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Homemade early CJ5 hardtop?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 1957Willys, Oct 23, 2012.

  1. 1957Willys

    1957Willys Member

  2. Corveeper

    Corveeper Member

    I’ve never seen a home brew hard top that turned out looking worth a damn but if you’ve got the fabrication skills why not? Go for it, and post pictures of what you end up with.
     
  3. duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    That looks like the top Sears and probably several others sold in the 50's. My father put one of those on his 2A and I recall that I didn't like it near as well as the factory soft top-remanents of which are still here. No compound curves so probably not too difficult to build if you have a break and rolls.
     
  4. jasonjp62

    jasonjp62 Member

    I would say you would have allot more money and time in making one, than finding one in good shape and refinishing it.
     
  5. Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Not in good condition, better to find a good one. I have a Meyer in metal and you can find some in good conditions.
    Other problem : the weight! I put a hook in the center of mine, so I can move it.
    Maybe you can find some light ones in ther materials, probably more expensive.

    [​IMG]
     
  6. 1957Willys

    1957Willys Member

  7. 1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Look up the jeeps of Adak, Alaska some time.
    The stuff from WWII and through the '50's.
     
  8. piffey263

    piffey263 Active Member

    why did I have to read this thread, now I want to make a wood hard top. nice cherry color for outside trim part, with main parts lighter colored. (marine varnish will do nicely.)

    I like the carriage bolts on the top, I have a feeling there there because it has lap joint joinery.
     
  9. 1957Willys

    1957Willys Member

    I know the wooden top looks pretty sweet. I would be cool to just bolt your top together rather than having to use a lift or alot of help to remove a steel top. Plus it would be alot easier to store if it was in panels.
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2012
  10. piffey263

    piffey263 Active Member

    I thought some of the metal hard tops came apart into like 4 pieces. I could be getting it confused with a intermediate metal hard top.

    knowing how wood acts and stuff, I wonder if they had any problems being taken apart once a year. I know weather would be a issue but that is a matter or varnish and some dap or something along those lines.
     
  11. 1957Willys

    1957Willys Member

    I never knew some of the metal hardtop came apart into separate pieces. Shows you how new I am to a Willys!
     
  12. 1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    I have been around them fro a long time, and I never knew it. Makes sense, though.
     
  13. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Doors, Sides, Top, and Back can all be taken apart. How good your top is, dictates how wise this is to do :)
     
  14. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    It seems to me that a wood hardtop would be awfully heavy, with adverse effects in power and handling-not to mention trying to remove or install it.
     
  15. 1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Those metal tops are really heavy.
     
  16. 1957Willys

    1957Willys Member

    I cant find any blue prints for them tho I would make a great winter project!
     
  17. 64pete

    64pete Member

    Mine is in pieces- top, sides, rear door (missing), front doors. It's very simple, all flat panels except the edges of the roof which is curved. The glass slides in tracks, the windows in the doors have a handle on the glass to raise or lower the window. I was going to try to resurect it but it's hard to get a flat panel too look decent after it's been dented and abused.
     
  18. Jw60

    Jw60 That guy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I always forget the brand of mine but it weighs over 400lb with doors, steel sides with fiberglass roof. the father in laws Meyers top is aluminum and easily 1/2 the weight.
    if you are wanting a rollbar now is the time, build the top around the bar as structure.
     
  19. sdcj6

    sdcj6 Sponsor

    I just posted my home made top in the build forum if you are interested
     
  20. homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor