Jim's 85 CJ7 rebuild - Page 5

**Jim1611** · 09-10-2010, 02:09 PM

I marked the location of the new holes to fit the YJ tub. I cut these body mounts off the other day and will need to make some new ones, I made them back when I was planning on using a CJ tub. Things change. The two white lines show the approximate location the holes need to be moved out. The two mounts in front of the wheels that are different between the YJ & CJ I plan to make new plates that will fit inside the tub where the bolt threads in instead of cutting the mounts off the frame.

Do you guys think I ought to spray the bare metal on the frame and bottom of the body mounts with weldable primer?

**Skerr** · 09-10-2010, 03:11 PM

Wow! You were REALLY busy! The flag pole looks awesome. You have a very pretty place. Can't wait to see your work on the Jeep.

I had bought a Kobalt brand spray gun for my painting. It was Lowe's "high end" gun... ~$60. I discovered later that there are NO rebuild kits/parts available for it. It is basically a "throw away" gun. I DID find some o-rings in the specialty drawer on the bolt aisle... that made the gun useable again. But like Dave, I ruined some of the rubber cleaning the gun with solvents, so be careful. I haven't tried an HVLP gun yet, but I'll get one for the tub paint on Clay's rig.

Keep the pics rolling, Brother! Can't wait to see your progress...

**243** · 09-10-2010, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim1611

The two mounts in front of the wheels that are different between the YJ & CJ I plan to make new plates that will fit inside the tub where the bolt threads in instead of cutting the mounts off the frame.

Do you guys think I ought to spray the bare metal on the frame and bottom of the body mounts with weldable primer?

It won't hurt to use the weld-thru primer.

Vince (85YellowCJ) built new body mounts for his CJ frame, YJ tub using a piece of rectangular tube. They looked great and very easy to fabricate, I am sure he will send you a PM with pictures; I have not been able to convince him to start a build thread

The flagpole and stacked stone base look very nice!

Scott, it will save you some money if you learn from *my* mistakes

**Skerr** · 09-10-2010, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 243

Scott, it will save you some money if you learn from *my* mistakes

In theory... I just haven't been able to master the concept! I keep discovering mistakes that you haven't made!!

**Jim1611** · 09-10-2010, 05:15 PM

Thanks guys about the flagpole. I enjoy making stuff like that and my wife does too. It's nice to use stuff that free too! Just some effort.

Dave I did see the mounts that Vince made. We sent a couple of pms back and forth about them and discussing what we were going to do. You're right his look great. They may get copied!!

**Jim1611** · 09-11-2010, 03:39 PM

Today I started on the job of moving the body mounts, also needed to clean and organize the shop some to make room to work. You guys ever have to do that

. I turned the tub over to confirm the specs I found online, I don't trust other people's information very much. Everything measured out fine. My tub dimensions matched the ones on the drawing perfect.

I had made my own rear bumper that replaced the rear crossmember that was rusted too far to keep. Matkins frames utilizes the same thing in their frames in that they offer them with the rear tub mounts made into the bumper. I liked it so that's how I made mine, similiar. They also do a good job of tying the bumper to the frame. I also want to order some weld through primer before I weld any of these mounts in place, might give it a bit more protection between the frame and new mounting plate.

Also the tub mounts in front of the rear wheels need to be moved forward about 4 1/16". I had thought of simply making an insert that would fit into the existing pocket where the YJ tub mounts are located so that I could use the CJ tub mounts but have decided against it. I'll get some 4" square tubing and make my own. Wish I'd have had that today! Anyway here's some pictures of what things are looking like.

**Skerr** · 09-11-2010, 05:02 PM

You are Bad to the Bone!

**Jim1611** · 09-16-2010, 05:20 PM

I got a chance to work on the Jeep some this afternoon. I've been wanting to get started on the mount in front of the rear wheels. I bought some 1/8" 4x4 tubing and after looking at it decided it's too light for the mounts. I had some 1/4" 4x4 tubing and made some out of that. They have a little more material on the bottom edges than needed but I don't want to trim any more off till I get the tub on. I may somehow tie the role bar mount to it. I do plan to tie the entire cage into the frame as well. The mounts may need a little trimming where they sit against the frame but that will also wait till the tub is on. Right now they look to be a bit too long, that's good. I can line everything up that way by cutting some off the backside.

Ordered the body mount bushings too, they ought to be here tomorrow. Anyway here's what things are looking like. You guys have a great day.

**Skerr** · 09-16-2010, 05:49 PM

Looking good Jim. I envy guys like you! I was thinking... your frame could rot away but your mounts will still be there!!

**Jim1611** · 09-16-2010, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skerr

Looking good Jim. I envy guys like you! I was thinking... your frame could rot away but your mounts will still be there!!

Thanks Scott. Some of the guys been talking about preventing frame rot, rustproofing and cleaning frame.. and there has been talk of hot dip galvanizing frames. My frame wasn't too bad when I painted it, as far as rust. I'm thinking after all the welding, cutting and grinding are done and everything fits I may get it galvanized and then put some Raptor bed liner on it. It'll outlast me!!

You know I am a bit younger than you, I need to be looking long term

**Coiz** · 09-16-2010, 06:45 PM

Very nice work Jim, looking great. Those mounts will last forever.

**jatepper** · 09-16-2010, 07:24 PM

Hey Jim. Just caught whim of you build thread. Excellent work thus far!

SUBSCRIBED!

**243** · 09-16-2010, 07:54 PM

Nice work Jim

I did not measure them but the original mounts look close to 1/8" thick, did you you find the 1/8" tube to be thinner than 1/8"?

**caanzaldua** · 09-16-2010, 08:30 PM

I just spent a good while going through your thread, Jim. I'm getting inspired to start working on my project again after a year long hiatus. Keep up the great work!

**Skerr** · 09-17-2010, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim1611

Thanks Scott. Some of the guys been talking about preventing frame rot, rustproofing and cleaning frame.. and there has been talk of hot dip galvanizing frames. My frame wasn't too bad when I painted it, as far as rust. I'm thinking after all the welding, cutting and grinding are done and everything fits I may get it galvanized and then put some Raptor bed liner on it. It'll outlast me!!

You know I am a bit younger than you, I need to be looking long term

Galvanizing would be, IMO, the ultimate frame protection. Someone correct me if I'm wrong... to make paint stick to galvanize (long term) you will have to rough it up, which diminshes the whole galvanizing process. At least, this is what I have been taught. But you could be the first in your neighborhood to ride around with a galvanized frame! Think of the fad you'd create!