TJ, fighting the rust battle or go with a JK?

J

Jeff Allan

TJ Enthusiast
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Have a 2006 Rubicon, only 33K miles. Few years back, had the driver's side fender replaced and painted, due to rust bubbling, it looks good as new. Now the passenger side is doing it, a few other spots all around showing up as well. The door hinges, bumpers, panel seams. The usual spots I see on Jeeps around here. Nothing rusting through anywhere.

Frame is solid. A few years back, I did Eastwood's internal frame paint, and got in all the holes in the frame to shoot paint in there. There was some surface rust and I used their rust encapsulator on any spots, and did that each year hitting the surface spots.

For around here in Ohio, it was up on the lift and the mechanic and workers there could not believe it's an '06. Engine and compartment look like new. They tell me to get it rustproofed. I'm not sure what professionals can do with it at this point, if it's worth it to do that at this point. If I take it somewhere, I feel they'll say sure, we'll rustproof and take the $. But I don't know how well they can slow down or stop what's there, as it's mostly small spots, but in a lot of places.

few years back, I thought about trading for a JK Willys, Never a fan of JKs, all the plastics and electronic stuff I don't need/care about, but the Willys model looks good, stock. I am seeing less and less TJ's because of the age. JK's everywhere naturally. and now JL's (ugh).. TJ's have that classic look and ultimately I would like to keep the TJ, as it runs so well, no issues.. but not if it's just not practical at this point. I don't plan on moving and we have to deal with some harsh winters/salt.. If I go for a JK, it'd be a recent one and I'd get it undercoated right away. Need some advice, please.
 
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JKs rust just as easily as TJs... FACT.

So, here's my advice to you.

If you think you can sell your TJ and get a JK, why not just sell the TJ and find a rust free TJ? I found my TJ from the original owner, 100% rust free, and in near perfect condition!

They exist, you just have to go to the right place to get them (such as the West Coast).

I'm not a fan of all the plastic and electronic B.S. on the JKs personally.
 
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Yea, all cars rust. Personally, I'm just doing the annual rust fight, here in MN. I've been fortunate enough to never see a spot of rust bubbling and only have some surface-level stuff on my underbody.

It sounds like you're taking the right steps, but also make sure to wash your car religiously during the winter months at a good place that sprays the underbody.

Getting a newer, rust-free car will turn back the clock a bit, but if you do that, you might as well just get a TJ from a rust-free area like Chris mentioned.
 
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I know that this will not help with the rust since it is already there, but...

A long time ago... a professor of chemistry in our school complained that most people looked for ways to rust proof their vehicles and no one really did it the simplest and cheapest way. He showed me two pieces of zinc anodes attached to the frame of his car and absolutely no rust on a 20 year old vehicle(this was in northern climate, where salt was regularly dumped on the streets in the winter).

I am sure most, if not all of you, know that zinc will oxidize before iron (Fe) gives up its atoms as long as they are electrically attached to each other. In other words, until the zinc is completely out, steel will not rust. This is the way the mariners save their engines from the salt of the sea and those zinc anodes are widely available. Why don't we attach those anodes and save ourselves from rust? This is a question to all the rust belters, I am in Cali and vehicles here do not rust for 30 years, so I don't need it but you guys do.

Please take no offense, I mean it well and really want to know the answer to the question posted. Have you tried?

https://www.asap-supplies.com/us/anodes/engine-anodes
 
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Chris said:
JKs rust just as easily as TJs... FACT.

So, here's my advice to you.

If you think you can sell your TJ and get a JK, why not just sell the TJ and find a rust free TJ? I found my TJ from the original owner, 100% rust free, and in near perfect condition!

They exist, you just have to go to the right place to get them (such as the West Coast).

I'm not a fan of all the plastic and electronic B.S. on the JKs personally.
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How do people do something like that? I didn't really even think about that. Finding a clean, unmolested TJ is probably going to be tough, and then I ain't got time to fly out and look for one and drive back. I really have no idea how I'd do it any other way. I think I'm limited to either going full on fighting the battle on mine, or there's a '17 JK Willys that's nice, I'd get it rustproofed immediately. Funny how I used to hate the JK look, lol...Still do, the four doors look like giant roller skates to me.
 
Tigerman said:
I know that this will not help with the rust since it is already there, but...

A long time ago... a professor of chemistry in our school complained that most people looked for ways to rust proof their vehicles and no one really did it the simplest and cheapest way. He showed me two pieces of zinc anodes attached to the frame of his car and absolutely no rust on a 20 year old vehicle(this was in northern climate, where salt was regularly dumped on the streets in the winter).

I am sure most, if not all of you, know that zinc will oxidize before iron (Fe) gives up its atoms as long as they are electrically attached to each other. In other words, until the zinc is completely out, steel will not rust. This is the way the mariners save their engines from the salt of the sea and those zinc anodes are widely available. Why don't we attach those anodes and save ourselves from rust? This is a question to all the rust belters, I am in Cali and vehicles here do not rust for 30 years, so I don't need it but you guys do.

Please take no offense, I mean it well and really want to know the answer to the question posted. Have you tried?

https://www.asap-supplies.com/us/anodes/engine-anodes
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I have a boat, with Anodes all over it. I think it would work for an automobile, but coupling it all would be a HUGE undertaking. Now, for a TJ, if you could keep the Frame and tub from getting bad, the rest would be considered perishable parts (ie maintenance items). I don't have any idea how big a piece of zinc you would need though, and how often you would need to replace it.

Also, salt water boats still have rust problems...NEVER buy a salty dog and try to bring it to freshwater!
 
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I have a friend who does great body work. I was thinking of possibly asking him to do every nook and cranny with this. Anyone have experience with this? If it's good stuff, I know he can take care of the panels and fender no problem.

p16257zp-16258zp-16259z.jpg
 
Jeff Allan said:
How do people do something like that? I didn't really even think about that. Finding a clean, unmolested TJ is probably going to be tough, and then I ain't got time to fly out and look for one and drive back. I really have no idea how I'd do it any other way. I think I'm limited to either going full on fighting the battle on mine, or there's a '17 JK Willys that's nice, I'd get it rustproofed immediately. Funny how I used to hate the JK look, lol...Still do, the four doors look like giant roller skates to me.
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If your gonna do it make sure it has 2 doors. JKs arnt terrrible but they don’t look as good as the TJs. I have to disagree on the jk vs tj rust tho. Jks do rust everything will rust eventually, but I haven’t seen any jks rusted out like the TJs. Obviously time will tell because these are much older, but I’ve seen 07 and 08s around here in my town that only have minor surface rust on the frames and bolts.
 
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Starrs said:
If your gonna do it make sure it has 2 doors. JKs arnt terrrible but they don’t look as good as the TJs. I have to disagree on the jk vs tj rust tho. Jks do rust everything will rust eventually, but I haven’t seen any jks rusted out like the TJs. Obviously time will tell because these are much older, but I’ve seen 07 and 08s around here in my town that only have minor surface rust on the frames and bolts.
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Wow, that's surprising. My reason was about getting a recent '17 JK and rustproofing. If I could get a '17 TJ, I would! But I can't spend the resources hunting down a clean TJ in the West. I recall, all three of my Jeeps that I purchased new had rust on delivery. None visible on our new Toyotas, Mazdas... They say it's just surface rust, but it's still rust.

There are threads with JLs and rust where the welds won't hold paint. That's crazy as much as they are yet.
 
Jeff Allan said:
Wow, that's surprising. My reason was about getting a recent '17 JK and rustproofing. If I could get a '17 TJ, I would! But I can't spend the resources hunting down a clean TJ in the West. I recall, all three of my Jeeps that I purchased new had rust on delivery. None visible on our new Toyotas, Mazdas... They say it's just surface rust, but it's still rust.

There are threads with JLs and rust where the welds won't hold paint. That's crazy as much as they are yet.
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My JK I had for 4yrs only had surface rust on bolts. Bought it new
 
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Jeff Allan said:
I have a friend who does great body work. I was thinking of possibly asking him to do every nook and cranny with this. Anyone have experience with this? If it's good stuff, I know he can take care of the panels and fender no problem.

View attachment 56706
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If your buddy is great at body work, he should know what products should protect from Rust in your environment.
 
Here's what kinda rust I'm talking about. The seams is where it's happening. I got a bit pretty much on all sides, plus the passenger fender bubbling. It's a bummer. Pretty much all the TJs around here look like this thanks to the sale/brine. Yes my buddy says he do the work to fix it up and slow it down, and he recommends oil to keep the salt from sticking.

I'm just so damn stuck on deciding to do it or trade towards a JK. Replace the fender, door handles rusted pretty bad, work fine tho'. The weird thing, the frame is in great shape and with low miles. I test drove a JK Willys...wow, I really thought Jeep would've made them cheaper, but everything feels so beefy and solid compared to the TJ. In the last decade we've bought the TJ, a Rav4 and a Mazda and that JK interior blows the hell out of all them. didn't drive half bad either! Still love the TJ of course, it's got the classic style and look. Hate to give that up and take on a car payment. lol..
rust_zps3m1rvjhr.jpg
 
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I personally own a TJ, JK and already ordered a JL ;) so I'm not biased in telling you in understand Ohio winters and I usually keep the TJ in the garage over the winter. I still don't understand the hate for the JKs, JLs and Four doors? I personally think LJ looks too odd and not symmetrical. It looks like it needs rear doors. I'm a Jeeper and love them all :)
 
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If you have a good frame you could always just POR15 it then cover it up with something like these.
0_15382598369492927856950736212027.jpg
0_15382598990719147578856851151367.jpg


Bumpers and hinges are easily replaced.

I don't see nothing wrong with the JKs either though as I've got both. If your not wheeling it hard and it's just a DD the JK is better, IMO.
 
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Jeff Allan said:
Here's what kinda rust I'm talking about. The seams is where it's happening. I got a bit pretty much on all sides, plus the passenger fender bubbling. It's a bummer. Pretty much all the TJs around here look like this thanks to the sale/brine. Yes my buddy says he do the work to fix it up and slow it down, and he recommends oil to keep the salt from sticking.

I'm just so damn stuck on deciding to do it or trade towards a JK. Replace the fender, door handles rusted pretty bad, work fine tho'. The weird thing, the frame is in great shape and with low miles. I test drove a JK Willys...wow, I really thought Jeep would've made them cheaper, but everything feels so beefy and solid compared to the TJ. In the last decade we've bought the TJ, a Rav4 and a Mazda and that JK interior blows the hell out of all them. didn't drive half bad either! Still love the TJ of course, it's got the classic style and look. Hate to give that up and take on a car payment. lol..
View attachment 57277
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That's nothing... You can get that fixed pretty easily.

Heres what I dealt with last winter

20180225_161409.jpg
 
Ranger_b0b said:
That's nothing... You can get that fixed pretty easily.

Heres what I dealt with last winter
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You have before/after pic? Or is it still like that? If it was just that one spot, it'd be easy, but it's everywhere, (passenger) fender needs replaced/painted. It's really all cosmetic but it's progressing quick and all around in spots on the jeep. There really ain't no real fix as cost a few body shops said it'll just keep popping up, and who knows how soon, I'd just be battling to slow it....or move on to a newer one and then oil/fluid film each winter like I wish I would've known years ago.
 
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Artemis said:
I personally own a TJ, JK and already ordered a JL ;) so I'm not biased in telling you in understand Ohio winters and I usually keep the TJ in the garage over the winter. I still don't understand the hate for the JKs, JLs and Four doors? I personally think LJ looks too odd and not symmetrical. It looks like it needs rear doors. I'm a Jeeper and love them all :)
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I was a JK hater for years, more the idea that it was more plastic and stuff, but outside of the bumpers and fenders, I don't think it is. and every time I driven one, I liked it more. Now with the way both of my fenders have rusted on me, I welcome plastic fenders. lol. Way easier to fix/replace/paint etc..

I'm with you, the JL looks don't bother me, except for the soft top. It's really odd looking. Just not into it. LJs looked awful when stock, but built up look great to me. The four doors, well I just can't get used to 'em.
 
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