CJ7 Roll bar to a 1975 CJ6?

Well like the title says,
I have a 1975 Cj6 that we are doing a complete rebuild. We have the original roll bar that we removed but I just don't like the way the old one looked being all 90 degrees. I would prefer to use a 1976-1986 Cj7 one. I have access to several. Does anybody have experience installing later Roll Bars into Intermediate Cjs. I know with enough modification anything is possible. Just looking for a quick bolt one.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Ken Miracle

 

Your assumption that all 76-86 CJ7 rollbars are the same is incorrect. The 76 to 80 versions sat on the wheelwells just like the earlier CJ versions and were 90° vertical just like your original bar. The 79/80-86 version is the style where the front post goes down to the floor behind the front seats and the rear sits on the wheel wells, and the main hoop is canted back at an angle that roughly matches that of the windshield.

 

Pathkiller, You're right about the roll bars. I just didn't know about which years did what. I'll need one that sits on the rear wheel well that tilts aft or like you mentioned.
" That is canted back at an angle that roughly matches that of the windshield"
I have seen a Cj6 that had a later style roll bar from a Cj7. I just need to figure out how they did.

Thanks again, Ken

 

A couple of things to keep in mind.

The sheet metal in the passenger compartment is different between the CJ-7 and the CJ-6 in more ways than just being a 10" longer wheelbase. Both the floors and the wheelhouses are different, so you may find that the distance between mounting surfaces is not the same.

Also, the CJ-7 windshield tilts back more than the CJ-6 windshield does, so the angle of the CJ-6 windshield may not be attractively matched to the CJ-7 rollbar, compared to the CJ-7 windshield.

One option would be to check your local 4x4 and Jeep forums and clubs to see who makes roll bars and roll cages in your area. If you want a roll bar that tilts back, somebody could easily make one for you that is exactly what you want.

 

Thanks Tim for some more input. I would like to do something different with the rollbar, like install a full cage or something to that effect. It's going to be a spring project. I'm just trying now to get the information a head of time.

thanks again, Ken

 

The CJ7 roll bar which sits on top of the fender wells will work fine. I am using one myself in an early CJ5. The toolbox will be in the way of installing the newer style of rollbar which bolts to the floor behind the seats.

 

The later version of '7 rollbar should not interfere with the passenger under seat tool box as the rear fender wells are 20" farther back than on a 5. Good thing to think about though.

 

Why use a CJ7 bar at all? There were only 2 versions of the CJ7 rollbar, and neither has what you're looking for. The first version (76-79) sits entirely on the wheel well (no down legs), and has a 90° upright angle (which you stated you don't want). The second version (80-86) mounts to the floor in front (creating problems since your floor doesn't match a CJ7's) and to the wheel well in back. It has the rearward angle you are looking for, but would probably have to be modified to fit.

What you need is a 76-79 CJ5 rollbar. I have a 78 CJ5 rollbar sitting in my garage that mounts entirely on the wheel wells and has the rear-tilted angle you're looking for. Any 76-79 CJ5 should have this same rollbar. If you do a google image search for a 78 CJ5 you'll see the style of bar I'm talking about.

Here's one: http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3947/2861/22366430020_large.jpg

Here's one, but he's added a front hoop:

Another one, the red bar is factory, the black pieces are clamped on pieces to form a cage: http://www.extremegearoffroad.com/store/image.php?type=T&id=17693

For comparison, here's the first style of CJ7 bar, note the wheel well mount and the 90° upright angle: http://api.ning.com/files/StJzx8Qa2...COpmRcpDEo7slu3f5OG2TEIqIuLryF7Qs2t/jeep3.jpg

Here's the later CJ7 style, it's got the angle you want, but the wrong mounting style: http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3714/3481/21784240005_large.jpg

Finally, here's a pic of the late CJ7 rollbar out of the vehicle so you can see the mounting style: http://jeep.auctivacommerce.com/Jeep-CJ7-Stock-OEM-Roll-Bar-CJ-Laredo-Maroon-P1287421.aspx

 

Pathkiller, I don't think no one could have explain it better. Here's a Cj6 with a later year rollbar. Maybe ya'll could explain how he did it.

Thanks again, Ken

 

That one also appears to be a larger diameter tube, unless it's padded. The stock bars are pretty small diameter and look kinda puny.