Well I did it....SHE'S TOPLESS!!

[j602]

Explanger!

 

[jimbo74]

Of course...

i say keep that little rear window, otherwise it looks like a bronco 2 with no rear window

 

[rookieshooter]

Dayum! You guys realize you are building Bronco's right? some 4 door some 2 door
People around the country are going to start being like WTF? I never saw those at the dealership!

Also I am not totally convinced that an Izusu Amigo topper wouldnt fit the sport....

I am waiting for somebody to use a fold down ranger tailgate and bed extender

I just had to post this pic after you said that 410. It looks just like the back of my B11 before I added the ranger tailgate. In fact I used the existing post that stick out near the tailights to hook the support from gate to body, judging from the pic of his newly choped top he has one also. Just fab up some metal above the tailights to fasten the ranger latches to. Better start thinking about weatherization soon. At least finish off the roof line to keep out road salt before winter. Looks Good!!! By the way I just went out and measured the opening for tailgate the stock dim. is 54" wide, the stock ranger tailgate that I used was 53 and 3/4" Hope this info helps you or anybody thinking of this. I would love to come up and help you if you did decide but there is a little matter of distance. Did not mean to take any thing away from your thread but I did think this could be useful info.

 

[410Fortune]

I believe, from memory here, that different generations of rangers have different width tailgates. the Explorer will also be slightly different then a BII in the hatch area.

The BII is a natural fit for a Ranger tailgate, the Ex might be a little more tricky.
If I chopped minee the spare tire would reside right there and stick out a tiny bit just above the bumper, the BII needs the weight of a 35" tire over the rear bumper, especially after you remove the 300+# of glass and roof...

 

[hit_that]

I believe, from memory here, that different generations of rangers have different width tailgates. the Explorer will also be slightly different then a BII in the hatch area.

The BII is a natural fit for a Ranger tailgate, the Ex might be a little more tricky.
If I chopped minee the spare tire would reside right there and stick out a tiny bit just above the bumper, the BII needs the weight of a 35" tire over the rear bumper, especially after you remove the 300+# of glass and roof...

I was actually thinking of making some sorta tire carrier to go back there. That way, I can have a full size spare. We'll see how it goes, hopefully alotta stuff will get done next week since I have it off.

 

[rookieshooter]

That's most likly what I will have also. I've been looking at some different stlyes like the James Duff to give me some ideas on making my own. I want to make it so I can still have the gate so it might have to have two mounting places for the tire. one with tailgate and on without were it may hang out a little. Just wondering could you please post the width between taillights.?

 

[410Fortune]

My plan for the BII:
No chop, windows come out, replaceable with soft windows for the trail (bolt in).
Two piece rear tailgate, glass is remove-able. top of tailgate is stock BII, but with bottom section cut off, just enough to clear a 12.50 wide tire sticking out through the bottom.

Full cage bumper to bumper.
Coilovers up front on current beams, ttb pushed forward 1-1.5"
Deavers in the back with shackle reversal, bypass up through the floor, rear axle pushed back 2"


hehehe
then later a custom long travel D44 TTB and 9"

 

[wingot]

looks nice like that

 

[Creager]

photo crop a spiffy rear cage on the sport with the little side window

im under the impression that chopping a sport is just the wrong thing to do haha, no offense.

 

[hit_that]

photo crop a spiffy rear cage on the sport with the little side window

Hmm...anyone up for that? I have no photoshop skills whatsoever.

 

[FROADER]

If I have time today at work I will, if not I'll do it tonight when I get home.

 

[Creager]

If I have time today at work I will, if not I'll do it tonight when I get home.

i wish i had a copy of a photoshop... havent used that program since 4.0, it rocked.

 

[FROADER]

Here are a couple different ones. I'll see if I can do some better ones tonight at home...

 

[N2FORD]

Are you keeping the backseats or taking them out? I would like to see a picture with them up. I have thought of doing the same thing to mine. I would need the back seats for the kids to ride. I was concerned if it would be full sun on them or not. Looks great!!!! Reminds me of my Amigo I had, no offense, Explorers are way better trucks!!!

 

[hit_that]

I fully intend to keep the backseats...I need room for the ladies I've hauled people since cutting the top, and their heads are about even with the edge of the roof. So it works out pretty good. Not sure how the cage is gonna fit around the seats though. I'm still planning it out.

 

[RussRubek]

You could also do a lot more welding and spreading bondo like i did to mine!!!

 

[hit_that]

Oh man....I need a welder

 

[TheRookie]

Russ, what obsticals did you have to overcome to make that happen? Anything prove overly tough? Thats exactly what I plan on doing and want to know everything about it first. I can weld like a champ but kinda suck with body work.

 

[RussRubek]

The biggest pain in the butt was getting the hatch door cut in to fit good. I didnt want to cut to much off otherwise i would be welding more pieces in . After i cut the roof i just placed the door in the back and started triming until it fit good! I Guess i should take more pics and do a write up on it!

 

[BeauJ]

Russ that looks damn good. How long did it take you on that?

BTW, Am I the only one who noticed the tag in the pics on the first post.