Bronco 2 choptop sealed cab options.

[Catch22556]

I've been pondering on what i wanted to do with my choptop once springtime hits as far as the cab is concerned. My options that i have been pondering are as follows.

1) Seal off the cab with a Deuce hatch. (Any other ideas besides a b2 hatch?).
2) Ranger cab with either a bobbed, cut down bed, or a custom flatbed.
3) Have a custom boat vinyl soft top made for it. (Local shop quoted me $200).
4) Get rid of the Deuce and get a 1st gen 4x4 Ranger. (I like 1st gens )

1st option would require screwing/riveting the hatch onto the body and ALOT of body work since the b2 hatch is fiberglass.

2nd option. Slap a 1st gen Ranger cab on the frame, fab up a rear cab mount and cut the bed down (Or make a flat bed) and minor body work after cutting and re-welding the bed back up. I think i read somewhere there was an issue with the fuel tank and the Ranger bed also? Alot a work, but relatively straight forward (On paper anyways.)

3rd option speaks for itself. Job would be done, the easiest out of the bunch.

4th option also speaks for itself.

Option 2 would almost require me getting ahold of a Ranger donor truck for the cab and bed and i would ultimately be creating a Ranger with a bobbed bed and a shortened wheelbase. While that would be awesome and not that many people have done it, the issue is, it's hard to find straight 1st gen Ranger donor trucks around where i live for a decent price. Which brings me to Option 4, sell the deuce and find me a Ranger. What would you guys do if you were in my shoes?

 

[Hagan]

Why do you want to chop it? You know it rains 13 months out of the year here right? lol

 

[1988dangerranger]

My BII just got wrecked, I just so happen to have a 1st gen ranger also so I have been thinking about putting my ranger cab and bobbed bed on the BII frame.. There is an awesome one on this page of the "lifted bronco" thread.
http://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24493&page=6

 

[unoleisu]

I've concidered chopping mine, and the option 3 is the one I would go with. The others just don't seem to be worth the extra effort and cost to me. The only reason I would have to chop it anyway, would be to reduce the weight, and lower the center of balance some more.

By the way, my final idea on the subject was to cut the rear pillar section out, and transplant it forward, to just behind the rear seat area, then modify the back hatch and remount it, so it will still open up. The only problem is, it wouldn't leave enough "bed" area behind it, to really make it useful, other than maybe carry a cooler, and some camping gear.

 

[country0001]

I want a chop top, but to close it in would be a lot of body work. I like the idea of a ranger cab on it if the body is bad. That would probably be the only way Id chop my top on either B2. A wreck or a broken back glass.

 

[Catch22556]

Maybe i wasn't completely clear with my first post. My 84 is already chopped, i was just considering my options and looking for input on what i should do as far as a sealed cab would go. I already have an 85 b2 that is not chopped for DD duties so the 84 is just my play toy/project.

 

[unoleisu]

Wow, I used to live in Medford, OR. Sure miss those mountains.
I vote roll on bedliner for interior, and soft top.

 

[Colin]

i like the soft top idea, 200 bucks sounds like a steal

 

[RICO9]

If you go with option #1 I would be happy to answer any questions about how to do it. Here is how mine turned out.

 

[Catch22556]

Hey Rico, saw your rig on this site before and like the way you sealed that off. I think I read that you used a b2 hatch? Also do you have any pictures showing how you sealed the sides inside the cab as well as the bottom? Also how much of a PITA was the whole process?

 

[n_grimm]

Hello from Medford. One consideration is whether you want to make a pickup out of it or to use the rear seat. Wanted to keep the rear seat so I did 1 and 3. I can remove the window and install my soft top or put the window in and use my soft tonneau cover. If you're ever in Medford and want to take a look, let me know. Norm

 

[2813josh]

I like the soft top idea...but then again Rico's chop looks awesome with the hatch

 

[disciplerocks]

RICO's is probably the best chop I've ever seen. But I vote option 2.