attaching cage to windshield frame. Good idea?

[AlaskaMatt]

Just curious. What do you guys with cages think about attaching the cage to the windshield frame? Not as support for the cage but rather if you're like me and already have a cage, adding a connection from the front of the cage to the windshield to stiffen up and support the whole truck while running with the top off.

It's difficult to see in this pic but the cage runs down the edge of the windshield and then down in front of the dash to the floor. The gap between them at the top is only a half inch or so.

[pound41]

I am planning on bolting mine to the windsheild frame like the newer jeeps do

[47thriftmaster]

On a Blazer that would lead to a lot of broken windshields. The body or bottom of the frame would still flex, with the frame top solid , it would just take out the glass.

[AlaskaMatt]

Originally Posted by 47thriftmaster

On a Blazer that would lead to a lot of broken windshields. The body or bottom of the frame would still flex, with the frame top solid , it would just take out the glass.

Good point. Thanks.

Keep the thoughts coming

[BOHICA]

What thriftmaster said. I think it would create more problems than it would solve.

pound41, I hope you don't mean you're just going to bolt the front of your cage to the windshield frame without running down tubes under the dash. The windshield frame isn't made to support even a fraction of the weight of the Blazer.

[cleszkie]

Totally agree with 47Thriftmaster. I ran support braces from my rollbar hoop to my winshield frame many years ago. Ended up fatiguing the metal of the upper windshield frame. The Blazer would flex and the supports would end up pushing and pulling on the windshield frame in ever direction. Never broke my glass, but did a number on the frame. Just my experience and $.02. Others may have better experience and better ways of attaching though.

[Luba]

What about if one had a multiple point cage all tied to frame, and frame was fully boxed? I am thinking of going this route someday. I want cage tied to frame, body, and seats mounted directly to cage. I want to stop flexing all together and let suspension work. Thoughts?

[BOHICA]

Luba, are you asking how your truck would behave with a fully boxed and caged frame or are you asking what would happen if you braced the windshield frame to a cage on a boxed frame?

[DANTES JIMMY]

how would it flex any different than having the top on it ??
i did this on an old scout and i had no problems i did it because the thing was so rotten that was the only way i could take the top off and get the doors to open and shut lol

[BOHICA]

Because the top is fiberglass and capable of giving some as well as being only secured to the windshield with a couple of tabs. Not the same as permanently securing it to a rigid structure that's tied into the body (or worse, the frame) at several points.

[Luba]

Originally Posted by BOHICA

Luba, are you asking how your truck would behave with a fully boxed and caged frame or are you asking what would happen if you braced the windshield frame to a cage on a boxed frame?

Both actually. I know they were originally designed to flex, popping the doors open and such. But what if one took that out of the equation? I am not trying to build some hard-core rock crawler, but i want something I can drive on the street, mild trails, mud bogs/drags and sand dunes all while fully protecting my family.

[71blazerdetroit]

Once you actually decide to do a actual working cage, their are alot of factors on "how safe" do you want it.(I did mine for the same reasons you are, kid protection)

One of the first things that were pointed out to me was to do it completely safe / right, is to anchor all your chairs to the cage and seatbelts incase they become seperated in a bad rollover. (I was worried more about freeway speeds then a slow rollover offroading.)

Doing this means you might as well go 5 points and aftermarket seats.

As for tieing into the windshield, even with mine, the windshield flexes 1/2" to 1 full inch sideways to what my cage does on obstacles. (the one reason why I haven't done it)

My .02, I wouldn't try it until you have your frame boxed, cage built and tied to the frame including engine cage to the front frame horns and firewall.

You might as well forget body bushings and mount those fixed while your at it. otherwise it all flexes different amounts.

[CrewCab59]

If a full cage needed than the seats and cage needs to be mounted to the frame.

Scott

[Luba]

Yes I already have PRP suspension seats and plan on running 5 point harnesses. I also have 2 sets of body mounts (ES poly, OEM) that I will put in first. Probably going to run the poly ones. Then do any needed body work with top and doors on. then cage and boxing.

[Luba]

You think the poly body mounts will flex to much? Also I have seen some cages tied to the frame with poly mounts in between.

[Luba]

71blaze- I would like to check out your blazer sometime when I am down your way.