Notices
Modified JK Tech Tech related bulletin board forum regarding subjects such as suspension, tires & wheels, steering, bumpers, skid plates, drive train, cages, on-board air and other useful modifications that will help improve the performance and protection of your Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) on the trail.

PLEASE DO NOT START SHOW & TELL TYPE THREADS IN THIS FORUM
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Lets talk pinch seams.

Thread Tools
 
Old 07-07-2017, 02:25 PM
  #1  
JK Freak

Thread Starter
 
prelucir's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 508
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Lets talk pinch seams.

Do you know how to trim down a pinch seam by the rear tire? I would like it to look good once it is done.

Some people told me to use a sawsall and then a grinder. I would think that would tear up the pain a lot.

Better yet, can anyone post a few picks of the completed job. That alone might answer many of my questions.

Thanks for the help.

-John
Old 07-07-2017, 02:33 PM
  #2  
Super Moderator
FJOTM Winner
 
karls10jk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Knoxville
Posts: 5,642
Received 483 Likes on 440 Posts
Default

I used a body saw with a fine tooth blade, it tears less on the paint. I'll go take a picture for you but I do intend to take a little more off to round out the wheel well. I'll also be trimming the rear because it has a corner that sticks out. That corner will catch a a slightly stretched wheelbase with 37's.

Click image for larger version

Name:	20170707_183608.jpg
Views:	567
Size:	2.69 MB
ID:	673066

The seam and rails have been cut back for 35's.

Last edited by karls10jk; 07-07-2017 at 02:38 PM.
Old 07-07-2017, 03:28 PM
  #3  
Super Moderator
 
Rednroll's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 4,468
Received 206 Likes on 180 Posts
Default

I have to do this to mine and is on my current tudo list.

My plan was to use an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel, to cut that back corner of the pinch seam off, then a palm sander to round off any sharp edges. Then from there hit it with primer. For the finishing touches, I have a can of Mopar color match paint and clear coat spray to make it look good and prevent rust.

Last edited by Rednroll; 07-07-2017 at 03:30 PM.
Old 07-07-2017, 03:52 PM
  #4  
JK Enthusiast
 
Erok's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I used a sawzall, a couple minutes on each side, and haven't looked at it since. One day I was going to hit the whole inner fender area with truck bed liner anyway.
Old 07-07-2017, 04:26 PM
  #5  
JK Freak

 
jchappies's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Santee
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

A sawzall will cut it like butter
mark 2in up and 2in out then cut diagonally to the two
fill the gap with JB weld
Old 07-07-2017, 11:00 PM
  #6  
JK Jedi Master
FJOTM Winner

 
Mark Doiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Midwest City, OK
Posts: 14,785
Received 361 Likes on 269 Posts
Default

Well, sort of a completed job. I used a cutoff disk--felt there was more control than a reciprocating saw, and let me round off the sharp edges. Afterward painted. Had 35s, which many folks insist don't need this fix. Well, that missing paint was caused after running White Rim Trail. So, I went back and cut it more. Mine is a 2007, and I believe later models aren't quite as far back, so may not need the trimming, or as much.

Click image for larger version

Name:	Pinch Seam Damage to Jeep, Jun 11, 6684.jpg
Views:	437
Size:	594.2 KB
ID:	673071

One thing for sure: Don't trust a moving the axle up and down and looking for clearance test on jack stands. That ignores the dynamic forces that cause a low pressure tire to bulge out when you hit dips and such at speed and are heavily laden (which is how my damage occurred).
Old 07-08-2017, 05:31 AM
  #7  
JK Enthusiast
 
caryt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Smith NV
Posts: 377
Received 40 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Cut it out and make a sheetmetal plate and Tig it in
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1893.JPG
Views:	391
Size:	1.37 MB
ID:	673075   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1894.JPG
Views:	355
Size:	1.44 MB
ID:	673076   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1895.JPG
Views:	351
Size:	1.44 MB
ID:	673077   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1896.JPG
Views:	360
Size:	1.60 MB
ID:	673078   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1897.JPG
Views:	456
Size:	1.35 MB
ID:	673079  

Old 07-08-2017, 07:20 AM
  #8  
JK Freak

Thread Starter
 
prelucir's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 508
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by caryt
Cut it out and make a sheetmetal plate and Tig it in

That looks great. Unfortunately, i do not have a tig or the skills. I will see if the shop can do it.
Old 07-09-2017, 03:49 AM
  #9  
JK Freak
 
BoraBora's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 712
Received 67 Likes on 54 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by prelucir
That looks great. Unfortunately, i do not have a tig or the skills. I will see if the shop can do it.
You reallllyyy don't need to man. That's definitely a cool way to do it, but also unnecessary. He just went the extra mile since he can Tig weld. People have been doing it the other way (chop and paint) for years. It works, do it.
Old 07-09-2017, 06:07 AM
  #10  
JK Super Freak
 
zstairlessone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BoraBora
You reallllyyy don't need to man. That's definitely a cool way to do it, but also unnecessary. He just went the extra mile since he can Tig weld. People have been doing it the other way (chop and paint) for years. It works, do it.
Exactly, JB weld the edges, primer and paint. On mine there was a foamy filler and I was worried about turning my Jeep into a Johnny Storm so welding was out of the question.


Quick Reply: Lets talk pinch seams.



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:21 PM.