So as i am posting this im about to turn 16 and I'm going to buy an xj. Now, I want to chop it. I've seen a lot of finished builds and they look awesome, but how does one reinforce the uni-body? Will moving the back hatch backwards be enough support or do I need to go the extra mile and do a full roll cage?

 

What i have learned about doing any jeep project is dont try to find the cheapest way to do anything. You'll regret it eventually. A full roll cage would be your safest and best way to go if you're going to chop it.

 

You're about to turn 16, learn to keep your jeep running, don't worry about chopping it to pieces yet.

 

I would wait a year before doing any big mods to it,Let you learn the jeep from how to drive it and take care of it.And yes its a unibody i wouldn't cut the roof with out a full cage in it.

 

Anything in particular to watch out for on an xj?

 

Mostly rust and lack of maintenance from its last owner.

 

do you know what a fukton is? it is the unit of measurement used to describe the amount of work that will be involved with a true chop top that still remains streetable and lasts longer than a year.

lol. if you're just chopping the hatch you can get away with some bracing to the pillars or a minor cage. if you want to offroad plan on plating, cage, bracing, etc. or be prepared to have issues. the main thing is learn not to ask blanket questions like "what is involved with a chop top." just keep working that google search engine and read. go get a jeep and work on it for 2 years and if at the end of 2 years you still feel like chopping it I say go for it then