Metal Tech cage installed

[sgirt]

Another happy Full Cage kit from Metal Tech. Very nice tubing!

I only have a 110 welder, so I tacked it and took it to the welders.

It has been 2 full years since I started my body off frame resto. I hope to send it to the painters next month and driving by June!

See pics.

On trailer.

 

[fj40_73]

looks good. That's going to be one nice ride. Good JOB and smart way to go about putting the cage together with what you have.

 

[gb043075]

I just had my metal tech full cage delivered yesterday and I'm debating how to go about getting it in. The Fj is at the body shop being soda blasted right now, then they'll do the body work, then paint - so it will be there for a little while.

Is the cage ready to tack withtout placing it in the fj - can i tack weld it in my garage, take it to welding, then powder coat and still get it in the rig or will i have to weld it in place in the truck? did you have to do any cutting / grinding?

THanks.

 

[Degnol]

Is the cage ready to tack withtout placing it in the fj - can i tack weld it in my garage, take it to welding, then powder coat and still get it in the rig or will i have to weld it in place in the truck? did you have to do any cutting / grinding?

THanks.

Nope, you should "build" it in the cruiser. Yes, there is cutting and grinding and fitting necessary.


Ed

 

[Zimm]

for what they cost powdered and shipped, i cant see going any other way.

still the best 40 product out there.

 

[7mag]

I just had my metal tech full cage delivered yesterday and I'm debating how to go about getting it in. The Fj is at the body shop being soda blasted right now, then they'll do the body work, then paint - so it will be there for a little while.

Is the cage ready to tack withtout placing it in the fj - can i tack weld it in my garage, take it to welding, then powder coat and still get it in the rig or will i have to weld it in place in the truck? did you have to do any cutting / grinding?

THanks.

I'd consider fitting the cage prior to your final body work and paint. It not that easy welding or pulling it in and out during construction without scratching something. There's some fitment and notching required for any kit. I'd hate spending a ton on P&B and then F*** it up. Just my 2cent.

 

[sgirt]

Agree. You have a lot of cutting and grinding. I used my 4" angle grinder for notching. Each bar was in and out at least 8 times to be measured with the other side. Took a lot of time. Very nice stuff.

 

[camcruiser13]

looks good, i have loved mine, i used it this weekend to keep me off some rocks.

thanks mt

 

[7mag]

Agree. You have a lot of cutting and grinding. I used my 4" angle grinder for notching. Each bar was in and out at least 8 times to be measured with the other side. Took a lot of time. Very nice stuff.

Looks like you went with a Flaming River column. Great upgrade IMOP. Nice work!

 

[gb043075]

Thanks guys!

 

[plum crazy]

so its not recommended to weld this with a 110 welder, i have a linclon weld pak 3200 i think

 

[camcruiser13]

so its not recommended to weld this with a 110 welder, i have a linclon weld pak 3200 i think

youll be fine, that is all i used and its just the same. good weld is a good weld

 

[plum crazy]

youll be fine, that is all i used and its just the same. good weld is a good weld

ok thanks!

 

[Stumpalama]

When welding with a 110 just turn the amps all the way-up and adjust your wire speed to match your hand speed and penetration. The fit of the tubes should leave a 1/16 gap or so. They should not be a slip fit. A slight bevel on the pieces can hep in places as well, but much of the time the mating of the round tube with the notched tube provides plenty of metal to join the pieces.
You build it in the rig... once mine was finish welded and the frame mounts were in and I had the final fit, I drove my rig to the powder coater. We removed it with a fork lift with carpet on the skids and put it back the same way. Two people can remove and install as well.
It's a good project and I love mine.

Cheers-
-Stump

 

[gb043075]

So, not to beat the dead horse to death again........But...

Any suggestions on best step by step. Fit and weld cage after body work and prime, but before paint, then ease her back in and bolt in OR fit powder coat bolt in, then tape off and paint around?

 

[camcruiser13]

So, not to beat the dead horse to death again........But...

Any suggestions on best step by step. Fit and weld cage after body work and prime, but before paint, then ease her back in and bolt in OR fit powder coat bolt in, then tape off and paint around?

this is what i would do

Fit and weld cage after body work and prime, but before paint, then ease her back in and bolt

 

[EWheeler]

I have never done one, but I agree with Cam. I would definitely fit it and weld up before final paint, remove, paint rig & cage, reinstall carefully.

 

[Greg1190]

I like the bar that goes from the windshield to the hood....
Just kidding That came out nice. I was thinking about gettn one myself.

 

[MtnTrucker]

Be sure and pick up a flame resistant welding blanket from Harbor Freight and cover the inside of your windshield (and the rest of your interior) even when you are just tacking things in place. Those little sparks melt right into the plexiglass on the windshield and become permanent. Ask me how I know this...........