nc994run

I have been playing around with the idea of cutting off my roof for a while and was wondering what everyone thought of the idea. My idea was to cut the roof behind the headliner and replace it with a roll cage and some sort of soft top similar to a Wrangler. I realize the issues this could create as far as leaks and extra noise, but I'm ok with that. I know it seems silly to cut off a perfectly fine roof/ sunroof, but I've always missed the open air feeling of a Wrangler, which is why I made tube doors earlier this year. The soft top would go the length of the roof, and then come down and cover the cargo area of the truck (where the rear glass is, but I would still try to keep the rear hatch and window the way it is by somehow mounting the old hinges to the cage.

After looking at a few jeep pictures, my idea would be closest to a 4 door Wrangler like this one in the link, except the rear portion of the cage would go the length of the truck instead of slanting.

http://my.project-jk.com/showphoto.php?photo=19678

Please feel free to give any feedback (positive or negative), but I really want some constructive criticism or insights as to problems I may run into, such as wiring issues, or anything else. I will be looking into the cost of this over the next month, as I don't trust my welding skills/ my small welder to be strong enough to do this safely. Also, I am looking for tube recommendations, I was originally looking into 1.5" .250" wall DOM.
Thanks,

Rob

bgmac

Here is a few pics of a 4th gen with the back chopped off. I think it looks really good!!

BajaRunner

That 4runner looks like the moon lander or osmething

NicCantDecide

that fourth gen looks way to expensive to be offroad...lol it does look nice though...except holy-rimjob-batman those rims are huge o_O

olharleyman

Have you thought about a sliding rag top like the old vw bugs had? that would give you the open air feeling you are after and at the same time be able to keep rain out and save most of your roof so the door closeing would not be affected. check out this link just another option for ya to check out before hacking up a perfectily good roof.
http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/Str...agtop-40-x-40-
look to the left and find the hilighted sliding ragtops link a lot of options as for the size and you could build your roll cage around the install just a thought.

TEPUI

Interesting project. Bare in mind that you'll need to compensate for the body's loss of rigidity some sort of cage, so take that into account when you design your roll cage.

Ever seen Outback's 2nd gen? http://www.outbackoffroadgear.com/

TEPUI

That 4th gen is awesome!!!




I can see a stormtrooper driving it...

yotasavg

that's the first thing that came to mind

scuba

haha, I remember seeing that 4th gen up for sale, maybe on here or CL..
It was like 30 grand...its an 03 i think..
But still, Its baller status..


Oh, And im still having trouble visulizing what the OP is saying, You just want a huge arse sunroof..that has a vinyl thing you can take off...?

98SR54RUNNER

iTrader: (1)

Wow that 4th gen is crazy. Some clean modding there.

stagger_lee

I think I'm going to put 22's on my 1st gen.

aero

The 4th gen was actually on ebay, and I think it was going for 18k when I saw it... buy it now was in the low 20's... Thing is insane. It is also s/c'ed.

SoCalPaul

Seems like a big hassle. It's your truck, but If you like the open air, I'd buy a Wrangler.

Paul

nc994run

I've had a Wrangler in the past, and I'm just trying to avoid problems (had quite a few with it)

Socal 4runner

Downey used to make a convertable soft top for first gen runners.
I thought about trying this on a 95 4runner but think im just going to scrap the truck. it should look good tho

scuba

Be the first man, Just do it !!!

VSU_4runnin

well its been done, soo here ya go!
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...runner-153810/

scuba

VSU, I honestly think hes talkin about choping the roof, not the rear hatch/cargo area...
And yes, that type chop/bob you posted has been done plenty...

VSU_4runnin

ooh like a convertable? hmm.. i guess i didnt read it that way... now i feel dumb... that will be interesting.. ill subscribe to that

scuba

Like I stated in a previous post, Im having trouble visulaizing what the OP is talking bout...But from what I reckon..He's thinking about a Big ARSE sunroof...