Needed something to keep my mind off things, so I started the exocage on my 4Runner.



First I bent the two B pillars, but I forgot about the camera until they were already done, so let's start with the two A-pillars (below).



(Below) Here I am fitting one of the A-pillars.



(Below) The cage is 1-3/4x0.120. At the back of each A-pillar, I inserted some 1-1/2x0.095 tubing and plug welded it in three places around the tube. Later I will build the back half of the cage starting from these splices.





(Below) Cleanin' up the plug welds with a pearl pad.



(Below) Lots of welding and fitting.











(Below) While I don't encourage it, I used a wet towel while welding to keep spatter off the windshield and body.



(Below) My welds aren't spectacular, but they should hold fine.







That's as far as I got this weekend. I should mention that while I welded as much as I could on the two cross braces, the A & B pillars are only tack welded at the bottom. When I am done doing the cross bracing, I'll break those tacks and pull the whole thing off to finish welding all the backsides.

I'll take some daytime pictures later this week. Depending on when my treatment starts, I'll pick up on this project again in two weeks.

*EDIT* Daytime pictures added

 

I pulled it off to get some measurements for the diagonals.

 

I got a chance to work on the cage again today, so I pulled it off again. Nevermind the rust that's accumulated over the last week.





Here's a look at some of my copes. I love Bend Tech. It's simply amazing.















First thing was first; getting rid of all the rust. I used CLR and some Scotch Brite pads. This worked INCREDIBLY well. I soaked the pads in CLR, wiped down the tube, and sprayed it off with a hose. All the rust was gone.

 

Next up, I started welding.... lots of welding. I am using a 110V MIG cranked up to eleven (Spintal Tap joke). My welding isn't phenominal but I'm getting better! I shoulda put the turkey nearby so it'd be cooked for Thanksgiving dinner.



















Here it is with all the cross bracing welded up.



Next I emptied a can of Rustoleum Hammer finish silver on all the upper tubes.



When I have time again I will weld this onto the truck and get to work on the upper fender bars and cowl tube. I haven't decided yet how I want to do those, but I've got a few ideas.

 

Looks great!!! Keep it up!!

 

Nice Job On the fab work!! Looks good!!

How are you planning to do the rear?? Are you gonna be able to slide the top out from under the cage??

 

I was about to ask the same. It would be a shame to not be able to remove the roof Hah, I like the "stand on it and see if it holds" test

 

Good work! Saw your thread on Pirate, good luck with your treatment!

 

X2!!!

 

looks nice

 

Look's great!
A weld does not have to be pretty to be strong.
Keep it up, soon you'll be caged...

 

x3. my mom has cancer for the 2nd time, keep positive and you will pull through. awesome work and your welds look fine to me.

 

Looks good!!! BTW nice stang!!

 

I saw some of the templates in the pictures. What are you using to cut/notch the tubing?


Looks good...































but it's still IFS.

 

looks even better in person. keep up the good work clint. let me know if you ever need a hand.

 

Clint, looks good! Glad to see you keeping an upbeat attitude.

 

nice work!

 

Thanks everyone!

I am going to wait a while to do the rear. I haven't decided how much body I want to cut/bobb/tube back there yet, so it'll be a while. I'm going to SAS before starting on the back half of the cage.

Thanks! The stang is my buddy's '66 Fastback that he restored in high school. Here is a pic: http://brian.xtremefabricator.com/ph...stang/reno.jpg

I use a 4-1/2" angle grinder with a cutoff wheel.

Not for long!

 

Let me know if you need any help when you SAS. I don't mind grinding. It will be good practice for when I do mine.

 

You are crazy Chris...the grinding part sucks..especially in the wheel wells. The sparks bounce back at you.