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66 build rocker replacement

DirtDonk

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Nov 3, 2003
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Definitely some support for the windshield. Which that cage looks like it has in the multiple oodles range!

But if you're going to do a rigid tab as opposed to a bar/rod that can pivot, I would add some plates to the main front down-tubes to tie in the kick panels as well.
Seems like you don't want the windshield frame to be fighting the rest of the body flexing or it could eventually fatigue the hinge and/or the mounting points.

Maybe I'm overthinking it and there really is no problem, but anyone that's witnessed how far the cage moves in relation to the windshield frame just in normal street driving would surely at least wonder at the results of rigidly tying the two together.

I really can't say I remember every hearing anyone complain about cracked frames after tying one to a cage, so maybe it's a non-issue.
Anyone ever experienced any negatives to doing that? I just never liked how far they move independently of one another when not tied in. Seems something's gotta give.
And it sure ain't gonna be that cage!;D

Paul
 

DirtDonk

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Oh, and what are you going to do for the dash? Maybe now would be a good time (if you're not already?) to add some tabs to the cage around the dash area to mount a panel to, instead of re-mounting it to the body. Would be simple and cool and let you do as much customizing as you can ever think of I bet.

Or was that the plan all along? Looks like the cage is purpose designed with just that setup in mind.

Paul
 

Rustytruck

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Feb 24, 2002
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10,875
I have rigid ties from my cage to the windshield frame for over 20 years with no issue. But my cage is tied to the body as opposed welded directly to the frame. When the body moves the cage moves with it. 5 years ago I did a sand down and repaint and there were no issues with the windshield frame or hinge even when I dug out the seam sealer under the windshield it was still in pretty good shape just a little age shrinkage.

I've seen more damaged window frames because of running the windshield unsupported or just snugged back with a bikini top adding more stress and vibration.
 
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mattyq17

mattyq17

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Jul 11, 2007
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Dirt, I am thinking of the turnbuckle type fastener for the cage to windshield. There is some bracing up the kick panel on the floor plate. Funny you bring it up, I was just thinking about how I want to reattach the dash. I currently have it out, cleaning it up for paint. I cut a slot out under the steering column so I can take out the dash without removing the steering column/wheel. Also since the cage goes behind the dash it blocks the two lower mounting points of the dash to the kick panel. I am sure we will weld some tabs to the cage to attach the dash to.

Jimmybobby, I am getting the "brother in law" price, so with materials and labor right around $1500.

Rusty, I am not tying the cage to the frame so it is good to know that even with rigid mounts from the cage to windshield there wasn't any issues.
 

DirtDonk

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Well that's a fab price there matty. I'd say that at a custom shop around here that's in the area of a $4,000 fab job.
At the VERY LEAST it's in the $2500 range, but more likely to be nearer that higher number.

Good job!

Paul
 
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mattyq17

mattyq17

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Well that's a fab price there matty. I'd say that at a custom shop around here that's in the area of a $4,000 fab job.
At the VERY LEAST it's in the $2500 range, but more likely to be nearer that higher number.

Good job!

Paul

Paul, I stand corrected, it is going to cost me $2000, we made some changes along the way and I forgot to account for that until I talked to him again last night. Still not to shabby as I know what his hr/rate is for "normal" customers.
 

Rustytruck

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Bronco ownership does not require being normal. That's a good thing since we all suffer the same thing. You Sir have the standard Bronco owners disease ATBN Any Thing But Normal.
 

Bferrari

Sr. Member
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Mar 6, 2013
Messages
856
Matt! That looks awesome! Can’t wait to see it in person. Mikey does good work, glad he was able to squeeze it in.
 
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mattyq17

mattyq17

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Matt! That looks awesome! Can’t wait to see it in person. Mikey does good work, glad he was able to squeeze it in.

Thanks Ben, once I get it back on the road, I will have to come down to your house and have a few beers.
 
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mattyq17

mattyq17

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Got the dome light mount welded in and reattached the dash after I painted it so we can line up points for it to attach to the cage. Slow progress but still moving forward.
 

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mattyq17

mattyq17

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Not too much to update, deer season got in the way(my son got his first buck!!). Now that its over back to work. We are extending the passenger side floor to match the drivers. This will be used as a storage area as well. Once the door is fabbed up and installed we will start working on the front seat platform of the cage.
 

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mattyq17

mattyq17

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Jul 11, 2007
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Few more pieces in place, front door bars are in as well as the front floor bars for the seats. Measured for seatbelt mounts and tacked in place. Also burned in the heim joint mounts that will tie the windshield to the front of the cage. Next up is finishing up the seatbelt mounts, rear seat mount, rear seatbelt mounts, and some tabs back by the tailgate to keep it square as it is pulled out a bit but once the tabs are in place it will be holding at 56". Once he pulls the cage out to finish welding, I will be able to Raptor line the interior, clean and paint the cage and then reinstall.
 

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mattyq17

mattyq17

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Pulled the cage last night. He is going to finish welding up the spots he couldn't get to while it was in the bronco. We have it tied to all the body mounts. Came out really easy, just walked it out the back. Also got the door figured out for the storage under the passenger seat. I will be cleaning up the inside and prepping for Raptor liner application next week as well as painting the cage once the welding is done. I am going to rattle can it for now as I haven't decided on what color I want to powder coat it yet. Once we get around to building bumpers I will be forced to decide on a color and have the bumpers and cage done at the same time.
 

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