Just an idea !

My CJ-5 is 1978.
I've bought a Wrangler hardtop (for £5 !)
Obviously it's too long.
At present it's placed with the extra length overhanging the rear of the tub and doesn't look too bad.
I was going to "cut and shunt" the top but have just had another idea.
The rear of my vehicle will need work due to butchered holes for light and slight damage.
My idea is therefore to rebuild the back body with the extra length - like a CJ-8 and keep the hardtop normal length.
What do others think of this ?
Has anyone already done so and has a photo of result ?

Thanks.

Paul Humphries.,
Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffs.,
UK.

 

I've seen a pic on the web of one like that...but panel angled down about 45* from the back edge of the topper to the bottom edge of the original body. Looked half-cool in the pic, like it was made that way. Corners of the body "wedge" were rounded, same radius as a stock vertical corner.

 

Be neat to see.

 

Why not cut the hard top down instead?
Edit- sorry didn't read your thread correctly.

 

There are a couple of guys (HudsonHawk, GhettoFab) that I believe have lengthened the wheelbase on their CJ-5s by moving the axle back. I'd think it'd be the same amount of work to lengthen the body in front of the axle as behind it... either way you'd need to lengthen the frame.

 

Altering a frame is defiantley a "no no" over here in UK. It requires a full inspection which is very expensive and I doubt a CJ-5 would pass anyway.
Registration and insurance an be dififculty so I think I'll shorten hardtop !

Paul Humphries,
Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffs.,
UK.

 

Theoretically if it were cut just short of the corners (behind the wheel wells)and extended with sheet steel the seam could be covered with diamond plate corners. It would have rear body overhang similar to ( but not as bad as) a CJ-8 Scrambler, but if you dont do a lot of hard-core off-roading that shouldnt be a problem IMO. You will also need to fabricate extension mounts for the rear bumper and probably lengthen the wiring to the tail lights. I think it would be good to go plus you'd have more cargo room and a very one of a kind Jeep.

The big question is are you a good enough welder & bodyman to do it? If so ( or if you are the adventurous sort) ,, I say go for it, and be sure to post pics when it's done.

PS: Where in the UK are you??

 

If all you are looking for is a top that fits, why not just sell the wrangler top and apply any money you get towards the purchase of the correct CJ5 top. At least you know it will fit and will save lots of time and effort.