BMW Blog

I am looking for opinions on what to do for a body on my 77 cj5.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t14/Gregs_jeep/IMG_0086.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t14/Gregs_jeep/DSCF0040.jpg
as you can see I need to replace it. I can see three options.
option A save firewall, cowl, hood, grill, and build my own. Downside, won't really look like a jeep. I don't have access to benders and such so my cuts will have to be basically straight and therefore the rear corners wouldn't be rounded. (upside is I can pay as I go... some tube here some sheet metal there etc.)

Option B scrap it all for new replacement steel body.

Option C scrap it all for new fiberglass body.

Downside to B and C are upfront costs. I have been searching for bodies in and around my area (searching as far away as Massachusets) but there doesn't appear to be much available. This is a project for my son and I to do some bonding. We don't have much in common but he is showing an interest in this Jeep.

Thanks for your input guys

Greg
Put the body on the back burner and work on the rest of the list,(im sure theres a list) and just keep your eyes open for a deal on a body. I got my fiberglass body for free after selling the rolling chassis with my old body.

Good deals are out there you just have to wait patiently.

The bad thing about making your own tub would be that soft tops and hard tops wouldnt fit.

Hales
Put the body on the back burner and work on the rest of the list,(im sure theres a list) and just keep your eyes open for a deal on a body. I got my fiberglass body for free after selling the rolling chassis with my old body.

Good deals are out there you just have to wait patiently.

The bad thing about making your own tub would be that soft tops and hard tops wouldnt fit.

Hales

I have been searching for over a year for a decent used tub every time I find one either I don't have the cash or it has been sold. As for making my own tub and not having tops fit, if I need I can make my own. As of right now there are no plans for any more than a bikini top which shouldn't be a problem to make fit.
High,

well I think making your own tub could be a lot of fun. Just make sure you take lots of pictures so you can share! Good luck with what ever you decide.
IMO Id put a jar up somewhere, scrap the tub, and work on other things, but constantly put some money in the jar and encourage your son to do the same, maybe go mow some lawns and put the money in the jar, and save it. If you both do it, it shouldnt be too long before you have enough to look online for upfront cost on a tub, and if your gona do that id suggest willys-overland for a new tub that they will ensure will fit properly, OR collins bros. I think may have some decient shape tubs.... just my .02
Dang. I found someone who's CJ5 looks worse than mine did:
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r320/HackFabrication/BeforePic.jpg

Sent ya a PM.
~gasps~

That's quite rough looking, High
My first CJ was in similar condition. I didn't keep it.. but wish I had.

--->Not to get off of the subject, but how is your frame looking as far as rust?
I have been searching for over a year for a decent used tub every time I find one either I don't have the cash or it has been sold. As for making my own tub and not having tops fit, if I need I can make my own. As of right now there are no plans for any more than a bikini top which shouldn't be a problem to make fit.

if upfront costs are a problem, and you have the equipment and ability to make your own, i say go for it.
With the looks of the body, how could the frame be worth a darn?
..Sent ya a PM.

Actually, it turned into an email.....
how long were you following that salt truck for? jking i have done an aluminum body on a cj7 it is bullet proof adversted to take a rhino hit. its not much more than a steel body it will last for ever looks great, when my tub roots out thats whats going on my jeep for sure i would stay away from fiberglass
ps keep the reds seats they're sweet
Actually, it turned into an email.....

didn't get it lol

With the looks of the body, how could the frame be worth a darn?

Actually the frame does need some repairs but over all it is solid. front floors and firewall are solid but all floor supports and rear wheel wells are gone. I was thinking of separating the body just below the cowl at the body line and building from there back. also considering building my own front fenders as those are shot as well
didn't get it lol

It went to whatever you used as your email when you filled out your profile.