Weekend is over...what did you get done?

94xjsport94 said:
I went to an upholstery shop and got quoted $50 for a 4x3 top with industrial Velcro for when I do my sunroof mod when cage is done-ish. My tonneau cover uses Velcro at a 30* angle to help keep it waterproof. Anyone have an idea as what to do with the roof to make it as watertight as possible? Not counting on it, but it would be nice.
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First, do snaps instead of velcro.

Second, look at using a CJ binkini top. Use the windshield channel that comes with it. They're water tight for the front side then add snaps down the sides.

That was my original plan that I never followed through on.
 
Lowrange2 said:
First, do snaps instead of velcro.

Second, look at using a CJ binkini top. Use the windshield channel that comes with it. They're water tight for the front side then add snaps down the sides.

That was my original plan that I never followed through on.
Click to expand...

What happened?
 
Lowrange2 said:
First, do snaps instead of velcro.

Second, look at using a CJ binkini top. Use the windshield channel that comes with it. They're water tight for the front side then add snaps down the sides.

That was my original plan that I never followed through on.
Click to expand...


Naw. It's industrial Velcro that is used on firetruck tarps. It's pretty dang strong, I had to pull pretty hard to get it to come apart when I was at their shop.

I'll look into that top. I'd like to run a spiderweb shade top underneath so I get a little sun protection and don't turn into a lobster.
 
I'd take Andy's advice on the snaps. No matter how good Velcro is in the beginning, I've never seen any hold up over the long haul, especially if it's subjected to the elements. As long as you buy good quality snaps, they'll outlast your ownership of the XJ.
 
Snaps on the side are fine, but they aren't bombproof. It's easy to pull a snap through the canvas. I wouldn't want snaps on the leading edge either, any space for air especially at highway speeds and that top wants to take off and get noisy. The CJ top windshield channel is something to look into, but I would suggest having a continuous seal on that front edge.

My two favorite features of a YJ top were the adjustable straps and fiberglass bows (can get them from a marine supply). Both worked to tighten the top down reducing how much it ballooned up and how much noise it made.
 
One of the main concerns for me with the Velcro is that offroading is a dirty activity. That stuff is bound to fill up with dirt and other debris over time which will degrade its performance. It's almost impossible to get it out when it gets in there. The winshield channel seems to be the best solution for the leading edge on a home made job. That being said if you can get your hands on some of the lower side rails for a later YJ top that would be the ticket. You could have an upholstery shop sew in the mating plastic pieces in your fabric and it would be the least likely to fail.

I could be wrong, as has been proven before, but I'd forgo the Velcro option.
 
Yeah, that was the only thing I was worried about, but in all honesty, my roof hardly has any mud on it after wheeling. The fabric shop said their velcro tops for firetrucks have held up for 5 years so far. That was a better review than the snaps they have apparently been using. I'll look I to the YJ/ CJ ideas when I get in front of the computer tonight.
 
I just went and looked at my YJ and unfortunately that idea may not be as easy as I'd originally thought. I was thinking the channels would be easy to mount on a flat surface, but they would also need to be elevated to allow clearance for the plastic strips to fit inside, so you see....proven wrong again lol
 
I've got the front half put together. I welded what I could and my welder neighbor is gonna help tomorrow night with some overhead spots. Hopefully it slides back forward ok and won't look like poo.


I ran out of wire, of course, and went to lowes to get some more. Got a 12.5 lb roll and the cashier was like "OH MY GOD how much does this thing weigh?!" While she was waving it around. I said "Mmmm probably about 12.5 lbs". She looked down at the box and got very embarrassed. Lol.
 
94xjsport94 said:
I've got the front half put together. I welded what I could and my welder neighbor is gonna help tomorrow night with some overhead spots. Hopefully it slides back forward ok and won't look like poo.


I ran out of wire, of course, and went to lowes to get some more. Got a 12.5 lb roll and the cashier was like "OH MY GOD how much does this thing weigh?!" While she was waving it around. I said "Mmmm probably about 12.5 lbs". She looked down at the box and got very embarrassed. Lol.
Click to expand...

Most people hole saw the floor and drop the cage down for welding the tips. Just in case you didn't know.
 
94xjsport94 said:
Tell me about it.



I was going to, but the B pillar has a bend in it so it wouldn't fall straight down.
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Not even a little? All you need is about 6" of so to get the gun on top. I would think that the bottom was straight up for most of the b pillar. Pictures?
 
Ghost said:
Ok that is enough for me not to want that kit.... Who else makes these kits?
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Why not? Most all cages have a bent b-pillar. It has to be bent to clear the seat. Ya just need to add a bit more tube and it's good to go.

Mine is T&J Performance. SWRacecar also sells an XJ cage, I think.
 
Lowrange2 said:
Why not? Most all cages have a bent b-pillar. It has to be bent to clear the seat. Ya just need to add a bit more tube and it's good to go.

Mine is T&J Performance. SWRacecar also sells an XJ cage, I think.
Click to expand...

Clear what seat? The back? I don't follow you on that.
 
Georgia Mike said:
One of the main concerns for me with the Velcro is that offroading is a dirty activity. That stuff is bound to fill up with dirt and other debris over time which will degrade its performance. It's almost impossible to get it out when it gets in there.
Click to expand...

I pressure wash the heck out of the velcro on my TJ fro that very reason.
But the Velcro is the secondary to the zippers for holding the windows on.
 
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