topless zj

Jeepfordan · 11-20-2009, 11:04 AM

Im just throwing this out there, Ive done a little research but haven't really seen what I was looking for. I've got some time on my hands and have been thinking about removing the roof of my ZJ from the rear doors back. I've seen this done on a few XJ's but never on a ZJ. The real question I had was have you ever seen anyone make a removable top for a ZJ or Xj like the full size broncos and old 4 runners have? I really haven't looked into the mechanics of doing it yet, just wanting to throw the idea out there and hear some pros and cons from yall

spife7980 · 11-20-2009, 12:04 PM

you'll want to cage the rear since the body/roof has a large role in the structural rigidity and with out it acting as a brace youre missing alot of support. there are many people who have chopped the top of but most of them leave it off all the time i believe. unless it will be a full time buggy i suggest not doing it but thats just me.

Jeepfordan · 11-20-2009, 12:12 PM

Its going to be a full time buggy from now on. I demolished it on some trails a few weeks ago, (ill try to post some pics in a few hours), so I got a new DD and now I want to do something crazy witht he jeep. I saw a guy that used the roll bar out of an 80's 4 runner on his XJ that he said fit pretty well so I was thinking about doing something like that. I just thought it would be cool to have the removable hard top option.

**WhiteOut** · 11-20-2009, 12:15 PM

Some fruitcake in our club did this and slapped a 1' section of MJ topper on it. Unless you tube it and do it right it will look like crap. He didnt even bother to put any support at the back, I cant wait until he wheels it and messes up his unibody

Jeepfordan · 11-20-2009, 12:17 PM

Yeah thats whats holding me back from doing it right now. Thats why im looking for some opinions before I start anything.

**ratmonkey** · 11-21-2009, 07:34 AM

you need to do a bunch of bracing and a proper roll cage to keep it from flexing all over. mallcrawlin would be a good place to read up on mods like this.

Mikeg175 · 11-21-2009, 09:44 AM

You can find any canvass or awning shop to make you a top . It won't be cheap , but they can make it custom , but I wouldn't even worry about it until you get your supports in . I live by the water so there are a ton of shops that specialize in it .

JesseOR · 11-21-2009, 11:35 AM

I found this awhile back online. I think it looks pretty good.

ramsport59 · 11-21-2009, 12:04 PM

Still working on it, but this is where its at now.

Rick

Mazdarx · 11-21-2009, 01:06 PM

If you could build it like that, but with a drop down tailgate, that would be really cool.

BigDaveZJ · 11-21-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratmonkey

mallcrawlin would be a good place to read up on why this mod is dumb

I did this 5+ years ago. Dumbest thing I've ever done to my Jeep. Lost a ton of cargo room, it sucks in anything but warm weather, and offers no benefit other than me being able to say "hey, look at me, I'm a retard who hacked off the back of my Jeep."

**Texas ZJ1** · 11-21-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDaveZJ

I did this 5+ years ago. Dumbest thing I've ever done to my Jeep. Lost a ton of cargo room, it sucks in anything but warm weather, and offers no benefit other than me being able to say "hey, look at me, I'm a retard who hacked off the back of my Jeep."

WOw, I only say, don't slip on the ice.

Hunter

ramsport59 · 11-21-2009, 04:56 PM

This isnt my Daily Driver...So the loss of Cargo Room didnt hurt me and the warm weather thing wont hurt me. I have a soft top from a LJ Wrangler here that I'm going to make into some type of cover. Also my Cab Area will be enclosed...Working on that now.

Rick

mitchconley · 11-21-2009, 07:50 PM

6758240113_large.jpg picture by mitchconley - Photobucket

found that on the internet. you would definitly need to put up some kind of bracing bar around that top section becuse that looks really flimsy

footinmouth47 · 11-22-2009, 11:07 AM

The only way I would cut any of the roof off would be to make it like this one. this is probably the coolest jeep ever
Removable Top XJ Project (Pics) - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

Greg

11-21-2009, 12:04 PM	#9
ramsport59 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Millersville, MD Posts: 50 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Still working on it, but this is where its at now. Rick __________________ 94 ZJ, Long Arm'd Front with 7" lift, Converted the Rear to Custom Leaf Springs, 36x12.50 Swampers bolted to a Dana44 HP and a Dana 60 Locked with 5.13 Gears!

11-21-2009, 04:56 PM	#13
ramsport59 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Millersville, MD Posts: 50 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	This isnt my Daily Driver...So the loss of Cargo Room didnt hurt me and the warm weather thing wont hurt me. I have a soft top from a LJ Wrangler here that I'm going to make into some type of cover. Also my Cab Area will be enclosed...Working on that now. Rick __________________ 94 ZJ, Long Arm'd Front with 7" lift, Converted the Rear to Custom Leaf Springs, 36x12.50 Swampers bolted to a Dana44 HP and a Dana 60 Locked with 5.13 Gears!