So I have been researching this for about a month now. I have searched for chopped 4runners and they are not quite what I'm looking for. I have always wanted a 4Runner with no top, caged, and half doors.... Sure I can go out a buy a wrangler and be done with it, but I don't want a wrangler.... I have talked to a few race guys that manufacture their own roll cages for drag racing, and the idea is very doable. Basically this is the top I'm looking for:
After numerous conversations and trying to figure out the proper way of doing it, seems like 2.5" ERW tube would be best because of the weight of the 4Runner. Tubing would run me around $600, and maybe another $500 for shop help (HF bender wouldn't touch this tube, I don't think), the total cost would be up to around $4000 with everything needed to be made from scratch... Would leave pillars and windshield alone and tie in to the existing structure... Was told with correct design and bracing the cage would be structurally sound and safe to use on the street in the event of an accident. Additional bracing would be needed for the A and B pillars, which would require remounting of seatbelts, or using harness, however using harness would make rear seats not useable. Doors can be cut in half, or half door manufactured. The big thing Obviously would be weather... That can resolved with custom vinyl covers that would snap on to the tube...
Am I crazy here? I mean I think it's really doable. The 4Runner isn't my main vehicle anymore, but I can't part with it either.... Any cons or pros you guys can think of please share... If I pull the trigger on this, once tube is cut and bent it'll be a couple days to assemble...
Thanks for your input,
Rafal
After numerous conversations and trying to figure out the proper way of doing it, seems like 2.5" ERW tube would be best because of the weight of the 4Runner. Tubing would run me around $600, and maybe another $500 for shop help (HF bender wouldn't touch this tube, I don't think), the total cost would be up to around $4000 with everything needed to be made from scratch... Would leave pillars and windshield alone and tie in to the existing structure... Was told with correct design and bracing the cage would be structurally sound and safe to use on the street in the event of an accident. Additional bracing would be needed for the A and B pillars, which would require remounting of seatbelts, or using harness, however using harness would make rear seats not useable. Doors can be cut in half, or half door manufactured. The big thing Obviously would be weather... That can resolved with custom vinyl covers that would snap on to the tube...
Am I crazy here? I mean I think it's really doable. The 4Runner isn't my main vehicle anymore, but I can't part with it either.... Any cons or pros you guys can think of please share... If I pull the trigger on this, once tube is cut and bent it'll be a couple days to assemble...
Thanks for your input,
Rafal
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