place and hopefully that deter them away. Lol