Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Trail_Krawler & Trail_Willys

kmas0n said:
A decided to add a dash bar to the cage to stiffen it up a bit and give the passenger something to hold on to.
View attachment 646283

View attachment 646284

Then printed up a bracket for my coolant overflow tank.

View attachment 646285

Keeping with the concept I don't want anything mounted to the fenders, The overflow tank mounts next to the shock reservoir.

View attachment 646286

its a tight fit in there, but it works. I'm going to reprint the bracket tomorrow but 1/2 inch shorter so the overflow tank doesn't rub against the grill.

View attachment 646287

The canvas for the bikini top should be here this week.

So, Progress!
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Very cool. Not to armchair quarterback your work, but do you think it’s stiff enough to resist racking laterally without cross-bracing?
 
Tob said:
Very cool. Not to armchair quarterback your work, but do you think it’s stiff enough to resist racking laterally without cross-bracing?
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I'm let you know after some drive time. I'm trying to keep the weight down and I don't like windshield v bars. Especially if they just dead head into a flat bar. The single bar has improved how rigid the cage is. But it might need a little more to stop it hitting the windshield frame while off road.

If it's still an issue, I can think of two solutions without going overboard on the tube works. A triangle gusset on the dash bar and a pillar. Or an L bracket attaching the lower leg of the A pillar to the dash.

I'm also wondering if a little triangulation at the roof between the A and B pillars would help.
 
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Freaking beautiful!!

How's it doing on road and/vs street driving? Good balance?

Also - what's the smiles per miles ;) [Assuming unlimited]
 
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kmas0n said:
I'm let you know after some drive time. I'm trying to keep the weight down and I don't like windshield v bars. Especially if they just dead head into a flat bar. The single bar has improved how rigid the cage is. But it might need a little more to stop it hitting the windshield frame while off road.

If it's still an issue, I can think of two solutions without going overboard on the tube works. A triangle gusset on the dash bar and a pillar. Or an L bracket attaching the lower leg of the A pillar to the dash.

I'm also wondering if a little triangulation at the roof between the A and B pillars would help.
Click to expand...

1-1/2" .120 wall DOM or HREW (Looks smaller than 1-3/4")? The bracing and triangulation can get heavy real quick. I'd imagine the weight (or lack of weight) of the vehicle will help keep some of the complexity out of the design, but its all compromise. I had a basic 6 point cage in my Early Bronco for years while understanding it was not a SFI spec cage. I figured it would be better than nothing to keep the hardtop from crushing down to the bed rails if I flopped it.

BTW, sweet rig!
 
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FarFire70 said:
Freaking beautiful!!

How's it doing on road and/vs street driving? Good balance?

Also - what's the smiles per miles ;) [Assuming unlimited]
Click to expand...

Thank you! It drives fantastic, I've had it up to 63 mph on the highway and it was as smooth and compossed as any modern jeep. The engine is more comfortable at 45ish. And yes, unlimited smiles :D
 
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S/C-HD2002 said:
1-1/2" .120 wall DOM or HREW (Looks smaller than 1-3/4")? The bracing and triangulation can get heavy real quick. I'd imagine the weight (or lack of weight) of the vehicle will help keep some of the complexity out of the design, but its all compromise. I had a basic 6 point cage in my Early Bronco for years while understanding it was not a SFI spec cage. I figured it would be better than nothing to keep the hardtop from crushing down to the bed rails if I flopped it.

BTW, sweet rig!
Click to expand...

Correct, I did some homework and due to the light weight and size of the jeep, most recommend 1.5. DOM. I'm trying to keep the weight of the cage down, the engine struggles enough. It would protect me in a flop or an easy roll.
 
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The canvas for my sunshade fits perfect and doesn't flap around in the breeze. I used 4" ball bungies every 6 inches to keep things tight. It has significantly improved driving comfort. Its nice having shade and actually cuts the wind a bit too.
PXL_20251024_194855554.jpg


I had to pull the engine to fix a really bad RMS leak. I was losing about a cup of oil per day. I had tried a modem style seal and it leaked like crazy. So I got to learn to install the old rope seal. It went well and I haven't seen any oil leak for the past week. At least from the engine. The transmission still leaks.

I made some simple brackets that connect the flimsy windshield frame to the roll cage. It's crazy how much the windshield bounced around. Now it's solid and I can pull it behind my on the highway without folding the windshield down. These jeeps are known for the windshield collapsing at highway speeds.

PXL_20251024_190909538.jpg


And finally added an antirock sway bar. The smallest bar Rock Jock makes.

PXL_20251023_214407906.jpg


and then just some pics.

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I want your guys thoughts again ...

The wheels. Black or white?

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PXL_20251025_135445625~2.jpg
 

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