Wildman's TJ is getting a face lift

[Wildman]

Things didn't go as well as planned yesterday but I did get the fuel filler bezel mocked up and the corner cut and everything fits well. But I've got some other issues I've got to work out.

Started off thinking I'd use my body saw and go from there. But it didn't work out so I ended up using the plasma cutter instead.

@NashvilleTJ did you rivet or screw the filler onto your rig?

Used the body saw to trim the tub once I had this all mocked up on the corner.

 

[Apparition]

@NashvilleTJ did you rivet or screw the filler onto your rig?

 

[Wildman]

View attachment 331352

If I had a LS I'd consider it.

 

[Irun]

If I had a LS I'd consider it.

Well played!

 

[Apparition]

Well played!

He's used to low speed high drag and not the high speed low drag LS world.

 

[Wildman]

He's used to low speed high drag and not the high speed low drag LS world.

I'm more interested in TORQUE and power to the ground. If I want speed I'll hope on my Harley.

 

[Apparition]

I'm more interested in TORQUE and power to the ground. If I want speed I'll hope on my Harley.

Just don't drive through the oil leak.

 

[Wildman]

Just don't drive through the oil leak.

I've hit some oil spots and it's not fun.
And app knows I'm just flippin him shit about the LS.

 

[Apparition]

I've hit some oil spots and it's not fun.
And app knows I'm just flippin him shit about the LS.

Yep cause if they ever deliver it, it will have plenty of torque.

 

[Wildman]

The filler neck fits but I'm going to have fun routing the hose to the GR tank.

It just clears the shock tower also.

 

[Wildman]

Got to get some different fasteners but this gets it on so I can see what it looks like. And let's me see where I need to trim the filler bezel.

Going to have to add a few extra holes.

Looks good IMO.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Things didn't go as well as planned yesterday but I did get the fuel filler bezel mocked up and the corner cut and everything fits well. But I've got some other issues I've got to work out.

Started off thinking I'd use my body saw and go from there. But it didn't work out so I ended up using the plasma cutter instead.
View attachment 331345


View attachment 331346


@NashvilleTJ did you rivet or screw the filler onto your rig?

View attachment 331347

Used the body saw to trim the tub once I had this all mocked up on the corner.

Screws….

….and, well…a little JB weld.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

If I had a LS I'd consider it.

Yup - if that was the case you may as well have some hackery in the back end to match the hackery in the front end….


(and yes, Ryan knows I love him too)

 

[Wildman]

Got all the armor mount holes drilled out. Got to LOVE the spot weld bit that @Irun had recommended.

Also trimmed the wheelwells while I was at it.

My extra mount got drilled also.

Now to read the installation instructions from Metal Cloak and see where I'm supposed to put the nutzerts.
I've also got backing plates for the armor to make and rub rails.

While I was trimming things I cut the fuel filler bezel.

 

[Wildman]

I'd wanted to put nutzerts on the corner armor for the filler bezel and had drilled out the holes and found screws to fit and went to install then and guess what? Yep I broke the mandrel on the first one. New mandrel will be here on Monday.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Got all the armor mount holes drilled out. Got to LOVE the spot weld bit that @Irun had recommended.

View attachment 331535

View attachment 331529

Also trimmed the wheelwells while I was at it.

My extra mount got drilled also.

View attachment 331531

View attachment 331532

Now to read the installation instructions from Metal Cloak and see where I'm supposed to put the nutzerts.
I've also got backing plates for the armor to make and rub rails.

While I was trimming things I cut the fuel filler bezel.

View attachment 331534

That looks familiar…

 

[NashvilleTJ]

I'd wanted to put nutzerts on the corner armor for the filler bezel and had drilled out the holes and found screws to fit and went to install then and guess what? Yep I broke the mandrel on the first one. New mandrel will be here on Monday.

…and that sounds familiar.

 

[Wildman]

…and that sounds familiar.

I'd used the Astro tool instead of the one that the mandrel came with. It overpowered it.

OK let me say that this isn't a Slam against Metal Cloak. I bought these items 2 years ago and while we don't have the rust issue like back east it damp here. So the metal parts have rusted in spots.

A little bit of work with a wire wheel on the drill and no more rust.

I'm sure most people don't buy these things and wait 2 years before installing them.

I cleaned every piece up that I found any rust on.

 

[Wildman]

It's finally supposed to be warmer weather tomorrow. Fingers crossed .
I still plan on turning on the heaters tonight and leaving them on until things dry.

Feel like a meat packing plant right now.

The corner armor is too big to hang so I'll spray them sitting on the floor.

I've still got to cover the Jeep and all the other stuff in the garage. Hope I've bought enough plastic drop sheet.

 

[jesseshoots]

Brings back memories of painting my first car when I was in high school. Take your time and pay attention to the weather/cure time between layers.

Good luck