99 TJ, took the body of last weekend and started removing, cleaning, painting and replacing if needed. Frame was only bad right where the skid plate for tranny was.
Started my first build
- Thread starter rbullock
- Start date
Wow, you don't waste any time for your first build! That's quite a project you're undertaking there.
For what it's worth, even the most rust free TJs like my old one have rust in that one area under the transfer case skid. Fortunately in most cases it's just really light surface rust and easy to take care of (as was the case with mine).
I like that homemade body lift you built. Is that using a winch or something to lift the body off the frame?
What are your plans while you have the body off the frame?
For what it's worth, even the most rust free TJs like my old one have rust in that one area under the transfer case skid. Fortunately in most cases it's just really light surface rust and easy to take care of (as was the case with mine).
I like that homemade body lift you built. Is that using a winch or something to lift the body off the frame?
What are your plans while you have the body off the frame?
OP
Wire wheel and sand everything I can. Then prime the hell out it. I order the frame rail patch kit and cut out the section that was rusted. Peace of mine... I’m replacing the original stuff like starter, alt, water pump, fuel pump and All hoses and brake lines. Etc. Etc.... the hoist was an old harbor freight electric which attached to home made 2x6 frame. Tons more to do, been collecting parts for 6 months. Most importantly she is glad I’m getting that stuff out of the house. Including me for a while!
OP
New frame rails showed up today. Started installing them, but ran out of wire for the welder. Also ran out of energy! Get back on it tomorrow. Besides I discovered I weld like a gorilla.... but it will hold.
OP
Frame rails installed. Two coats of primer and two coats of paint. Can’t work on it tomorrow (Easter Sunday) but this old body could use the break! Next is brake lines, vent line and put the gas tank back on. Then the back half will be done ish.......
OP
4 cans of engine degreeser and soap and water. It may not look perfect but it’s cleaner. Next gonna treat it with rust converter and then paint it black. Then hopefully put it back together correctly!?!
You're so close...Why not just remove the 4 bolts holding the axle to the control arms? It will be MUCH easier to paint that way.
OP
You mean these 4 bolts!!! Lol. They were rust welded in there. Guess I need new bolts... but it’s out now and I’m cleaning away!
You are going to town on that thing! Kudos to you. Looks like you are bringing that one back! Keep the updates coming!!
OP
Thanks MDE. I was just thinking I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with this frame and suspension. Then I remembered I still have the body to do... 
OP
It’s starting to look like something now. Putting those arms and springs in by yourself if hard. Hope she doesn’t find out I took the blanket off the couch to lay on!
That is looking sweet. Pure porn. Yeah putting springs in takes 3 arms/hands and two feet all at once. Great work. What lift components are you using? What did you do with the engine.
OP
Thanks. Yeah she said why are you cleaning, sanding and painting things that will never be seen! Aren’t you gonna drive it? I Said yep right to the mud whole! That way I get extra credit on my man card.... the suspension is a mixture of what I found on line; rough country, steinjager, bilstein. The engine was sound and strong so no internal work done. But I replaced all the attached items, water pump, power steering, alternator etc, etc. also fuel pump and all brake lines. I blew all of my budget except for a enough to get gears replaced. Those I’m letting a shop do.
LOL...Yeah, those. I had a couple of them like that too. I know what you mean about all the money being hidden underneath. I don't really have any "visible" mods to my jeep...at least, high dollar ones. Cheap Ebay bumpers, an inexpensive winch...I do have nice wheels and tires. Underneath though, its whole different story...Its a mixture of Currie, JKS, and OME. No one ever sees it, its all black and blends in. The only time I get to show it off is when I'm showing up the JK crowd on the trail.
Project is coming along Great!
OP
So, I sprayed the inside of the frame with “Green” Eastwood frame coating. Now I will be putting a third coat of paint on the frame to cover all my over spray! Had to order a new front track bar today, I didn’t like the one I had gotten awhile back ago. This poor Jeep is gonna weigh an extra 500 pounds from all the primer, paint and heavy parts on it. Lol....
OP
This is the perfect reason why I joined this forum. I will let the pics explain.... I never would have looked for it if wasn’t for you guys. Thank you.
OP
Yep. Exhaust manifold. Back pipe that goes to first three cylinders. Probably would have kept cracking and split after everything else was done and back running.
OP
