[1731]

OK, one of my winter projects is a cage in my CJ7. I will find a 92-95 Wrangler rear section, and add in a smittybuilt front section.
I want to tie to the frame but I am worried that I will loose the flexibility of the body. Especially with Fiberglass, because I have read that if you tighten the bodymounts on a glass body too tight, then over time, the body will crack.

Anyone have experience with this?

Does anyone make a frame tie in kit for the 4 main points (in the front area)?

Has anyone ever seen or experienced a rollover of a glass bodied Jeep WITHOUT a frame tie in (with proper backing plates of course).

Last question: Does the Smittybuilt front cage kit allow for enough head room?

Thanks all! I've attached pictures of my current D44 front and 9inch rear axle swap status (first winter project) for your enjoyment.
In a few days I will have a complete write-up of using a CO2 tank and pneumatic switches (no electricity) to run both ARB's!!

 

[1731]

Another pic, this one before I took out the D30.

 

[mbalbritton]

I had a guy build me a cage for my CJ5 w/ glass tub. He installed a Kentrol 6 point Tie in kit that I had previuosly purchased. Love the Cage, hate the tie in kit. Actually What I don't like about the Tie in kit is the center pair of tie ins. I thought is was stupid close to the leading edge of my rear tire. Infact i cut it out becasue the tire would hit it on the slightest bump. NOTE I have a 78' so the OE roll bar is on top of the fender wells and does not go to the floor behind the seats. 79'+ will be differnet in this area.

as for cracking the tub, Mine is mounted directly to the tub, not cushioning, haven't seen any cracks yet... then again I haven't made use of the cage yet either... that's one investment I hope I never have to use

I know of some guys that will cut up an old tire and cut a square of the tread out and mount it between the cage/tie ins and the tub.

 

[WILL]

In reply to:

79'+ will be differnet in this area.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, 79-1/2+. I have an early 79 that had the fenderwell mounted bar.

 

[RickB]

I've had my cage in my 80 CJ7 'glass body for two years and have not experienced any cracks. It's tied into the frame and I do not have any cushioning between the cage and the body.

 

[1731]

Thanks for the answers. I am going to do a frame tie in like what Kentrol or J&L offroad have to offer. I will isolate a little with rubber inbetween. The front mounts are like a body mount, and I may modify the rear tie ins to do the same.

RickB - just curious as to what type of wheelin' you do (how heavy duty how hardcore)?

 

[pbmcauliffe]

I have a 'glass tub as well and the cage mounts used to be solidly mounted, after a little over a year of bashing rocks, trees, and going on its side, I still have no cracks.

 

[Guest]

I recently installed the Smittybilt front hoop. I welded the spreaders with the bend toward the windshield to allow more headroom in a roll over situation. It provides plenty of head room (I am 6'2" and my son is 6'6"). You have to watch getting in and out so you do not knock your head on outboard spreader. I used four spreaders.

 

[WILL]

Hey, where in Missouri are you?