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Factory Roll Bar?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by cjbilly, Oct 31, 2018.

  1. Oct 31, 2018
    cjbilly

    cjbilly Member

    East Central Indiana
    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2014
    Messages:
    50
    Could someone please help me identify what year this roll bar MIGHT have been installed in a CJ5? At one time, they were an option from the factory.
    On the other hand, it might have been aftermarket due to the added light tabs.


    rollcare-cj5.jpg
     
  2. Oct 31, 2018
    Chris Insull

    Chris Insull All roads lead me back to the beach... 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chesapeake, VA.
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    805
    Same style bar I have in my CJ. Been around for a LONG time... Probably by different manufactures. Mine is a Smittybuilt from the '80's that I bought new and added a front cage to. I remember seeing them for sale in magazines back in the '70's... I've personally never seen one that style as a factory option.
     
  3. Oct 31, 2018
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    Remember, there was no "factory" rollbar until about 1970 and the Renegade model. A lot of aftermarket companies made rollbars until they became standard factory issue.
    That bar you have is perfectly suitable for your Jeep.
    -Donny
     
    ojgrsoi and Twin2 like this.
  4. Oct 31, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    The roll bar first appeared as original equipment as part of the Renegade package in 1969-70. It did not appear on the regular option list until 1974 as I recall. The Whitco roll bar was offered as "Jeep Approved Special Equipment" much earlier, and was available through the Jeep dealership parts departments. It was often dealer-installed as part of a new car purchase, and rolled in to the new car sale financing package.

    This looks like the Smittybilt "Competition" roll bar for the CJ-5. Not the factory approved model, but a similar and contemporary offering to the Whitco bar. The light tabs were added by the owner, since lights in that location would have prevented installation of a top.

    Lots of earlier posts about roll bar ID, if you search - site:earlycj5.com roll bar - Bing images
     
  5. Oct 31, 2018
    cjbilly

    cjbilly Member

    East Central Indiana
    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2014
    Messages:
    50
    PERFECT!! Thanks everyone your your input. :beer:
    Looking for something for the '55 to hang a bikini top off of. Local sale and its cheap enough...
     
    Posimoto likes this.
  6. Nov 1, 2018
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
    Messages:
    2,793
    Probably ought to check with your girl/wife/whatever before you go hanging her bikini top off of your rollbar.
     
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