(Now a build thread) Fromme's family cage almost complete (with pics)

[fromme]

I wish I could say I knew how to build this kind of stuff, but I do know where to have it made and I did design it, not that it's anything special. But it is nice to have something like that made exactly how I want it. It's a compromise of strength, design, ease of access, and clearance for the soft top frame to go up and down.
Passenger side bar notched for glove box clearance, a hoop made for the front streamer bars so they aren't directly above me head, sleeves for some 3 point seat belts and tabs for windshield braces and grab handles so I can pull my fat butt inside. Still have to tie in the front 4 points, the rear two points I'll sandwich with plates. And paint, and padding, etc.
Let me know what you think, the good or bad.

 

[BroncKrawler]

Looks great!

 

[Blueknightcrew]

Good work, nice personal touch.

Ron

 

[RH]

I like it, can you post a couple of pictures from a little farther away? So we can see a full side view.
Thanks Ray

 

[fromme]

I like it, can you post a couple of pictures from a little farther away? So we can see a full side view.
Thanks Ray

Sure, how's this:

 

[fromme]

I also got around to bolting on my new shoes today.

They are 15x9 Trail Ready HD beadlocks and 37x12.50x15 Pit Bull Rocker radials. These things ride really great, I am so pleased. So smooth compared to the Swampers, I think I made the right decision going with radials.
Anyway, I really underestimated the size of Pit Bull 37s. You know how most tires run a little small? Not these, they are exactly 37" in diameter. A little larger than planned, but oh well. Side by side pics next to SS TSL SX 36x12.50.

So I can really see the raked stance now that I've been complaining about. I found out the front springs have sagged over 2". They are sending me some replacements so it will sit level in the front like it should. Supposed to be 5.5" springs, but they aren't anymore. I also need to trim the front fenders a little and raise the flare, the PO didn't trim the openings to be the same as the back. Hopefully I'll have better luck with some BC springs.

 

[daves bronco]

those are killer tires and I heared they kick butt on the trails too.

 

[SSDDBRONCO]

oh my god i love your bronco man i looks great mind sendin me some pics of everything on your bronco to:
monster4x4love@aol.com
Thanks;D

 

[Kurt]

You welded the frame tie-ins in a diamond pattern, placing the weld at the optimum diagonal pattern.
I also like the w/s frame mounts.

You definitely did your homework.

 

[fromme]

You welded the frame tie-ins in a diamond pattern, placing the weld at the optimum diagonal pattern.
I also like the w/s frame mounts.

You definitely did your homework.

Thanks man, I appreciate it. Your have to forgive me, but what does w/s frame mount refer to?

 

[fromme]

oh my god i love your bronco man i looks great mind sendin me some pics of everything on your bronco to:
monster4x4love@aol.com
Thanks;D

Appreciate the compliment but I'm not going to email every pic I have, lol.

But, here's what I have:
http://s47.photobucket.com/albums/f193/kfromme/71 EB/

A bunch of different ones, some are from the PO who did the initial restoration.

 

[Kurt]

Thanks man, I appreciate it. Your have to forgive me, but what does w/s frame mount refer to?

It refers to how the windshield frame mounts to the cage.

 

[blakerj10]

I love the knotched tube where the glove box is at. Don't really notice I bet. Is that 2" od tubing? The reduced diameter about 1.75? or 1.5?

 

[fromme]

%) Duh, windshield - I'm an idiot.

The tubing is 1.75", except for the dash bar and the angle bar behind the front seats, those are 1.5". It's only notched a little. But we used thick plate there and beveled it in real good for welding, so we could grind it smooth. There was no way I was going to do a glove box door modification, and I really don't think doing this hurt anything strength wise. Not like it was my idea, I did a lot of reading here and found someone else that mentioned it.

 

[Kurt]

I love the knotched tube where the glove box is at. Don't really notice I bet. Is that 2" od tubing? The reduced diameter about 1.75? or 1.5?

I missed that as well. Very nice. This thread definitely inspires me to do extra improvements to my old Complete Offroad cage that I am modifying to make into a family cage. Or I'll simply sell it and start over. Why do I have to always make more work for myself?.....%);D

 

[fromme]

It is the little things that make me happy like that. As for the windshield tie-ins they are from WH. But in hindsight I shouldn't have got them because the way mine is built puts the top bar close to the windshield frame. Those tie-ins were way too long and I had to shorten the turnbuckle and weld it back together. I had them so I used them, but if I did it again I'd have just used some strap or made something else to tie in there.