CK5 - The Full-Size GM Off Road Community

i would consider this an extreme body mod. i'm thinking on hacking mine off and wanted to know if any of you guys that have already done it regret having done the deed..

One of the best body mods I have even done, the only thing I regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

that's kinda what i wanted to hear.
my top is about to crack apart anyway from all the body flex. talking about that what did you or anyone do to support the windsheild.

Nothing, I have a real good cage. /forums/images/graemlins/pimp.gif The next go-around I dought I will even have a winshield frame. /forums/images/graemlins/whistling.gif

i can hear that whistling smilie from here. /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif what do you have planned?? something like watson's rig?? that'll be sweet..

1972 Vega body (no top of course) with Chevy Luv truck bed out back, going for a retro theam. /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif
Not quite sure at the moment what I will end up doing, ask me this fall, depends on how bad it looks. /forums/images/graemlins/doah.gif

I can vouch for Steve's rig. Riding down to Indy was incredible. And I was especially thankful for the nascar 'cage when the tilt-o-meter hit 45 degrees... /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

I had to cut some rusted bolts to get mine off...does that count? /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

I took the thing off, put it in the backyard, and never put it back on. I think I liked driving in the rain with the top off more than with it on...as long as I stayed moving I got less wet with no roof.

Full toppers rule /forums/images/graemlins/bow.gif /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif

i was told that the body will seperate if the top isn't there to box in the rocker area. from what i've read most people who have done this mod have also reinforced thier rockers. steve, did you do that or do you find that the cage does enough reinforcement to the body?

My rockers are 3 x 3 1/4" square tube. /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

i can see how the body would separate if no cage was there to reinforce the body. but would the cage alone help keep things together?? /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

my body is pretty much thrashed so i think it's not gonna last long anyways.. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

A regular cage doesn't do much to help the doors. Reason is most of the flexing is done at the front where the firewall meats the floor. For a cage to reduce flex you should tie the cage into the dash.

yeah, i was thinking about that.. /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif maybe a removal of the dash would be an option. that way i can build a custom one to tie everything together.

just another thought.. what if half doors were used?? cut to where you did have to open them to get in but tied to the door jam area.. would that work??

I did mine and liked it, but by the time I did it, the body was supported as much by the cage as by the frame. I think addressing the body rigidity is the only concern. That and figuring out a clean way to put a top back on it if you want to. I think adding the windshield frame and doors from a 73-75 is the cleanest way to do it. Maybe I can build another K5 and do this some day. I think for now I'm going to have to stick to 4 doors or tube toys.

I did mine and liked it, but by the time I did it, the body was supported as much by the cage as by the frame. I think addressing the body rigidity is the only concern. That and figuring out a clean way to put a top back on it if you want to. I think adding the windshield frame and doors from a 73-75 is the cleanest way to do it. Maybe I can build another K5 and do this some day. I think for now I'm going to have to stick to 4 doors or tube toys. Maybe I could do this to a Suburban....my barn doors would look kind of funny though.

i can see what you mean about making things fit if you wanted to put a top back on. i'm not so i was just thinking of using someting strapped to the top of the cage.

definitely something to think about. my body is not in the best shape either. if it was straight i don't think i would even consider cutting it off. h3ll, i think i'm gonna do it!! /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

if it's not there it can't get dented, right?

ok, i checked out some pictures of k5s that had the tops cut and i started to mark mine up. i noticed that some had cut about 4" away from the windshield rubber molding. i marked mine about 1 1/2 for that spot. i'm i gonna run into any problems??

just for info... i'm not going to use doors or a top..

well, i went ahead and went for it.. /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/Dsc03600.jpg

wasn't to bad and the windshield is pretty sturdy. after some wheeling i bet that it will change though.
for more pictures
http://www.texasoffroad.net/galleries/members/albuo60

cage will be coming next.

Looks good! I don't know why GM ever put a roof on them in the first place.

/forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/bow.gif /forums/images/graemlins/bow.gif /forums/images/graemlins/bow.gif /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/yikes.gif

agreed, if I ever get another K5 its either got to be early full top or cut the damn roof off.

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well, i went ahead and went for it.. /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/Dsc03600.jpg

wasn't to bad and the windshield is pretty sturdy. after some wheeling i bet that it will change though.
for more pictures
http://www.texasoffroad.net/galleries/members/albuo60

cage will be coming next.

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I remember when I first did mine, had to stand back and smile. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://coloradok5.com/temp/cut1.jpg

thanks guys!!
i really like the way it came out.

coloradok5 - i'm still smiling. i should of done this along time ago. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

seeing all these pics makes me wanna buy a blazer just to cut the top off /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif i wonder if my dad will get mad it i do it to his /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif /forums/images/graemlins/yikes.gif /forums/images/graemlins/yikes.gif better not /forums/images/graemlins/whistling.gif

that looks sweet /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Has anyone done a detailed writeup of this mod yet?

I was thinking the exact same thing...I wanna chop the top on mine too, and make it where i can use a 73-75 top and doors. I would love to see a write-up on this with pics by anyone who's done it...particularly about what they did to strengthen everything after the cab is gone. /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

any idea on how much weight was removed?

About 70 pounds.

yeah, i wanna say it was close to that weight. i haven't put mine on the scale.

ok, here's what i have planned for the cage.
http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/cage2.jpg

but i'm up for any changes or ideas. any thoughts??

Are you running a back seat?

What do you do about the raw edge where you cut it?

yes, i am going to run a back seat..

84 chevy k10 - i haven't thought about what to do yet with that part. maybe somehow capping it would be choice, but for now it'll stay as is.

Looks alot better with the top off!! My 73 was an 87 tub. What are you doing for seat belts? local laws for me say for 87 i have to have shoulder belts. But regged as 73-75 avoids that.

Very Nice! I like it.

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What are you doing for seat belts?

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truck is a trail rig so i'll be using a 4 or 5 point
harness. something like these.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=BOB%2D50502%2D18%2D23

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What are you doing for seat belts?

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truck is a trail rig so i'll be using a 4 or 5 point
harness. something like these.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=BOB%2D50502%2D18%2D23

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Thats what I did. I ended up with five point harnesses but removed the crotch strap do to personal size issues.

Are you going to mount the harnesses to the cage or the floor? I ended up mounting my seats to the cage and the harnesses go there as well.

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Thats what I did. I ended up with five point harnesses but removed the crotch strap do to personal size issues.

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SUUUUUUUUUUURE!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif

It is not acceptable to mount the seat belts to the floor if you have a roll cage, is it? I was under the impression that the cage, seats, and belts are to be one piece.

both harness and seats will be mounted to the cage. i believe it will be safer to do it that way.

Yeah, Thats what I did. It worked out pretty well also. I'm taking Friday off of work to paint it all up and mount down the battery. If I'm feeling my oats, I'm going to mount the floor shifter up also.

Looking good. /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif

Ric.. look's great.. man.. how your Blazer has progressed.. Steve also.. Now.. got me thinking about doing mine.

Has anyone thought about making a rocker box kit? like on the 73's to 76 blazers? Just an idea..

I have a 5 point harness for the front seats. Just don't have the D.O.T. approved shoulder harness required for 87. Registering as the early truck removes that problem. Atleast in my state!! But if it's just a trail rig, then it don't matter!!

how about this for a narrow bed..
http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC03762_1.jpg

/forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif




/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif naw, i just brought out the sawzall again. this time the rear had its turn. myself along with the help of my friends hacked off the rear corners and tapered in the bed sides. not quite done, still need to finish the rear half as i plan to lose about a foot of the bed. the rest of pictures are here.
http://www.texasoffroad.net/galleries/members/albuo60?&page=3


/forums/images/graemlins/hack.gif

Looks like the bed out of a 80's Mazda pickup /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Just cut the rest of the bedsides off! /forums/images/graemlins/hack.gif

this is mine before the roll cage got put in. i know it is not a K5, but it is closer now than before
http://tellico.off-road.com/wwwthreads_uploads/989427-P1010003.JPG
can you post a close up pic of the top of the windshield frame? mine is cut pretty poorly with a lot of left over material and i wanted to see how close you cut yours. thanks, ryan

I'd like to see pics of both of yours where it's cut, I plan on going hacky hacky when it warms up too

Hey Drat, back from being an american hero or what?

cool /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

here's a side shot of mine
http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC03772_1.jpg

hacking is not done i still need to hack about a foot off back of the bed.


i used the rubber trim for a guide and measured 1 1/2" back, marked the line and went at it. i'll grab some pictures when it's daylight outside and post them for you guys to see.

just to give an idea of what i'm after

http://www.texas4x4.org/gallery/albums/album17/cage4.jpg

i would, but i still want to keep some of the body. maybe after it's all banged up i'll do it. /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

do you have any pictures with the cage work??

You throw out those corners yet? Or did you use them? Might accent my flatbed, WINK WINK /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

do you wanna get rid of the gas door?I need the gas door and some of the metal around it to make it work on my willy's wagon. /forums/images/graemlins/deal.gif /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

man that is going to look sweet when your done /forums/images/graemlins/bow.gif /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif. do you plan on doing anything to the front?

ahh dude we are thinking on the same page /forums/images/graemlins/eek.gif

haven't thrown them out yet. my bud was talking about making some kind of lawn/patio furniture out of them.. /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif and reuse the tail lights and make them work with some kind of light bulbs.
if we don't need them, what ever piece you might need they're yours..

the door is not straight and doesn't close flush anymore. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif due to the rock rash in that area. umm... not sure if you want something in that kinda shape.. /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

not yet. i haven't decided if i want a tubed front clip or just taper the front like sandman and supersize75k5 has done.. i might just run it fullwidht for a while since i haven't wheeled in so long.. i need to get out. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


supersize75k5 - /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/hack.gif

here's a closer shot of the windshield area.

http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC03784_1.jpg

i got more pictures here.
http://www.texasoffroad.net/galleries/members/albuo60 3rd and 4th page. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

just to keep everything in order..

here's the fuel cell i bought.
RCI-2151AS (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=RCI%2D2151AS) from summit

http://www.texas4x4.org/gallery/albums/album17/alumcell3.jpg

and i also picked up one of these.
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/norm/sum-g3114_m.jpg fuel cell tip valve (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2DG3114&view=257#largerima ge) to keep the fuel from exiting my vent line incase of a layover.

I grafted the top of a '75 windshield frame onto mine. I can bolt a '75 hard top (or soft top...which is what I did /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ) to mine. Underneath, I've got square tubing that ties the body mounts together and run out to 2x3 square tubing for rock sliders. Things have shifted a little, but not much. You just have to tug a little on the driver's side door....but that will soon be gone too. I plan on running a semi exo/roll cage. I modded the factory rear roll bar, turned it around and put it right behind the front seats for seatbelt mounts. I might go to harnesses...don't know for sure yet.

Mine's still street legal...don't know if your's is...but I had to take mine for a spin right after I chopped it. I should have blown out as much dust and dirt as possible before I did that...
It probably looked like I had a brown cloud following me for a while /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif
That hurt my eyes /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

just an updated pic.

it started to rain here pretty bad so i didn't finish the taper job.. /forums/images/graemlins/grind.gif /forums/images/graemlins/hack.gif

http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04224_1.jpg


man.. this thing is coming together at a snail's pace. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Nice stuff there. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

How are you planning on doing the hood?

How much were you able to taper in the front?

Did you skin stuff out?

Can I play 20 questions?

Are you going to Blazer Bash so I can look at it?

Looking good! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Nice stuff there. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

How are you planning on doing the hood?
i've been looking at all your pics. prolly do what you did and use hood pins.

How much were you able to taper in the front?
i lost something like 9-10 inches. doesn't sound like alot but it sure does look like alot /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Did you skin stuff out?
yes, the fenders are skinned and the hood will get it too.

Can I play 20 questions?
sure.

Are you going to Blazer Bash so I can look at it?
uhh... don't know. as slow as the thing is going it might not be done in time. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif

Looking good! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
thanks. your rig is the one that made me do it. /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif



i have a question for you.
what did you do to attach the front of the fender to the radiator support area? i have a cupple ideas but just want to know how you did it. or better yet send me a pic if you have one. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Are you guys skinning out the hood and leaving it just the skin? Using hinges, or lift off? I build a light frame from 1/2" square for mine and used modified stock hinges with hood pins. The skin alone seemed too flimsy to use with hinges. Seems like I asked Matt a while back and he was just using the skin?

right now my hood is cut but not skinned. the hinges are still intact and might still work. as you know, the problem i have is with the fenders tapered in the hood sticks out past them. the hood needs to be moved back to make everything line up again. i believe you did something similar with yours, right?

i would like to still use the hinges as it would make it a little easier to deal with.

I used 1/2" threaded rod from the radiator support to the firewall. It also gives you a place to hang wires and stuff from. I'll get some pics up this evening for you.

On the hood. I cut the hood down and then skinned it out except for some in the very front and the very rear so it would have al least some structure. I then bent in the ends near the fenders to give it some more structure but it turned out like crap. Its light enough that I can lift it off by myself without too much trouble. I have been thinking about some type of hinge setup though. I eliminated the cowl cover also as I needed some room there.

Here is a few more pics:

http://www.planet4x4.net/pics/pic2001.jpg
http://www.planet4x4.net/pics/pic2002.jpg
http://www.planet4x4.net/pics/pic2003.jpg

Yep, mine looks a lot like Matt's. Removed the grill and moved the hood back as close to the windshield as I could. Mine fits further back though due to wiper delete. I wanted to move the hood back as far as possible, and I also lowered the front several inches. But I didn’t keep the fenders so I have easy access for working on stuff and plenty of room for 42s on 4" lift.

The little frame I patched together supports the skin and makes it almost as rigid as factory with very little weight. The hinges mount to the cowl just like factory, but the hood legs were cut down shorter and a piece of 1 x 0.125 angle iron was welded on. This bolts to the hood frame. I originally had self tapping screws in there but they pulled out. I wound up replacing them with 1/4-20 button heads through the hood and the angle, no more troubles.

Man its like an epidemic around here, now that my burb is narrowed front and rear Im running out of stuff to cut - the roof is next though. The weather has been really nice here so Ive been forcing myself to wait
a while but your pictures arent helping matters /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/3509skinny-med.JPG /forums/images/graemlins/hack.gif

heres a good question

those who narrowed the front, did you bend the fender? cut and weld it at an angle, explain

[ QUOTE ]
heres a good question

those who narrowed the front, did you bend the fender? cut and weld it at an angle, explain

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the way i did mine was a cut to fit method. my fenders are skinned and still straight. i had to trim a little off of the firewall mount locations and the cowl/wiper plate or whatever it's called (which i have to remove to move the hood back a little) to make it all work and the gap between the fender and cab area is a little wider but you can't tell because i have no doors.

at first i tried to to bend the fender with the passenger side just after the hinge area, but i couldn't make it look right. after it's all done i'll take plenty more pics.

[ QUOTE ]
just an updated pic.

it started to rain here pretty bad so i didn't finish the taper job.. /forums/images/graemlins/grind.gif /forums/images/graemlins/hack.gif

http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04224_1.jpg


man.. this thing is coming together at a snail's pace. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

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Do you or anyone have pics DURING the process, showing where, what you cut out and how you reattached the fenders?
I got rust to contend with I think it would be a good mod to eliminate some of my problems, but I still need to fab up a new center core support section and thought about using the outer edges of the original radiator support and welding them back to the piece I need to make.

Anyone made there own core support?
Anyone reuse the hinges and narrow the center section of the hood or relocate the hinges to a new location inward?
How did you do your releaf cuts to bend the fenders in?

/forums/images/graemlins/ears.gif /forums/images/graemlins/1zhelp.gif /forums/images/graemlins/ears.gif

[ QUOTE ]
the way i did mine was a cut to fit method. my fenders are skinned and still straight. i had to trim a little off of the firewall mount locations and the cowl/wiper plate or whatever it's called (which i have to remove to move the hood back a little) to make it all work and the gap between the fender and cab area is a little wider but you can't tell because i have no doors.

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Looks like we did it the same way then. I didnt want to notch the fenders as I didnt think I could make it look good either.

I was inspired by the ORD pic before it rolled. I thought it was a great idea!

Dang... that looks way cool with the top cut off.

Is it possibly to run the trucks with the windshield frame only for a while (till a cage gets installed to fasten the windshield frame to) and still wheel it? Or will it just flex like crazy and crack the glass the first time the truck lifts a wheel? I do have 2"x3" rectangular rock sliders welded to the body in place of the rockers. I am planning on a cage this yr, but if I cut the roof, the cage will be a month or so away and I wont want to park it for very long! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also, has anyone thought of making a way to reattach the steel half roof? I am up here in the deep dark cold north, so I will want the steel roof on for the winter (or a full fiberglass topper from an older truck IF I can find one). Id like to run a full cage, and a summer full soft top, but I need a full hardtop for winter. If the original hardtop could be made to reattach failry easily, that would work too.

Just thinkin out loud. /forums/images/graemlins/doah.gif Always gets me into trouble......

Mike /forums/images/graemlins/whistling.gif

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How did you do your releaf cuts to bend the fenders in?


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no releaf cuts.. what i trimmed was a bit of the firewall and the inner fender wall. something like this
http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04223_1.jpg

the fender in the picture was not the final trim job alot more was cut to fit properly.

/forums/images/graemlins/grind.gifhere's a pic of the front taper. /forums/images/graemlins/hack.gif

http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04274_1.jpg

i decided to use hood pins to keep it down and will ad those when i get them. for know it's just sitting there. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Looks great. Look at the Autofab style pins. That's what I use and I like them alot. Seems like one of our vendors now carries them...

thanks.. you wouldn't happen to have a link, would ya??

Can't figure out who has those hood pin kits, but here is where I got mine.

http://www.autofab.com/hoodpins.htm

yeah you beat me to it /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

http://www.autofab.com/images/HP2.jpg

i know pig over at pirate carries them. is that who you are talking about or is it someone else from here?

Maybe I'm thinking of Pig, but I thought it was here. No luck on their web sites though...

Pins arent too hard to whip up with a few bolts with htier heads cut off and some of those lynch pins

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Maybe I'm thinking of Pig, but I thought it was here. No luck on their web sites though...

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it was PIG just give him a hollar.

Are those new fenders? /forums/images/graemlins/eek.gif Looks good. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

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Are those new fenders? /forums/images/graemlins/eek.gif Looks good. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

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brand new second hand.. $34.50 a pop! /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif

i screwed up one side when i was cutting and i didn't want to replace just that one side so i bought both.. i hope i can keep these straight this time.. /forums/images/graemlins/whistling.gif

I'm not too keen on tapering the front end, but that looks great. Very nice job, I like it! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04274_1.jpg that just brings a tear to my eye. That looks FREAKING BEAUTIFUL. /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/pimp.gif

That is sweet!

I am getting ready to taper my frontend how much of your support did u cut off

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I am getting ready to taper my frontend how much of your support did u cut off

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close to 10" on each side. i left it wide enough to fit a stock lenght grill. /forums/images/graemlins/hack.gif

Hey Bowtie,

Do you have any close up pics just aft of the window where you cut it?

Also are you planing on ordering a softtop or having one built?

And....... Where in Texas do you live? close to DFW area?

Thanks for detailign this on your page. very helpful.

Best regards,

Stacey

http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04274_1.jpg


I tell ya, I have never bee a fan of this stuff until the above pic!! Man, I really like that! Did you modify the firewall at all? Or just gut the inner part of the fenders and bolt them up at an angle onto the cut down core support?

[ QUOTE ]
Hey Bowtie,

Do you have any close up pics just aft of the window where you cut it?

Also are you planing on ordering a softtop or having one built?

And....... Where in Texas do you live? close to DFW area?

Thanks for detailign this on your page. very helpful.

Best regards,

Stacey

[/ QUOTE ]


i'm in san antonio.. and i don't have any pictures other than what's on my site.

as far as the top i'm not planning on using one other than a home made type bikini. just something to keep the sun off our heads and whatever other weather elements we're wheeling with that day. i can grab more pics but it's in the shop getting the cage done right now..

[ QUOTE ]
Or just gut the inner part of the fenders and bolt them up at an angle onto the cut down core support?

[/ QUOTE ]



thanks!!

that's exactly what i did. i just kept trimming to make things fit without bending in the fender.

http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04939_1.jpg

here's the start of the cage work. it will have a halo over the driver/passenger and a rear halo for the back passengers. X braced on top then all tied to the frame.

Don't you get just all excited watching the cage go together? /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

I know I did. /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif

[ QUOTE ]
Don't you get just all excited watching the cage go together? /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

I know I did. /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


sure do.. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif here's some more pics
http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04950_1.jpg

http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04953_1.jpg

Thats looking real good BOWTIE /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

it is going together so nicely -- sweet rig

ok here is what i did so far i cut the core support the same width as the grill so i got rid of my headlights now how do u bolt the fender back on the support

Is the core support on the frame or on the floor?

i had to make some L brackets to attach the fenders. on the fender side i was able to use two of the existing mounting holes and with the core i drilled and ran some bolts. i also had to angle back the core support to line everything back up.

another update


http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04962_1.jpg


http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo60/DSC04971_1.jpg


the rest
http://www.texasoffroad.net/galleries/members/albuo60 on page 6


still need some work before it's wheelable but it almost there. what's left
14ff disc brakes, 35 spline upgrade, driveline, shackle flip, 56" rear springs. umm i think that about it.. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Man, that looks real good. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

That thing is looking awesome!

holy crow! That looks [darn] awesome!
What are the specs? tires? lift? drivetrain,,,etc /forums/images/graemlins/bow.gif

thanks guys!!

i'm really pumped on how it came out. the guys at the shop i took it to did a really sweet job.


84gmcjimmy - it's all in my profile. /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

woo we, that there a purdy mud slinger do-hicky, aint that right Billy-bob!


looks great man!

That just looks awsome! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

okay thanks BOWTIE /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif
once again, NICE truck! /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

get ready to cruise the mall in style /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

oh yeah.. those curbs won't know what hit them.. /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif

I want to see some real mall crawling, not the the supermarket!

http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/320000-320999/320728_262_full.jpg

a while back I saw a group of ricers "the non fast, I have a 3 foot wing kind" at a local parking lot. They drove all six or seven of them in a lines and took every speed bump at a angle..

So My friend Tom in his 1ton ford truggy, and me in my 75 preceded go over the speed bumps at a crawl and at a angle it in front of them after that all parked their ricers..they got pissed /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif


they didnt like it when we parked at a angle in strait parking spaces just like they did..I wonder if they thoughT we were making fun of them /forums/images/graemlins/whistling.gif.. /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif

Came out awesome Ric! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

Ha! Good for you! /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif

Looks very cool.
One question:
I see you went against the general 'popular opinion' and put your cage thru the body to the frame. Did you do anything special to the frame to stiffen it in other places? Is there a specific reason you went with a cage like this (thru the floor)? Is your body still rubber mounted to the mounts? Have you flexxed it at all yet with the cage in... and does it seem like it will be ok with lots of twist?

Thanks!
Again... looks good! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Mike

[ QUOTE ]

I see you went against the general 'popular opinion' and put your cage thru the body to the frame. Did you do anything special to the frame to stiffen it in other places?

[/ QUOTE ]
both the the front and rear section has been reinforced and stiffend up and i'm planning more for the mid section.

[ QUOTE ]
Is there a specific reason you went with a cage like this (thru the floor)?

[/ QUOTE ]
i just felt it would be a stronger setup this way.

[ QUOTE ]
Is your body still rubber mounted to the mounts?

[/ QUOTE ]
yes, and the body will be tied to the cage as well so it can stiffen up the cab area. needed because of the top chop.

[ QUOTE ]
Have you flexxed it at all yet with the cage in... and does it seem like it will be ok with lots of twist?

[/ QUOTE ]
kinda funny because it was the first thing we did back at the shop where it was built. the truck from the frame up stayed straight kinda like the body and frame was one unit. that's what i was going after.

only time will tell if it was the right thing to do. /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

Hmm, I guess that was more than 1 question... Hehe
Cool, thanks for the responses. What kind of frame stiffening and reinforcing did you do? Any pictures on your site of the frame?
Im askin because I am doing an S-10 body swap this fall, and I am trying to decide how to do my cage. Yours looks very strong and tight, so some of your design may be incorporated into mine if you dont mind! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks again
Mike

the front is all pretty much one piece. the stinger, winch plate, front spring hangers, and frame section are all tied together with 3/8 plate. the rear is done the same way with 3/8 plate.

i'll try to grab some pics..

one more..

the cage is tied into the frame in 5 locations per side which help stiffen up things preety good.

That is one Bitchin' K5 /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif I would love to see mine like that some day, great job on all your custom work /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

Bowtie I gotta bring this one back from the dead. Your work gave me the guts and nerve to cut into mine. That and the fact that Kurt at DIY is about a week out on shipping my switch and flip. So here goes with the sawzal again. Better get some more disks for the cutoff wheel also :rolleyes:

That looks awesome

I want to see some real mall crawling, not the the supermarket!

http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/320000-320999/320728_262_full.jpg

a while back I saw a group of ricers "the non fast, I have a 3 foot wing kind" at a local parking lot. They drove all six or seven of them in a lines and took every speed bump at a angle..

So My friend Tom in his 1ton ford truggy, and me in my 75 preceded go over the speed bumps at a crawl and at a angle it in front of them after that all parked their ricers..they got pissed /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif


they didnt like it when we parked at a angle in strait parking spaces just like they did..I wonder if they thoughT we were making fun of them /forums/images/graemlins/whistling.gif.. /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

Thats cause they're a bunch of bitches. My bro in law just got shot in the back by one of em in Fresno last Saturday night over a parking spot. no joke. He's doing alright, recovering slowly. You should have parked on TOP of their bitch a$$es.

when i had a blazer body on my blazer i cut the roof off and had a full cage but my body still cracked in the center. o ya, i just remembered that i had cut my rocker panels off cuz they rusty. that probly weakened it a lot.
p.s. how do you build a k5 that can get to the top of the rti ramp with leaf springs all the way around?

hey captaininsano, how do you narrow your front end like that without the fenders lookin like crap up by the doors? Id apreciate it if you could tell me how to do that. your truck looks sick like that.

when i had a blazer body on my blazer i cut the roof off and had a full cage but my body still cracked in the center. o ya, i just remembered that i had cut my rocker panels off cuz they rusty. that probly weakened it a lot.
p.s. how do you build a k5 that can get to the top of the rti ramp with leaf springs all the way around?

This is the same question that I wanted to ask. My Blazer is in excellent shape, and wanted to be able to re-attach the top.

I was given another set of doors, that I was going to make 1/2's out of. My O.E.'s are perfect. That way, if I could put the top back on, it would look stock.

Do you suppose a guy could weld some type of tab to the windshield frame, and some strap to the top with nuts welded to the strap to fasten the top to the windshield? And maybe do something similliar on the B pillars? You would have to cap those off anyway, why not weld a nut to the under side of the plate, and plug it when the top is off?

Maybe it would work....maybe not. What do you think?

Man that thing looks great.

Sorry to start up an old thread, but this one should't of died.
anything new out there?

currently it's still the same. only thing new would be the 400 203-205 that i put in it.

currently it's still the same. only thing new would be the broke 400 203-205 that i put in it.
Fixed it for ya:D

Fixed it for ya:D

thanks! :haha:

any update on the truck??

any update on the truck??
He doesnt ever wheel it anymore:haha:

Hey I'm curious on how the whole "unibody" thing turned out. I'm doing extensive work to mine right now and it seems to me like it would be easier to just have the body, frame, cage, etc all tied in as one. I saw that you left the rubber body mounts in, has this caused any funny stress points or other problems?

awesome build i drool everytime i look at the pics..i'm just curious what size tubing you used for the cage?

anything new?

He doesnt ever wheel it anymore:haha:

alright chris.. you're right.. i'll be back on the trail soon..

anything new?
umm nah.. i hate change. :haha:

awesome build i drool everytime i look at the pics..i'm just curious what size tubing you used for the cage?

2" x .120 HREW

Nice very very nice:bow:

I know this is an old thread, But I'm considering tapering my front end on my Rig this winter., Does this require any welding? I just want to know, because ill do it at a buds house (with a welder) if it does.

very nice looking truck, love the cage