Going topless, and safety inspections

[phatfoto]

HA! Got your attention with that one... Seriously, I have some thoughts for a possible project that I would like to dig into, but also need to have a vehicle that will pass safety. I know we have discussed doorless driving here, but what about if you cut the roof off a vehicle (with a real frame) to cruise around in? How do the guys that chop the back sections from XJs and other rigs get past safety inspections? How about the difficult task of creating a removable hardtop once a top has been removed, can THAT pass safety?

Case in point, I don't have a vehicle yet for this, but lets say I had a Ford Bronco 2 that I wanted to chop the roof off as an homage to the classic early Broncos. I don't need it to be a serious trail rig, but more for daily driving and good weather/summertime cruising. I'm thinking about a rollbar and removable spreaders like the Wranglers had to the windshield posts. But otherwise, topless.

What do you all think?

 

[ricsrx]

Back in the 80's all the mini trucks were cuttin off there tops and passing inspection..

 

[blznnp]

there is a guy here in west jordan that drives his s10 around with the roof cut off. I would think as long as you have a windshield that it would be fine, but then again I am use to washington laws and we don't have inspections there.

 

[phatfoto]

I remember the rage of minitruck convertibles. Guess I thought it was a SoCal thing mainly. But I don't see them around much anymore either. I'd sure hate to chop a top and then not be able to pass safety. But I don't even have a victim yet, so its all academic at present...

 

[gorillaxj]

I know there is a law about doors, but I've never seen anything about a cut roof, with a cage I don't think you would have an issue as "structural rigidity" is more then stock with a roof. But it doesn't say its legal lol

 

[krany]

there is a guy here in west jordan that drives his s10 around with the roof cut off. I would think as long as you have a windshield that it would be fine, but then again I am use to washington laws and we don't have inspections there.

i see that thing every once in awhile. that things crazy.

sorry for the jack..i have nothing to add

 

[Caleb]

I don't think there's anything on the books about needing a roof of any kind. Windshield, mirrors, signals, etc but nothing about tops.

 

[phatfoto]

Two different safety stations gave me similar info. Cutting the A or B pillar is an automatic fail. Unless... I get the UHP to sig off on it. Now, I didn't see this in my reading of the guide. Probably two guys covering their butts. So I guess my next step is to ask a trooper with safety inspection monitoring my questions. Too bad the one that used to live in my neighborhood has moved.

 

[Toad]

Nothing in book about cutting a top. Cutting an a pillar. Cut it and tell the inspector to do his job. If he fails it have him show you the law!

 

[sixstringsteve]

How do the guys that chop the back sections from XJs and other rigs get past safety inspections?

The real question is, how do those guys who cut the backs off their XJ's (without reinforcing the unibody) keep their rig from flying apart down the road?

I like your idea of adding a rollbar and removable speakers, that'd be cool. I'm sure you've got way more skill than me, but I could never pull off building a removable hardtop that worked and looked decent. Sounds way complicated and frustrating, but a cool idea.


Just thinking out loud here... I'd go for a snap-on soft top, or find a fiberglass or pre-existing shell that fits the dimensions you need. A pickup truck (like a ranger) might be another cool donor vehicle. With the convertible 4x4s I've had, I always opted for a bikini top over no top, due to sunburn, heat, sun in my eyes, etc. If you went with a ranger, you could cut out the back of the cab for the summer, and still have open air behind you. Then you could bolt a fiberglass truck shell to it for the winter. Not quite the same as topless, but it'd probably be a lot easier to pass inspection too. Kinda like the OJ broncos and 1st gen 4runners. Looking forward to what you come up with.

 

[phatfoto]

I really doubt I have any more skills for fab than you do. But you did sort of describe my plan B... I'm not real good at bodywork, but might as well learn sometime. Gotta get through some more life obstacles, but certainly want to give this project a run. Not planning on it being a big trail machine. Just a cool cruiser.