"Safari Cab" modular hardtop project

[AlwaysExplr87]

I have been following this for the past few days and love the work you are doing. I don't even own a vehicle that could benefit from this but wanted to let you know I love the design. If this never makes it into production it will be a shame. Can't wait to see the end result.

 

[jscherb]

I'm getting ready to make the TJ full cab side panel, but before I do that I thought I'd give you a "just for fun" photo this morning - I don't think it makes sense to produce this version of the top, because the bed would be pretty short even on an LJ, but here's the "Half Cab XL" with a side opera window.

Photos of the TJ full cab to come later today...

 

[TCM]

Regardless of the short bed this is still a great look. With a Brute length bed it would be perfect.

 

[jscherb]

Regardless of the short bed this is still a great look. With a Brute length bed it would be perfect.

Yes, I suppose if you were doing a custom pickup like this one... a stretched CJ with a Brute bed...

 

[Ford Prefect]

Yes, I suppose if you were doing a custom pickup like this one... a stretched CJ with a Brute bed...

Well should you feel the need to build a brute bed, I can figure out how to ship my CJ out to you so you have something to build it on...

 

[jscherb]

Here's a look at the full TJ/YJ/CJ Safari Cab. If you're wondering why there's only one side panel it's because the same one will be used to create the mold for both sides - it's symmetrical. There are left and right door surrounds and rear corners, but for the longer tops there only needs to be one side panel master.

I don't have a stock TJ, YJ or CJ handy to try it on, so I've been using the scrap of tub rail from Ed, and today it was nice enough to take the parts outside and set them up on the back half of the YJ tub I cut off when I was making the Gaucho pickup cab.

 

[jscherb]

Well should you feel the need to build a brute bed, I can figure out how to ship my CJ out to you so you have something to build it on...

Ummmm, I think I already did two custom Jeep pickups, time for me to do something else

 

[bigwalton]

Ummmm, I think I already did two custom Jeep pickups, time for me to do something else

6x6!!!!!!


Had to get one shot in over here :smiley_drive:

 

[Beowulf]

Looks fantastic. Can't wait to see the LJ sides.

 

[TCM]

Here's a look at the full TJ/YJ/CJ Safari Cab. If you're wondering why there's only one side panel it's because the same one will be used to create the mold for both sides - it's symmetrical. There are left and right door surrounds and rear corners, but for the longer tops there only needs to be one side panel master.

This really does look fantastic. But it does have me wondering if the LJ would also look best with a single large slider on the side instead of an opera window plus the slider. This configuration on the LJ would be very similar to the rear windows of a Defender 110. But hey that is what the mockups are for.

 

[Ford Prefect]

Ummmm, I think I already did two custom Jeep pickups, time for me to do something else

My point exactly! Clearly you are addicted to building jeeps into trucks! :wings:

 

[jscherb]

I managed to do some digital editing, and put the top and the sides together, and shorten the top to TJ length, if you just squint just a little...

 

[jscherb]

Looks fantastic. Can't wait to see the LJ sides.

This really does look fantastic. But it does have me wondering if the LJ would also look best with a single large slider on the side instead of an opera window plus the slider. This configuration on the LJ would be very similar to the rear windows of a Defender 110. But hey that is what the mockups are for.

Now that there are full-size parts to look at, the model is starting to look a little lame, but I updated the LJ model with smaller scale prints of the same paper windows I'm using on the full scale parts; this shows how the same size window that's used on the side of the TJ gets used on the LJ with a slightly larger side opera window.

Tomorrow I should have the full scale LJ side panel done and you'll see this in full scale.

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Questions about the Safari Cab? Try here first: Safari Cab FAQ

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[Root Moose]

Looking at the model my Mk1 eyeball is telling me to be aware that there may not be enough structure to support a loaded roof. Depends on how it is constructed of course but still I am concerned about the lack of structure between the rear and side opera window and then the slider.

It would be stronger without the side opera window and with the sliding window moved back a touch to balance the aesthetics.

$0.02

 

[Beowulf]

I believe this will be tied into the roll bar in some way, so holding a load, should not be an issue.