rhart's fj43 cage pics

4rnr · 05-25-09, 01:07 PM

Ive been building this cage for Rod (rhart) for his new fj43.

First off this truck is beautiful and a joy to drive (around the subdivision anyway). Imported from Columbia it is rumored to be about 1 of 6 in the US. I think he said it only has 22,000 miles on it.

Well the cage is 1.75" HREW, bent on a jd2 model 3 bender with a 5.5 radius die. The structure is done, the welding and details are not. I think i have about 30hrs in it so far....

His goal with this cage is NOT to wheel (so you can relax he wont be wheeling this). But rather to mount an ARB roof rack (I will cross that bridge when I come to it!!!) and to support a SOR family bikini top. Which is intended for the 40, so I had to make some adjustments for the cage to work with that and not look like crap.

I originally was going to throw some flash into the cage but once I saw it and drove it, I started to lean toward a clean safari type cage. Then I started to mock some of the flashy tubes and I hated it. So this is what I came up with...

Sorry the pics suck my camera is dying.

Here you can see how I ended the cage as early as estetically possible, and then could match the lateral roof bar to the fj40 bikini. I dont have any pics of the bikini but it fits like a glove! Also the Troop style jumper seats were a challenge due to the occupants head, but they are just right.

Here is a shot of the dash. It was VERY challenging due to the large knobs that secure the windshield. Oh and sorry Rod the knobs have to go. Ill fab up some low profile guys.

Thats all I got for now Ill have more pics once its done.

PhilC64 · 05-25-09, 02:46 PM

Nice work Jon! Sorry I missed your call the other day! Been out of town for a few days

Gappy · 05-25-09, 05:50 PM

Great work Jon. You are right, no flash is best for that truck. If someone didn't know better, the cage looks like it could of been original.

Is that paint orginal? Any idea what he had to give for it?

4rnr · 05-25-09, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gappy

Great work Jon. You are right, no flash is best for that truck. If someone didn't know better, the cage looks like it could of been original.

Is that paint orginal? Any idea what he had to give for it?

The paint is original.

I dont know what is cost but I have a figure in my head. Maybe he will share. Im sure it wasnt cheap!!! I am being very careful with it!

tonyota · 05-25-09, 09:28 PM

Awesome cage Jon.
Tell ya what, you fab me up an exo-cage for my 60 (for free) & I'll put a "custom cages by 4rnr" sticker on my rig.

Nice work!!

4rnr · 05-25-09, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyota

I'll put a "custom cages by 4rnr" sticker on my rig.

Nice work!!

Que Gumby with a smart ass remark in 3....2....1....

Thanks Tony. I like the way its turing out. It looks VERY sexy with the bikini!

Gumby · 05-26-09, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4rnr

Que Gumby with a smart ass remark in 3....2....1....

Don't worry. I'll have some stickers available.

rhart · 05-26-09, 07:12 AM

First of all, I would like to say thank you very much to John and Todd (Gumby), both of whom have been gracious enough to help me out on my first cruiser experience. I have another project in the works, but this is my first cruiser to sit in my garage !

As far as the roll cage goes, I would like to say that the design is entirely John's and it is perfect ! I couldn't have drawn it out any better ! Sorry for not being any help this weekend (it's actually better for the truck that I wasn't). I can't wait to see it with the family top on it. To quote a fellow cruiser head in California about the roll cage - "That is one sexy bitch"

I agree with John that the truck drives great and is a joy to tool around in. It has been passed onto me that it had appx 22,000 miles when I got it and I have put on about 1400 additional in the last 5 weeks of ownership. I am still working out some of the kinks to make it work better for my family, but it's a blast to drive and the neighborhood kids pile in it whenever I pull it out to drive ! The Bumble Bee (dubbed by my 9yr old daughter) is a hit with the kids.

I have to break the news that I don't believe the paint to be original. Although the PO originally believed the rig to be in unmolested condition, I believe the person who brought it in from Colombia stated that it had been resprayed at some point prior to making it to the States. I believe that to be true just by the looks of things as I have been digging around on it. All in all it is a stock rig with some unique South American flair. It is by no means perfect, and although I do not plan to wheel it to the extent that John and Todd do, it is not going to be a museum piece or trailer queen either. I drive it everyday and have plans for some extended camping trips with my family. It has proven to be reliable already as I have driven it from Mississippi to Michigan as soon as I picked her up.

As soon as I complete a few more small projects on her I hope to go to some Hoosier meets and get to see more people that post on Mud. I have talked to or emailed a bunch since I have started looking at cruisers and have learned a ton!

Todd - I still owe you a case of ??? I haven't forgotten.
John - Looks great. I'll give you a call.

Rod

PhilC64 · 05-26-09, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumby

Don't worry. I'll have some stickers available.

Dibs on a couple for sure since I have the prototype 40 cage!

Rod,
It must be one heck of a 40 to have John drooling over it. Nice score and I hope to see you and your 40 soon!

Gumby · 05-26-09, 07:46 AM

I can honestly say it's the nicest 43 I've even seen.

It's probably in the top 5 nicest cruisers I've seen.

Goebeler's green 40 is tops, with the 55 also in the top 5.

Gappy · 05-26-09, 10:53 AM

Rod, Welcome to the illness!!

rhart · 05-26-09, 10:59 AM

Thanks gappy. It truly is an illness. One of which my wife hopes that I am quickly cured !

tonyota · 05-26-09, 07:46 PM

There is no cure...if someone ever finds a cure....I don't want it.

I do however want a sticker or two, Gumpy.

It's kinda a secret of mine....but I like stickers.

tonyota · 05-26-09, 07:47 PM

By the way rhart.....can't wait to meet ya & that fine rig I hear the guys talkin about.

Goebeler · 05-26-09, 08:01 PM

How do we get in line for a fresh cage build? I might need to update the cage in my red 40. Need some type of better look along with a section in the rear for passengers. Keep practicing those bends.

This set up is looking amazing! Need to see it in person.

PhilC64 · 05-26-09, 10:18 PM

GingerFab Cages are the only cage I can recommend to anyone! He's been on the pipe since 06 and loving it!

4rnr · 05-26-09, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goebeler

How do we get in line for a fresh cage build? I might need to update the cage in my red 40. Need some type of better look along with a section in the rear for passengers. Keep practicing those bends.

This set up is looking amazing! Need to see it in person.

Thanks.

Its down here anytime you want to come by.

Oh and by the way, I am 99.99999% sure this paint is original!

4rnr · 05-27-09, 05:15 PM

I installed the rag top today, Its only half assed sinched down...

Gappy · 05-28-09, 05:18 AM

I just ordered a family bikini top.....where did that one come from? Custom?

rhart · 05-28-09, 05:20 AM

Can you use the wide angle lens on that camera phone ? Looks great so far. Too bad the weather is not cooperating. I am thinkning it is going to look much better with a pair of metal tech tube half doors ! Perhaps my non cruiser friendly wife has been listening to my father's day hints !

If the weather holds up tonight I can stop by to lend a hand for a while. My niece graduates in the evening.

Rod

rhart · 05-28-09, 05:24 AM

Gappy,

you posted the same time as me ! The family top came from SOR and is designed for the FJ40 and on the 40 it covers the full length of the truck. On mine, you can see it only covers 90%. It has a windshield channel and ties to the footman loops in the rear. SOR offers another model with two screen openings in the roof (for more cash). I think I paid somehwere around $235, but don't quote me on it. SOR is never cheap. After I bought it, I found two on Mud. I think they both sold for around $135. It looks like they come up every once in awhile. It comes in tan (camo on the inside) or black.
Hope this helps.

Rod

4rnr · 05-28-09, 10:02 AM

yeah yeah I know my camera is broken.....

I will be home at about 4pm. If you want to come by thats fine. I need to lift out the cage and finish weld it.

Gappy · 05-28-09, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhart

Gappy,

you posted the same time as me ! The family top came from SOR and is designed for the FJ40 and on the 40 it covers the full length of the truck. On mine, you can see it only covers 90%. It has a windshield channel and ties to the footman loops in the rear. SOR offers another model with two screen openings in the roof (for more cash). I think I paid somehwere around $235, but don't quote me on it. SOR is never cheap. After I bought it, I found two on Mud. I think they both sold for around $135. It looks like they come up every once in awhile. It comes in tan (camo on the inside) or black.
Hope this helps.

Rod

I like SOR's digital camo. I don't care for the 2 openings, just another reason for the sun to sneak in and burn my bald head. I bought the black family top at TPI for I think $70. (also got a cool "LC Crossing" sign).

x factor · 05-30-09, 04:02 AM

Sweet ride rhart! I hope to see it in person some day. Maybe the CTJ '09 at the Cliffs?

You obviously have that bender figured out John. I guess the earliest I'll have the chance to see Gumby's rig will be at the Jambo as well.

Gumby · 05-30-09, 07:06 AM

Coulda swore I saw your rig last Monday on I-55, but it was awful far north for you. Had a lawn tractor in the back.

rhart · 05-30-09, 07:31 AM

Hi Guys,

John worked all night on this thing and moved a little further along. Although the pictures don't show it (too dark by that time), the cage is painted as well. I have attached a link to some photos of the rig with the hardtop on as well as the cage.

SmugMug Photo Sharing. Your photos look better here. <---------------- LINK