The Dakar Car

[Metcalf]

I think integrating the cage into the top would be difficult, but it could be totally worth it on a vehicle that didn't need to be converted back and forth. The JK cage is welded into the body however.....

Changing the shape of the cage would probably be a good idea, but again.....it's all welded into the body. I agree that the rear leg is a bit of a space killer.

 

[Dan Grec]

I think integrating the cage into the top would be difficult, but it could be totally worth it on a vehicle that didn't need to be converted back and forth. The JK cage is welded into the body however.....

Changing the shape of the cage would probably be a good idea, but again.....it's all welded into the body. I agree that the rear leg is a bit of a space killer.

I've also thought a lot about just ditching the entire rear cage (everything behind the front seats).
When driving, there would be nobody back there anyway (the Jeep would be a two seater)

The major drawback would be in the event of a roll-over, the damage to the top and anything inside would be severe as I imagine it would crush horribly.
Not to mention it would probably lower the overall strength of the front part of the cage, making the front passengers less protected.

Overall, probably not one of my best ideas.

-Dan

 

[Calin.Macrinici]

So back on the topic.....

I got to look over a JK 4-door last night. A few observations....
...
-The sealing at the back of the B-pillar would be a little complex. I think the best way to do it would be to have a lip on the front of the top that was the same as the front of the rear door edge. Then just add in a section of factory weatherstrip in that area to seal the new top to the B-pillar.

You're planning major changes to the top anyway, so why not get a 2-door JK top (you get everything you need including the proper shape/seal at the B pillar) and extend its back to fit the formerly 4-door JK? That way you don't have to fill up the door openings, just (very simplisticaly put) cut the rear part, maybe behind the rear side windows or just before the rear corners, insert extra top band (maybe with some extra work for vertical little windows so it looks Defender-ish ), reconnect the rear part and you're done.

In my opinion, if you never plan on taking it off a properly made and insulated aluminum top would be much better.

 

[Metcalf]

2-door JK's don't have a B-pillar like the 4-door. The front edge of the top is different where it meets the front door.

 

[Calin.Macrinici]

2-door JK's don't have a B-pillar like the 4-door. The front edge of the top is different where it meets the front door.

Got you, I didn't think about that. Wranglers with B-pillars! what is this world comming to! Still, the aluminum sounds like a cool idea!

 

[Metcalf]

I was thinking about the aluminum top rollcage thing........

If you did make an aluminum top you could use tubing at the major 'corners' of the top to form a nice 'bend'. Then weld the aluminum plate sides to that tube skeleton. Even if you didn't use the tubes for a roll cage, tubes around 1" diameter would make for a very nice corner radius that was VERY strong once welded.

Just a thought.

 

[Clutch]

This to me seems that it would work better on the driver side if you do the swivle seat mod unless you are gonna do a racing style removable steering wheel. The steering wheel on the driver side would just get in the way of the swivel seat. A reason I believe they did not do them on the driver seat of the conversion van I mentioned in my past post.

Could do a flip seat like they have in some backhoes...the seat back, and bottom were the same. When you want to go from running the front loader to operating the hoe, you simply flip the seat backwards on its' hinge.

The seats don't have real good support though...

 

[Metcalf]

cool idea, thanks.

I think for something in the older CJ line that would actually not be that bad For a new vehicle....probably not as comfortable as stock...

 

[Clutch]

cool idea, thanks.

I think for something in the older CJ line that would actually not be that bad For a new vehicle....probably not as comfortable as stock...

Nifty idea, but the support is awful, I used to operate heavy equipment for a living...10-14 hours in one leaves you pretty sore. Modern machines are pretty comfortable, won't fit into a passenger vehicle though..



Have you looked into what is available in the van swivel seat market?

http://www.discountvantruck.com/rvvanseatbases/rvvanseatbases.htm

 

[Metcalf]

Yup, most swivel seats just wouldn't work in a smaller chassis like a jeep I don't think?

 

[Clutch]

Yup, most swivel seats just wouldn't work in a smaller chassis like a jeep I don't think?

I don't think they will...no room for the turn of the swivel, but I have seen swivel seats in the custom car scene.

I do think some cars came stock with swivel seats in the 60's...can't gat a 180º...swivel though