[Guest]

My CJ needs a new body./wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif I can't decide between fiberglass or metal. Fiberglass won't rust, but it cracks. Metal doesn't crack and has a bit more "give", but it rusts. Living in Michigan, I'm not sure what impact the cold would have on the fiberglass, but I know what impact the salt has on metal /wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif.

So... I'm looking for opinions from those that have fiberglass and/or new metal tubs. Thanks.

 

[Guest]

I just recently replaced the tub on my 79 CJ7 with a metal tub that I picked up at a salvage yard, luckily it had no rust and came off a california car so I did luck out. I did look into a fiberglass tub but with the total cost for the tub, windshield frame and tailgate plus the attachment kits and shipping the cost came to about $2750.00 (4 wheel drive hardware). So, I went with the metal.
Also, I have a bit of a bone-headed purist view in that I figured if I was going to a go to all the work with a ground up rebuild then by god I was going to go with the metal tub.
Maybe this is not the most rational decision and I know a bunch of folks who love their glass tubs but like I said I'm a bit bone-headed. Hope this helps
You could also ask CJDave. In my mind he's TOPS. My wife has even begun to ask "Who is this dave guy?" The man is truely a wizard with all things mechanical and one hell of a nice guy.
all the best
sean

 

[CJDave]

/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif You know, there are some darn good body protection coatings now that can be installed, and as long as the body was off, and especially if it were new, you could really spend the time and get a super surface on the critical areas. You could also move to Phoenix Arizona, I hear it doesn't rain much there and stuff lasts a long time. If I am not mistaken, I think the JAFFER did a dual-coat tub treatment...if it wasn't JAF, then it was someone else. You are bound to get some responses to this post which will help, but my money would be with the steel tub and an extensive protection coating./wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif

CJDave

 

[LooseNut]

Well......Not to go against CJDave, but I too am in Michigan, and if you go with the Steel tub you'll probably be fixing rust on it in a few years. That is if you drive it on the road in the winter (that's what Jeeps are for). They just flex too much and there are too many little cracks and crevaces that can get salt in them and start that old rust problem. I just loved it when every Jeep I ever owned started to bubble up at the seams between the rear corners and side panels. My money is with the 4WD Hardware body. A tub from them is $1200.00 vs. a used steel tub for $800.00. Then you'll still need a new front end whichever way you go, not to mention a windshield frame and all new hardware.
Where are you in Michigan? I'm in Onsted. I know of a guy in Chelsea who (a year ago) had a '90 or '91 Wrangler tub fo $800.00. Email me and I can give you his name and number. Oh....it had a little bit of rust on it where the floor and side panel are joined.

Loose nut behind the wheel
Another right-wing conservative.....

 

[Guest]

I'm a bit leary about using a used tub since you never know what condition those seams are in (plus they're hard to find). I was going to buy a new tub whichever way I went. Why would I need a new front end? That's the best part of this jeep /wwwthreads_images/icons/laugh.gif. A windshield frame I can see... that's going /wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif

I'm in Southgate - go all the way east from Onsted then a little north (South of Detroit). I'm not really interested in a Wrangler tub though, I think it would clash with the CJ stuff /wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif. I appreciate the offer and thanks for the advice.

 

[Guest]

Well, I think moving is out of the question, but I'll check with my wife /wwwthreads_images/icons/laugh.gif

Have you done a new tub? Treatment sound good, but the Michigan winter salt tends to eat things. I'm more concerned about durability. If you hit something with a metal tub, it'll bend (and probably scratch and rust). If you hit something with a fiberglass tub, it'll crack (maybe? depends how hard you hit). Now, which is easier to fix, a bend (and paint and/or rust) or a crack (if it cracks).

Then, there's the twist factor /wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif Decisions, decisions....

 

[CJDave]

/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif You know, this might be a good question to ask BigMan, he has a CJ7 and did the fiberglass tub thing. He bought the tub without the tailgate. Go to his web page and check it out. I got my rear taillight mounted flush first from him, then someone else said to cut them into the rear panel high to get into the interior. We are considering that very thing. BigMan has a tip on the rear light thing on his page too./wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif check it out./wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif

CJDave

 

[Guest]

I'd have to agree with cjDave on this one. There are so many different types of coatings out there that you can use to prevent rust. I think its overland willys that will do a special rust preventive on there tubs when you purchase one. Also, if you buy one new, I would take it to someone, turn it upside down on the trailer and have them spray it on the underneath side with a good polyurathane coating while they could get to all the holes and cracks. Metal would definitly be my choice! Steve

Mopar360yj
87yj+20,74CHR.030360,SOA,35BFGATs,46RH,241DHD,
D60-44-4.10

 

[CJ7Taz]

Fiberglass! No two ways about it.

I did my CJ7 about four years ago using an AJ's tub and one piece front end. It's quieter and even
warmer in the winter. The one piece front end is great when it comes time to work on the engine. I can
even change oil without getting under it.

Now if I could just find a carbon fiber frame...

 

[1538]

Do you have a CJ7 or a 5? i have a 5 that i am trying to sell in order to buy a 3b, and it has a brand new steel tub, front fenders, hood, windshield frame and windshield. I would be willing to part it out...heres a pic too.

 

[Guest]

I was going to mont those lights higher and in the inside potion of the tub but then decided i didn't want the possible leak source. I'm trying to keep holes drilled the tub to a minimum, thats half the reason i never reinstalled the fresh air portion of the heater.
I like my fiberglass tub. Here in Wisconsin they use an ungodly amount of salt on the roads. I'v raveled alot, and very few places sat like Wi does. I originally wanted a metal tub but couldn't find a good used one and the only good new metal one i found was near $3000. Metal will rust no matter what, it's just a matter of time. If you get metl i'd suggest spraying the uderside and interior with por 15 and then having underbody protection put on it and have the interior bed lined. That will probably buy you a few years. I have friends with fiberglass tubs(newer ones) that havent had any problems with the cold winters on them. I am concerned about my rockers whil off roading, i really need some protection on them. That is the only placi i worry abut cracking the tub. It is also a notorious weak spot. I'm currently helping a guy work on his jeep with a replacement tub (A realy cheap one too) and it is a real hassle, i may have had to line up and drill everything for my glass tub but try stretching bolt holes an 1/8" over in a meatal tub.Nothing lines up on that thing and it is flimsy.

Al
<a href="http://community.webtv

 

[CJDave]

Re: New glass bodies

/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif When International came out with the one-piece, tilt-forward fiberglass hood/front fender group we got two of them, and I thought it was too good to be true. We could walk right in and stand behind the front tire to work on the engines, and it was great. There is some vibration damage over time, however, but oh how nice it was when we wrecked one truck to pull two pins and toss the whole nose into the junk pile and set another one on. Fiberglass has it's place, and I think BigMan's answer was, as usual, very well thought out and informative./wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif

CJDave

 

[Smokngun]

Re: New glass bodies

My $.02. I would go with steel...if I didn't live in Minnesota! No matter how much you spend, and how much time you put in to "Preventing" (read: slowing down) rust, it is still going to get you. And when you do start to notice rust through all that poly and por-15 it will be too late. Because all that stuff that keeps salt out, also holds moisture in! Then it spreads. Fiberglass cracks can be repaired in your driveway with some resin and 'glass mat. For steel to be repaired correctly, it has to go to the body shop. IMHO. As far as a Carbon Fiber frame...havent heard of that, but Advanced frame works will sell you a Stainless Steel one! I got a price from them for my CJ-7 (with NO frame options) for $3000 !!! Cool stuff though. http://www.montanajeepframes.com

Mike H.
1983 CJ-7 Laredo
/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gifo[[[[o