Chiefs Sawback Build - Spring-Under Susp

[Chief]

Well, I bent up a roll-cage today. I've got to add four more support tubes, but this is pretty much it. I'll start brazing it up tomorrow at lunch. Here's some mock-up pics.









Let me know what y'all think?

[raceeng18]

I like it Chief, nice job.

[jp0160]

Nice one bud. My truck color is Nutmeg by Rustoleum by the way. You going to run the windsheild with the cage?

[Chief]

Thanks fellas. I don't think the windshield will see much time LOL. I like the way it looks with the windshield folded down. Gives it more of the rock-crawling willys look that I want.

[neobaja]

Wow, at 1st I though what have you done, lol, but I can see where you going now with the last few pics, good job Chief , lots of character in this Sawback.

[Chief]

Originally Posted by neobaja

Wow, at 1st I though what have you done, lol, but I can see where you going now with the last few pics, good job Chief , lots of character in this Sawback.

Thanks! Yeah, I didn't take the traditional route on this one. I wanted a low-slung, bare-bones crawler. I'll have the cage painted and mounted tonight, and of course some pics.

[Chief]

Alright, here are the pics of the roll-cage mounted. I drilled and tapped the ends of the tubing, and then bolted the cage to the body. I tore the drivers floor installing it, so I'll be making some floor panels out of 28 gauge metal. I know that my brazing is ugly, and the cage didn't come out perfect, but it'll work for now. LOL

[gotmike]

i got some sawback wheels from a buddy, and they paint up really nicely if you run a scotchbrite pad over them first... takes a bit of doing to get into all the nooks and crannies... but seems to be worth it... i've also noticed they sell versions in white and silver from g-made... but a nice olive drab to match the body color and keep it original looking, or a desert tan... too bad they don't make the moon hubcaps that will clip onto them... lol...

[Chief]

I like these wheels 'cause they look like steelies, and so far, have held the bead perfectly. Thanks for the tips on painting them though.

[RCBuzz]

Nice one Chief!!! Looks good the ROLL CAGE!!
Can´t wait to see mine mounted!!!
;)

[gotmike]

here is what they look like in white... these are the one's i painted... makes it look even more like a classic steel wheel...

[06ToasterBox]

They look great Mike... Yes im here too. lol

J.

[Chief]

Mike, I like the wheels painted white. Looks clean and old-school.
Here are some pics from yesterdays run. Went down to the lake and crawled around some. Rig did great again. Climbs like a goat.

[raceeng18]

Looking good.

[jp0160]

nice one bud, Cage could use some work but it looks great!

[k7zpj]

Looks pretty close to some of the cages I have seen on MB's.

If you haven't seen it, this thread has several pictures of MB's and GPWs.
Rollcage for Ford GPW 1942 - JeepForum.com

[jp0160]

Originally Posted by k7zpj

Looks pretty close to some of the cages I have seen on MB's.

If you haven't seen it, this thread has several pictures of MB's and GPWs.
Rollcage for Ford GPW 1942 - JeepForum.com

Like this...



I gotta go change my pants....

[Chief]

Thanks fellas. I took my inspiration from Mieser's Willys build-up on Pirate4X4. He's running spring-under, no lift, with 35's, and has driven it from Colorado to Moab and other places. I'll get some pics of his rig up tomorrow once I'm home.
I'll be making floorboards in the next couple weeks for it, and attaching the cage more securely. I'll get pics up.
Thanks for the props once again.

[neobaja]

Looks all ready for business mate, going great

[Chief]

Originally Posted by neobaja

Looks all ready for business mate, going great

Thanks Neobaja. The sawback keeps amazing me. It's gone everywhere my other 1.9s have gone, done some stuff that I never conquered in my other 1.9s, and pulled some of the same lines my 2.2 rigs used to pull. I know that the low cog keeps it stable on climbs, and it doesn't have much torque twist. I'm only runnng the one main leaf, and they are starting to sag a little in the rear. I plan on adding one leaf to each corner. I don't want to hinder its flex, but the springs need some support.