Convertable???
Legend
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,098
Likes: 318
The front opening is an easy straight forward thing to do. Making the interior look sanitary might be a bit of a challenge but I think I'm up for it. Part of the problem is a discussion I had with an acquaintance who told me that the truck is going to be all wiggly without the structure. The dude is typically a "Nay Sayer" but it would totally suck if this guy was correct. I'm going to overhaul the entire front suspension within the next year. Chrysler products have always lacked a desired road feel for me and from what I've read, steering wander is a common problem with these trucks -- hopefully its just worn components -- the pitman arm was totally worn out and sloppy. I don't seem to have a problem with the steering column bushing as it seems to be a common issue. Tire and wheel selection is going to be focused on getting the best driving stability even if it means using the recommended tires. I also want to lower the truck but only slightly. Maybe one inch in the front and lower the back to be level. I'm in New Jersey and vehicle inspection is now just emissions only. My next inspection is in January and it'll be good for two years. The vehicle is already registered so I don't anticipate a problem unless some over zealous state trooper decides to be an automotive engineer and call it unsafe. I've been pulled over in my Geo Tracker with the doors removed and pulling my homemade trailer and had two troopers try to find a safety infraction and they gave up. All the while I knew the actual paragraph in the state vehicle code which addresses the issue and removing the doors on my Geo was actually an infraction. This is a body modification that could be interpreted as illegal if someone wanted to push the issue. I won't do this if it makes the vehicle unsafe to others. I don't care if it makes the vehicle unsafe to me in a roll-over -- it'll still be safer than riding my motorcycle.
Does anyone know if Dodge ever incorporated any type of bolt-on frame stiffener assembly as part of an option? I've got skills for welding sheet metal but not so much for structural components because I've never done it. A roll-bar to the frame would probably help and look good at the same time.
Are there any airbag sensors in the roof?
Does anyone know if Dodge ever incorporated any type of bolt-on frame stiffener assembly as part of an option? I've got skills for welding sheet metal but not so much for structural components because I've never done it. A roll-bar to the frame would probably help and look good at the same time.
Are there any airbag sensors in the roof?
Legend
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,025
Likes: 72
From: orangeville ontario
i wouldn't worry about cutting the roof off like it is on the suzuki's. that is safe. now if you cut past the door jamb you are likely to run into all sorts of cab flex issues which is why dodge probably ditched the convertible ramchargers. they had a lot of extra structure under the floor boards to try keep things together but even then they liked to flex.
you are a bit misinformed there. they are steel and very heavy which is why some people don't remove them at all. you might be thinking of the fiberglass tailgates used on the 80's ramchargers that liked to crack.
you are a bit misinformed there. they are steel and very heavy which is why some people don't remove them at all. you might be thinking of the fiberglass tailgates used on the 80's ramchargers that liked to crack.
Grand Champion
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,435
Likes: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moparite 
Guess you never head of the Plymouth Trailduster. The back cap was made of fiberglass and could be taken off. What would interesting is one with "T" tops. The auto makers forgot all about them.
Guess you never head of the Plymouth Trailduster. The back cap was made of fiberglass and could be taken off. What would interesting is one with "T" tops. The auto makers forgot all about them.
Legend
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,025
Likes: 72
From: orangeville ontario
i have never seen a fiberglass cap on them. maybe the fiberglass one was an option that not many people chose since it is more prone to flexing and cracking and probably just cost more. all the ones i have seen were steel and usually took multiple guys or some sort of lifting rig to remove.
Professional
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Not sure of the 97' year, does it have the driver side extra cab door that opens? if so, cutting the roof off will cause lots of issues as there is no support on that side to keep the cab from flexing/twisting.
No extra door. If you look at the photo of my Geo Trackers, I'm generally shooting for that result with the overhead span of roof connecting the left and right sides of the cab together. It kind-of gives the impression of a roll bar -- maybe a light bar going across with a pair of traditional style large KC lights. I'd love to totally open it up but the door glass frame just makes it impractical. I don't have a garage to keep it out of the weather so what ever I do, it needs to be weather resistant. The plan is to fabricate a rear enclosure that will incorporate the rear window and some of the sheet metal of the rear window's frame in fiberglass. This truck is still in the teething stage of new ownership but generally it runs really well without any issues except the terrible fuel economy compared to my Trackers (15 MPG). But despite being just a 5.2, it comparatively is a powerful beast. If all goes well, I plan to put some effort into getting it to drive a bit stiffer and corner a bit better. Just some new shocks are going to help. We're in the middle of a rainy and high humidity spell and as soon as we have decent weather it'll get on with the camo and teeth treatment.