1982 C/K 6.0L Caitlyn Mall Crawler (Interior time)

[miniwally]

OR build a very basic bed rack system with good frame tie in and not have the roll cage inside with you. If your desire is to have a nicely street-able truck that does mild wheeling and sort of hauls ass across the desert a very simple bed rack type system with a good external B pillar setup will provide more support for the back of the cab and keep the interior uncluttered. As long as you maintain the intact hard cab with the factory structure intact this works.

We're all too over the top with what we think we need to go offroad, a cage is nice (needed) for removable tops, compromised sheet metal etc., but why do you need a cage for a vehicle that was already built with some decent structure for roll over protection?

If your wanting a desert race truck/car etc. go do that with a specific vehicle, this truck has a high level of sentimental value to it and I think at this time in your life you need to preserve that value and use. In 10 years you may be in a different spot that you want this truck to go to the next level, and that level may be the end of the truck as you currently know it and that's ok. I don't feel like you're there today though.

 

[Babaganoosh]

OR build a very basic bed rack system with good frame tie in and not have the roll cage inside with you. If your desire is to have a nicely street-able truck that does mild wheeling and sort of hauls ass across the desert a very simple bed rack type system with a good external B pillar setup will provide more support for the back of the cab and keep the interior uncluttered. As long as you maintain the intact hard cab with the factory structure intact this works.

We're all too over the top with what we think we need to go offroad, a cage is nice (needed) for removable tops, compromised sheet metal etc., but why do you need a cage for a vehicle that was already built with some decent structure for roll over protection?

If your wanting a desert race truck/car etc. go do that with a specific vehicle, this truck has a high level of sentimental value to it and I think at this time in your life you need to preserve that value and use. In 10 years you may be in a different spot that you want this truck to go to the next level, and that level may be the end of the truck as you currently know it and that's ok. I don't feel like you're there today though.

Very good point, I like the way you are thinking and we are on the same page. I do want to build a bed rack with a canvas top so that might be the ticket and best solution although I was originally thinking about bolting it to the top of the bed.

 

[mrk5]

We're all too over the top with what we think we need to go offroad, a cage is nice (needed) for removable tops, compromised sheet metal etc., but why do you need a cage for a vehicle that was already built with some decent structure for roll over protection?

That has always been my thinking, but I'm also not a go fast guy either.

 

[Babaganoosh]

That has always been my thinking, but I'm also not a go fast guy either.

Something about going fast that gives me such a adrenaline rush, as of right now I can comfortably go 45-50 which isn't "fast" but good enough.

 

[beags86]

OR build a very basic bed rack system with good frame tie in and not have the roll cage inside with you. If your desire is to have a nicely street-able truck that does mild wheeling and sort of hauls ass across the desert a very simple bed rack type system with a good external B pillar setup will provide more support for the back of the cab and keep the interior uncluttered. As long as you maintain the intact hard cab with the factory structure intact this works.

We're all too over the top with what we think we need to go offroad, a cage is nice (needed) for removable tops, compromised sheet metal etc., but why do you need a cage for a vehicle that was already built with some decent structure for roll over protection?

If your wanting a desert race truck/car etc. go do that with a specific vehicle, this truck has a high level of sentimental value to it and I think at this time in your life you need to preserve that value and use. In 10 years you may be in a different spot that you want this truck to go to the next level, and that level may be the end of the truck as you currently know it and that's ok. I don't feel like you're there today though.

They had these things in the 80s called roll bars. Look it up

 

[mrk5]

They had these things in the 80s called roll bars. Look it up

View attachment 309889

I would actually LOVE to put one of those in the crew cab. Even add some KC's to it. But I don't want one so bad I'll pay new price for it and I haven't come across a good used one. Haha

 

[Babaganoosh]

They had these things in the 80s called roll bars. Look it up

View attachment 309889

Then I can't have my toolbox on the truck.

 

[beags86]

I would actually LOVE to put one of those in the crew cab. Even add some KC's to it. But I don't want one so bad I'll pay new price for it and I haven't come across a good used one. Haha

It's a hot look.

 

[beags86]

Then I can't have my toolbox on the truck.

Life is about compromise

 

[Babaganoosh]

Life is about compromise

My initial design in my head is something like this.

 

[beags86]

My initial design in my head is something like this.

I actually plan on building on something like that for my 79 if I ever decide to work on it again.

 

[Babaganoosh]

I actually plan on building on something like that for my 79 if I ever decide to work on it again.

I was hoping Kurt at DIY could supply his main hoop and I could use that to build off of or find a local shop to bend me a few pieces. I also want it to be somewhat modular for easy storing and configuration.

 

[miniwally]

You could build it like a headache rack for a pickup with the back part that can be put either up front or in the back to haul lumber. I've thought about that with a couple of lighter weight pieces of material to span between them if you wanted to make a bed topper of sorts out of canvas or a tarp for camping. I like the idea of having an open bed but being able to cover it for weather if needed since I like sleeping in the bed of the truck.

 

[Babaganoosh]

You could build it like a headache rack for a pickup with the back part that can be put either up front or in the back to haul lumber. I've thought about that with a couple of lighter weight pieces of material to span between them if you wanted to make a bed topper of sorts out of canvas or a tarp for camping. I like the idea of having an open bed but being able to cover it for weather if needed since I like sleeping in the bed of the truck.

That is my end goal, I like the soft toppers but for the price it's to much.

 

[ClassicStyle]

I’m local to you, 1.5 and 1.75 dies for my hydro jd.

You’re welcome to come bend a couple bends.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Trying to get this seat bracket figured out finally.. think this will be a winner.

Don't laugh to hard at the welding.

 

[6872xtc]

So does it bolt into the factory mounting points?
And if so, are you going to be able add any extra to help spread out the load and vibrations when you are running it hard offroad? I don't know if it's a concern, just thinking.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Yes it bolts into the factory locations, I ran 4 extra tubes on the other side to incorporate it into a future cage or door bars that connect to the seat belt harnesses down the road.

It won't be race truck built but it will be much safer then factory and mall crawler rated.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Updated shots, I'm kind of over the entire Instagram pro welder fabrication pictures and just want it to get done.

I believe the welds will hold I had to beat one to get more symmetrical and it was only a qtr of the way welded. Yes it isn't perfect but it's a 37 year old truck.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Auburn limited slip on the way for the front 10bolt from @frankin5