Anyone have a sliding ragtop??

[gone postal]

I know I can't be the first to want this. I searched and didn't find anything. Basically, I want the ability to have an open top, but without actually cutting my whole roof off. I love my Cherokee and the FL weather, so this would be the best of both worlds b/c I really don't want a Wrangler.

In case you don't know what I'm talking about - http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/slidragtop352.html (couldn't get pic to post)

They do come in power form too so that you don't have to get into the backseat to open, etc.

I know the cutting would be easy and it would probably remove most of the ribs which I'm thinking I can get a good seal. I'm worried about strength though. The roof is pretty weak - easily push it in to flex, but with a section this large out, would I get a lot of sideways flex in the body? I just don't know how strong the frames of the ragtop are, but I'd assume if they work for a car (mostly slammed imports w/ little to no suspension) then it should work for our unibody. I do wheel, but I'm in FL, so no rocks to flex on - just the beach & mud - basically flat like the rest of the state.

 

[xrayjeeper83]

From what I have read you will need some kind of roll cage because you will weaken the unibody by cutting the roof like that

Andrew

 

[gone postal]

That's what I figured.

On a side note - you're probably the closest user to me that I've seen on here...and we have the same name....or did you just know my name?!? :wierd:
Also, is that your ad on Craigslist w/ the Bushwackers? Not interested, but I'll put the word out to the few people I know w/ XJs

 

[jeepnuts311]

i cant find it right now, but i have seen a pic of a yellow XJ with a tacoma tonneau cover on the roof, it fit pretty perfectly with the raingutters on the XJ.

-Tim

 

[riverfever]

And the idea lives AGAIN.

We did talk about the yellow XJ with the tonneau cover roof...twice now. If you search for "tonneau cover" you'll find it. I think it's cool looking but I also like the smell of fish. Some of the guys did not, but...to each his own. Check it out.

 

[NfSALD]

Dude, this site rocks. I see people talking about stuff I've been wanting to do for years.

I have a 3 1/2 foot by 2 foot "mini tonneau". It was a display for access covers. (I work in an accessory store) 2x2 angle iron frame with a roll up, velcro sided and latching tonneau. Perfect size for the roof of a 4 door. It would become PART of the roof support. I've been wanting to put that in for years, I ended cutting the back half of the roof,though. wink*

 

[gone postal]

i cant find it right now, but i have seen a pic of a yellow XJ with a tacoma tonneau cover on the roof, it fit pretty perfectly with the raingutters on the XJ.

-Tim

Oh yeah, I remember seeing that in JP. Good idea, but I'm thinking of something a lil smaller. I want mine to fit inside the factory roof rack, so I'll be leaving considerable more metal on the Jeep than that guy did. Now, whether or not it'll be enough to maintain structural integrity I don't know. I have no knowledge of building a cage, but I'm sure I could find someone in town that could fab up something simple just to keep the XJ square. I live in FL, so w/ the exception of getting T-Boned, I don't really have a chance of rolling this thing.

 

[tcm glx]

Oh yeah, I remember seeing that in JP. Good idea, but I'm thinking of something a lil smaller. I want mine to fit inside the factory roof rack, so I'll be leaving considerable more metal on the Jeep than that guy did. Now, whether or not it'll be enough to maintain structural integrity I don't know. I have no knowledge of building a cage, but I'm sure I could find someone in town that could fab up something simple just to keep the XJ square. I live in FL, so w/ the exception of getting T-Boned, I don't really have a chance of rolling this thing.

I have a ragtop:

The kit is made by street beat:

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=948534

 

[gone postal]

WOW, can't believe this thread is a year old. I never pursued it any further - actually bought a newer XJ since then too. I would still like to do it, but am worried about needing a cage.

 

[tcm glx]

WOW, can't believe this thread is a year old. I never pursued it any further - actually bought a newer XJ since then too. I would still like to do it, but am worried about needing a cage.

Haha, wow, I did not realize it was a year old......I must say, I am very pleased with the ragtop kit. It works very nice!

 

[mcraindog]

doesn't slide but hey its easy to put on and take off

 

[xjaddiction]

Check out latest JP magazine.