Alright guys, I am looking at getting another XJ. It's a 98 chop top. Pretty much the whole roof has been chopped. Has a snap on soft top that don't leak. What would be the easiest way of making a cage to reinforce it all?

Pics would be good. Wanna know what I would have ahead of me. Where all would I want to look at stiffening?

 

I'd look at stiffening as much as you can.

I'd really need pictures of the Jeep before I could tell you what to build...

 

It does at least have nice beefy bumpers to start with. Just wondering some easy options on other ways to give it rigidity.

 

frame rail stiffeners and a cage

 

That's what I was thinking. Could be a problem for me. I only have a large Arc welder. It wouldn't get along with the body and sheet metal at all. Gotta find a Mig I can borrow.

Would anyone have some good pics of some ideas where to tie in and reinforce?

 

there are tons of pics on the internet. search. pirate has tons builds with stiffener and cage pics with tie in points

 

I'd suggest a simple 8 point cage. Bend the top hoop so that it's a snug fit to the cut part of the roof then make braces out to the remaining pillars.

Mine is cut very similar to this except I left a bit of roof between the 'sunroof' and the rear chop.


I'm pretty sure that I'd find this thing ugly as hell with the entire soft top snapped into place.

 

I am searching for some pics now. Bunch of my buddies used to tough truck race so they have experience with cages so they can help some.




I kinda like it from what I can tell. It would serve it's purpose. I can always change that up later and put a back on it which I would prefer. It's a good project to start with I think. All the cutting is done

 

This is probably the best picture I have of the cage... The cage b-pillars are braced to the body a pillars. I didn't fool with the c-pillars.

How'd he go about sealing the top so it doesn't leak while driving down the road?

 

I am not really sure. He just said that it did not leak. I will find a car wash to verify Just the parts,tires, and stuff are almost worth his asking price. Trying to work it out. I for sure gotta cage it and do some bracing on the bottom of the body.

I would like to see some close pics if ya could get me some. Looks good.

 

Something like this but much shorter.

 

Where did you have the soft top made?

 

Not sure, Wasn't my Jeep. I never went and checked it out. Money got tight.