97 / 98 tub swap, paint job, and overhaul

[robbcrabtree]

So picked up a 98 back in November. We knew it had been in a accident, and all the damage was hiding under the body armor. We wanted to wait until after the holidays to really get started, so the entire process kick off the first week of February, and we were all done by the second week of March. Not too bad all things considered. We picked up a other tub from a local forum member here, which saved us countless hours in repairing the original tub.

 

[robbcrabtree]

Once we knew how much damage there was, we grabbed that 97 tub, set it to the side, and started tearing the 98 apart to prepare for a full paint job, lift kit, wheels/tires, etc. We test fit all the panels on the new tub to check for any issues, and the had everything blasted except the tub to prep for paint.

 

[robbcrabtree]

Once the panels were completely stripped, we did a skim coat across the panels to get any small dents that couldn't be worked out and then shot some primer over everything.

 

[robbcrabtree]

Time for the paint booth to go up. Hit it with some black Sealer, then a few coats of paint and a few coats of clear and it was ready for the next step.

 

[robbcrabtree]

Onto some Raptor liner. We did the inner fenders, wheel wells, inside the tub and the firewall on both sides as well as under the hood. I think it looks pretty good.

 

[robbcrabtree]

Cleaning up the frame a bit, then installing the lift kit before getting the new body mounted up.

 

[robbcrabtree]

Setting the body on, getting all the panels fit, wheels and putting interior in next. Really starting to come together.

 

[Squatch]

Did you pick this up off a forum member who advertised the tub on Craigslist?

 

[robbcrabtree]

Custom bumper, lighting, more trim panels and wrapping up all the remaining little bits. Finally taking it for the maiden voyage since the overhaul.

 

[robbcrabtree]

Did you pick this up off a forum member who advertised the tub on Craigslist?

I almost grabbed one off Craigslist, but it was a later model TJ, so I would have had some other issues with fitment.

 

[Squatch]

Custom bumper, lighting, more trim panels and wrapping up all the remaining little bits. Finally taking it for the maiden voyage since the overhaul.
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Love the color!

 

[robbcrabtree]

Love the color!

Thanks. Hard to nail one down, but when you finally see the color you want, you usually know right away

 

[Squatch]

Thanks. Hard to nail one down, but when you finally see the color you want, you usually know right away

You paint for a living?

 

[robbcrabtree]

You paint for a living?

Nope, I'm just an IT guy that hates computers, so looks for an excuse to learn other skills that don't involve them, haha.

 

[Squatch]

Nope, I'm just an IT guy that hates computers, so looks for an excuse to learn other skills that don't involve them, haha.

Nice work! It looks great. You've got some talent there, Chief.

 

[robbcrabtree]

Much appreciated. Always been a car guy, so the underlying passion is there, which helps a lot. Honestly, I think anyone can do it, just need the right tools and the right space to do it right. If anyone ever gets the chance, I say go for it. Worst case, it's just paint. Take it off and try again.

 

[Squatch]

...the right space to do it right.

That's the majority of the issue for a lot of folks, myself included.

 

[robbcrabtree]

That's the majority of the issue for a lot of folks, myself included.

Yah, space constraints only compound how difficult the process can be no doubt. I am truly spoiled to have a sizable shop at the house. Now that the TJ is out of there, and I am about to sell the C10, I will have more room than I ever have in there. Guess I will have to find a new build.

 

[Mike_H]

Awesome job! I did a tub swap last winter, but ran out of time to paint. Yours look great. Mine is one color, at least, lol

 

[robbcrabtree]

One color is key, haha. I forgot to mention in the posts above that I did all the paint, but my wife and 6 year old did the bodywork so they could learn. They also disassembled and rebuilt the whole Jeep. I mainly supervised and offered advice when needed, but I was building my C10 while they were doing this. Kiddo was so proud when it was done. Get 'em hooked young, and they'll never have money for drugs, haha.