Finally chopped the 4runner and built a roll cage, I am really liking it so far.

<img src="http://www.supracharged.com/4runner/pics/cut_back2.jpg" alt=" - " />

Details, tech, please. i have had thoughts of this in my head for a few months now. i really want to do this to mine this summer, then again the SAS my be enough for a while.
what are you going to do about the bend at the back of the quarter panels that curve around to the tailgate? thats the main problem i cant figure out, the rest seems simple bc its all straight so an internal cage would be easy on the backside of the sheet metal.

<small>[ April 21, 2003, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: $runner ]</small>

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by $runner:
<strong>
what are you going to do about the bend at the back of the quarter panels that curve around to the tailgate? thats the main problem i cant figure out, the rest seems simple bc its all straight so an internal cage would be easy on the backside of the sheet metal.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">I don't know what you mean by that?

What I do know, is that I will be putting a piece of sheet metal over the top of the gap. But first, I will weld on a 1/4 thick strip down the center, drill some holes, and weld a nut on the underside. Then I will do something similar on the top, but the with a recessed grove. Then put down a rubber gasket, and whalla! A removable top. And of course I designed the roll cage to fit under the top.

i talking about the area above the tail light, where the quaterpanel bends around to the tailgate. if you dont reinforce that area then there will just be sheet metal there which will not be strong. im not going to reuse my top, i plan on a custom canvase top that will either zip or clip on.

i wish i had a scanner i could show you all the drawings and measurements i have drawn up.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by $runner:
<strong>i talking about the area above the tail light, where the quaterpanel bends around to the tailgate. if you dont reinforce that area then there will just be sheet metal there which will not be strong. im not going to reuse my top, i plan on a custom canvase top that will either zip or clip on.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">It is pretty strong without the top on, and then when I put my plate over the top, that will help a little.