CJ style turn signals added to the TJ grill

[Flivver250]

I have a pair of CJ turn signals I'm going to add the grill of the TJ. I like the looks, only reason. Well another reason is because I can. I have to cut a 3.5 inch hole in the grill for the lights to recess/fit. Here is the question I'm pondering. As it requires I buy a tool to do a clean job, which to buy? The $290.00 Makita cordless nibbler or the $110.00 carbide hole saw? The nibblers cut up to 16 gauge which should do the trick and the tool would be a good weapon to have in my arsenal. The carbide hole saw may be a simpler endeavor, but doubt I'd ever use it again. Thoughts? Other options?

 

[CharlesHS]

Depends upon whether you want a hole in the grill that fits the signal housing precisely or risk the chance of deforming the grill surface while nibbling.

 

[scottgraham]

Regular hole saw works fine.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/cj-turn-signals-on-tj.15242/#post-245362

 

[scottgraham]

Just measure like ten times!

 

[Brokeass Boater]

Hole saw all the way. You'll have a cleaner job over nibbled. A 3 1/2" hole saw is less then 50.00 for a saw and arbor. Start with the drill in reverse to get a starting grove then cut forward,,,gregg

 

[Goatman]

100% with Brokeass. Even a cheap Harbor Freight hole saw is good for more than 2 holes in sheetmetal. I'd just add to put the starter hole in the center first. This way you have perfect visibility to be sure you are centered dead nutz. Then use the hole saw with the center arbor in the pilot hole.

 

[lowranger]

Looking forward to seeing the finished project.

 

[Peter Panagakos]

I think this is a great idea. I like the CJ turn signals much better. What if anything will you do with the TJ fender turn signals? Would look better if there is a way to get rid of those. Guess you would need to weld in covers to mod the fenders.

 

[lowranger]

Just measure like ten times!

View attachment 148644

Did you go with the original clear lens CJ turn signal?

 

[Flivver250]

Thanks guys, when the tool comes I'll post pictures. I got the clear CJ replacements.

 

[lowranger]

Thanks guys, when the tool comes I'll post pictures. I got the clear CJ replacements.

That's great! Looking forward to it.

 

[Flivver250]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E7QZ4G/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[scottgraham]

Did you go with the original clear lens CJ turn signal?

LED

 

[Whitetrash]

I did it with JK turn signals in the grille of my TJ . I just used a regular ol Bosch power drill with a hole saw bit. turned out perfect!

 

[scottgraham]

I believe @jscherb has turn signal deletes on (one of) his...I just lopped my fenders...then got new ones.

 

[jscherb]

I believe @jscherb has turn signal deletes on (one of) his...

Not on any of my Jeeps, but I made up turn signal delete plates as a test, there's one on the black fender in these photos of a front clip mockup with my new grille overlay.

They bolt in place of the factory turn signals and can be painted with rattle can touch-up paint to match. Here's one off the fender:

While the are a bit visible on the fenders, considering they bolt in place and don't require any bodywork or mods to the fenders, and considering there are other visible body seams at various places on the Jeep, I think they're a good solution for moving turn signals from the fenders to the grille.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I did it with JK turn signals in the grille of my TJ . I just used a regular ol Bosch power drill with a hole saw bit. turned out perfect!

Same here. The OE TJ turn signal bulb enclosure twist-locks perfectly into the JK turn signal enclosure.

 

[billiebob]

Your drilling 2 holes.You want a hole saw but no need for carbide. Just get a quality brand name. No way is a nibbler a better choice.

 

[billiebob]

I made up turn signal delete plates as a test. They bolt in place of the factory turn signals and can be painted with rattle can touch-up paint to match.

View attachment 148768

Are these available retail anywhere ?

 

[lowranger]

I did it with JK turn signals in the grille of my TJ . I just used a regular ol Bosch power drill with a hole saw bit. turned out perfect!

I like the looks of the original clear CJ turn signals like I had on my 1974 CJ-5.