I know a lot of you have done the windshield fold down mod. I was concerned about how that effects the two overhead roll bars. Do they have to come off? If they do, what about the loss of those added roll bars.

Is is a big deal to do?

Any thoughts would be helpfull.

Well in many countries outside the US, Samurais didn't come with those bars or even the roll bar-just the targa bar and a 45 degree bar that bolted to the qtr panel.  The original Willys jeep, which the Samurai is heavily based on, did not have a roll bar. 

As far as the install of the kit, it is pretty straight forward.  Every market other than the US seems to have had it stock.

If you are just doing some mild wheeling in a relatively stock Samurai, I wouldn't worry too much about having the windshield folded down.  I think the Samurai has a very low center of gravity (despite what Consumer Report says) and roll bar will protect you if you happen to flop on your side.

Now, if you have something greater than a 4" lift (SPOA), I wouldn't fold down the windshield without a front cage addition.

I do a lot of not so mild wheeling and mild wheeling mixed in. I have a mild lift (4") but I am not worried about a slow motion rollover, but the more violent one. But I imagine most collisions would be violent in a Sammi anyway!

It just looks like a lot of fun as the images above show. I have been thinking I could weld a cross bar or something to keep the two overhead bars in place.

Are there any tricks or issues I should know about?

Thanks, Greg

If you are that concerned, get a front cage addition that welds to the stock Samurai roll bar.

As far as the install.  You bascially unscrew the old pieces and screw the new pieces on.

The one issue with getting rid of the side bar is, amusingly enough considering your handle, the soft top.  Most roll cages come straight forward inside the targa bar, after removing the outside window rails you no longer have anything to attach the sides of your soft top to.

Depending on the bikini top you can attach them to your roll cage rails, but there will be a gap next to your doors and water will get in.  One of these days/years I will get a top modified with the tie downs closer together to match my roll cage.  If I was building a cage from scratch I would be tempted to put a quick s curve in the cage to kick it out the few inches necessary to follow the original door frame line.  You would loose a bit of strength but it would give a bit more head clearance and give you the strap down point for your soft top.

I had my Wrangler shield down for a parade I drove in this week.  It was a very cool feeling.  I loved how open it made the vehicle feel.  Unfortunately without the side bars you can't close up the vehicle properly.

The one issue with getting rid of the side bar is, amusingly enough considering your handle, the soft top.  Most roll cages come straight forward inside the targa bar, after removing the outside window rails you no longer have anything to attach the sides of your soft top to.

Depending on the bikini top you can attach them to your roll cage rails, but there will be a gap next to your doors and water will get in.  One of these days/years I will get a top modified with the tie downs closer together to match my roll cage.  If I was building a cage from scratch I would be tempted to put a quick s curve in the cage to kick it out the few inches necessary to follow the original door frame line.  You would loose a bit of strength but it would give a bit more head clearance and give you the strap down point for your soft top.

I believe you are talking about the upper door frame bars aka window rails.  I still run my upper door frames when the windshield is up.  The are only affixed by a several phillips screws.

I think Mr. Breeze is talking about the inner windshild-targa support bars that came on US Spec Samurais.  I ditched those as I have a front cage.  I couldn't run them if I wanted to either as the front hoop is in the way.   

I had my Wrangler shield down for a parade I drove in this week.  It was a very cool feeling.  I loved how open it made the vehicle feel.  Unfortunately without the side bars you can't close up the vehicle properly.

Keith, it is a cool feeling isn't it!  Nice jeep too. 

Nice Jeep! I bet I could weld a cross bar to keep the short cab roll bars in place and still feel safe. Has anyone tried that?   

Where would the cross bar connect to?  If they are not firmly connected to something, like bolted to the floor pan or frame,  they will offer no protection in a roll over.  It will be for looks only.

Go with a front cab addition.  Much safer.  The Davesport (which I have) fits very well and is not intrusive.

I believe you are talking about the upper door frame bars aka window rails.  I still run my upper door frames when the windshield is up.  The are only affixed by a several phillips screws.

I think Mr. Breeze is talking about the inner windshild-targa support bars that came on US Spec Samurais.  I ditched those as I have a front cage.  I couldn't run them if I wanted to either as the front hoop is in the way.   

Those are the ones.  I see the point of a fold down kit is when I feel like putting the windshield down I flip two latches and go.  Not that I have to stop and take apart the roof first.  Probably because I have a dedicated wheeler.