Rockerbox Idea

[scotto0609]

As I was falling asleep last nite dream building my ultimate 1st gen beach buggy I had a idea. Has anyone tried to build something along the lines of a birdcage rockerbox? Something along the lines of a minnie rollcage. I know you west coast guys would never have to worry about missing boxes but it might work for a east coast rig. This way you would have drain thru and hence no place for rust to hide? I'm just sayin......

 

[NorCal69]

I know Greg is not going back with the box's and I think Z71 too. I guess I wouldn't have done them either if I would have though about it. But, mine are in now and hopefully good for another 20-30 years.

 

[Greg72]

Torsion boxes are a critical structural part of the cab... and were designed as part of the larger system that included the frame as well. If you make them substantially stiffer than they were originally you will be moving torsional loads into new areas that weren't designed for it. Cutting them out completely is just as bad since it allows the cab to flex way more than it should.

The only real solution (short of keeping them factory and maybe adding better drainage) is to build a rollcage that completely integrates to the factory frame so that there are no torsional forces to twist the body. It's easier said than done.....