[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by DirtyDan

The rear metal/glass door eliminates the need to fight thru a filthy hard to operate zipper and filthy fabric rear flap. You can now access the rear of the cabin without having to wash up afterward.

Absolutely Dan !!

Besides safety, the dust is what gets very annoying. Everything in the jeep is covered in dust that enters through the rear opening.

[girimajiananth]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

Adding a few pics of my finished semi-hard top.

Looks very neat. But what is a "semi hard top " ?

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by girimajiananth

Looks very neat. But what is a "semi hard top " ?

I have metal enclosure only on the sides and rear door. The top is just the original insulated canvas to keep the weight lower than a complete hard top with sheet metal on top also.

[girimajiananth]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

I have metal enclosure only on the sides and rear door. The top is just the original insulated canvas to keep the weight lower than a complete hard top with sheet metal on top also.

What about the strength of the roof ? Will it be reliable enough ? Suppose you remove the canvas and go on a highway drive will there be lot of rattles and squeaks from the the side metal enclosures ?

PS: Sorry I was unable to see the pics you had uploaded before . The office proxy server was blocking a few images . Those pics were very clear.

[wanderernomad]

Guys can someone please post some detailed pictures of how an FRP top is secured on the front windshield frame. I am trying to mount a first generation roplas top on my cj500 and I want it to be a removable top. Need advise on securing the top with screws or an alternate latching mechanism that is easy to operate.

[renegade]

Thought i would share what i fabricated,the purpose was to lock the luggage while travelling and a two seater since nobody wanted to sit at the back,so removed the rear seat and made a short hardtop with lockable storage bays.

[The Iceman]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

Adding a few pics of my finished semi-hard top.

The rear door on your semi-hard top looks like a single unit, not a FRP top half attached to the metal bottom half. How did you do that?

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by The Iceman

The rear door on your semi-hard top looks like a single unit, not a FRP top half attached to the metal bottom half. How did you do that?

The rear is a full sheet metal door. Hence, the top half is welded onto the existing door.

[Pjango]

Originally Posted by renegade

Thought i would share what i fabricated,the purpose was to lock the luggage while travelling and a two seater since nobody wanted to sit at the back,so removed the rear seat and made a short hardtop with lockable storage bays.

Very well executed Sir 👍
I'd request for a few WIP pics if you can post here ! Especially the central boot lid. Would give a better idea how ws this achieved. Cheers ☺
Pjango

[Dr_MNC_SK]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

Adding a few pics of my finished semi-hard top.

Hi there, That is a neatly finished soft looking hardtop. I was wondering of doing the same with mine so had a few queries.
1. What thickness material steel did you use? is is welded to the original frame of soft top?
2. Windows were sourced from which vehicle?
3. How did the soft top cover join the window metal area? or is it left free? Doesnt things (read debris) go between them.
4. How is the rattling? How is the soft top flapping noise?
5. Was it easy to put the soft top back over this metallic frame?
6. Wanted to see the interiors once
7. Doesn't water seep in between the rear door and frame?

Thank you in advance

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by Dr_MNC_SK

Hi there, That is a neatly finished soft looking hardtop.

Thx

Originally Posted by Dr_MNC_SK

1. What thickness material steel did you use? is is welded to the original frame of soft top?

Don't recall the exact thickness, but I think it is standard 2mm sheet used for body work. It is welded/spoted on to the frame of the of the soft top. You can see my work in-progress pictures which is a couple of posts before the finished pictures.

Originally Posted by Dr_MNC_SK

2. Windows were sourced from which vehicle?

It is the last window of the tempo traveller bigger version.

Originally Posted by Dr_MNC_SK

3. How did the soft top cover join the window metal area? or is it left free?
Doesnt things (read debris) go between them.

The soft top is cut in the same shape of the window. It is then stuck to the metal using rexine paste and the window beading goes over it. It is a tight fit so no leaks in the window beading.

Originally Posted by Dr_MNC_SK

4. How is the rattling? How is the soft top flapping noise?

No rattling or soft top flapping noise.

Originally Posted by Dr_MNC_SK

5. Was it easy to put the soft top back over this metallic frame?

I used a CRDe top which is tight to begin with so it was a damn hard fit.

Originally Posted by Dr_MNC_SK

6. Wanted to see the interiors once

Will post pics.

Originally Posted by Dr_MNC_SK

7. Doesn't water seep in between the rear door and frame?

. If you use the existing door, it will leak with any hard top. The only way to avoid this is to build a full door with water channel. I have put a rain channel outside along the top part of the door, so it is reduced to some extend, but it does leak..