Roll Cage Question???

[jagj52]

I have my 86 CJ7 and want to install a better roll cage than the factory single hoop behind the seats... Was looking at something like the "full" cage in some of the newer models and was curious as to which one might fit with minimum mods. Whit the full cage I want to be able to run a full soft top and bikini top depending on the weather. Can any of you folks be of assistance in pointing me in the right direction as to what year roll cage to keep my eye out for so I don't waste a TON of time and money driving a minimum of 3 hrs to Tucson or 4 hrs to Phoenix to search the numerous wrecking yards.

Thanks in advance fellow jeepers

Allen

 

[IOPort51]

there is an assortment of decent "sport" cages available. they will pretty much all require assembly of some form or another. I don't think I would waste much time trying to adapt a late model roll bar as I don't think you would gain much over what you have now. My personal opinion is that the "full" part is pretty much just for looks and may even do more harm than good if called upon.
I suggest you look at the Rockhard clamp on bars for a start.

Rock Hard CJ 1979 - 1986 Rear Side Bar and Angle Bar Kit

I have my 86 CJ7 and want to install a better roll cage than the factory single hoop behind the seats... Was looking at something like the "full" cage in some of the newer models and was curious as to which one might fit with minimum mods. Whit the full cage I want to be able to run a full soft top and bikini top depending on the weather. Can any of you folks be of assistance in pointing me in the right direction as to what year roll cage to keep my eye out for so I don't waste a TON of time and money driving a minimum of 3 hrs to Tucson or 4 hrs to Phoenix to search the numerous wrecking yards.

Thanks in advance fellow jeepers

Allen

 

[Old Dog]

If you want a true roll cage have one built and tied to the frame.

 

[mtnwhlr]

agreed with with what has been said. If you want a real roll cage you need to look into the aftermarket. The factory never made one.

 

[BajaEdition]

Aftermarket, or design it yourself and have a muffler shop bend the pipe you supply and you just cut and weld
I will say a cage going to the floor is plenty strong, I have had one save my life in a turn over at 75 MPH and I was rolling end over end
going to the frame is nice but not necessary

 

[Torxhead]

I once watched a couple test their oem sport bar with add on cage kit in a '79 CJ5 , after 2 1/2 violent turnovers it held up quite well also, but it did total the 5. If you decide to mount the bar setup on the floorboard, I would suggest protecting the base mounts from rust.

 

[BajaEdition]

A frame mount ill not save the vehicle from a total either

I agree with frame mounts, ave done them to all my race cars. But at speeds we do in a jeep they are kinda unnecessary. OK if you are planning on tumbling down a mountain side they probably are needed. But where do you draw the line, a full cage 6 points will keep you safe and distribute the shock fine.
kinda like set belts, while I was flipping end over end 4 times I was held in by a set of factory seat belts, they worked wonderfully and I stay planted in my seat. And there are those who swear you need 5 point seat belts.

 

[Turbogus]

I have my 86 CJ7 and want to install a better roll cage than the factory single hoop behind the seats... Allen

When I first got 'Betty' she had a six point cage that had been cobled together by a previous owner, had formely been a 'family cage'. The rear hoop of this interfered with dropping the soft top bows. So, I bought a single hoop Kentrol heavy wall bar that had a stepped support for the back and it bolted right in. Later though I wanted a 6 point again so I dropped by the friendly folks at Mechanical Design in my local area and just by a verbal description of what I had in mind they professionally bent and welded together the font hoops of the old six point cage and even painted it and bolted the assembly back into 'Betty'..........for $165 clams ! Since I have no wleding skills or tools this was the way to go for me and seemed right affordable for the job they did.

 

[Incommando]

I just picked up a factory bar with the Kentrol front kit added for about free. (pic 1) I will use the factory bar already in the jeep to make a third hoop by the rear and tie it to the center bar with the factory support bars from the second roll bar. (pic 2 & 3) Tying it to the frame will be cake at all 6 down points.(pic 4) For the rear two "downs" I am going to use the second factory mounting plate underneath the tub under the top plate & weld the frame supports to that. I know several people who have done this and, although I have no pics, they work when needed . I will have less than $100 in this cage.

What I bought:

What I will end up with:


Tie-in using bushing to aid in keeping the floor plates from ripping through:



I will add a dash bar and maybe some spreaders from the middle bar to the front bar by using some tubing I already have and call it good.

 

[gp4play]

This is the one I like,easy to add to and goes to the floor
Roll Bar Cages & Roll Bar Cage Parts for Jeep CJ7

 

[Incommando]

Those prices, particularly for the tie-in kits, are outrageous IMHO. 5" or 6" feet of tube and a couple of plates for $230??? And I have that front Kentrol add-on kit Kentrol Front Bar Kit 2" O.D. Steel 7682CK5 and $230 + shipping is too much.

$1125 for the unwelded kit Poison Spyder Lazer-Fit Full Cage Kit Bare Steel PS-1119010 is about twice what you could get a local fabber to make and install a cage for you in many places.

These kits start at $319 + shipping for a real cage. http://www.swracecars.com/store/10-Point-Roll-Cage-OSCARItem_35=11-2585.aspx & $529 http://www.swracecars.com/store/10-Point-Roll-Cage-OSCARItem_111=11-2585-DOM.aspx for an upgraded version

 

[gp4play]

Those prices, particularly for the tie-in kits, are outrageous IMHO.

I like opions,thats how I learn the cool stuff,cause I suck at shopping.Thanks for the links

 

[Incommando]

I have used S&W Race Car cages more than once and have been impressed with the quality & affordablilty. I put one of their 10-points in my last bracket car and the fit was awesome. In these pics the cage is installed in the car to NHRA regs yet it is hardly noticable:



( gotta brag on the '71 Road Runner a bit: all original factory suspension but the shocks and it would pull the front wheels on a good launch. In that pic only the drivers side is up... 440/727/8.75 & 11.30's with everything still functional including an alternator while weighing 4,300 #'s with me in it... That drivetrain in a Dart would be a 10.30 street car)