in order to get my jeep inspected I need to do some rust repairs. I already completed the frame and it's just the tub that's the issue at this point. It has some pretty massive rust holes, especially near the center body mounts where there's basically nothing left. It also has a a few holes on the outside that make their way to the inside. I found a tub for $400 near me that's pretty much rust free. I'm not concerned about the work, the only problem is that I would need to paint it (chili pepper red pearl). I have no idea how much that would cost. I'm just wondering whether you guys think it is a better idea to just replace the tub or try and repair it.
Should I buy a new tub or fix the old one?
- Thread starter cparker249
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- rust rust repair tub
My move is to replace in this case. The reason is because you don't know what else or where else you could have an issue, particularly as bad as this is rusted. Ya, you will shell out some for some paint, but don't you want to do it once, do it right, and be done? Once it's done, you can rest easy that at least that portion is not going to come back and bite you.
Rubicon88
TJ Addict
Depends on your fabricating skills.
If you feel up to it anything can be repaired.
It will be significantly less $$$ as well
If you feel up to it anything can be repaired.
It will be significantly less $$$ as well
That’s pretty hard work to do if you no have a lift but not impossible if you have the skill set and the willing. I do use this company torque box instead of remove and spot weld. All depends how much its the damage.
https://www.autorust.com/product-category/jeep/jeep-tj/
https://www.autorust.com/product-category/jeep/jeep-tj/
So...I just went through this. Mine wasn't in as bad of shape. I wanna ask a question. If you're going to weld and repair the tub, your gonna need to paint anyway. I know you think the rust is just in the body mounts. It's not. Maybe your just going to get it repaired to pass inspection...
Anyway, I replaced my tub, with the thought being that I'd have less overall downtime. I ended up being able to sell my old tub for about half the cost of the new one. Money well spent in my opinion.
Anyway, I replaced my tub, with the thought being that I'd have less overall downtime. I ended up being able to sell my old tub for about half the cost of the new one. Money well spent in my opinion.
Replace if you can do it yourself. Cost for a shop might make the job cost more than the Jeep is worth. Keeping as a parts vehicle might be an option?
I think I'm probably gonna go ahead and replace the tub. I've already replaced fenders, hood and fixed all the rust on the frame, so this is the only part left that has an rust issues and I'd rather do it right than just having a temporary fix.
I think I'm probably gonna go ahead and replace the tub. I've already replaced fenders, hood and fixed all the rust on the frame, so this is the only part left that has an rust issues and I'd rather do it right than just having a temporary fix.
Both options are viable but with tub replacement, don't under estimate the amount of space that a vehicle in pieces takes up, and you might have 2 of them at once. You'll obviously have to be well organized. I'm not saying you won't be but I've seen some disasters that have lead to guys giving up ... and selling me some good parts! 
This^^^^^ Also, don't underestimate the amount of time it will take. It's not a hard job, but it can be if you don't approach it with patience, a good plan, a place to work easily, and a helping hand.Both options are viable but with tub replacement, don't under estimate the amount of space that a vehicle in pieces takes up, and you might have 2 of them at once. You'll obviously have to be well organized. I'm not saying you won't be but I've seen some disasters that have lead to guys giving up ... and selling me some good parts!
Yes...both of the posts above are full of wisdom. My tub replacement has become my second job. The light is at the end of the tunnel, but its a lot of work. I have a 24 x 30 shop w/ an attic (which is almost a second story). By the time I got my tub old tub taken apart and off, with the new tub and the chassis...I was out of room. Had to move stuff outside to work, then put it back in for the nite.
The thing with the time...once you get to the point of a tub replacement, you have a LOT of stuff that needs to be refinished and cleaned up or just flat out replaced. Fasteners, brackets, clips, wire and hose organizers/tie downs. All that random stuff you don't think about. If you're not sourcing that stuff when you're tearing it apart, you'll spend a TON of time just waiting on items to arrive from vendors or coming up with another solution. I feel like I haven't gotten ANY progress done on my jeep for the last three days, just because I'm working through refinishing the last few brackets that need it. I gotta get some more of the dashback together, just so I feel like I'm making progress again.
The thing with the time...once you get to the point of a tub replacement, you have a LOT of stuff that needs to be refinished and cleaned up or just flat out replaced. Fasteners, brackets, clips, wire and hose organizers/tie downs. All that random stuff you don't think about. If you're not sourcing that stuff when you're tearing it apart, you'll spend a TON of time just waiting on items to arrive from vendors or coming up with another solution. I feel like I haven't gotten ANY progress done on my jeep for the last three days, just because I'm working through refinishing the last few brackets that need it. I gotta get some more of the dashback together, just so I feel like I'm making progress again.
Geography plays a big part in these decisions..here on the west coast that tub would be scrapped without a second thought..granted usually the only rusty jeeps we see are transplants from the East coast/midwest but I have seen a few from the Oregon coast that are rusty. I have friends on the east coast that have no issue fixing tubs that look like this
I had to repair both torque boxes on my tub. If the condition had been worse, I was prepared to find a new tub.
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