hardtop to cage idea
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
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From: Gateway to the West
hardtop to cage idea
Ok, Big Bronco owners, we all know as roll cages and soft tops go, our options are rather limited. Does anyone see any merit in the idea of designing a cage the would mount in place of the original top and then to the soft top issue design a top that would fit over said cage cage. Ideally the cage would mount in the stock top holes and have necessary mounting provisions for seat belts and hig-mount stop light (91-newer). I realize this does nothing for the actual driver's compartment but additional cross over tubes and floor mounts would be relatively easy add-ons. The soft top would then stretch over the cage with the ability to unzip the sides and rear window etc.. if anyone would be interested in a product of this type, let me know. I am trying to get a feel for the feasibility of this little project and if I can get enough genuine interest I may be able to get someone to actually prototype and/or produce such a cage/top setup.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
hardtop to cage idea
So far, so good. I have talked with a friend who does custom welding and thinks the "cage" to replace the OE hardtop can be done fairly easily. Will continue to post as i get more research done. thanks for the interest, I will keep all informed
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 13
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From: San Jose
hardtop to cage idea
Just bought a '95 XLT this weekend, the cage/softtop sounds like a great idea, an addition I would definitely make.
Is it unreasonable to expect the softtop support structure to remain in place even if the hard top is put back on so that you have a roll cage to protect the rear seat passengers in either case (hard top or soft top)?
Let me know if you've made any progress on your idea.
And anyone else out there - if you know of a good front passenger / rear passenger roll cage product out there, please post it up or otherwise point me to it.
Richard
Is it unreasonable to expect the softtop support structure to remain in place even if the hard top is put back on so that you have a roll cage to protect the rear seat passengers in either case (hard top or soft top)?
Let me know if you've made any progress on your idea.
And anyone else out there - if you know of a good front passenger / rear passenger roll cage product out there, please post it up or otherwise point me to it.
Richard
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 189
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From: Texas A&M
hardtop to cage idea
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Nov-02 AT 10:55 PM (EST)]I'm definitely interested!! Especially if its cheaper than buying that $600 (GAD) soft top! I would definitely consider buying one!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
hardtop to cage idea
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 12-Nov-02 AT 02:20 AM (EST)]Guys, I am still pursuing this idea. Keep in your thoughts my welding expert who is going through some family crisis. He promises me that a prototype will be ready to try out as far as the cage is concerned, soon. As soon as i know more, and/or have pics of the prototype, I will share with all.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Vermont, USA
hardtop to cage idea
I am deffently intrested in this top. I hope it is ready by next summer when I am ready to remove my hardtop. Keep us updated.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 268
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From: North Texas
hardtop to cage idea
Probably need one more set of hoops to tension the top, since stretch in the fabric top would eventually loosen it, no matter how tight it was to begin with.
Back when the big Bronc first came on the market, there was a soft top on the aftermarket offered for it and for the Blazer. I've seen a couple such, and thye looked pretty nice.
Anybody know who made those?
- R
Back when the big Bronc first came on the market, there was a soft top on the aftermarket offered for it and for the Blazer. I've seen a couple such, and thye looked pretty nice.
Anybody know who made those?
- R
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
hardtop to cage idea
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 12-Nov-02 AT 08:26 PM (EST)]Kayline made a top for the Big Bronco and sold the design to another company when they went out of business. Its still available but not very good looking if you ask me. So hence the incorporation of two ideas top and cage. I will post an update as soon as I have more info.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 241
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
hardtop to cage idea
Kayline sold it to Specialty Top. I've got one and I love it. I really like the way you can fold it down in the back like a convertible car(thus having it off) or just roll up all the sides and back, keeping the top on so it's like a military jeep. I think it looks cool this way and b/c it's so wet here in Houston, it keeps the dew and rain off unless its a heavy sideways downpour. Then I go out and take 1 minute to pull the sides and back down.
A cage would be cool though. I may do that in 5-10 years when the soft top craps out on me. I don't ever plan on putting my hard top back on.
Brian
1988 Eddie Bauer 351 EFI
A cage would be cool though. I may do that in 5-10 years when the soft top craps out on me. I don't ever plan on putting my hard top back on.
Brian
1988 Eddie Bauer 351 EFI
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 241
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
hardtop to cage idea
I don't have any pics of my truck with it on and don't have a digital camera.
The top is a dark tan(spice is what they called it), and darker than the original tan top. But it matches the interior of my truck exactly. From the look of yours I would guess it would be the same color as your whole truck, a little darker than the top you currently have on.
Here's the website: http://www.specialtytopco.com/
It does cost $540 after shipping etc... and takes about 4-6 hrs to install. But it's definitely worth it to me.
They have pics on the website and the colors available I think. If you contact them, they'll send you a packet of color swatches for free so you can pick the right color for your vehicle. I thought I was going to have to go with the black before I got those in the mail. You can't tell the Spice color is really a dark tan/light brown online, but it looks great.
Brian