CJ6 Rollcage, gonna pull the trigger...

Are you going to do it the same style as in the pix, or are you doing a front hoop?

Keep in mind the style of cage will determine where the outer bars are located, the radius of the bend on the main hoop will make for a much taller middle with the side bars closer to the side of your head with the style in the pix.

A front hoop is harder to bend (This is why most builders don't do them), but will make it much easier to keep the side bars away from your head. It also looks more traditional, and can match the windshield better.

Be aware of parallelism- you are spending a good amount for the cage (Although Brimy is very reasonable on prices), and if you can tell bars aren't parallel in online pix, you will definately be able to tell in person. (And it will eat you up if you are a perfectionist)

 

D'ooh, just reread your post- there is a front hoop.

You will want a kick on each end of the outer spreaders to keep them away from your head.

 

Mike, on the dash penetration or not...I've considered running this piece (the front vertical) down to just below the dash and then turning and intersecting the floor at the very front. It's hard to explain, but basically just straight down till you can bend it towards the front just below the dash.

 

Mike have you considered asking him to make some safari doors integrated into the cage?

Removable of course for when the soft top is on.

 

I like his SWB Stage II kit for $385 installed!

Give him the above requirements and let him do the creative work to meet your needs. One of those BTDT things that only he knows. You are going to spend hours drawing and may not accomplish much. Let him consult you with a plan prior to building and tweak as needed.

Kind of what you do for clients. I'm sure many have a grand plan and want you to build it. What really happens is you fulfill their needs with your experience and BTDT to ultimately sell them a better product. They end up more satisfied and it may not look anything like their original scheme!! Not always the case but I'm sure you can relate!!

Looks like a good choice of fabricator!

 

The problem is once you bring the bars that far up, there is no protection for the side of your head, as a tree leaning into the side of the Jeep (or the Jeep leaning into a tree) will come in to the area where your head resides.

Most rolls are side flops, and I like having the outer speaders out to the edges of the soft top so rock intrusion is less likely.

It is no problem to bend a bar this way- just two small kicks, one at each end.

 

JM2CW - that front bar at the base of the windshield looks like a real chin basher to me. I've broken my jaw in a rollover, so you don't have to make a high-speed barrier crash to hit your head on the dash or wheel. This is especially dangerous for the front seat passenger.

Re the shoulder harnesses, I'd try to find a way to include them, esp. for the front passenger. However, the horizontal bar behind the seat is again a chin-bash hazard for the rear seat passengers.

 

Mike-
I am taking Speedbuggy in next Friday for her new cage. Actually looking forward to it. I am having the same guy that built the cages for my stock cars build this one. I have the luxury of no back seat, so I can have the crossbar added to the rear hoop for the harness. Good luck with yours. If it is like that old Bronco we saw at the dunes, you'll be happy with it.

 

Here's a nice one
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/projects/deep6/day23/

 

Mmm, yeah. When I had my CJ6, I moved the rear seat support to the front bracket, and used the space behind the seat for storage. The kids might like that better. Looking at the picture, you have already scooted the seat forward some. The stock position is all the way to the rear, just like a CJ5.

 

personaly, i think that making the cage tied into the frame is the way to go. If i were to roll id want something more than the floorboards holding the chassis off of me. And contrary to your cracks belief, i think that it would stiffen the frame and help to eliminate frame flex - especialy if you went through the firewall and to the front of the frame as well (under the hood).

unless you are unsure if a body lift is right for you, then id put the cage right on the frame at all 3 pillars. The A pillar i would go through the floor straight down and then have an angled piece that goes to the framerail (if that is possible on your rig)
the B pillar i would bend in so that right behind the front seats the cage would rest right on top of the frame (through the floor again) and then the C pillar i would go through the floor and attach to the frame with the same configuration as the front.

Also i would consider a bar allong the sides of the seats to keep the front from moving back - similar to the lowest bar on this cage that connects the B pillar to the A pillar right next to the seat:
(yes i know this is in an XJ)

i would also consider some gaussets in the corners to add a little rigidity and make nice hand holds to jump in and out from:


the best piece of advice - when a cage goes in, people expect it to save their life in a roll, build yours so that you will trust it to accomplish this and have no worries about it.

 

my o.2 worth
1) stand firm with the 3 hoops; money well spent; you might consider 4 for a sand bar effect in the middle, say 4 inches wide max with metal strap welded covering gap
2) consider full size/length wheelwell plates for the rear hoops, rather than individual smaller mounting plates; adds more weight, but increases strength IMO
3) consider matching mounting plates underneath the body, especially the front cage supports; kinda like a sandwich effect with the body in between (may not be good for your winters, another area for corrosion)

I would take some pics of mine, but the top is on for the winter.
Take the time to sit and discuss your ideas and your vision; most fab folks have no problem listening and will add there thoughts and ideas as well.

on mine, when taking out or installing, I have to use mininum of 4 ratchet staps pulling/compressing to get it in or out FYI
but it should fit like a glove