I am Feeling Like a Caged Animal!

Finally gettin goin on the jeep again! Started to bend up my cage. I had to print off the PDF maual for the greenlee bender I am using. It wasn't quite the right one( I think I borrowed an older version from my BIL) but it worked OK once I figured it out. After a lot of research I decided on 1.25" schedule 40 structural pipe. It has a 1.66" OD.


Untrimmed rear hoop on the left, front on the right.

greenlee bender
I need to make some templates but it was raining tonight. Maybe tomorrow....

 

Looks like your doing a great job! More photos please!

 

Picked backup last night finally. I literally got a half hour of work time in!!! Woo Hoo!!! Been very busy for me lately. I will post a few more pics tomorrow.

 

I was able to sneak out last night for a little more work time. The mosquitos have finally abated a bit here and made it somewhat bearable out side. Anyway a few progress pics. I decided to stay with the roll bar I had as a starting point but I I didn't like the bent plate that was on th bottom. The holes had been severly dimpled and they were pretty bent by the time I got it. Other than that the bars are in great shape. Might actually do some welding this weekend. We shall see








The front hoop was a challenge. With the bender I am using there is a lot of guess work as to starting pionts and cylinder travel for the final bend amount. I am going by feel more than anything but I am getting the bends pretty close. I am always up for a good challenge

 

Wmi68CJ5, or anyone, if you get a chance and since you've just finished researching about tubing for your roll cage I was wondering if you could explain to me some of the lingo about the tubing.

"After a lot of research I decided on 1.25" schedule 40 structural pipe. It has a 1.66" OD."


I'm confused about the pipe size. 1.25" is the inside diameter? I'm guessing the "schedule 40" is the thickness of the walls of the pipe?

When you say 1.66 OD, I suppose that is the outside diameter?

Is this the what most roll cages are made of? Just curious, there may be a day that I'm bending on some of this stuff myself.

 

http://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?t=1919

Try this link. It was helpful to understand the different types of pipe, tubing etc. I don't necessarily condone some of the language and attitude but it did help.


Todd

 

In his PJ's and still light out, oh wait it's spiderman not a kid in PJ's. My grandson (7) has the same ones and it's hard to get him out of them.

Todd, it looks great, nice job.

 

When I "snuck" out it was right around bed time. He, of course, then "snuck" out to. So I put him to work!

 

since you have the angled bottoms cut off, I would recommend a full length plate that covers the wheeelwell, with a rolled lip over the interior edge.
Unless of course, you have other plans.
nice work !

 

you read my mind. I am putting a plate back down to weld to. I have a sub frame under the rear wheel wells that the pictures dont show. It is rect. tubing that is kinda like a cradle for the fiberglass body and to tie the cage into.

Thanks for the complement! I hurt my back last friday at work and have not been able to do much of anything. Maybe this weekend.

 

A few more shots from my progress from friday and monday nights.

 

That does look good.

 

What you aren't seeing is all the 4-8" pieces i have from attempting to use the bender I have and coming up a little off in the measurements. It's about 3' of scrap right now.

I have been notching my tubing on my drill press with a lennox hole saw. Talk about a gosh awful noise. I then grind them a little to clean up the cut and to get a good tight fit.

Next I am going to integrate my seats and harness' int the cage. Looks like a have about 6 more pieces to cut and fit. I built my bumpers last year and this is my first tube project but I have found metal work to be fun( I am a carpenter from way back often called a "Woody" by some of my coworkers). I now own stick and wire feed welders. I love not having to take things to by BIL to weld anymore.

Thanks for the encouragement!

 

You're doing a great job! Please keep us updated!

Rich

 

Did a little more work recently....... not sure on the seat height yet bent up some brackets with a cool little flat stock bender I found int he box of goodies that came with the borrowed bender.







I tacked in the seat risers last night and installed the seats and the bar at shoulder level for my harnesses. I didn't have the cam. at home but I will shot some this weekend and post them.

 

Inspiring to say the least! Enjoying watching your progress man!

 

i actually pulled the whole thing out tonight to start the welding. Wish me luck. Pics to follow.