Fabricating a Custom Hardtop for my Jeep TJ Wrangler | Part 3

What's going on guys! watch as my Dad and I attempt fiberglass for the first time! We love learning new things and this is just one more thing we can add to our list! We used the West System 105 Epoxy Resin and the 205 Fast Hardener to apply to our fiber glass sheet and other supporting pieces. The West System could not have been easier to use, we had not problems with it and all the directions were very easy to understand. if you guys have any questions, please feel free to comment or DM me on my Instagram - @Kraft_Offroad or my Dad - @RodKraft.
West System Epoxy -
www.westsystem...
West System Mixing Sticks -
www.westsystem...
West System fiber Glass Cloth -
www.westsystem...

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

I added captions starting at 13:42 so make sure you turn them on to hear what we are saying!

[@ThatSoSteve]

Thank you!!!

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

@@ThatSoSteve no problem and I apologize! I’m still learning this entire process of editing and KZbin as a whole!

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

@@ThatSoSteve are they working for you now?

[@ThatSoSteve]

@@BuiltDifferentGarage yes it is working fine starting at 13:42. Thank you again for tackling the issue.

[@CTMadModz]

Yeah that back window looks good..

[@russellwolter5153]

West System and West Marine are totally separate companies with no relationship. Great design fellas.

[@gateaccess818]

hatch glass is lit!

[@ChromeMaxim]

I dig the og back glass man. Visibility is always a plus when wheeling

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

Definitely! I agree with that 100%

[@magnithejeep1865]

nice work, i vote keep the window

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

Thank you! I agree!

[@jonathangomez-vv2dh]

Thanks for sharing your thought process, makes me feel like I am actually there and part of the build. 100% keep the original window, its mind blowing to see what my hardtop could be.

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

No problem!! We are for sure keeping the window! It will be easier in the long run and it will also have a factory look!

[@ChadMI]

I’m glad the idea of keeping the back glass is coming around! I really like the way it looks with just the factory back glass. It would be nice if you could figure out a way to permanently mount the glass. This might not be the best application but maybe some gasket sealer could work to set that glass in place.

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

Thanks, I agree. Definitely, I haven’t decided if I want it to still function or if it will be closed all the time/permanently. We’ll see!

[@MS-kh2je]

Great video! 🎄 MERRY CHRISTMAS Lucas, Rod & family. 🎁

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

Thank you! Merry Christmas to you as well!!

[@erickarns2987]

This is awesome. Great job with it guys.

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@muddiver91]

Can you make the back glass roll up and down like an old wagon or early 70’s vette ?

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

That would be really cool! I wouldn’t even know where to start with that haha

[@michaelpate5426]

Leave the original glass in

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

That’s what I’m thinking too. I think it’ll look so much better.

[@michaelpate5426]

Yes it does and u can see more with it in there

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

@@michaelpate5426 totally agree!

[@brentonbarry]

I reckon keep the back glass, but perhaps find a way to use a latch system much like the rear side windows on a space cab ute. That way you can easily and securely vent that window.

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

Yeah definitely. We have been exploring our latching options. We for sure want it to be secure.

[@miasjvv2173]

How is the glass gonna be locked/closed cause the tailgate closed it? gonne put a latch in it?

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

Right now we have a very simple latching system that is just bolted to the body and latched Over the glass. We are still figuring out a permanent solution. Not having the gas struts on also helps keep it down.

[@markbutler6634]

Just my two cents, cut about 6-8 inches of the bottom of the glass and add a piece to join both sides of the fiberglass shell together. Being so much closer to the front window I feel it would look better if the rear was closer to the same die-mentions as the front widow. Love the build.

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

That is a great idea! We’ll have to explore our options with doing that! Thank you very much!!

[@Things2Delete]

Hey Kraft guys, it's looking GREAT 👍 Have you thought about one of the electrical vertical lift windows ?

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

We haven’t! That would be really unique to have! Not sure how we would do that!

[@Things2Delete]

@@BuiltDifferentGarage you could also start with a rear door from a full size suburban, that goes all the way down, and just fit it to the Jeep top.

[@MS-kh2je]

You may have some issue with the rear glass sealing at the straight up and down angle. Just something to keep in mind as you build. 👍

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

We have a plan for it! Definitely need to make sure it’s weather tight!

[@markkiger5219]

That roll bar issue was a real kick in the crackerjacks. Nice recovery. I think the back glass looks good. One idea is if you can fabricate a way to make the rear glass removable that would be great for summer to allow for more air flow. Just a thought. Once I get my top off I really hate to button it back up until the weather is just too cool for topless.

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

It was… thanks! I really like that idea, that would be fun to figure out. You got me thinking now haha

[@MS-kh2je]

Maybe add some interlocking tube clamps. They are weld in tubing ends that slip together like puzzle pieces and then bolt in place. They allow you to remove pieces of the cage. I sent you a message on Instagram

[@BuiltDifferentGarage]

That’s a great idea! I’ve seen them before! I’ll go look now!