I've been looking and looking and can't seem to find a thread on how to cut the pinch seam. All the threads kind of say the same thing....use a sawzall. I would like to be able to cut a fair amount off of the seam and from what I've been reading, it seems as though there will be a gap between the to pieces of sheet metal after the cut is made. I'm not a welder and I'm curious how exactly to do this. Can I just cut it and use something to bend the pieces back together and then caulk it and paint? I know others have asked the same thing on the few threads that I've been able to find, but no one has received a definitive answer on what the best way to do it is short of welding. Anyone have a writeup of this?

If there's no writeup, I may try to do one in a couple of weeks...as long as cutting, bending the two metals together, caulking, and painting is not a stupid idea

Can't do it this weekend though because I'm heading up to RC for the Topless for Tata's run!

Thanks ahead of time for the input...
on a side note, I'm gunna feel like a real donkey if someone just posts up a link one a writeup

 

Some good info here

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...pinch+seam+Mod

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...pinch+seam+Mod

 

Ok perverts...I know the title sounds dirty....but...

What is the best way to trim the pinch seam? Sawzall? Grinder Cut Wheel? Hacksaw (get medieval!)

How much to trim?

Thanks!

btw...our lovely lady friends with trimmed pinch seams are truly wonderful are they not?

 

I appreciate the quick reply! However, I've already seen those and it seems to just have what people have done to cut them. I guess my question should be more, Is there a downside to doing it a certain way over another? I just don't want to make a poor decision and then find out there's a better way that I should have done it.

Thanks again. Any info is good info!

 

Me, I just cut mine. You can fill the gap with Marine Putty you can get at Lowe's. It's quick, easy and hard as a mofo when it hardens. Or just bend it back, either way paint it with some undercoating or somethin. Toss up as to which one is better.

 

Just did mine in preparation for 37's and I just scored the bad with a grinder then folded them over and used some bedliner to finish it off. Pretty simple.

 

+1 I used a cut off wheel on a grinder to cut it off making sure I did not go past the dimples. Then I used a very fit grit on the grinder to smooth it out. Lastly I sanded and painted it.

 

This is kind of what I was curious about. Since I'll actually be cutting a weld and "weakening the body". Thanks for all the replies. How long has it been since you guys cut yours and have you noticed any seperation of the metal at all?

I'm more than likely just going to cut the friggen thing anyway and use marine putty...sounds like a really good idea for an alternative to welding. I'm just curious about the whole thing that's all. I've seen a couple of your guys pics and I know that folks are doing some good rocks and a lot of articulation with these cut.

What I'd really like to do is cut pretty close to the fender's line. I don't know if that's too much/not smart or what. I think it would look better and have a lot more clearance for bigger tires down the road...at the same time I don't want my Jeep losing body parts...... that sounds kinda weird