I posted in the newbie thread last week on my purchase of an insurance auction salvage titled Jeep JK 2-door. https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/new-...5/#post4104943

So, nothing like waiting until the last minute. I need the jeep done by next week and just today I finally ordered my stuff.


I'm going with the Xenon flat fenders (1.5" narrower than stock), Olympic front and rear metal bumpers, a Besttop Trektop Pro Hybrid soft top (fast back), and a eyebrow front grill. For tires I'm going slightly bigger than what was on it, 295/70R17 Nitto's (about 33.5" tall). I was annoyed that the front and rear wheels didn't match, same manufacturer, but different enough. So I ordered two more to match the rear, I'll take the best of the full size front with wheel and make it a spare. Anyone need a good pair of 285/70R17 Rocky Mountain's? Plenty of tread left.


One question, what is the easiest way to sync the speedometer to the new tire size? From the dealer spec sheet, it originally had 29" tall tires. Back in the day I'd buy a new speedo gear for the transmission.


So yesterday it was pulled into the bodyshop. I bought a used quarter panel and tailgate. Out came the interior, off came the quarter. Turns out the rear frame was tweaked a bit. But after a little frame pull it came back to square. The rear axle doesn't look 100% either, but I won't know until new arms are installed and some measurements can be taken. Dropped the drivers seat at upholstery shop, a little bolster rebuild and re-stitch, it'll be good as new.


Here's a few pictures of a skinned JK!

 

Hows the chassis? Square? Looks like a fun project. Nothing a little welding can't fix.

 

AEV ProCal, Superchips FlashCal. Or if you want a tiny bit of performance gain also, any of the tuners.

 

If you can put that back together, then you sir are extremely talented. That is impressive.

 

Yes, I'd impress myself too. Actually, I own a bodyshop... my crew is the best, jumping in to make it all happen.


The jeep is finally taking shape, here she is with a quarter ready to be welded in place. With any luck it will get paint later today or tomorrow.

 

Nice job. Welcome to the forum.

 

Can't wait to see it... seems like you will get it done when you said.

 

The tailgate I bought wasn't a great replacement, far from perfect. When I talked to the salvage guy, he warned that it was not insurance quality (meaning it needed some body repair time) because of a dent along the bottom edge. However, it was worse than that. The lower dent was there of course, but it was also bent behind the spare tire carrier. Instead of sending it back, the salvage yard discounted it even further. Saving money is good, so we straightened and reinforced it a bit.


The only other body damage was the right rear tail light pocket. The sheet metal was easily straightened using a stud gun. The stud gun allows pulling on metal without drilling any holes (old school used to drill holes and pull with a slide hammer). By pulling in this way the original e-coat (primer) is left intact on the inner side to keep rust at bay. After a light skim coat of metal glaze and primer these two panels are ready for final sand and paint.

 

So I was running a day late to get this painted. Still two days to go, and a few loose ends. Actually, two big loose ends. First I need to find a rear axle assembly and get it installed. Second, the front bumper I ordered is back ordered... Won't have it until next week (that sucks!). So I may just chop what is left of the OEM front bumper and make it look like a stubby for now.


It's Wednesday, and it needs to be finished by Saturday graduation!


Here are a couple pictures with paint. We were rolling into the masking area and I noticed a couple small dents (one on the drivers door, the other two on the driver fender). Seems like a simple thing to fix, but it requires minor bodywork, primer, more sand/prep time... time, don't have much left.


Also accomplished today, picked up my repaired drivers seat. Installed a low mileage front axle assembly. I had to drive over 500 miles round-trip last night to pick up this axle, made it home by 1:00 am. Jeep was painted by 2:00 pm, and axle installed by 5:00 pm. Still need to align it tomorrow and search hard and heavy for a rear axle!


Tomorrows task include painting the new grill, fenders, rear bumper and wheel lips.

 

Very cool rebuild! Your daughter is a lucky girl....