Quote:
Originally Posted by MSD
I’ll chime in way late on this (used to work for CCV, now retired). The CCV top is better as mentioned above. One thing not mentioned that SMB & field van does & shouldn’t do is cut out the last rear roof Pillar aka the D pillar. The B & D need to stay, they make the van much more structurally sound, that & the CCV frame is stronger & bolted in keeping the strength wear the roof was removed. Any other questions & Ray aka 1der will have you covered.
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This is a huge observation and one that needs maximum attention! When the C-pillar is cut or removed from the body something needs to take its place. On raised roof vans with the extended-height rear doors a fully framed metal "roll cage" is welded to the entire body from the B-pillar back to the C-pillar, the area where the doors close and lock against the body made special to accommodate DOT standards relating to how the doors are latched at the top in the rear.
Here's a few images of my own '05 E-350 with the raised fixed roof showing how such a "roll cage" is added, several photos showing how a replacement part is installed to retain the C-pillar rigidity:
https://imgur.com/a/iRmpb3n?grid
Sorry to derail the thread but the C-Pillar should never be removed permanently---it seems CCV has the correct way to do this with their tops!