Im planning on cutting my top from back front doors to the back. leaving the rear doors as half doors and then diamond plating the rear floorboard with a roll cage on that goes from inside the front cab, out the top and back down to the rear. (like as if it were a comanchee)
Like the Nissan's had on their trucks but more functional.

Question #1:
I never seen anyone chop their 4 door XJ from the behind the front doors.
Is there a reason for that? structur-bility issues?

Question #2:
When chopping the top, do i need to find a way to incorporate the pillards into the rollcage? will the body flop round if those arent there?

 

1) not structurally, probably more access/sun&rain protection related. I've seen it done behind the front doors though. You mentioned a roll cage, but know that if you chop the top, you need more than just a roll bar, your cage needs to be tied into the unibody at strategic points, and the "frame" needs to be stiffened. See point #2

2) yes you should find a way to tie the pillars into the cage. The cage gets tied to the subframe, and the body gets tied to the cage (plates usually)

 

This only becomes Fab when you quit asking questions, pull ot the sawzall and get to cutting. (And post pictures) until then it is Chat, So get to it. LOL
Nitro

 

Once I get my new welder in going to do the same and just get a canopy made with button snaps, if your gonna make a cage go all out n make it A. Look sickk B. Structuraly sound (cut holes in floor n weld straight to frame rails in spots. still doing research but that seems like it'll be pretty sound imo

 

Man, chopped top XJ's look bad. Don't do it.

 

Ya really think so? I always kinda been diggin it, I guess it all depends how ya do it too

 

look at his signature

 

Andy's (lowrange) cage is sick!
Nitro: You're right.. I'll start Saturday. The sawzall i have took a dump.
I got someone wanting my rear windows so either way they are coming out.

Yes the roll cage will be tied to the frame.

 

I dnt see a signature? Maybe cause im on my phone, whats it say dukie?? Or are ya talkin bout mine? Lol

 

They're talking about my signature.

'93 Country, 5" Rusty/RK Lift, 35" BFG on 15x8 Soft 8s, 4.56, RK 3-link, Waggy 44 w/ Detroit, Hi-Steer, XRC8, 8.8 w/ Detroit, bead locks, chopped top, roll cage, etc...

 

Can't believe this is still here.

Ya cut it yet?

 

negative.. need sawzall. Getting it friday when i get paid.
I need to get the windows out.. i ll work on it today.
i ll snap some pics too

 

It takes 2 minutes to get the windows out with a razor blade.

You can cut the top with a 4 dollar hack saw.

 

I'll race you. I plan on doing mine (along with 2x4 rockers, and start the cage) on Sunday morning.. See how much I can get done in 3 hours

 

If you're anything like me you're going to cut the roof and waste the next 2 hours and 45 minutes standing there staring and smiling.