[ctavel]

So I got antsy today and decided to chop the top. I just followed the lines of the windows and cut the roof straight across. I'm not totally done but here are the pics so far--

Setting it all up


Side windows and hatch removed


First cut-- WAIT what am I forgetting?


How about some gloves and glasses??


Just keepin on cutting


Closed eyes and gloves for the last cut


The final chopped look (with akappler in the background)


the slickest part of the plan was excectuted by akappler when we realized we could curb the flimsyness of the roof. By adding the rear most support lost in the chop to the new back of the roof it is firm the entire length of the roof-- here's a picture of the third roof support



its kinda dark but you can make it out. Any questions or comments shoot them this way

[sleddy5]

looks sweet. What else are you gonna do to it back there.

[xhavier_5478]

looks tight, can't wait to see it finished.

[ctavel]

Well I want to close off the gaping holes that arose and I plan on making some sheetmetal sides to clean the inside up a little where the plastic panels used to go. I also need to de-bur everything and shoot some rustoleum on the bare edges. Eventually I'll get a cage but until then I'll just get a little more flex with a twisty uni-body.

[Oman Jeep]

Cutting the top off for more flex, brilliant



Something for you to aim for

There was also a guy on here that cut the back off, then used his original tailgate to form the rear window... You could even form a mid-gate system if you really wanted to get clever... make the window raise up on the original gas struts and have a lower wall that can fold forward onto the seat backs...

It wouldn't be as slick as the other systems where the glass drops into the lower mid-gate then it folds, but at least it would let you carry big stuff when needed...


Nice rear armour though... are there normally rear doors on your rig?

[gwarusee]

Make it a slant back!! would be sick

[ctavel]

Well all 4 doors are removable and taking the back ones off made it easier to work on the roof. As for midgate stuff, I did this for the open air feel, so with the exception of a tailgate eventually I really like the openess it provides. I am interested in making a soft, slant back top that looks something like this--



Oh yeah, and the armor is Rocklizard Fab-- the upper and lover Gila Guards. Talk to Marty, or GottabeJeep for more info

[Dannyboy18]

^^^ DO THAT! That looks really sweet. Looks something like a military HUMVEE or something.

Sweet

--Dan.

[ATX XJ]

im gonna do that eventually along with a full cage but itll be a while....like 3-5 years....when i have the $ and out of college, or maybe during college

[JEEPZZ]

Originally Posted by Oman Jeep

Cutting the top off for more flex, brilliant



Something for you to aim for

Here's the same Jeep with the top on:

[Oman Jeep]

Ah nice... I always wondered what they'd do when it rained

[AMK]

Half way through:



And for a view from inside looking out the back:

[87warrior]

WOW! I really like the idea of chopping the XJ's back end off. Never paid much attention, but yours is the frist I have ever seen.

After inspecting the XJ's design, I would highly advise you to NOT drive that untill you get a cage. It just looks like the top would cave in, much like tin foil. However it was an interesting thought to cut the top in order to gain flex, sounds like a mid 70's Pretzel truck (man they had a lot of frame twist).

The rig Oman posted is stunning. I have never seen a Cherokee i've liked more

[Blake]

Looks like it's gonna be awesome. Also, I have that angle grinder too.

[ctavel]

Yeah, i didn't actually cut the top to add flex and I don't plan on any wheelin till there is a cage, but for everyday driving I thinkI'll be fine. The roof is just as firm as before and everything seems as studyas before. Maybe were not giving the uni-body enough credit....