Check out her Body!

[Silascrum]

My cruiser that is. Looking for general feedback on body work that has been done to rusty rigs like this one. I'll start to work on the body when I get some of the electrical and mechanical working better, but am really torn what to do here. figured I'd start to ponder the possible solutions.

It being my late Father's cruiser I want to try to preserve as much of the original body as possible. I have heard of fiberglass bodies and I know can always get replacement pieces from parted out rigs. Are these gaping holes too big to fabricate? You all know the usual spots for these FJ's. What has been done in the past and what kind of a job am I looking at here if i decide to fabricate most of this?

ps-The lights was all that was left of the last jeep I saw. (They are temp)

 

[Silascrum]

hmmm...

Am I an idiot to try and keep most of the original body?

 

[GarnerFJ40]

How's the inside behind the seats? Wheel wells? Post up some more pictures... Oh and the bezel..

 

[dukebluerog]

Bezel Police!!!

 

[addicted56]

I think you can do it. Look to my "redneck rebuild" in the paint and body section for inspiration. I did it all pretty much by myself in 2 weekends. It isn't show quality by any means, but anyone can do it.

I think you won't have to many problems from what I see. The only real hard part might be that door. Looks like it needs to be re-skinned.

YOU CAN DO IT!

 

[Silascrum]

Bezel Police!!!

This would be the (on mine) black headlight cover... Is that right? This newbie has alot to learn!

Thanks for the encouraging words addicted! I reckon I'll patch it up.

 

[mtweller]

At the very least, door skins, rear sill, and some fenders. I might have some stuff at a decent price you could use. PM me your phone number and let's talk sometime. I've kinda' "been there, done that" on a lot of that stuff.

Ramon Weller

 

[1974FJ]

James,
What there referring to about the bezel is that its upside down. Just flip it over where the fat part is on the top.

 

[Silascrum]

hahaha, that's just great. That there bezel bent just enough for me to get a new headlight in. One of the bottom screws rounded out. I have tried screw outs, drilling, beating, everything but use heat and chemicals, which is the next step. My small tool collection actually increased significantly (not saying that much) in trying to get that little sucker out. Then I realized I could just slip the light in without taking the bezel off. Didn't realize it was upside down though or I would have made more of an effort. For now everyone will have to enjoy the upside bezel. I have a good excuse

 

[R.K.]

James,

I would try to replace the body parts like the doors and fenders - if you can find good used ones at a decent price. Then I would repair the tub if is isn't too far gone. It's been so long since I saw this Cruiser I can't remember how bad the rust is, but from the pics it looks like the rear sill and rockers are the major bad spots on the tub. I'll try to help you find the body parts if you want me to.


R.K.

 

[addicted56]

Screws,

Besides Cool Cruisers I have yet to find a decent price on screws and bolts. Not saying they are decent just the only place I haev found replacements. I just bought the necessary for now. Some of the more common ones on the rig are the ones that don't break but I was able to find a bag of 100 of them at fastenall. The rest I was out of luck.

But none the less you are going to need a cut off tool or angle grinder. If the stuff didn't come out on its own you will either stip it, snap it, or not be able to move it at all. I bet I had broken or cut off 90% of the bolts and screws.

 

[Flinny]

I have a 3/4 tub that might help you make things easier.....let me know if you would like to check it out.