[moprr71]

subscribing. Looks good

[dukegnarley]

the windshield itself is more slanted, but the back of the frame is at the same degree. So the TJ frame is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top while the yj frame is the same thickness the whole way. JP magazine was able to get the tj top to fit a yj so I'm sure i won't have any problems.

[chocflip201]

Originally Posted by dukegnarley

the windshield itself is more slanted, but the back of the frame is at the same degree. So the TJ frame is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top while the yj frame is the same thickness the whole way. JP magazine was able to get the tj top to fit a yj so I'm sure i won't have any problems.

In my area a Hardtop in good shape (used) goes around $1500 - $2000 for an LJ so im choosing to cut my hard top in in front of the quarter-glass and extend it there to save a lot of money and still have a good looking hardtop.

[Panici]

Subscribed. Looks like a great build!

[NaeKid]

Originally Posted by dukegnarley

[SIZE="7"]Next up was figuring out where to cut the frame. my first thought was to cut it right where the spring hanger is. I soon realized that this would not work because the frame is getting stretched 15" and the wheelbase is only getting stretched 10". This would leave the axle off center in comparison to the frame's wheel arch. The spot i decided on was the top of the wheel arch. This had several advantages. One was keeping the cross members which the fuel tank and body bolt to lined up. Another was making lots of space above the axle to mount the coil springs. This spot also allows me to only cut the frame once thus keeping it stronger. The only problem with cutting it once in front of the fuel tank instead of once in front and once behind is that the fuel tank will remain at the very back of the jeep. I'm pretty sure the TJ unlimiteds have the tank pushed forward a bit to keep it less exposed for tail dragging. I figure if it becomes a problem i can always make new brackets and move it forward a few inches..

The tank is "pushed" forward - but, it is on its own forward cross-member. Your best bet would be to grab another YJ frame cross-member and weld that in where you would need it for the gas-tank to bolt-in. Place gussets in as required.

I was thinking about doing this to my YJ as well - except that my plas was that I would have to cut the body between the door and rear-wheel "straight" across. The frame was planned to be cut between the back of the skid-plate and the front of the spring-hangers. I would leave the leaf-springs attached with the axle in place, weld in the new steel tubing for the frame and then patch the body back together with fresh sheet metal.

My plan was to take a hard-top, push out the side windows, cut the top in the middle and bolt it back to the body. Fiberglass it back together and have a new window cut and installed.

I kinda like they way you are planning it - except - does the rear wheel-well seem a bit big to you too, or are you planning on closing it up a bit?

[dukegnarley]

The wheel well will be closed up ... or actually covered up by some 3/16th crusher corners. should look like this, but with a regular TJ flare on it.



it's one of the customer rigs on quadratec.

[dukegnarley]

I know i said i wasn't going to update until next week, but i got bored and welded the body back together.




I started by tacking the very top of the tub on both sides, then I lowered the hoist until the tub was lined up in the vertical direction. I then tacked on a few more welds, and measured the length on both sides to make sure they were correct.




I then put spot welds along the rest of the seam, using a floor jack and a piece of angle iron to push up on the floor in certain places so the edges of the sheet metal lined up correctly. I'm about 75% of the way done getting it all welded up. I decided to stop and take a break until tomorrow to give my eyes a rest and my helmet a chance to recharge.





Without any support from the frame or the rollbar, it's strong enough to support my weight (225lbs) at the very back.

[BlackRhino]

That's looking great! I'm hoping to do something similar down the road (a long way down the road).

[dukegnarley]

Thanks! so far it's been a LOT easier than i thought it would be.

[demo44]

Very Cool!!!!!! How are you planning on creating the rear wheel opening?

[pilgrimninja17]

sick! so your gunna run a bikini top year round? thats fun for winter

[gaucho919]

He's making it the same length as an unlimited, se he can use an LJ unlimited factory top.

[HeepWranglerYJ]

man before i saw this thread i was not a fan of the unlimited's but this changed my pov, deffinetly subscribing

[YJSXJ]

nice work dude.

x11

[Totenkopf]

Looks great...are you thinking of doing any reinforcing/bracing underneath the tub to kind of tie the two pieces together for extra strength?