05 Flame Red TJ Build

[Wildman]

I thought the same. When I weld and grind a large gap I tend to leave low spots. Then I have to go back and weld and grind again. Plus, it’s difficult to get an evenly arched surface by grinding. Thanks

I think just do spot welds like you have done every couple of inches then grind it as smooth as possible then fill over with JB Weld. I would think it should look OK and hold up.

 

[JMT]

Unless the Genright pad I think you mentioned covers it, fill it all in with weld and grind it down smooth.
Because:
1) looks
2) you want a smooth place to rest your arm
2) right now its a place for dirt and sweat to collect
3) its not that hard

The GR pads are $150. I decided that was way too much so I researched pads. I bought two types of armrests. One type is for armchairs. The other type is for wheelchairs. Both were $20 a pair. I’m not too impressed with either, but I’m going to keep them till I can get a look at them with the doors on the Jeep, but my guess is I’ll probably just leave the top of the doors bare.

 

[Rickyd]

What about cutting a piece of plywood to your desired shape,then using foam and pleather or vinyl to make armrests? Its really easy and all you need is a stapler.if you want a padded armrest that is.

 

[Wildman]

The GR pads are $150. I decided that was way too much so I researched pads. I bought two types of armrests. One type is for armchairs. The other type is for wheelchairs. Both were $20 a pair. I’m not too impressed with either, but I’m going to keep them till I can get a look at them with the doors on the Jeep, but my guess is I’ll probably just leave the top of the doors bare.

View attachment 458043

If you leave them bare you might want to use some roll bar padding? Use weather strip glue to hold it on with. With my stock half doors I know I'm glad it's got the plastic panel. I'd think your arm resting on the metal wouldn't be comfortable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CLGZM14/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Or this?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098KJL6TH/?tag=wranglerorg-20

When I had the soft half door on my CJ5 I use rubber padding like this because my arm on the frame was uncomfortable.

 

[Apparition]

My JCR doors are metal on top, never had any reason to add padding.

 

[MountaineerTom]

What about JB Weld? Easier than welding it all and easier to file smooth and flat.

When my buddy and I built the lid for my Pack Mule trailer, he welded some strips on the inside, then I spackled it with JB Weld along the seam where the top met the overhang. Spent a couple hours a couple days later sanding and smoothing it before spraying it with some Rust-oleum textured bed liner. I knew I was using the textured stuff so I wasn't worried too much about getting it ultra smooth when I sanded it down.

I thought it turned out nice.

 

[JMT]

When my buddy and I built the lid for my Pack Mule trailer, he welded some strips on the inside, then I spackled it with JB Weld along the seam where the top met the overhang. Spent a couple hours a couple days later sanding and smoothing it before spraying it with some Rust-oleum textured bed liner. I knew I was using the textured stuff so I wasn't worried too much about getting it ultra smooth when I sanded it down.

I thought it turned out nice.

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It turned out fantastic. Beautiful pack mule.

 

[JMT]

What about cutting a piece of plywood to your desired shape,then using foam and pleather or vinyl to make armrests? Its really easy and all you need is a stapler.if you want a padded armrest that is.

I'm really good with wood, so that is an easy option for me. Totally good idea. That way I can make it exactly as I want. I think I'll finish this out and see where I am, but definitely send the armchair and wheelchair pads back to Amazon.

Thanks!

 

[JMT]

These PRP bags from GR might be cool! With my armrest I could drill those right in NP. Storage is always needed in a TJ!

I'd need some mad sewing skills like @jscherb or @NashvilleTJ to make somethign like that myself!

https://genright.com/shop-by-vehicle/jeep-tj-97-06/tj-half-door-bags-pair/

 

[MountaineerTom]

I'm really good with wood, so that is an easy option for me. Totally good idea. That way I can make it exactly as I want. I think I'll finish this out and see where I am, but definitely send the armchair and wheelchair pads back to Amazon.

Thanks!

Thanks. It was really rough when I got it and still has some issues to work out but it's usable as is. I just mess around with it when I feel like it and have time. The JB Weld was my buddy's idea and it worked out great.

 

[Wildman]

Thanks. It was really rough when I got it and still has some issues to work out but it's usable as is. I just mess around with it when I feel like it and have time. The JB Weld was my buddy's idea and it worked out great.

Has the JB Weld cracked any from going down rough roads? That's the only thing I'm not sure about.

 

[MountaineerTom]

Has the JB Weld cracked any from going down rough roads? That's the only thing I'm not sure about.

I just went out and checked and didn't see any cracks. In the last 2 years though, I've only had it on one long trip. About 2-1/2 drive one way with maybe 5 -10 miles of a gravel road to a campground un in NC. There is no suspension on the trailer, just the whatever about 22 psi gives you.

 

[JMT]

After driving home yesterday from an errand I noticed a coolant leak. Looks like it’s coming from the water pump. Something has been ticking recently. Can a water pump tick? Temps are still hovering around 210F.

 

[JMT]

Here’s how the door turned out. I still don’t like the seam between the structural frame and the door skin, so I’m going to fill all that with JB Weld. I hope these turn out ok. They definitely need a lot of love. I’ll have about $300 in them.

 

[bobthetj03]

Probably coming out of the weep hole. Time for a new water pump. Hope you can find a Mopar unit. I did mine last year and found one, but it was pricey.

 

[bobthetj03]

Another option to fill the openings could be seam sealer. The stuff they use on body panel seams that you can paint over.

 

[JMT]

Another option to fill the openings could be seam sealer. The stuff they use on body panel seams that you can paint over.

Thanks! I’m going to go with seam sealer since it will definitely be painted over, and you’re the paint specialist around here. Looks like you just load it in a caulk gun and go to town. Then sand down.

 

[Rickyd]

Thanks! I’m going to go with seam sealer since it will definitely be painted over, and you’re the paint specialist around here. Looks like you just load it in a caulk gun and go to town. Then sand down.

Less is more. Having a rag with paint thinner on it to clean up and smooth it as you go is a good idea. It doesn't cure hard so sanding probably isn't the best approach

 

[JMT]

They feel so much better with the armrest.

Re-purposing some XJ door jamb seals. Been in the attic for years.

 

[JMT]

Less is more. Having a rag with paint thinner on it to clean up and smooth it as you go is a good idea. It doesn't cure hard so sanding probably isn't the best approach

so you just rub the seam sealer into the grooves? And make sure it’s smooth? It’s got to harden at some point, right?

What would be better, seam sealer or bondo? I’ve got bondo.