Misc. Replace the tub or patch the old one; What say you?

[iChuck12]

Hi, everyone. New to the site and a reactivated jeep owner. Had a 78 CJ7 back in the late 80's and I'm trying to relive those glory years. I have a new-to-me 78 CJ7 that's mostly original (except all of the bondo, duct tape, and brown spray paint holding the rust together). The tub is in pretty bad shape, but the frame and engine are decent.

My question: If I want to restore this beauty back to factory original, but the tub is in such bad shape that it would be easier to replace the tub than replace most of the tub panels separately, am I ruining the value of the Jeep by putting a new tub verses patching the old one? If I put on a new tub, is it worth trying to get it back to factory original, or have I modified it such that it wouldn't count as "original"?

Thanks for your input and opinions!

 

[Manic Mechanic]

I replaced my tub I'm going to replace my wife's tub and I've done it for several customers. Use a 87-95 YJ tub and with a few small modifications your done and if you really care swap out the stamping on the side and no one will even know

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

 

[Belizean]

Check the frame for internal frame rust. They can rust from the inside out.

 

[iChuck12]

Check the frame for internal frame rust. They can rust from the inside out.

Thanks, Belizean. There is a small area on the passenger rear side frame that needs some rust replacement. I plan on scoping the rest of the frame insides to make sure there aren't any other bad spots. Going to try to clean it out and coat it while I'm rebuilding.

 

[iChuck12]

I replaced my tub I'm going to replace my wife's tub and I've done it for several customers. Use a 87-95 YJ tub and with a few small modifications your done and if you really care swap out the stamping on the side and no one will even know

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

Manic Mechanic- Thanks. Is there a big cost difference between a late 70's CJ tub and the 87-95 YJ tub?

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Manic Mechanic- Thanks. Is there a big cost difference between a late 70's CJ tub and the 87-95 YJ tub?

I bought my last YJ tub for 400 bucks. They might be up to 5-600 by now with the way things are going. If you get a 93-95 you can sell the family style roll cage and recoup some money or run it for the kiddos which is what I'm doing with my wife's 79

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

 

[TSB8C]

I see no issue with swapping a tub. You're not dealing with a "matching numbers" antique when it comes to body parts on an old CJ. Now some may say that an aftermarket tub diminishes the value of a restoration. And others will say they don't like fiberglass tubs or aluminum tubs, they want an original steel. So be it - to each his own. But you can buy new tubs made from numerous materials that suit your needs and I don't believe you'll diminish the value of a well done rebuild. Don't want a new tub or the cost of one? Great suggestions here about a used one from a newer Jeep. A few hundred dollars for a YJ tub is a great suggestion. And you can still find CJ tubs that are in good condition as well. I have a CJ with a YJ "family style" roll bar in it and love it. It suits my needs and I don't really care about being a "realist" or "purist" or future resale value. To me, building an old Jeep is all about what you plan to do with it and your personal tastes. Cut fenders, modified suspension, engine/tranny swaps, custom bumpers, cages, it's all good. One of the beauties of old Jeeps.

 

[Project86]

You'll find out how much "resolve" you got if you go down this rabbit hole. I did a YJ tub swap on the first rebuild. Buy a large box of band aids.

 

[Crusty CJ]

I’d argue a new tub increases value because of the piece of mind that all the rust is gone.

Check frame internals as mentioned

 

[duffer]

Another that believes you will be far ahead to swap tubs. It is really difficult to construct a tub from patch panels and have it all come out looking bone stock. Not to mention the huge sink of time and money. Personally, if I was purchasing, I would likely also pay more for a well done swap than a cut, paste and weld job. In the end analysis, nothing is ever going to bring the value of a rusted out Jeep back to what a show room stock one would be, period. But these days, there doesn't appear to be a shortage of naive fools with excess funds so one never knows..

 

[DconZ]

I was at the same decision when I started my build. I decided to go with a new tub but not right away. I wanted to make sure all the mechanical restoration was done first. I'm a bull in a china shop and didn't want to be doing mechanical work around a nice new paint job!

 

[CJ]

I was at the same decision when I started my build. I decided to go with a new tub but not right away. I wanted to make sure all the mechanical restoration was done first. I'm a bull in a china shop and didn't want to be doing mechanical work around a nice new paint job!

Don't shoot me! So your actually quite nimble huh? (great Mythbusters episode)

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[DconZ]

Don't shoot me! So your actually quite nimble huh?

I'm pretty sure if I ran through that I would have knocked several things over.

 

[Belizean]

LMAO

 

[iChuck12]

Thanks, Everyone for your input. I'm leaning toward a new steel tub, but I'm going to take your advise and get all of the mechanicals in good order, then make sure the frame is solid first. Then we'll see if I have any money left...

 

[Sgt EriK]

I just posted this on another thread... Check Rudy's, he's got great original parts (including tubs).

Rudy's Classic Jeeps LLC

Rudy's CJs is a 20 year old sole proprietor business that specializes in the cleanest 76-86 Jeep CJ7 CJ5 Scrambler & OEM Jeep CJ restoration parts.

rudys-cjs.com

 

[flyn hawaiian]

I to have a 1978 CJ5 project. My next project is body mounts.

Hi, everyone. New to the site and a reactivated jeep owner. Had a 78 CJ7 back in the late 80's and I'm trying to relive those glory years. I have a new-to-me 78 CJ7 that's mostly original (except all of the bondo, duct tape, and brown spray paint holding the rust together). The tub is in pretty bad shape, but the frame and engine are decent.

My question: If I want to restore this beauty back to factory original, but the tub is in such bad shape that it would be easier to replace the tub than replace most of the tub panels separately, am I ruining the value of the Jeep by putting a new tub verses patching the old one? If I put on a new tub, is it worth trying to get it back to factory original, or have I modified it such that it wouldn't count as "original"?

Thanks for your input and opinions!

 

[Sgt EriK]

Flyn: i replaced my (looked like original) mounts on my '86 CJ7 a couple of years ago with the black rubber ones and the ride improvement was very noticeable. I had wanted to use the red poly ones for obvious reasons (see my profile Pic), but was nervous about all the reports of a harsher ride with poly. Bottom line I'm still pleased with my choice!

 

[flyn hawaiian]

Flyn: i replaced my (looked like original) mounts on my '86 CJ7 a couple of years ago with the black rubber ones and the ride improvement was very noticeable. I had wanted to use the red poly ones for obvious reasons (see my profile Pic), but was nervous about all the reports of a harsher ride with poly. Bottom line I'm still pleased with my choice!

I need to change mine ,. I'm tinking of using poly. My 85 CJ7 I used 2" blocks. My 78' is gonna be a pain to replace, considering da age.

 

[Sgt EriK]

I need to change mine ,. I'm tinking of using poly. My 85 CJ7 I used 2" blocks. My 78' is gonna be a pain to replace, considering da age.

I got really lucky with my replacement. My CJ was a southern car and the bolts came out preety easily. I did PB'em for 24hrs, but there was no rust to speak of! I've read a number of posts where the captive nut broke free and people having to cut things to do the job. But I was one of the lucky ones! Good luck!