CJ7 - New Replacement Tub ?'s

CJ7 - New Replacement Tub ?'s
GravyProv1

GravyProv1

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Location
Hopkinsville, Ky
Vehicle(s)
1979 CJ7. 304V8, AMC20 Rear, Dana30 Front, T150, Dana20 xfer. 2.5" ProComp Lift. Fiberglass everything.
I am looking to buy one of the replacement tubs for a 79 CJ7 . I read in several places that there's a lot of body work to do (drilling, cutting, etc) to get one of the Omix-Ada tubs to fit properly. I have also spoken with Willys-Overland about their tubs that already have all of these changes made before you get it from them. But $4,000 is a lot to spend (delivered to Ky)!! I have found some of the Omix-Ada from scratch and dent for like $2500.

Does anyone have a detailed list of all of the modifications needed to be done to one of the Omix-Ada tubs for a 79 CJ7 ? I feel I could do most of the drilling, cutting, etc to make this fit. Just wondered if anyone here has already done this and has some input to provide.

FYI - I am not interested in retrofitting a YJ tub. I'm really wanting to keep the CJ type tub. And my current tub is possibly repairable, but it's still 30 years old and rusty. And I already have some new front fenders.
 
Im not sure about cutting.. the only things that may need to be "fabbed" would be any differences between auto and Standard. Every thing else for a CJ was the same for 10yrs and then only change a little when they became YJ's. But it is an aftermarket part and alot of aftermarket parts especially body parts some times do need a little bit of love to make them 100% right.
 
I wouldn't buy anything made by omix-ada. Just my 2 cents.
 
I have a Willys-Overland tub - fits perfectly.

All tubs (no matter the vendor) are made in the Philippians using old dies by the same company - they are not finished though.
 
Yeah I heard from Willys overland that all aftermarket reproduced tubs are from Philippines. I thought that was the Omix-Ada company. ???

If not the Omix-Ada tubs, then what other options are there for new replacement tubs?
 
there's also aluminum, and from what I hear a company is now making a stainless steel tub.
 
Ok guys... So what's the problem with the omix tubs?
 
GravyProv1 said:
Ok guys... So what's the problem with the omix tubs?
Click to expand...
You answered that question in your first post.

You will need to cut and drill (maybe weld and cut) all the mounting holes as well as all of the firewall cutouts (including parking brake).

The basic structure is the same, it's just how much effort you want to put into the build.
 
Ok. So now let's talk about the fiberglass tubs. Who is the best supplier of fiberglass tubs? I read about making sure there are sufficient steel reinforcements for firewall, etc.

I also understand that all rear electrical will need to be ran to a terminal strip and grounded to the frame. No problem I guess.

What other types of modifications have to be made to make these tubs fit a 79 CJ7 ?

What about the fiberglass tubs with the tailgate option? Will those types hold up over time. Are they sturdy enough or should someone shy away from those and go with the solid type (no tailgate). I just haven't seen many people with rebuilds using the tailgate style. Honestly, I would like to keep the tailgate feature.

I know, lots of questions. I'm an engineer. It's my nature.

Also, $3500 is a hit to the bank account. Want to make a good decision and not have to redo this :dung: again in 5 yrs.
 
My understanding of steel replacement tubs is that they are all made in the Philippines. Omix-ada buys them and sells as is. Willy's Overland buys them and then mods them to be closer to an exact fit and a better quality of craftsmanship by adding missing holes, etc.. Then sells them as "Repli" tubs.
If you go to jeepsunlimited.com forum and search for a thread "84 sebring red" which is a 4 year resto by keith460, he used a repli-tub and may give you some insight as to what may need further modified. It came out looking better then it did off the showroom floor.
 
When I bought my fiberglass tub the company I bought it from (AJ's now out of busniss)) told me to not do the tailgate as it weakened that area.
You really have to watch glass tubs as there's some really bad (weak) ones out there.
I'm not sure who's good anymore.
 
GravyProv1 said:
my current tub is possibly repairable, but it's still 30 years old and rusty. And I already have some new front fenders.
Click to expand...

How bad off is your current tub?
 
I guess I've seen Tubs in worse shape on here get repaired. There are big holes in the floor, along the wheel well and the rear floor that were Poorly repaired before I got it. All of the floor supports and rear valance are completely gone. Tops of both wheel wells are gone. There are several places that were bondo repaired on both rear panels and in the rear below the tailgate.

I guess all of this could be repaired, but that at some point im afraid it will pop up again somewhere.
 
Well no matter how you look at it you'll have a lot of work to do. You can buy most of the parts/pcs. to repair your current tub cheaper then the cost of a new tub, but that entails a lot of work / welding.
You could go the fiberglass route which is also expensive but won't require quite as much work.
So I guess it comes down to a decision of spending more money, or sweat and time. Theres pro's and con's to both routes.
 
for the amount of money you are dealing with with steel replacement or glass and definatly aluminum or Stainless, I would be hunting for an original out of Arizona, new Mexico maybe even Texas. A round trip plane ticket to get it shipped and it could cost less with a lot more adventure. Did you talk to mylittlecj? if there is one in this part of the world he may know about it.

Call the largest grave yard in your area, they can put it out on their parts finder web and if there is one in the country it will show up with price, pictures and shipping cost.:cool:

the world is smaller than you think.:D
 
Ok I now have a new fiberglass tub. Couple of questions.

1. The instructions call for 2" spacers but stock were only 1". Why the 1" body lift for the glass tub?

2. Same friend that gave me tub also has one piece front end and Fiberglass windshield. My front fenders are new and my other parts are good too: hood, grill, windshield. Go all glass on front??

Thanks

 
GravyProv1 said:
Ok I now have a new fiberglass tub. Couple of questions.

1. The instructions call for 2" spacers but stock were only 1". Why the 1" body lift for the glass tub?

2. Same friend that gave me tub also has one piece front end and Fiberglass windshield. My front fenders are new and my other parts are good too: hood, grill, windshield. Go all glass on front??
Click to expand...
I have no idea why they want 2" body spacers.
I have a 1 piece front end and it's a PITA to do little things like checking the oil. You also need to relocate everything that was mounted on the fenderwells. One of these days I'll probally go back to a reg. hood and fenders.
 
the only things I can think of that the 1" difference will affect are the clutch linkage and the steering shaft length. neither one is a big deal.:D
 
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