What a crazy couple of days.....
The ROPs ended up being one of the biggest, dirtiest pains in the ass of this whole resto. From trying to remove the feet when I got it, to now trying to get them sorted. My Cage was either poorly put together from the get go by the folks at the now defunct "KitchCraft", or really abused when the Jeep was demilled. When I installed the Cage, nothing lined up nice and it was no-where near square. I wasn't satisfied with the fit and proceeded to cut the Cage in no less than 6 places, and realigned it all. After everything was butt welded together, I went back through with a drill and drilled some wells in all of the joints, and then plug welded it up. I'll sleep at night knowing it won't come apart if........ Anyway, painful task, but well worth it. Now I can stand in the Tub and lift the whole Cage up out of the Feet with minimal effort, and the Top fits like a glove.
Well, its finally ready for the top coat of paint. I spent alot of time trying to make sure everything is properly situated, the correct things are masked etc. I also needed to get all the other things like the Shifters, Park Brake Lever and Wiper Arms ready to go to be painted along with the Jeep as I can't install them, but want them to match. I also made sure that none of the wiring or rubber parts were exposed as it will end up peeling and looking like crap later. I took Robs advice and put the Radio Power Trays and all the other misc stuff in. Basically, only the Canvas will not be installed.
The ROPs is also going to get a good sandblasting and prime prior to the final paint. All that will be left for painting later is the new Rims after I pick them along with the new Tires.
Next Up, Powerpack and Diffs............