looking for info on how to make my 76 jimmy a full convertible

[RetroC10Sport]

Perhaps some rocker panel braces...

I think if you just cut the top, the body is going to fold like a piece of paper when you open the doors.

 

[Old77]

A lot of people put in roll bars and the like to add the needed strength.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

I don't think a regular rollbar will help much, sits behind the seats.

 

[Old77]

If it's right behind the seats, though, wouldn't that work just as well as the rocker braces?

 

[RetroC10Sport]

I wouldn't think so. I think it might even make it a little worse. As it is, there will be problems opening and closing the doors and having the top line up right.

 

[Old77]

Yeah, I see what you're saying. I had to deal with this when doing all the modding to my cab to get those seats in there but nothing that was going to be permanent. Quite the quandry....

 

[Xredman002]

i planned on putting in a 6 pt roll cage. maybe 8. depends on how much money i have at the time. that would shore it up pretty good right?

 

[RetroC10Sport]

That should do fine.

 

[Xredman002]

i have heard of people taking thier cage all the way to the frame. what do you recommend?

 

[bucket]

Being a full frame, it's my understanding that the lack of a roof doesn't matter too much. It probably would help to at least install new body mount bushings.

Whatever parts you can find, jump on the deal. A couple years ago, I bought some parts from a guy on craigslist that was parting a rusty '75 K5. I have no desire to convert the top, so I posted the guys info on CK5. A guy in Iowa or something ended up buying the top and window frame, and had it shipped. That's how hard the parts are to come by.

 

[Xredman002]

Hmm...... Wish I had known this about two weeks ago. Guy on craigslist in my own area had a blah stock one for 2,800.00

I thought it a little steep but am now having second thoughts