T&J cage install thread

[crazyjim]

So I figured I'd start a thread here, and add to it as I make progress. I have to have this done before May 23rd night race, working around my schedule and my buddies schedule, it's going to be tough but I think we can do it!

Got this done today and started test fitting some pieces, this cage TUCKS!



http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/IMG_0352.jpg



Keep in mind, ALL my interior pieces are out for these fitment shots, and it's still tight. This is honestly the tightest pre-bent cage I've seen... I'm impressed!

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/IMG_0346.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/IMG_0348.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/IMG_0349.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/IMG_0351.jpg

[Ryno XJ]

Nice, keep us updated on your progress.

[Mike L]

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/IMG_0346.jpg

Glove box access is maintained, schweet. :gee:

[crazyjim]

Glove box access is maintained, schweet. :gee:


Yes, definitely. However I'm not sure on the 96 and older interiors, as those glove boxes go to the end of the dash right?

[DesertRunner]

Yes, definitely. However I'm not sure on the 96 and older interiors, as those glove boxes go to the end of the dash right?
yes they do!

btw i love that cage looking forward to seeing the final product!

[kmanxj5050]

nice cant wait to see it finsished!!!!!

[tcm glx]

Right on Jim.. glad to see you are working on it!!

[dakineJ]

The tubing is nice and clean,is that chromo?

[V84BAJA]

You got 3 weeks!:laugh3:

[squirrel80]

Keep going! I got mine done in a weekend. And built an inside tire carrier. You suck for your glove box working. My '92 hits bad. I too am very happy with how tight the fit is for a prebent cage.

[crazyjim]

The tubing is nice and clean,is that chromo?

No, it's ERW. It IS clean though, I bet T&J cleaned it :D

You got 3 weeks!:laugh3:

Hahahaha I know I know... Tony would kill me if I didn't make it!!

Keep going! I got mine done in a weekend. And built an inside tire carrier. You suck for your glove box working. My '92 hits bad. I too am very happy with how tight the fit is for a prebent cage.

:laugh3: Neener neener neeeeeener. My glovebox opens! On a side note though, I didn't know you had a T&J cage... now I'm looking at your build :D

[Ryno XJ]

Stop talking about it and build it Jim! :D

[tcm glx]

Hahahaha I know I know... Tony would kill me if I didn't make it!!


:yelclap::yelclap::yelclap:

[dirtbagXJ2103]

hey is that the rockcrawler cage or just the driver cage?

[stevend510]

VERY NICE. I have been thinking the same thing for my Jeep. Keep the pics coming.

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

hey is that the rockcrawler cage or just the driver cage?

its the crawler cage

[crazyjim]

Update!

So I found out I had a cracked head today, so it was time to park the Jeep. To put me in a better mood, I used the repo truck and towed it over to my buddy's house and we worked on the cage! We decided to get it to tuck as much as possible, we'll remove all the interior. I'll end up carpeting or using tweed on my roof, and rhino lining the floor. Aluminum door panels are also on the list (oh daaaaaaaaaaan) Here are some pictures of the mock up.


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0936.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0945.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0947.jpg





This is Lee's idea of a tack weld :laugh: Good thing we checked it over 50 times before laying a single bead. I swear I adjusted for over an hour to get it perfect before I finally just said eff it let's do it.



http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0950.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0954.jpg




We started by slipping the A-pillar bars into the D-pillar bars, and letting them rest, we had to trim about 2 inches or so off, as Tom had already told me the newer style dash takes up more room. We used those ends to raise the back of the cage up higher. We're going to sleeve it later, but they made it perfect for mock up.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0958.jpg






Now... here's the important part. It's VERY important to me to get a good 360 degree weld around all points, this is a huge problem with a lot of cage builders, they just half ass it and leave the top unwelded. If you have a well tucked cage, like this one, it'll be near impossible to weld around IMO. So the bitchin' part is that singe T&J designed these to sleeve into each other, we were able to get the spreader bars all tacked in, then remove the D-pillar and remove the entire front end of the cage. Mind you we don't have any down bars yet, just the spreaders to get full welds. Also keep in mind I have no interior left, you won't be able to do this if you weld it in with a full interior.


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0960.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0963.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0966.jpg



Ohhhhh yeaaaa tig welded cage :D





http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0967.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0971.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0977.jpg

[crazyjim]

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0978.jpg





I thought this one was kinda artsy




http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0986.jpg





Filling a gap that was there, I think it turned out nicely!





http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0993.jpg




And here's where we left off!





http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/digitalc0nvict/Cage/IMG_0997.jpg


Again, I'm extremely impressed with how well this cage is going together, I was worried without interior it would be sloppy looking, but I was wrong, it still fits nice and tight. I also will be running no door panels, to get the cage away from my size 15 feet. :banghead:

[kmanxj5050]

VERY NICE!!!! and boy can Lee weld

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

Thanks for the write up Jim. If you need anything let me know.

[tcm glx]

Great stuff Jim. Oh, for the night race, I may have an open seat!

[crazyjim]

VERY NICE!!!! and boy can Lee weld

Thanks dude! And yea he's a mad man with the welder. Pretty damn good for someone who doesn't weld every day!

Thanks for the write up Jim. If you need anything let me know.

No problem Tom! I'll be adding more as I build onto the cage, it'll be somewhat slow build due to money flow, but otherwise smooth :D

Great stuff Jim. Oh, for the night race, I may have an open seat!

Nice! I won't be able to make it though, my GF would kill me if I went to the race on her B-day without her haha :laugh:

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

Nice! I won't be able to make it though, my GF would kill me if I went to the race on her B-day without her haha :laugh:

i left my wife b-day and kids for a race. come on jim........hasta

[Jump This]

i left my wife b-day and kids for a race. come on jim........hasta

Yeah, Jim has his priorities all screwed up!

so, Tom hows that marriage going?

:D

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

she understands.......kinda.....

[alek21]

Great stuff Jim. Oh, for the night race, I may have an open seat!

ill gladly fill that seat :D :D

[tcm glx]

Paint that bad boy before it goes back in JIM!!

[V84BAJA]

Cage is looking great.Sorry to hear about the motor issues.You should fill that empty seat and try to make it out to the race.:cheers:

[xjjeeper19]

If he got that cage done quick enough, he could tow it to my house and we could knock the head swap out in a few hours....

[crazyjim]

Cage is looking great.Sorry to hear about the motor issues.You should fill that empty seat and try to make it out to the race.:cheers:

Haha I can't cause of my GF's birthday!

If he got that cage done quick enough, he could tow it to my house and we could knock the head swap out in a few hours....


I might have to take you up on it, although I'm worried about any other possible damage.

[Ryno XJ]

The cage is looking good Jim, let me know if you wanna check out my aluminum door panels. They are easy to make.

[NoCoastFocus]

Looking at those welds, I just realized that I suck really bad at welding. Keep up the nice build and I will keep practicing my welds!

[Jump This]

Looking at those welds, I just realized that I suck really bad at welding. Keep up the nice build and I will keep practicing my welds!

Those are TIG welds, a monkey can put down some sweet TIG beads.

(okay, so I'm not as talented as the average monkey...)

[GrimmJeeper]

(okay, so I'm not as talented as the average monkey...) you'd better watch out Rick, the monkey's got you beat on looks too! :loveu:

[tcm glx]

Damn, the monkeys have Rick beat!!! What does Rick have left to look forward too......

[Jump This]

Why all the hate?

:D

[crazyjim]

Oh c'mon... :laugh:

[tcm glx]

Lol. U know I got nothing but luv buddy!

Why all the hate?

:D

[JESSE A]

With this cage would you be able to keep all the interior if you wanted too?

[crazyjim]

With this cage would you be able to keep all the interior if you wanted too?
Yes it's designed to fit with an interior.

[JESSE A]

Sweet it looks really nice and the price seems good too, let me know of any problems that you run into i might want to do this too.

[Swamprat]

looking good, once i stop running over little cars on accident i might be able to afford a cage!

keep it coming!

[Jimbo_1321]

hurry up!

[crazyjim]

Haha, install is on hiatus until I get a new head on her.

[xjjeeper19]

Haha, install is on hiatus until I get a new head on her.

I offered jackass, now your pushing it. Next week I should have a newborn and thats where all my time will be...:spin1:


Justin

[crazyjim]

hahaha, damnit I need a head first! I will definitely take you up on that offer though! Source me a cheap 03+ TJ head. Or steal one from work for me :D

[xjjeeper19]

hahaha, damnit I need a head first! I will definitely take you up on that offer though! Source me a cheap 03+ TJ head. Or steal one from work for me :D


F-U, I'll get one for myself first... Ohh, and mine didn't crack the head.:kissyou:

[crazyjim]

F-U, I'll get one for myself first... Ohh, and mine didn't crack the head.:kissyou:
I hate you right now. On a side note, do you think I'll be ok buying a used head and just plopping her on without resurfacing it? Everdrive or whatever has 03+ TJ heads for 300 or so.

[xjjeeper19]

I hate you right now. On a side note, do you think I'll be ok buying a used head and just plopping her on without resurfacing it? Everdrive or whatever has 03+ TJ heads for 300 or so.


you have a 50-50 shot, good thing 4.0 heads are easy to take off.

[crazyjim]

you have a 50-50 shot, good thing 4.0 heads are easy to take off.
ARGH! I'll just have it resurfaced then...

[beakie]

hahaha, damnit I need a head first! I will definitely take you up on that offer though! Source me a cheap 03+ TJ head. Or steal one from work for me :D

not to hijack, but why the '03 TJ head in particular?

I'd sell ya my '05TJ head, cheap, but shipping from up here would be killer.

[crazyjim]

not to hijack, but why the '03 TJ head in particular?

I'd sell ya my '05TJ head, cheap, but shipping from up here would be killer.
Well the 0331 head casting from 2000 and 2001 are prone to cracking, mine did just that. I can go with an older head and work around a few issues that don't match up, or I can go with an 03 and newer TJ head that is still the 0331 casting, but without the cracking issue, and it's a direct bolt on at that point.

How cheap? I'm curious as to how much shipping might be.

[beakie]

Well the 0331 head casting from 2000 and 2001 are prone to cracking, mine did just that. I can go with an older head and work around a few issues that don't match up, or I can go with an 03 and newer TJ head that is still the 0331 casting, but without the cracking issue, and it's a direct bolt on at that point.

How cheap? I'm curious as to how much shipping might be.


PM sent about $$

I figured it was the cracking problem, that you were after the newer heads. You aren't concerned about the 'restrictive' flow of the exhaust ports?

[TORX]

Updates?

I've been secretly spying on your build. :cool:

[xjjeeper19]

Updates?

I've been secretly spying on your build. :cool:


He got head :D

[crazyjim]

Yea, sorry about this guys... life happened all the sudden, haha, I'm moving, cracked my head, etc.. I'll get back on it again soonish!

[xtimmax]

Yea, sorry about this guys... life happened all the sudden, haha, I'm moving, cracked my head, etc.. I'll get back on it again soonish!

Hey Jim.... At this moment in time... My jeep is faster than your jeep. :moon:

[bluedragon436]

Hey Jim.... At this moment in time... My jeep is faster than your jeep. :moon:

Hey got to take every chance you can to get ahead!! :piratefla

[praetorian]

Excellent build! It's been a while since I've seen a decent cage build on here. I'm looking forward to seeing it put all together.

[tbburg]

question:

does the kit come with/are you planning on gusseting the corners when you get the full install done?

[BajaCurt]

FYI ... Jim moved on Friday and the internet connection at his new place won't be hooked up until Thursday

Well the lady and I moved into the new pad today. Long and successful day! Anyway, verizon won't be out here to hook up the new fios until Thursday. So I won't be very active for a while but may be occasionally checking from my phone. Anyway, most of you have my number if you need to get ahold of me or come check out the new place.

Thought I would give you a heads up he may not respond as quickly as usual.
Maybe Tom from T&J can respond about the kit coming with gussets but I don't think they are included.

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

sorry they are not included. here is what you get

http://www.tandjperformance.com/products/barnet/products/cage/interiorchassisstiffenerkitlayoutcuttowhitewithtex tlabel.jpg

[J Money]

So how much is the price for the roll cage kit? (sorry if I misses it in the thread)

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

your red letter price kit only is $650

[dirtbagXJ2103]

how do i get red letters?

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

http://www.naxja.org/forum/payments.php

[Ryan93]

your red letter price kit only is $650
nice, need to start saving my pennies

[crazyjim]

I'll say it again guys, while I may be a slow poke, and the install thread kinda stalled, 650 is an AMAZING price for this kit, with how easily it's going together.

[J Money]

That's a smoking deal... $650. Can this cage be upgraded to be race ready in the future? I know there is a lot of stuff that would need to be added...

How much would install be on something like this? I wouldn't trust my life with my welding skills.

[crazyjim]

That's a smoking deal... $650. Can this cage be upgraded to be race ready in the future? I know there is a lot of stuff that would need to be added...

How much would install be on something like this? I wouldn't trust my life with my welding skills.
It's pretty close to race ready as it is, I'll be adding all the necessary supports to make it race legal, and it'll probably only cost me another 150-200 in tubing. You can also buy a bunch of other addons from T&J's for the car, door bars, windshield bars, etc.

As for install, I'm not really sure, I'm doing the install with a buddy, and we're just winging it. Depending on who you have install it would dictate how much it is. Keep in mind though, you don't always get what you pay for, just cause some guy in his garage charges full shop prices doesn't mean he's a good welder. Shop around, talk to the guys at T&J, I know they do awesome work, I've seen it first hand.

[J Money]

Cool, thanks for the info!

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

the install for the kit is about $1700. if you bring your jeep down with the seats gutted its $300 cheaper.


thanks for the good words jim. now get on with the build.....

[Ryan93]

would you say its possible to install this with the interior in it? with just the seats out? or does it need to be completely gutted fully?

[xtimmax]

would you say its possible to install this with the interior in it? with just the seats out? or does it need to be completely gutted fully?

I would say completely gutted unless you want to burn down the inside of your jeep.

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

we can do it here with the headliner in your jeep. if you take it out you will never get it back in with the cage.

[squirrel80]

I was able to put mine in with the interior. Great fit and great product.

[dirtbagXJ2103]

wow $1700 it pays to be a welder

[dakineJ]

I believe 3M makes a masking paper for welding that could protect your interior.

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

wow $1700 it pays to be a welder

remember that includes 3hrs of removing and reinstalling everything needed to install the cage.

$1779 we do everything
-$300 stripping out the seat and what nots..
=$1479
-$650 the cage cost (red letter reg. $699)
=$829 labor

1 1/2 days of work and making it look clean.....priceless....:wave:

http://www.tandjperformance.com/showcase/showcase/pohls/thumbnails/DSC_0022_JPG.jpg (http://www.tandjperformance.com/showcase/showcase/pohls/images/DSC_0022_JPG.jpg)<<<link

[4xSanta]

Thats a fair price for a quality product.......SANTA

[sjkimmel99]

I believe 3M makes a masking paper for welding that could protect your interior.

24" x 150' times two rolls per case X $80 / roll = $160.

http://3m.hillas.com/pc-14051-1258-3m-05916-welding-and-spark-deflection-paper-24-in-x-150-ft.aspx

[dirtbagXJ2103]

oh that price includes the cage? that sure is clean tho

[Tom_T&Js_Offroad]

yes it includes the cage