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Roll Bars

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by Baseball0, Nov 6, 2020.

  1. Nov 6, 2020
    Baseball0

    Baseball0 Member

    New Hartford, NY
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    I have a 65 CJ5 with the wrong roll bars. I have a client who is an auto fabricator who wants to trade out for a bar. Wondering if anyone can give me an idea about measurements or a diagram. I understand they really didn't come out til later but what would be an appropriate size or layout. Was thinking of maybe just cutting off the front section. Advice or Suggestions[​IMG] ?? Any pics???

    Here's a pic of what I have[​IMG]
     
  2. Nov 6, 2020
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    I'm not seeing why you want to change it?
     
  3. Nov 6, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    wondering if that is a later (76 and after) windshield based on how 'laid back' it looks....I only bring that up mostly as any roll bar with a front hoop would need to account for the windshield angle....
    As Scott said...what are you wanting in a potentially new or different roll bar? Just the back hoop with diagonal supports?
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2020
  4. Nov 6, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    The angle of the windshield does not change at '72, AFAIK.

    Also puzzled by what is wrong with this roll bar.
     
    FinoCJ likes this.
  5. Nov 6, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    sorry tim - meant 76 and later....edited the post...
     
  6. Nov 6, 2020
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    Looks like the windshield is missing the cowl gasket.
    I like that bar/ cage. I understand the angled bar is typical of the later one's and the vertical is more common on the early aftermarket.
    Leave it alone for originality of roll bar.
    Sell it if you just don't care for it. If you can't sell it locally then cut and rebuild.
     
  7. Nov 6, 2020
    Baseball0

    Baseball0 Member

    New Hartford, NY
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    Trying to get back to more of the 65. People who know more than me have said the bars aren't typical to that time. I'm really not sure which way to go.
     
  8. Nov 6, 2020
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    Keep it and love it. Roll bars aren’t cheap. Just the front hoop and spreaders on mine were like $250 and I had to do all the welding.
     
    Jw60 likes this.
  9. Nov 6, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Not sure there is anything that would be considered typical for 1965....maybe just a fendertop, body mounted rear hoop with the rear bracing bars? Nothing about your roll bar seems period incorrect....
     
    Jw60 likes this.
  10. Nov 7, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Agreed. Get what you like because you like it. That looks correct/appropriate to me.

    consider sanding/flapwheeling it, giving it a coat of black paint and throwing a bikini top on. It’s probaby a $100 easy weekend project that’ll easily change the look.
     
    Geo and Jw60 like this.
  11. Nov 7, 2020
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    Can you get a broadside picture? I want to see the angle of the front hoop. That should be parallel to the angle of the windshield bracket 15deg. If it's swept back from that than I guess it's not right. There should be a thick rubber gasket under the windshield frame that puts it at 15deg and the cage would match that angle.
     
    Bigdaddy13 likes this.
  12. Nov 7, 2020
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    to be honest . I would live with it . it's already there
     
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  13. Nov 7, 2020
    TIm E

    TIm E Aggressively average

    NW Arkansas
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    The rear part of the cage looks similar to a Smittybilt roll bar, but maybe slightly different? The center one in this pic is a Smittybilt, (still has the emblem on it)

     
    Bigdaddy13 likes this.
  14. Nov 7, 2020
    Baseball0

    Baseball0 Member

    New Hartford, NY
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    I think y'all have talked me into keeping it. I'm just going to remove it wire it down prime and paint it. Thanks guys!!
     
    Fireball likes this.
  15. Nov 8, 2020
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
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    It looks just like mine in my 65. The rear had Smittybilt stickers on it saying it wasn't really a rollbar.
    It looks fine!
     
  16. Nov 8, 2020
    Baseball0

    Baseball0 Member

    New Hartford, NY
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    Thx Greevesman!!!
     
  17. Nov 8, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

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    Roll bars weren't a factory option on a CJ5 until maybe around 1969 (462 model?). Many folks fabbed up a bar, or bought an aftermarket bar back before the factory made them available. A pure "stock" restoration wouldn't have a roll bar for a '65. If you like the look, or are concerned about safety if you use your Jeep, keep the bar you have. A more correct early period look would have only the rear portion like shown in Tim E's photo in post#13.
    Its your Jeep. Build it the way you like.
    -Donny
     
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  18. Nov 9, 2020
    Baseball0

    Baseball0 Member

    New Hartford, NY
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    Thanks Donny. If I cut off that front section would you consider that an acceptable early period look? I value your expertise.
     
  19. Nov 9, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    You're much safer with a full cage but for vintage looks, you would be pretty close cutting off the front bars.

    Here's my '68 with a Smitty Bilt roll bar that was likely installed when it was new or a few years old:
    [​IMG]
     
    mike starck likes this.
  20. Nov 9, 2020
    CHUGALUG

    CHUGALUG Member

    Silverton, OR
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    My Dad was part of the Salem Jeep Club started in 1965 and Mom and Dad went to a number of the big Jamborees in the mid 60's and all required a roll bar to compete in any event. And since at that time there were no factory roll bars all of them would have been either made by a fab shop or Home made like the one on Dads Jeep (now mine) Dad made his from sch 80 2" Steam Pipe with full coverage mounting plates that covered the whole top of the Wheel Housings. But I remember seeing all sorts of roll bars and even cages at that time. So to say your setup is not typical is silly.
     
    mike starck likes this.
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