roof chop for GL wagon

[JG12gauge]

Ive got an old 81 GL wagon thats been happily used as my cheap mudder for a while now. I have been considering chopping off the back part of the roof to make it look like a brumby/brat but I wanted to know if I would be significantly weaking the frame by doing this. Keep in mind this is basically a cheap old mud runner so I aint incredibly concerned about looks I just want some breeze this summer.

 

[HairySheep]

youll have to make some type of reinforcing system, like a role cage or series of some configuration of structural support bars, cause it wont hold together on its own

 

[JG12gauge]

I probably dont wanna wield but if I cant find a place to bolt it in it might work. Would it still need reinforcing for just the back hatch area.

 

[HairySheep]

bolting it into the car would actually be better since welds on this thin a metal can crack over time (or pretty quickly) with the movement of the car.

you can try and see what its like after you remove it, but i guarantee it will be to floppy and begin to buckle, youll have to have Something there to hold it in shape.

 

[JG12gauge]

Thanks for the help. Im not sure whether ill do it or not. it would be nice in the summer but then again thats what my brumby buggy is for. With a little upholstory work perhaps I could make a soft top suby.

 

[El_Freddo]

It will defentely fold if you don't do something!

Best to talk to someone with an auto engineering background - there would be several ways to go about it, just depends on what you want and how strength is built - that's if you go for an under car frame, like a chassis for the strength. A frame cage would be the easiest to gain strength from. But if you don't want it to look like a wagon you'd probabily not want a cage...

Cheers

Bennie