80 cj7 tub swap (first one)

Bear Chow · 11-19-2011, 06:31 AM

Don't let yourself get overwhelmed before you even start. Not having a torch is a good thing. When you start using a torch for these kinds of projects you should already be very familiar with what your doing.

Try to keep in mind that everything in life is made easier with preparation. So make preparation part of your process. Get reading material, just a simple hanes book will have everything you need to know about the chassis and componants. You don't need to go out and buy all the hardware yet but set aside some cash and don't fall victim to sticker shock those bolt prices will add up. Know which bolts to use, there is a reason people don't use grade 8 bolts every where and grade 5 are much less expensive.

If you really feel you can't tackle this get a few quotes for one of the sponsored shops on this site. Remember if your going to do it, then do it. Don't believe you're going to easily sell a project vehicle.

There are no special skills needed for this project except patients and organization. It's just a matter of extracting a lot of bolts and then replacing them.

Being aware of your abuilities and the fact that you inquired before beginning indicates to me you are ready to give this one a shot. It's going to be time consuming but the rewards afterwards and the gained knowledge will inspire to do many more difficult projects in the future.

I have no experience with glass tubs, except heresay and what I've heard is cheap tubs are just that cheap with misalign body mounts poor bracing and unfinished edges.

11-19-2011, 08:22 AM

Thanks bearchow. I'm. Pretty confident I can doit. Id. Like to ust run all new wiring when I do it too. No one likes guessing games out on the trails. Also when I take the old tub off I'm gonna rhino line the frame and bottom of new tube once everything is mocked up. I may even had in a few supprt bars to the frame so I don't get frame flex and a set of rockers...I'm really excited about this project. Samurais were getting boring to do after caging n restoring about 5 or 6... appreciate the info guys. I'm gonna go for it!

GPER · 11-19-2011, 09:46 PM

I didn't get fancy with the grounding, I just used bolts to join the ground wires and have about 3 or 4 on the Jeep. I went to Tractor Supply and bought the hardware by the pound and I did go grade 8. I did used the ss mounting kit from 4wdh the second time I mounted the body.

Take your time and if you run into a problem think about it a day or two. Putting the glass body was no problem compared figuring out the problems I ran into with the Matkins level lll frame. I do like the stiffness of the thicker frame.

11-20-2011, 10:16 AM

there a level 3 on craigslist with a 304 in it its a roller motor n trans is there hewants 400 for it...I'm pretty tempted cause iv read a lot of good things about them frames. Id like to build two jeeps...a daily driver with at n small lift. Then a mud machine fully built. Any ways jeeps stripped and now I just gota lift body off.

GPER · 11-20-2011, 12:07 PM

That would be a steal for the frame. I rented a magnetic base drill press to drill the big holes in the front of the frame for the winch. All of the stupid problems that you run into with the Matkins frame can be worked out. It just took me a day or two to solve the problems.

I should be off for the winter so I should be around if you need any suggestions just drop me an e mail. you may also want to re weld the shock mounts on it too. I need to make new rear ones for mine now. already made the front years ago.

11-20-2011, 03:38 PM

Thanks man. Ill shoot you a email. If you wanna help out this winter I could throw ya some cash your way. Now my only issue is no heat in my garage plus I'm currently restoring a 57 chevy nomad 2 dr so no room!

11-19-2011, 06:31 AM	#1
Bear Chow Jeepless Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oxford, Oh Posts: 302	Don't let yourself get overwhelmed before you even start. Not having a torch is a good thing. When you start using a torch for these kinds of projects you should already be very familiar with what your doing. Try to keep in mind that everything in life is made easier with preparation. So make preparation part of your process. Get reading material, just a simple hanes book will have everything you need to know about the chassis and componants. You don't need to go out and buy all the hardware yet but set aside some cash and don't fall victim to sticker shock those bolt prices will add up. Know which bolts to use, there is a reason people don't use grade 8 bolts every where and grade 5 are much less expensive. If you really feel you can't tackle this get a few quotes for one of the sponsored shops on this site. Remember if your going to do it, then do it. Don't believe you're going to easily sell a project vehicle. There are no special skills needed for this project except patients and organization. It's just a matter of extracting a lot of bolts and then replacing them. Being aware of your abuilities and the fact that you inquired before beginning indicates to me you are ready to give this one a shot. It's going to be time consuming but the rewards afterwards and the gained knowledge will inspire to do many more difficult projects in the future. I have no experience with glass tubs, except heresay and what I've heard is cheap tubs are just that cheap with misalign body mounts poor bracing and unfinished edges.

11-19-2011, 08:22 AM	#2
xplorer55 Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks bearchow. I'm. Pretty confident I can doit. Id. Like to ust run all new wiring when I do it too. No one likes guessing games out on the trails. Also when I take the old tub off I'm gonna rhino line the frame and bottom of new tube once everything is mocked up. I may even had in a few supprt bars to the frame so I don't get frame flex and a set of rockers...I'm really excited about this project. Samurais were getting boring to do after caging n restoring about 5 or 6... appreciate the info guys. I'm gonna go for it!

11-19-2011, 09:46 PM	#3
GPER Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kettering, Ohio Posts: 811	I didn't get fancy with the grounding, I just used bolts to join the ground wires and have about 3 or 4 on the Jeep. I went to Tractor Supply and bought the hardware by the pound and I did go grade 8. I did used the ss mounting kit from 4wdh the second time I mounted the body. Take your time and if you run into a problem think about it a day or two. Putting the glass body was no problem compared figuring out the problems I ran into with the Matkins level lll frame. I do like the stiffness of the thicker frame.

11-20-2011, 10:16 AM	#4
xplorer55 Guest Posts: n/a	there a level 3 on craigslist with a 304 in it its a roller motor n trans is there hewants 400 for it...I'm pretty tempted cause iv read a lot of good things about them frames. Id like to build two jeeps...a daily driver with at n small lift. Then a mud machine fully built. Any ways jeeps stripped and now I just gota lift body off.

11-20-2011, 12:07 PM	#5
GPER Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kettering, Ohio Posts: 811	That would be a steal for the frame. I rented a magnetic base drill press to drill the big holes in the front of the frame for the winch. All of the stupid problems that you run into with the Matkins frame can be worked out. It just took me a day or two to solve the problems. I should be off for the winter so I should be around if you need any suggestions just drop me an e mail. you may also want to re weld the shock mounts on it too. I need to make new rear ones for mine now. already made the front years ago.

11-20-2011, 03:38 PM	#6
xplorer55 Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks man. Ill shoot you a email. If you wanna help out this winter I could throw ya some cash your way. Now my only issue is no heat in my garage plus I'm currently restoring a 57 chevy nomad 2 dr so no room!