[tatooweeny]

I'm working on bridge plates for it as well as mounting side handles to the body. I've decided for now to keep the rear CJ style fenders off, and will begin mounting various footman loops around the vehicle. -jake

[tatooweeny]

Here's some pics of the tailgate with jerry can mount...

Here it is closed...


And opened! The jerry can mount does not interfere with the door handle, but I do have to unlatch the jerry can from mount to lock/unlock door. No big deal, really. I was in the process of rigging something up to lock/unlock from inside the jeep when I decided on the soft top. Now I just roll up the back of top when I need to get to something, so all that work on the door was in vain. For now, I'll just keep it locked. But in the not too distant future, I'll probably remove the hinges, locking mechanism, & handle, weld the door the the body to strengthen the back, and mount the jerry can directly to the body. I also plan on fabricating a pintle hitch mount and the current setup won't work because the spare tire needs to be over to the left (passenger) side & mounted higher to clear the hitch.. It will be a high mounted hitch (1-2 inches up into body line), and it will take a lot of modifying to the rear cross member as well. And I still have to mount the shovel and ax to the sides, modify a split window (M38 style) to fit (weld) into the TJ windshield frame, rework the wipers, and mount a gas tank (inside body) above frame. Then I have to fill all the holes (including gas door) in the body, as well as all the mods inside!


Heres the view from the side of vehicle. That plate on the body directly behind the jerry can mounts was the original location for the tail lights. I put a directional spot light opposite side hooked up to backup light wiring Needless to say, people know when I'm backing up now and the view is great! -jake

[RockRodHooligan]

Originally Posted by tatooweeny

Here's some pics of the tailgate with jerry can mount...

Here it is closed...


And opened! The jerry can mount does not interfere with the door handle, but I do have to unlatch the jerry can from mount to lock/unlock door. No big deal, really. I was in the process of rigging something up to lock/unlock from inside the jeep when I decided on the soft top. Now I just roll up the back of top when I need to get to something, so all that work on the door was in vain. For now, I'll just keep it locked. But in the not too distant future, I'll probably remove the hinges, locking mechanism, & handle, weld the door the the body to strengthen the back, and mount the jerry can directly to the body. I also plan on fabricating a pintle hitch mount and the current setup won't work because the spare tire needs to be over to the left (passenger) side & mounted higher to clear the hitch.. It will be a high mounted hitch (1-2 inches up into body line), and it will take a lot of modifying to the rear cross member as well. And I still have to mount the shovel and ax to the sides, modify a split window (M38 style) to fit (weld) into the TJ windshield frame, rework the wipers, and mount a gas tank (inside body) above frame. Then I have to fill all the holes (including gas door) in the body, as well as all the mods inside!


Heres the view from the side of vehicle. That plate on the body directly behind the jerry can mounts was the original location for the tail lights. I put a directional spot light opposite side hooked up to backup light wiring Needless to say, people know when I'm backing up now and the view is great! -jake

click free, sweet rig man, I'd love to do this to a TJ!

[NJblackdeath4x4]

seriously thats the baddest tj ive ever seen in my life....you are a talented individual

[JeepinMass]

very nice theme built Jeep. You should be proud.

[Barrio]

have you taking this to any jeep show or anything? That is award winning no lie

[Roknut]

I have to agree, that's the most awesome looking Jeep ever

[WillysEdition04]

Amazing work. Especially with that ragtop. Kinda makes my willys edition TJ look like a joke!

[zeke6785]

wow from the back that looks almost like an old MB that looks great

[Camo Deere]

The detail you put into this is incredible. Great work.

[WillysEdition04]

The next logical step... lose the roll bar.

A member on this forum actually made his roll bar removable. He posted a pic of it in my thread about my project...

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/2004-willys-pkg-theme-mods-509189/

that thread might help inspire you with some other ideas as well. I got some pretty good responses when asking for ideas and inspiration.

[tatooweeny]

The only problem with losing the roll bar is that if you roll the jeep, you lose your head!

[WillysEdition04]

Originally Posted by tatooweeny

The only problem with losing the roll bar is that if you roll the jeep, you lose your head!

Not a risk you're willing to take, huh? ...and I thought you were committed.

[tatooweeny]

Hello all! another update...

It's HOT in Sacramento, so I decided to take off the side curtains and doors.



I also pushed back the middle bow with a couple of grommets on the side rails to pull the canvas tight & keep the top from "sailing" in the wind.



Still has a problem with high speed though, I'm thinking of adding some kind of removable bow that gives the mid section a little more tension when driving on freeways. Anyone try the Genuine Zuse cover bow? Any other suggestions?

Here's one of the tool boxes I mounted on the rear wheel well (driver's side). It's the smaller of the two...



And here is the passenger side, slightly taller....



These 2 tool boxes will eventually have locks, and will hold my tools and recovery gear. I will also add a brace/frame around the bottom later on when I add the oil canister mount, the first aid box, and the 5 gallon water can. Their low profiles and slightly angular tops has a military look to them. They were purchased at Ace Hardware for something like 16-18 bucks each. At home, I grinded the handle rivits off, and added plastic buttons to fill the holes.Then prepped and painted. The whole thing only took a couple hours, and they turned out nice. I know they are not the most sturdy or secure, but I don't carry any expensive tools, so it'll do. Check back in a week, I'll have more stuff to show! -jeyk

[0utback]

Excellent continuation. I'm really enjoying your build. How did you attach the tool boxes? Interior pics?