Chop top and cage buildup

[Jes]

Here's a couple I took back in 2005...

...and name that rig in front of Greg's...

...

 

[Pat]

I believe that's Princess II...

 

[JeepFreak21]

I believe that's Princess II...

2005? I'm going to go with Princess I.
Billy

 

[Jes]

I believe that's Princess II...

Yep. :thumbup:

 

[Dirk Pitt]

Yep. :thumbup:

Where is CRASHit?

 

[JeepFreak21]

Yep. :thumbup:

Damn it's been a long time since I've been wheelin

Billy

 

[Jes]

Where is CRASHit?

Being a daddy.

 

[XJ_ranger]

Damn it's been a long time since I've been wheelin

Billy

too long...

once you get settled into your new house, Phil and I are showing up with Toob...

 

[The Griz]

Well the tear down and chop has nearly been finished.

When you chop the unibody like this how flimsy did the body get i am about to do the same kinda chop and have heard that the body becomes jello untill you put a cage in it is this true

 

[Xtrm Jeepr]

I dont think its that flimsy. I noticed the rear fenders and quarter panel area were a little shakey, but they still hold up fairly well. I think its because I cut a quite a bit off the bottom of the rear quarter pannel and theres not much support left. The main body is still holding on strong. I have a Clayton's front and rear cross-member spanning between the two frame rails so thats probably giving it more support than usual. I drove it around for about an hour after I chopped the top and flexed it some on the banks of a pond and creek to see what would happen because I was also currious about what I had heard. Its still holding up strong and havent had any problems.

 

[The Griz]

sweet thanks

 

[1985xjlaredo]

so You drove this XJ on the banks of a pond after you did this chop? I was nervous when I did my floor pans that I was going to tweak it pushing it around the garage. Did it feel alot lighter when you drove it? How much weight do you think the choping took of of it? Good luck with the cage

 

[Xtrm Jeepr]

Yep, we sure did, we through a couple 5 gallon buckets onto the floorboard and took it for a spin. Could tell it was a lot lighter, especially since I also replaced the front and rear bumpers I previously had on it for T&T's bumpers, which turned out to be a lot lighter than my old ones. With everything that was taken off and stripped from the inside, I'm guessing 400-500 lbs. would be fairly realistic weight loss. All in all, lost four doors, rear hatch, top, glass, headliner, floor mat, seats, plastic trim pieces, lots of wiring, some additional metal trimming here and there. Still debating about taking out the dash and making a new one. The cage work has recently come to a stop, found out a few months ago my girlfriend and I will be having a baby in January, and will be getting married on Sunday. Gotta save up some money before the baby gets here and pay off a credit card, so the Jeeps on hold for now. Ive made a little progress, which is hard to see, in between time, and will post up some pics next time I go out to the shop.