Tuna Boat

**chadjans** · 01-09-2006, 02:14 AM

Used up the last of tube I have. Have to make another order for 40 feet from EMJ for the upcoming holiday weekend.

**chadjans** · 01-09-2006, 02:16 AM

More cage:

**chadjans** · 01-09-2006, 02:18 AM

Got the front trimming done.

**ELLLLLIOTTTTT** · 01-09-2006, 03:26 AM

holy jungle gym batman.

i know how it is wheeling out west but i'd get caught on every other rock/tree/stump over here with a cage like that. Good quality looking craftsmanship though, for sure.

**chadjans** · 01-09-2006, 03:29 AM

Yeah, I won't know until I get it wheeling. I may have to rethink some of the tube. It isn't any wider than what the axles will be though.

Chad

**Kraqa** · 01-09-2006, 01:05 PM

my thoughts exactly. but in my pics it looks liek my cage sticks out alot but it really doesn't. I think it should be ok for the wheelin you do. the cage definatly looks liek mad max. I just dont' see a whole lot of structural value in the door bars.

**chadjans** · 01-09-2006, 02:07 PM

It really isn't that bad. "Camera adds ten pounds." The door bars are to protect the passengers.

Chad

**CurtP** · 01-09-2006, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by chadjans

"Camera adds ten pounds."

So, how many cameras are aimed at it?

**Krash80** · 01-09-2006, 11:29 PM

VERY cool work Chad! Puma's on crack...i don't see that getting caught up on much at all unless you're trying to fit that jeep in places that it really doesn't belong or it's almost laying on its side. And I'm looking at Puma's rig right now in the MC calendar and his rockrails look like they'd hang up on a lot more stuff than any part of your cage.

The door-bars look to me like they protect the B and C pillars and do so while still allowing you to get in and out of the seats relatively easily. Plus they look like they'd keep the interior cage behind the front seats from folding in half if you had a very hard rollover. I seriously like it a lot...as long as your seats are bolted down really well I think i'd feel pretty damn safe in that thing.

Not sure how much more you have planned, but have you thought about putting a bar that goes from about 2/3 of the way back on the front fender-bars down on an angle to somewhere near the front of the rockrails? And possibly one that sits just below where the back-side windows used to be that extends from the back-seat door-bar to the back of the jeep (probably to where you might put a bumper?) to protect the rear quarters. Just a thought....i'm sure you've already considered those already though and are either planning on adding them or have reasons not to add them.

Keep it up...looks super cool and original.

-Ron-

BTW...you need to cut your grass in your yard!

**chadjans** · 01-09-2006, 11:53 PM

Puma is always on crack....

Won't know till I start wheeling it. The seat frames are welded and bolted in. There doesn't seem to be any movement in them. It was a tight fit, for they are wider than stock seats and there is some tranny hump clearence issues. They are a little tall but they will have to do.

There will be some more tube in the front, just not sure where yet though. I am placing an order for more tube to be delivered Friday for the MLK weekend. Not sure what will be bent. No tube is planned for the rear 1/4 yet because I will be cutting directly behind the C piler following the same lines of the piler vertically. I will be shortening up the rig and decreasing the overhang. Probably won't be till after GSSW.

I don't see any fing grass. Grass is for the east. Thanks all for the kudos.

Chad

**ELLLLLIOTTTTT** · 01-10-2006, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by chadjans

Puma is always on crack....

hamunah-hamunah-hamunah!!!

**Kraqa** · 01-10-2006, 02:59 AM

i'd cap off the door bars liek this.

**chadjans** · 01-10-2006, 03:57 AM

I am considering it. Although it is tough to get into the front seats because of the high seat bolsters. That is a cool rig. I dig it.

Chad

**KevinM** · 01-14-2006, 03:26 AM

Good God that thing is overbuilt! That puts some nascar shit to shame...Pretty awesome work though!

**Kraqa** · 01-14-2006, 03:47 AM

i don't think it "overbuilt" since its getting hacked up and no more doors or liftgate it needs more structural. most people dont' realize how much these things flex untill you get right in to the structure of them. I think it looks so busy is because he is putting tube aroudn existing sheet metal. if the B and C pilars were removed it woudl probably look alot cleaner and be easier to run your tube.

**ogdak** · 01-14-2006, 06:38 AM

Originally Posted by Kraqa

Nice front DS.
Little short, and square tube I guess?

**Kraqa** · 01-14-2006, 03:44 PM

ya its the trailer hitch tubiing. i run one identicle to that. there freekin awsome. totally bomb proof. i made mine out of 1/8" wall tubing and it has gone to hell and back with no problems.

**chadjans** · 01-14-2006, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by Kraqa

i don't think it "overbuilt" since its getting hacked up and no more doors or liftgate it needs more structural. most people dont' realize how much these things flex untill you get right in to the structure of them. I think it looks so busy is because he is putting tube aroudn existing sheet metal. if the B and C pilars were removed it woudl probably look alot cleaner and be easier to run your tube.

Existing cage doesn't match the sheet metal lines. If I cut the existing sheet metal the existing cage would look worse. Since I am not redoing the entire cage this will have to do. Doors and tailgate don't do shit for structure, The structure that they do provide come from two hinges each and latches to a 1/4" pin. Things bend.

Chad

**Kraqa** · 01-14-2006, 10:40 PM

yes i know the "door" do not structural value it is the latch and pins. but for simplicity i just said doors.

**chadjans** · 01-15-2006, 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by Kraqa

yes i know the "door" do not structural value it is the latch and pins. but for simplicity i just said doors.

I guess I should say neither the doors nor the latch and pins do nothing for structure. I would have to say my door bar tubes add more structure than the sheet metal doors, hinges and pins.

Chad

**mikebeach** · 01-16-2006, 07:46 PM

Chad the build looks good. But Ive got a question, why not cut the rockers out and well your sliders in there? You can tie your cage in with some stringers to the uniframe (which Im sure yours is all re-inforced) Heres a crude drawing.

Mike

**chadjans** · 01-17-2006, 02:08 AM

Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't cut out the rockers because I don't think there is much to gain. It was easier to tuck the sliderz to the pinch seam and run some kickers into the existing cage. The cage 4x2 box feet are also already welded to the pinch seam. So I guess I took the lazy way out but I just want to get this done and go wheeling.

Chad

**chadjans** · 01-30-2006, 10:38 PM

Gotten alot done since the last post. Never bothered to take pics. Rear seat in. The belt arangement isn't ideal but it will have to work.

**chadjans** · 01-30-2006, 10:40 PM

O shit handles:

**chadjans** · 01-30-2006, 10:50 PM

Rear cage work:

Thread: Tuna Boat

Thread Tools

Users Browsing this Thread