Old CJ5 Fiberglass Tub Questions...

[Busted Knuckles]

Bought an old CJ5 , someones project that never got put back together.

My intent is to put it back on the road/trail, but will only do it the right way.

The tub has been used, as in fully assembled, but right now, its a stripped tub.

Anyhow, there appears to be no reinforcements in the tub, except for maybe some plywood where the seat brackets bolt in.

No "nut serts", nothing for the column, pedal assembly, and even the bell crank linkage for the clutch appears to have nothing but glass. And of course the roll bar is just sitting in the tub "for looks", and will need to be tied to the frame, at least that much I expected.

About 15 years ago, I put together a glass 5 for a guy, he had already bought everything, I dont remember whose body it was, but it was glass, and nothing like this. Dave has since passed, and Ive moved, so I dont know where that jeep is.

My questions is, do I need to put a sheet of aluminum, or steel or some kind of reinforcement for the firewall ?

I realize Im going to have to make all kinds of brackets/washers for doors, hood, windshield, etc.

Has anyone built one these ? Any input ?

I dont know who made the tub, the quality seems to be pretty poor, but Im going to put it together anyway. I dont have the $ for a different body, but have the tools and knowledge to make this one work.

Have not gotten around to taking a picture of the pile of parts yet, but will post when I do. Its sitting in a buddies driveway or I just go do it.

Thanks for any input.

 

[HackFabrication]

Has the firewall been cut? If not, I'd run a test hole through it to see if there was some wood, aluminum, or steel sandwiched in-between the 'glass.

If you don't re-enforce the firewall, it will eventually crack.

Pics are always helpful.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Tub is bare, there is zero reinforcement in the firewall (just glass)

Yes, used before, all the holes are there, and the tub is stripped clean right now, Im not sure how its not cracked, from previous use ?

I dont see any reinforcement for the the body mounts, (just bolts through thin glass) same goes for everything but the seats (appears to have plywood sandwiched between the glass). Not sure what held the bell crank linkage, there is glass with holes, but its paper thin and you can move it easily with your hand.

Just weird.

Pics to follow, when I go to pick it up, hes out of town for the weekend, his place is gated, so I cant wander over and pick it up.