MY CHOP TOP ATTEMPT

[kcsterling]

Thanks for the kudos, I guess I like it to. I first thought of finishing it with a bit more detail and slick paint. Then I remembered why I bought this thing to begin with. Pull my dirtbikes, camping and general off roading.
To list some of the details-- the rear cab portion was actually cut from a late 80's nissan pick up truck. I scrounged around for the rear slider. I cut the rear part down and measured it to slide under the Jeep roof skin to almost the rear part of the cab. This brought the roof ridges all the way back allowing a more factory look. I then spent quite a bit of time welding, supporting and fabricating the inner bed panels. I also tried to make the interior as good as possible w/out going over board. I have included a few more build shots and as far as what I am going to put in the bed, muddy boots, clothes, what ever I can carry. I really did it for looks more than anything and the fact I purchased this wrecked in the rear was more motivation. Thanks again all.

 

[CROSBIKE]

thats looks amazing man. good job. id love to do that someday

 

[kcsterling]

Updated pics w/lift and tires, so much to do so little time!

 

[bcsavage]

I'm so jealous... even more so because I have a 2-door. Still planning on ragging the rear with a rollbar over the passenger seats (4runner style I guess).

 

[Goatman]

That looks like a real nice job..........kudos to you. :thumbup:

looks nice i like the room behind the rear headrests that extra 4 inches or so comes in handy for anyone in the back seat.

I dig the way these look, i am just curious what all you guys carry in the rear that this is necessary ? Dont get me wrong it looks cool, the bed is to short to haul wood or a quad ... so i have to ask.

My goal was to create more rear clearance, to eliminate the potential for rock damage to the rear side windows, roof line, and D pillar. I built my rear bumper and the rear floor so a 37" tire could lay flat (which you couldn't fit inside) and made a custom aluminum storage box to go over the tire. If needed, I can strap stuff down on top of the storage box. I don't want to steal this thread, this is a nice build going so far, but here's a pic of my rear storage.

 

[RichP]

It looks really good, don't you need some support back there though ? When dave at AEV was building them he had a side to side roll bar and one on each side from the roof line to the rear corners for strength.

 

[kcsterling]

Update on rear tire carrier.

 

[ZacSquatch]

Thats sweet man, You just use bolts and tabs for hinges?

 

[amschnellsten]

wow looks amazing, i really like dow you did the rear tire carrier.Nice work

 

[99NCXJ]

thats got to be the cleanest chop job i've seen. I've seen alot of crappy ones.

 

[JKMotorsports]

Wow, nice work. Show's how planning, and details can really go a long way!!!

 

[kcsterling]

Hinges are made from cut up stock XJ lca's, The mount on the bumper is the end that bolts to the frt axle and the bushing ends are mounted to the tire carrier frame work. The bushing drops right into the other end and is secured with a bolt and locking nut. Also has the added benefit of the rubber bushing as an absorber. The locking mechanism is made from stock XJ end links and the rear sway bar mount brackets. Again rubber end link bushings for abosrber reasons and a 1/2 bolt drilled to accept a pin for quick removal.
Thanks everyone. Art

 

[maybe2fast]

looks pro

 

[Gojeep]

Just does not leave any room to get things into the bed at floor level. So I take the flip is only to make removing the spare easier?

 

[Blaine B.]

Looks fantastic! Did you have to relocate the rear seat brackets further forward? I've seen it where the rear seat back is at a 90 degree angle. Not very comfortable looking. Not sure about yours though.

 

[gill41083]

that is pretty slick! nice job!

 

[BruceB83]

Wow....GREAT job! Looks awesome with it lifted! Reading the title, I was expecting a horrible trashed job of a chop top. Complete opposite.

 

[kcsterling]

Looks fantastic! Did you have to relocate the rear seat brackets further forward? I've seen it where the rear seat back is at a 90 degree angle. Not very comfortable looking. Not sure about yours though.

Rear seat is in the stock position, after the spare is locked down, there is a about an 18" spot for maybe dirting boots, towing equipment, gas cans etc. I tow a utility trailer most of the time, if I need anymore room.

 

[Blaine B.]

Sweet, well done on that too

 

[IGOCOMMANDO]

I'm totally diggin that! Very nice work!