New cage design with SOR family top

[85roktoy]

There seems to be a good bit of info on the board now about tops so I figured I would toss this out as well. Last week I got to thinking about a cage because I want one but don't really feel like spending $500 just yet.

I got the idea of taking a factory main hoop, removing the back pieces and bolting it to the back piece mounting holes. Of corse this needs a ton of bracing but its a start. I plan on using the factory brackets from both hoops to run a straight piece between them. This way it will look somewhat closer to stock.

In the future I'm going to weld two more straight pieces on the top and fab the front half to finish it off. Took a little bit of time but this project only cost me about $75 total! I also got the SOR Family top. Nice and very durable product! Check it out.

 

[MOfj40]

www.tlcicon.com Inspiration?



I like that look. The only thing I would say is remember that you've installed an overhead crumple zone rather than a true cage. The stock rollbar is not going to maintain its shape in a rollover. I think it's much better than nothing (I still rely on mine) but I wouldn't build a cage off of one.

When you decide to finish it off, I'd get some DOM hoops bent to replace the stock hoops. No point in building a full cage if your hoops are the weak link.

Looks good though. I've got the SOR standard top. It's seen more than it's share of brush and still looks great. Definitely a good product.

 

[sine80]

I too have that top and dig it. I kinda wish they had a model minus the two sun roofs though...

 

[85roktoy]

www.tlcicon.com Inspiration?



I like that look. The only thing I would say is remember that you've installed an overhead crumple zone rather than a true cage. The stock rollbar is not going to maintain its shape in a rollover. I think it's much better than nothing (I still rely on mine) but I wouldn't build a cage off of one.

When you decide to finish it off, I'd get some DOM hoops bent to replace the stock hoops. No point in building a full cage if your hoops are the weak link.

Looks good though. I've got the SOR standard top. It's seen more than it's share of brush and still looks great. Definitely a good product.

Yeah, its mostly for looks now. I don't plan on doing any hardcore wheelin at the moment. Just wanted that outback cage look. Thanks for the info though.

 

[77TLCFJ40]

I like your idea!

I was able to use those rear brackets to mount three point shoulder belts for the forward facing Samuri/Tracker seat. The rest of the cage is MetalTech.

Oh, and that is the TPI Family Top.

If I had to do it all over again, it would be all MetalTech for the strength of their tubes compared to factory.

Good luck.

 

[BELMONT148]

Looks good man. Glad to see the bars working for you.

Jeremy

 

[Brian in Oregon]

How's the head clearance for the passengers sitting in the jump seats?

 

[85roktoy]

How's the head clearance for the passengers sitting in the jump seats?

Brian, I got in the back of mine the other day with the top on and my head didn't even touch the top so its way better but I'm only about 5'9" so taller would probably touch.

 

[77TLCFJ40]

How's the head clearance for the passengers sitting in the jump seats?

No jump seats in the camo 40. I have a forward facing Suzuki Samuri/Geo Tracker seat and belts.

 

[jbo425]

I am running a similar cage/bikini top set up on my FJ40.

 

[Mace]

those stock bars scare the hell out of me..

 

[fj40_73]

those stock bars scare the hell out of me..

Knew there was a thread about this.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=94375&highlight=stock+roll+bar+thick

 

[greenfox]

I too have that top and dig it. I kinda wish they had a model minus the two sun roofs though...

Nice herd

 

[wsmith]

Wes-
Nice look with the family top.
I also like the tailgate set-up. CCOT gate??
Looks like the licence holder worked out well too.
I just pulled the top off of mine and added the best top bikini.

Hey I'll be in athens this weekend for a wedding, if you'll be around I"d like to drop by and check out your rig.

wsmith