Actually,, if you picked up a bikini header chanel, and built a framework out of 1/2 square tube, then skinned it with thin sheet alum. or steel like a rover top that would be cool. If you use the factory hartop that was damaged it should be way cheaper than $300! Let him keep the wipers and glass. Build a roof rack that bolts right to the roof to give it support/structure and a cross beam on the rear that could clamp or velcro on? I like the idea, and have thought about it. would look great on a 4dr too, like the j8 pictured above..

 

Ok, I think Im going to follow through with this idea. I have decided to make my own out of fiberglass. I am going to cover the hard top in shrink wrap I happened to have so nothing sticks to it. I am going to layer either shreds of canvas or some sort of "paper machet" type shellon the hard top. After its dried and hard I can lift it off the top and now I have a mold of the hard top roof. I still need to work out through trial and error how to strenghten the roof and rear bolt locations. The rear crossmember on the 4-door cage seems like a perfect rear attachment. details are still a lttle fuzzy but I can make this work, I know it. However, Im sure some of you guys have some suggestions. Im going to lowes tonight to scour the options on supplies. How about some feedback. If I can successfully make this work, look good, and not cost much, I can make more of these for anybody interested.

 

Not sure about the hard bikini thing for myself. Will be interesting to see what you come up with. You can make it and show it, but if you are going to sell it here, I am pretty sure you will have to wait for the next basement builders weekend, to do that..

Others that have done this have been told the same thing.

 

That is correct! Thank you.

 

I know the rules. Trust me, this site is like Disneyland for a grown man, I would never do anything to harm it or the wonderful companies that help pay for it!

Anyway, how bout some suggestions on materials? I am def going to do this!

 

y not just use the freedom panels as a shortened safari top, doesnt cost anything (If you have them) and they work well..

A hard top like that to me is sorta useless because you cant easily stow it if you need to put up your soft top..

For me anyway, everything I do has to work no matter where I am..

If this idea of yours has removable soft side curtains like how a lot of boats are, then I say its an excellent idea..

EDIT: Post 1,000 I am now a JK Super Freak!!

 

Use the freedom panels, then make a piece that continues to the back so it is in 3 manageable pieces.

 

I am running the two front freedom panels. Thats kinda where this idea came from. After 15 years of riding in jeeps im kinda over the sun part but I still love the no door, no sides feeling. I usually run my safari top only from April through Oct. but Im tired of safari top straps dry rotting and breaking and the "bathtub effect" of the canvas holding water on top is kind of getting old. And as far as removing it, I could just remove the front freedom panels for the same end result. I have a friend who owns a plastic injection molding plant in Morristown TN, and he is really pushing me to get a mold to him so we can start figuring this out. He is also a jeeper, soon to be a JKer

 

I am a cabinet guy so I would make the mold out of plywood. You can buy radius pieces fo the sides etc. 1/4" strips could be used for the ripbs etc. The fiberglass it all in and grind and sand where needed. Copy most of the lines from the original top. Make some stand offs and bolt it through the roll bar.

 

PRICELESS


NOW THATS FUNNY RIGHT THERE!