• Hello Guest, we are proud to now have our Wiki online that is completely compiled and written by our members. Feel free to browse our Jeep-CJ Wiki or click on any orange keyword when looking at posts in the forum.
    To dismiss this notice
    click the top right X.

Essential Things to Do Before Putting Tub Back On

Essential Things to Do Before Putting Tub Back On

Austin

Jeeper
Posts
129
Thanks
0
Location
Bel Air, MD
Vehicle(s)
84 CJ7 - 258 i6 4.2
Trans - Borg-Warner T-5
Tansfer Case - Dana 300
I have a new steel tub going on and was curious if anyone had a list of what things to do or check before putting it back on that would be easier to do while the tub was off. Would be great to have a step-by-step list but that's wishful thinking. Would really like to know the major things that need to be put back together or in place for bolting the tub on.

Thanks!
 
Wow, every thing you can. It is so much easier to get to every thing before it's on, and in the way. I waited till I had my brake lines done, the e-cables hooked up, the fuel line ran, and almost forgot the wire to the fuel sending unit! All I can think of........
 
Getting the body in the right position before tightning the body mount bolts. Like clearance around the shifter and Transfer Case lever so it does'nt kick out of gear when the body/frame flexes. Try to keep the valve cover clear of the firewall as much as you can.
 
Did you do anything to the bottem of the tub like rhinoline it so you don't have any problems with rust down the road?
 
Replace all the brake and fuel lines. Very tough with the body and driveline in place.
 
"New metal tub". Is it a repli-tub by chance? Or did you mean new to you, but it's a used tub? Reason I ask is because even the repli-tubs need mods to fit up correctly.
 
Did you do anything to the bottem of the tub like rhinoline it so you don't have any problems with rust down the road?


Yes, a matter of fact the entire tub inside, underneath and even outside of it is all line x'd.
 
"New metal tub". Is it a repli-tub by chance? Or did you mean new to you, but it's a used tub? Reason I ask is because even the repli-tubs need mods to fit up correctly.


Brand new repli-tub from Willys-Overland. I have been told by others who installed and by the company they are a direct fit. They take the steel tubs from the only company that makes steel tubs (in the philipines) and fabricates them to fit as factory spec. Willys-Overland gurantees a direct fit....

If you have some insigt to this, such as mods needed, please share. Tub should be going on next week.
 
Getting the body in the right position before tightning the body mount bolts. Like clearance around the shifter and Transfer Case lever so it does'nt kick out of gear when the body/frame flexes. Try to keep the valve cover clear of the firewall as much as you can.


Good info, thanks! I will be putting on the Daystar 1inch body lift...will that help any of those problems or make them worse?
 
Here is the new tub, fenders, hood, windshield frame and tailgate. All brand new from Willys-Overland and all line x'd inside and out.

IMG_3035.webp
 
Brand new repli-tub from Willys-Overland. I have been told by others who installed and by the company they are a direct fit. They take the steel tubs from the only company that makes steel tubs (in the philipines) and fabricates them to fit as factory spec. Willys-Overland gurantees a direct fit....

If you have some insigt to this, such as mods needed, please share. Tub should be going on next week.
I test fit my Repli-tub from Willys Overland on my frame and everything fit perfectly. I did not have to make even one change.

They only put the holes I requested in the firewall, used the 76 and up parking brake lever mount I wanted and didn't touch anything else that I asked them to leave alone. I didn't want an excess holes in the body except for the factory mounts. Worked out great!
 
I test fit my Repli-tub from Willys Overland on my frame and everything fit perfectly. I did not have to make even one change.

They only put the holes I requested in the firewall, used the 76 and up parking brake lever mount I wanted and didn't touch anything else that I asked them to leave alone. I didn't want an excess holes in the body except for the factory mounts. Worked out great!


This is what I have heard. I've compared the old tub with the new one and everything matched up. I have high hopes for this tub.
 
Go to this thread and read through or contact Keith by pm either there or at jeepforum.com, same user name. He has a list of all the things he needed to modify for his resto. Now some stuff may not be any big issue but he restored his to showroom spec condition. He's a very detail oriented guy. You got some pro's, he'll provide the con's; you decide. The more insight the better.
84' Sebring Red CJ-7 Project - JeepsUnlimited.com Forums
 
I followed that thread and because of his trouble that is why I prefit my tub. I wonder if they have fixed some of the problems he had since then? Also, my tub is for a pre 76 so that may be why I didn't have the rear crossmember issue.

Also, I changed my Transmission to a T-18 and told them not to put on any brackets or holes except the ones I specified. Probably why I think it fits great - I expected to do all the little odds and ends...

Oh yea - he does EXCELENT work! His attention to detail would make an exotic sports car restorer envious!

EDIT: Just noticed his tub cam from http://www.mdjuan.com.ph/ NOT Willies-Overland... Maybe that is why the fit was so bad? It looks like they sell the tub after directly importing it from the Philippians and they do not do any rework on it.
 
Go to this thread and read through or contact Keith by pm either there or at jeepforum.com, same user name. He has a list of all the things he needed to modify for his resto. Now some stuff may not be any big issue but he restored his to showroom spec condition. He's a very detail oriented guy. You got some pro's, he'll provide the con's; you decide. The more insight the better.
84' Sebring Red CJ-7 Project - JeepsUnlimited.com Forums


Followed the thread. First of all he does AMAZING work. Wonder if what CJ said was true...maybe Willys-Overland started the fabrications after he got his. He mentioned having to drill holes and I even noticed he didnt have the tail light holes already fabed, which mine came already cut out. I did a in-depth walk around the old tub vs new one and couldnt find a hole drilled in mine that wasn't drilled in the new one with the exception of on the repli-tub fenders, there were no holes drilled for fenders. Mine is a 84 just like Keiths. Either way I am reacing out to Keith because he did a great job on that rebuild!!!!!! THANKS!

Here some pictures of the holes already drilled when it came to me

IMG_3108.webp

IMG_3110.webp

IMG_3112.webp
 
I found the thread I was thinking of. Here's the post Keith made with that list.

Originally posted by Keith460: Pricing on Willysoverland tubs? - JeepForum.com
"I highly doubt you will find a "Jeep" stamped steel tub for $2200 at Quadratec, as they typically go for close to $4000 + $300 in shipping.

Tubs from Willys-Overland are advertised to bolt onto the CJ frame without modifications or altering to fit. But, I will give you some examples of what must be done to the Repli-tubs in order to "fit" our CJ's correctly but this also depends on year your Jeep was manufactured and whether more extensive fabrications will need to be done to the Repli-tub. A phone call to Willys-Overland (Willys-Overland Motors) and speaking to Jay, the owner, or one of the shop guys will give you better details on the information that you are seeking.

Here are some examples of things I had to do to the Repli-tub to match 1984 specs for fit and finish:

1. Remove all primer paint from the tub as it is nothing more then a cheap coating that is applied form the Philippines factory so the panels won't rust from the salt water during shipping across the Pacific ocean.
2. Firewall must have holes drilled to attach items like Heater assembly, Throttle cable, Washer fluid hose, Clutch rod, gas pedal mounting.
3. Top of firewall must have "L" brackets welded into place for the grill support rods to bolt to, hole drilled for windshield washer nozzle and all holes need to be drilled in order to hold the fresh air intake grill in place.
4. Parking brake bracket must be welded to the side wall of the tub cowl section
5. Dash panel mounting holes do not match OEM dash panel mounting holes
6. Holes need to be cut for rear tail lights and gas tank filler neck
7. Rear splash panel needs to be cut off and modified in order to clear factory gas tank location.
8. Seat belt anchoring nuts need to be welded on the bottom of the tub.
9. Holes need to be located and drilled for the OEM tire carrier.
10. Rear splash panel must be either removed or modified to allow clearance for the OEM fuel tank.

These are just a few of the items that needed to be done on the tub but most of these modifications can be already finished if you purchase a tub from Willys-Overland instead of Omix-Ada and other places. Willys-Overland cost a little more but will probably be worth the extra cost since it does all the prep work for you before the tubs is delivered or picked up by you.

I have some photos on my build thread that shows some of the modifications I had to do to the tub in order for it to fit correctly and a shortcut to the URL address is below."

So you could be correct CJ thathe got his from Jaun, then found out from Willy's what all had to be modded to make it fit. So yes, reach out to Keith, he's a very friendly guy. I met him last year at the All Breeds Jeep show. I knew that Jeep as soon as I spied it. It looks just as good in person!
 
Last edited:
I found the thread I was thinking of. Here's the post Keith made with that list.

Originally posted by Keith460: Pricing on Willysoverland tubs? - JeepForum.com
"I highly doubt you will find a "Jeep" stamped steel tub for $2200 at Quadratec, as they typically go for close to $4000 + $300 in shipping.

Tubs from Willys-Overland are advertised to bolt onto the CJ frame without modifications or altering to fit. But, I will give you some examples of what must be done to the Repli-tubs in order to "fit" our CJ's correctly but this also depends on year your Jeep was manufactured and whether more extensive fabrications will need to be done to the Repli-tub. A phone call to Willys-Overland (Willys-Overland Motors) and speaking to Jay, the owner, or one of the shop guys will give you better details on the information that you are seeking.

Here are some examples of things I had to do to the Repli-tub to match 1984 specs for fit and finish:

1. Remove all primer paint from the tub as it is nothing more then a cheap coating that is applied form the Philippines factory so the panels won't rust from the salt water during shipping across the Pacific ocean.
2. Firewall must have holes drilled to attach items like Heater assembly, Throttle cable, Washer fluid hose, Clutch rod, gas pedal mounting.
3. Top of firewall must have "L" brackets welded into place for the grill support rods to bolt to, hole drilled for windshield washer nozzle and all holes need to be drilled in order to hold the fresh air intake grill in place.
4. Parking brake bracket must be welded to the side wall of the tub cowl section
5. Dash panel mounting holes do not match OEM dash panel mounting holes
6. Holes need to be cut for rear tail lights and gas tank filler neck
7. Rear splash panel needs to be cut off and modified in order to clear factory gas tank location.
8. Seat belt anchoring nuts need to be welded on the bottom of the tub.
9. Holes need to be located and drilled for the OEM tire carrier.
10. Rear splash panel must be either removed or modified to allow clearance for the OEM fuel tank.

These are just a few of the items that needed to be done on the tub but most of these modifications can be already finished if you purchase a tub from Willys-Overland instead of Omix-Ada and other places. Willys-Overland cost a little more but will probably be worth the extra cost since it does all the prep work for you before the tubs is delivered or picked up by you.

I have some photos on my build thread that shows some of the modifications I had to do to the tub in order for it to fit correctly and a shortcut to the URL address is below."


I didn't see the link to your build...would love to see it.

Man oh man. The joys on learning what you get yourself into after starting a rebuild :cool:

Really appreciate your info on this. Sounds like I was in for a awakening when it came put the tub on.
 
Just realized that Keith bought his from someone other than Willys-Overland and that's why he had to make all the mods. Willys-Overland claims they are the only ones that fix all the problems and fab the tubs to factory spec. Haven't found another company yet that is. Price is where they get you, but was worth it in my case. I went through the list he put together and all those things are already done on my tub.

I chose the willys-overland because lets just say my fab skills don't exist. Looks like I should be good. Really appreciate the info though.
 
~~~ EDIT: Just noticed his tub cam from MD Juan Enterprises Inc. | Just another WordPress site NOT Willies-Overland... Maybe that is why the fit was so bad? It looks like they sell the tub after directly importing it from the Philippians and they do not do any rework on it.

Just realized that Keith bought his from someone other than Willys-Overland and that's why he had to make all the mods. Willys-Overland claims they are the only ones that fix all the problems and fab the tubs to factory spec. Haven't found another company yet that is. Price is where they get you, but was worth it in my case. I went through the list he put together and all those things are already done on my tub.

I chose the willys-overland because lets just say my fab skills don't exist. Looks like I should be good. Really appreciate the info though.
Exactly what I posted above. Keith bought a non-repaired non-Willys-Overland tub and had to do all the small fab work himself. For me - it was well worth the slight cost to have it done before I got it. I just wasn't into messing with all the holes and brackets that you need to do on non-Willys-Overland tub. They are not perfect but there a lot less hassles in my eyes.
 
~~~ [/B]So you could be correct CJ thathe got his from Jaun, then found out from Willy's what all had to be modded to make it fit. So yes, reach out to Keith, he's a very friendly guy. I met him last year at the All Breeds Jeep show. I knew that Jeep as soon as I spied it. It looks just as good in person!
Here is the post where he states where he purchased the tub. -->> JeepsUnlimited.com Forums - View Single Post - 84' Sebring Red CJ-7 Project

I'm sorry, but MD Juan Company, makers of Repli-tubs, needs to bump up their quality control in the fit and finish department.
 

Jeep-CJ Donation Drive

Help support Jeep-CJ.com by making a contribution.

Help support Jeep-CJ.com by making a contribution.
Goal
$200.00
Earned
$100.00
This donation drive ends in
0 hours, 0 minutes, 0 seconds
  50.0%
Back
Top Bottom