so you just rub the seam sealer into the grooves?
What would be better, seam sealer or bondo? I’ve got bondo.
Have you considered bolting or gluing a rubber pad to the top of the door? Cover the seam.
05 Flame Red TJ Build
- Thread starter JMT
- Start date
Have you considered bolting or gluing a rubber pad to the top of the door? Cover the seam.
Bondo will likely crack as the door flexes, but maybe some fiberglass reinforced stuff maybe? Seam sealer will flex, but it will be noticeable over paint, even if you smooth it out with thinner.
Well, I can always add more metal. The door will be red, but I’m thinking of painting the top of the door silver so it stays cooler. There’s a break along the transition. Maybe it will look normal, although a smooth transition is always nice.
I’ll have to look into fiberglass reinforced putty or something.
That could work. I’m going to sleep on this one. Water pump needs replacing anyway. It’s on order. Wife’s Yukon needs work too, so I’m busy. Doing the doors is more fun though!
yep apply the seam sealer in its final shape as you go. It will get firm but not hard.
What would be better, seam sealer or bondo? I’ve got bondo.
Seam sealer will flex and is less likely to crack. Apply it to an etch primed surface. @bobthetj03 what do you suggest?
Agree, etch primer first, then seam sealer, primer, paint.
Ok, great, then I’m set. Thanks Jim and Ricky. I have some time to figure out how to use it, and I think I’m in a good position. I can get it as level as possible with my belt sander, bring it to 400grit with the orbital, then 1K self etch, then the seam sealer, prep for paint. Should turn out nice. Really appreciate you guys insight and knowledge.
I found a Mopar water pump. They are still readily available for the 05-06. They are a bit spendy, just shy of $200.
Mines leaking a good amount. I think it’s still working because temps stay close to 210, but I’m not driving it anywhere more than five minutes from the house till I get the new pump. So excited. I love working in tight spaces.
P.s. I think the water pump model is different for 05-06, and it appears more readily available than the others. How many miles are on yours? I’m at 110,000
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Mines leaking a good amount. I think it’s still working because temps stay close to 210, but I’m not driving it anywhere more than five minutes from the house till I get the new pump. So excited. I love working in tight spaces.
P.s. I think the water pump model is different for 05-06, and it appears more readily available than the others. How many miles are on yours? I’m at 110,000
The ‘04 pumps are available too as far as I know.
Mine failed at 170k, and it was the original one as far as I can tell.
Replaced mine in a gas station parking lot. Took just over an hour I believe, so you definitely got this.
I used just the gasket, no rtv, and no leaks whatsoever.
What I’ve learned is prep is key with these things.
What I’ve learned is prep is key with these things.
The Mopar water pump arrived. Now all I have to do is install it. Not my favorite way to spend my day off, but it is the way to get the Jeep back on the road!
New water pump installed. I decided to start it up before re-installing the fan and shroud. Still had a leak. Watched for a bit and saw coolant running down from the thermostat. 
Pulled it off, cleaned it up, put it all back together. G2G! Presumably it was a Thermostat leak all along. Can’t see crap though. I’m keeping the old water pump. Might be good for another 50,000 miles. These will be harder to find in years to come.
Pulled it off, cleaned it up, put it all back together. G2G! Presumably it was a Thermostat leak all along. Can’t see crap though. I’m keeping the old water pump. Might be good for another 50,000 miles. These will be harder to find in years to come.
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Got some seam sealer. The guy at KC’s Auto Paint Supply talked my ear off. He knew way more than me. He was looking at my door and discussing how I should strengthen it…
I added some spot, welds along the seam and prepped everything for painting. 1K Self Etch prime. I’m not buying anything else. I have about $300 in these and I don’t want to spend anymore. Otherwise it’s not worth it. Just buy new trail doors. 20 more minutes and I’ll turn them over and get the pretty side done.
I added some spot, welds along the seam and prepped everything for painting. 1K Self Etch prime. I’m not buying anything else. I have about $300 in these and I don’t want to spend anymore. Otherwise it’s not worth it. Just buy new trail doors. 20 more minutes and I’ll turn them over and get the pretty side done.
It took me way too long to upgrade jack stands. It’s more than reasonable to rake me over the coals for using the little ones for 6 years. They built 5 Jeep’s. 3 of our own and two forum members. I feel fortunate to be alive. There was one rather dicey occasion where my Jeep almost fell off. That was about two years ago. Glad to have these. The little red ones sold in 1 hr on Marketplace. Now to replace the silver/black.
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