A guy that's about to start building roll cages for sale is looking for someone with a 2-door to test install the cage to make sure it goes smoothly. He had a 2-door to use as a model during design but doesn't have anybody that wants it installed. He says regular price will be $750 but he's offering me $100-150 off to install it, photgraph it and work with him on any changes that are necessary (in other words its a kit, I'll have to find somebody to do the welding here).

It's made of ERW 1.75"x .134" tubing and he says it has lots of bends to maximize space utilization. Parts of it are bolt-on so they are removeable to allow working access to ceratin areas of the jeep. Its "fully gusseted" and ties into the floor, b-pillar and fire wall. He says he's already installed the 4-door version in 4 or 5 XJs.

I'm planning to get a roll cage sooner or later - is this deal good enough to make it sooner?

I would say go for it. Also, I would think that he would do it for free since you are doing him a favor......I could be wrong though:beer:

if not for free, at most the cost of materials.

wont he be doing the welding, i would think he should since hes building the kit and will need to make changes were needed

Naw, if it was free I wouldn't have to ask, and I'm taking care of the welding because its a kit and he's 1000 miles away. I might counter offer something, though, to cover his material and some fab time. This isnt a buddy deal, just a guy I ran across on the web, he needs a guinea pig and I need a roll cage. Let me ask this, how much do you think the materials cost, and how much labor was involved in bending it? And isn't 1.75" tubing slightly on the small side, isnt 2" what people use on good cages?

I was exchanging e-mails with the same guy. I told him that I was about to start building my cage, but if his fit the bill and the intro price was right, I might as well just give it a shot. Bottom line: my full cage will cost me a total of $200 if I build it myself, so I am declining. I promised the fellow that I wouldn't give out any info regarding cost or design so I will honor that, but lets just say that my cage is much cheaper even with a discount.

If you don't have the skills or equipment to make your own, then jump on that deal. Knowing the meticulous detail of the builder, I can assure you that it is of quality.

The price seems high for a kit, even with the discount. I would check with some local welding shops that do race cars and get a price for a custom install as a comparison.

I had an excellent idea for my 'cage in my XJ, but still waiting for my bender, IF I were the guinnea pig. I would accept the offer only if it was free for testing purposes, or at least in the competitive price range, especially since I know that I could have one done for @$250 And not interfere with anything. :beer: :beer:

i saw teh same deal...but i think this one is good enoough, with a few add ons by the buyer it could be super sweet.http://www.essentiallyoffroad.com/Cages%20XJ.htm

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Hunter