Why Cutting the Roof off this Cadillac Escalade was a Disaster But I LOVE IT!

[@FlyingWheels]

The Ekster Black Friday Sale has already begun! Use Code: FLYINGWHEELS to get up to 55% off @ partner.ekster.com/FlyingWheels

[@frankportigiano1910]

I bet you can have a vinyl snap top made for this that can fold up and be placed in the trunk and if it rains can be quickly put on

[@MuniTechnology]

I know what you don't like about he roll cage. Jeep Wranglers have foam padding covered by a fabric "sock". This fattens up the bars. You could achieve the same look with foam plumbing pipe insulation from Home Depot. Then wrap it with something similar to hockey stick grip tape.

[@FlyingWheels]

Great idea!!

[@timothyradtke7612]

Pool noodles

[@MuniTechnology]

​@timothyradtke7612 Those could be too thick? The pipe insulation foam is already split. Whichever is cheaper and the cage would benefit from either.

[@RPike-bq3xm]

That’s it. The roll bars are too thin? Just a little more diameter would make a big difference.

[@muckraker610]

The roll bar just looks too spindly for that big of a vehical... the wraparound padding would sure help with that. Also, the roll bar might be just a smidge too high/tall. Looks a little too dune-buggy-ish.

[@bobbyjohnston3916]

Before putting it away this year you could lay sheets of plywood across the roll bar to avoid those puddles on the cover.

[@NickTarterOKC]

I think it's pretty cool. The roll bar made it a lot safer. I think if you put some padding on it like Jeeps and old truck roll bars would often have it would look a lot better. Overall, definitely a fun truck.

[@AMCguy]

we need MORE of this truck! I love it!

[@DBMD7]

I think the roll bar is cool as S**t. As someone else suggested, add the foam with maybe some Velcro wrap around covers to the bars.

[@SpeedyGeneralMotorsINC]

This is definitely worth it also my favorite Escalade generation ever I have my own 2005 Cadillac Escalade with the 5.3 LS3 and it’s never had a problem. Love the Escalade content keep it going

[@DGYtown]

Take it to a car max for an appraisal lmao 😂!

[@frankportigiano1910]

The roll bar makes it look pretty cool if you ask me

[@deezznts]

I love it man! What a blast it will be to take your family up to the lake next Spring!

[@trbstang]

It looks pretty good now that you are finished with it. But I do agree that some kind of snap on vinyl top would be a good idea to quickly make it tolerable in wet weather. Its a fun time vehicle!

[@briangallagher8881]

"....You can't even see a line..." *points at the line...😂

[@vincevansanten]

Get like a rag top made for it, can attach it by snaps, also get another bar welded on down the center of the cage

[@cobraSn]

I think you should spend the money take it to a upholstery shop and get a custom removable canvas for it like hummers have. I bet it would cost maybe 2.5k or so to get a really quality one made and then you can actually enjoy it during the rain. And possibly year round

[@dealsfromvirginia1773]

I'm not sure you are ever happy Craig. It's a constant pursuit for you.

[@Ryan-eh5pk]

Maybe get a tan canvas top for the roll bar. Sort of like a wrangler. That may help the look. Cool looking rig though!!

[@steveslocumb4745]

So cool Cadillac will probably start making them now. !!!!!

[@jackieagnor162]

I was thinking the same thing lol. It looks great.

[@FishinglifeNW]

I am a fan. It’s all about the little joys in life when and where you can find it. You are blessed to have multiple vehicles to enjoy

[@acamilop]

I like the roll bar, it looks mad max.

[@3404demon]

I think its pretty cool, I like the roll bar personally. I think it would have been better if you pulled the emblems then put them back on chrome. For the weather, go to an upholstery shop and have a top made like old Jeeps have. That top and the boat cover should keep the rain from pooling and the top will protect in light rain in the summer.

[@luckybguy]

I randomly ran into this channel with the video of the market and cars not selling but after watching a few videos i must say and I love it subscribed!!

[@CCerwin]

Watching you just go for it reminds me of when I made a red Conquest TSI a targa. Much respect for your vision and guts to think outside the box 📦, The conquest we made removable snap pin in braces for above the windows with a slide in seam snap on top like a jeep from a small upholstery shop

[@michaelsaint9181]

That looks great, well done Craig, you have a real go and that's all that one can expect of another, plus, you are a good dad getting the family together like you do

[@brianroness103]

If you like it that's all that matters... make a bimini top for it. Put it on when the weather catches you out and about

[@r.warrenharris3358]

❤❤❤ Escalade Convertible ❤❤❤. Definitely not perfect, but a lot of fun.

[@lesbogar5445]

Omg "You don't care what it looks like" is an understatement! I can't stop laughing

[@Dan_Bell007]

Hi Craig I know this might sound crazy but how about using commercial Saran Wrap the truck. Put it around the front window to the back and then over the top. It will seal the truck and prevent bugs entering. Just a thought

[@HeathStallcup]

If you want a working tailgate then you should start with the Escalade EXT.

[@busboyta]

Dude. It matters how much fun you had doing it. I could see you had a lot of fun. And a lot of fun for the whole family. Good Job Brother. Stay safe.

[@Steve_Gunner]

I'd say, have a canvas cover made for the rainy days and what not.

[@frankbalazs8816]

Get your boy racing Bmx!! I spent my life racing with my entire family! 1978 to 2016! Had to quit racing due to Crohn's and 5 stomach surgeries!!! Greatest sport on earth!!!❤

[@680ecks]

Yep sometimes I have a "great idea" . Sometimes they just don't work out . Is kind cool ,like borderline , something is just slightly off . I think if you went with square tubing on the roll cage it would help the look . Or larger diameter round it looks too thin on the big body. You got me wanting a old Escalade now .

[@mattnovotny6888]

I love that caddy but i think you'd be happier with thicker tubing for the roll cage - think about it. That jeep you showed earlier had thicker tubing and it looked awesome.

[@robertsmith9786]

It looks good and fun. The only drawback is the amount of time you spent on it. Your next one will be even better since you now have experience and know what you want. I can't wait for the next chop!

[@bobgarrett6202]

It was funny as hell when you took the tarp off with all the water, looks like something I would do. I have drove a Escalade a few times and like the way they run and drive but don't think I would own one. Thanks for the laugh....

[@richardmorris7063]

I like it & persistence paid off on this. Needs a couple surf boards & some cool lights.

[@dgeoffreyfitton2836]

Good for you Craig, you took the plunge and now you learned from it. Keep the truck

[@stevehild1387]

I have a 1989 2d Pathfinder I did the same things to about 6 years ago. The most fun vehicle to just drive around! I have been back and forth about adding a rollbar, but I just like the look without the rollbar. It is cheap, fun and a two tone paint job with house paint!

[@faithhopkins9261]

Roll bar looks pretty good maybe later just change some angles

[@doylesmith8678]

I'm a fan of it. I think it came out well.

[@victorrobinson7008]

Put together a tonneau cover that goes over the entire top and also around the windows so that the elements won't get inside Boat canvas material is the Optima material to use.

[@ramza78]

I also like the Roll bar minus the back section. But again I don’t know how else to do it better! Great vid! Sorry you guys couldn’t enjoy it this Summer! Maybe next Summer!!

[@E1320_]

Bring it over to Turners Apolstry in Rye and have him make a soft top for it, then you can drive it more often

[@ronaldwarren5220]

I had a buddy who loved cars but his family was poor. This vehicle reminds me of his beater. He bought a station wagon from the city impound lot and tried to make it as uncool as he could. Different colors of spray bomb, odd wheel covers from a scrap yard and the spare tire bolted to the roof. It was so nasty looking that it was cool.

[@DarkMatter727]

I think it looks a lot better with the roll cage. Makes it look mire bad ass, before it looked weird and cheap. Now it looks like it can be used for actual fun truck activities

[@lovejones72]

Love it. The roll bar makes it look finished

[@jasonmirabile5184]

Its a great proof of concept! I'd love to see the "more refined" version next!!

[@quintoy78]

I fell in love with the roll bar as the video went on. I think it’s cool as long as the front seat windows are down

[@markriley3057]

Great first attempt, I'm sure you learned a lot. If you do it again, start with an Avalanche or Escalade version. You would have a working tailgate and a finished edge bed sides. Also, they are built on the Suburban platform, so the rear windows would go down all the way and i believe a suburban third seat could be mounted. Also was thinking you could cut the top more like a 4 door Targa and leave the C pillar, providing a more natural looking roll bar. Ignore the side impact foolishness, cars were built for 30 years with true hard top 4 drs, the frame will resist the side impact just fine.

[@melvinnoble8552]

MAN! You really went down the rabbit hole with this one! 😆 One thing you can still do for inclimate weather use is have a jeep like vinyl top made! That might help?

[@FruitcakeFarms]

A roll cage shaped like the roofline of a Vista-Cruiser would be awesome!

[@jweast6005]

Roll bar looks good. Instead of a tarp/boat cover you might look at a pallet wrap style material. It would seal tighter and you wouldn’t get those lumps of water. Then just cut it off when you bring it back out.

[@SVRHobby]

Can confirm the rain on every weekend this summer in New England!

[@rick5619]

Craig, I would suggest smoothing out the transition between the rear full length panels that were added under the roll bar to the side of the rear quarter. Fill it in with fiberglass and redo the truck bed coating.

[@brianmaloney45]

We had the worst summer in decades in New England this year, it rained pretty much every weekend from June through September.

[@davidthomas2719]

You have something unique. Can't beat that

[@mikey7046]

Looks cool as hell

[@davemessenger1944]

If there were an UGLIEST vehicle contest in all of New England your Escalade would win First prize hands down!!!!

[@FlyingWheels]

What's the prize

[@danielhartin7680]

@@FlyingWheels Season tickets for the Patriots. Oh wait...........

[@torinobob]

Chip Foose is spinning in his grave, the friggin' guy ain't even dead yet.

[@Frossyt]

There’s gotta be a way where you can just take the roof and the back half off without cutting the window pillars. It still looks cool but there’s a much better way. But it’s all trial and error

[@youknowme8578]

I actually like the way the roll bar came out. Looks great.

[@terrallputnam7979]

Like the previous poster said wrap the roll bars with plumbing insulation and wrap it with some black fabric tape or just zip up black vinyl.

[@charliewilson3528]

Those long surfboards would make a ok roof for when it rains. Its cool.

[@scottbailey3835]

Damn it... Finally thought I was going to have an original idea to somebody's else's build, ie, "idea," lol. Just girth up them bars with pool noodles or something else of the like. With same color zip ties. If you could figure out how to semi miter together, would look a lot better. Dude did a great job on cage. It's ironic how I mainly watch you for what the, "hoop," is doing. But I do really enjoy your builds vs. like Gas Monkey. I think this is my favorite video in your collection. Fun content. Thanks for your content, I like how you show mistakes. Good recipe. Happy holidays to you and yours.

[@adamsherry1484]

LMAO - That fiberglass work is "Ghetto Fabulous" !

[@timj5413]

I’m not really a fan of the little video clips you keep adding. I like the way your old videos were

[@zeemughal86]

I love this this. Absolutely do. In my head I’m building a box with plywood to go around the roof area for the winter.

[@TheGreatSatan_]

Now you can tarp it for the winter the RIGHT WAY and it'll be ready next year

[@paulgore3835]

Up here in Maine we’d call that an awesome Island cah.

[@allendrake3150]

I like it bro, u should look into getting a custom vinyl top made for it. Would help too when u cover it for the winter.

[@victorrobinson7008]

But you must take it to an upholsterer to get the canvas top sawed correctly !

[@whychry]

do you have somewhere to put a shipping container to store it inn so brutal just leaving it out all winter just tarped

[@10JKUsah]

Also, very uninspected. Thank God you improved it, it looked terrible in person last year. Good thing it's fun!

[@GTFORDMAN]

i would have designed the rear section differently, it slopes too far back for my taste but other then that i think it really adds to the look of the truck! 😎

[@molnstv]

You should get a custom removable rag top made for it or a bikini top something that snaps or yips on

[@Awesomeandy126]

When it comes time to winterize it, wrap it like a boat. Add a center pole to keep the water running off it like a tent. Also you should have a Bimini style top made for the top. Just to keep rain out when needed.

[@bigdog8993]

Looks great and I think the roll bar ties the whole thing together 🙂👍😎

[@STREETRACEN4U]

that thing would look sick with a crazy offroad lift kit and huge tires. I like the roll bars i just wish they were thicker so if the truck actually rolled it could support the weight but its still nice

[@TheDon8771]

Personally I like the rig. Looks kinda dope. The main reason I like it though is because you like it so much. Who cares what people think though. You smile behind the wheel. That’s the main goal of making a vehicle the way you want it. I’m gonna go sub to your new channel. Stay awesome.

[@sandygalbraith49]

With no intention of being mean or negative I have to say do NOT spend another penny on this vehicle!!!! Send it to Jason Hanson for him to use in his self defense school in Utah so they can fire any kind of weapon they have there at it!! Would be super cool to see how it would stand up to an M-14. Keep up the good work love watching your channel.

[@GroundedFlyboy737]

Since you're basically just "winging" it with this project, I would buy one of those blue tarps from HD, then bungie cord it to your roll cage using the grommets. Instant roof when it starts to rain.

[@ceehads]

Love the car! Looks kind of funky with the roll bars but it’s probably a lot safer. Still awesome and the price makes it even better.

[@erikracz4162]

If you filled in the back roll bar, to match the wind shield support, it would look better, the look of it, is just too thin.. interesting video, thanks for sharing! 👍

[@HerbOldenburg]

It's Official - FrankenCad - Great Stuff - perfect for South Beach or Lauderdale beach street cruiser - Even west coast at Sanibel Island. I was thinking to get the Chevy Avalanche rear roll bar and cover and see if it can be modded around the back into the roll bar assembly. FrankenCad Avalanche - Its a sunshine cruiser. 2 paddle boards on top - ready to go - Thanks for sharing

[@gregsawyers8148]

Have custom fabric top made ...use the measurements from the chop top...

[@albertbarrantes3026]

The back part of the Cage needed to be lower, but looks good

[@victorrobinson7008]

Measure each opening on the roof area and ware the bars are is ware the seems are too go ,with snap rivets too hold down the canvis top !

[@johnbaldock6353]

Next week's video is Craig burn $50 bills on the drive wave!

[@illuminatidestroyerbear2231]

I like it with the roll bar, seems safer to drive the family around in now.

[@SYNERGYMIKE]

The roll cage or bars should be alot thicker, being so thin makes it look really ugly, if u cut some 6 inch weeping tile pipe from home Depot and wrap around the bars you will completely change the look - your welcome from Toronto Canada

[@4Mikezn]

Maybe you should try parking it on an incline when storing it to prevent the water collecting on the top.

[@you_cant_see_me_3000]

I think it looks way better with the roll bar. And it's safer!

[@reggiecarreiro1038]

I knew it was a bad idea when u did it. It’s cool that u got to enjoy it though

[@dominickmarge5049]

Craig for wat you have invested in that that is as cool as it gets, Love it

[@chrisbemke2312]

It's great for, like, Florida, but new ham. I don't know if u get summer like we do here in WA 2 months out of the year, lol.

[@nofameculture]

You have a new business in your hands!

[@equalitylove6355]

I like it both ways...it"s different and U really put some work into it👍,,,and it looks like it runs great

[@TheOne-yc1wt]

I think the one thing thats kinda throwing this off os the roll bar looks like it slightly kicks up at the rear but i think its following the same parallel as body as the rear of the truck sits slightly higher, i think adding a level kit to raise the front a little oughta correct that or slightly lower the rear, add some offroad wheels and tires and this thing will definitely turn heads

[@stasysjakubauskas2074]

Craig: Look at this how well it’s covered it you can’t even see the line The line: -------- 😁😁😁 I like this a lot btw, keep it up although I’m not sold on the bars neither, I think if they were chrome it would transform it especially with the chrome wheels if you’re keeping them on👍