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Back around 50 or 60 years ago, I built a hardtop for my 37 by wrapping a softtop frame and bow with 12ga steel, using a sliding back window out of a Duece.
It was strong enough to serve as a roll bar without significant damage when I rolled the truck (which I did more than once).

But it was so heavy that it took two people to lift it off or install it.

I'm thinking about building another for my XM708, but I'm thinking about going to 14 or 16ga to reduce the weight while giving up some strength and rigidity.

Any thoughts or advice about the tradeoff ?

I had one made of 18ga and it still took a minimum of 2 people to r&r the thing. 3 was better. I sold it and have stayed soft top since. I much prefer driving with no top and the windshield folded.

Me too, but I've discovered I don't much like getting drenched when It's raining, and speaking from experience, soft tops don't make great roll cages - which is why I built a hardtop all those years ago.

Are those sliding Duece rear windows still available?

And how stiff was that 18 ga ?
Do you recomend its use ?

I wouldn't have relied on mine to serve as the floor. It was plenty stiff, but didn't have a stiffening skeleton frame.
Mine had two semi-oval windows that were fixed.
I am past the age of hooliganism in my trucks. Upside down is not a position they are likely to find themselves in.

"I am past the age of hooliganism in my trucks".

I'm only 83, so I may still be a bit of a wild child....

I thunk I'm gonna go with 16ga.

Hold down clamps for the hard top

Went out to the hangar today and found a complete softtop frame.

Looking good Jim!
Gary