The part of yours that is the most concern are the channels under the body that support the body at the frame. The side panels are cosmetic compared th these. Do you have a place to remove the tub and flip it for major reconstruction??
The fiberglass has good points and not so good points, I am not a big fan but this would maybe different if I lived in the rust belt. Old dog is quite happy with his and I am sure he will be happy to give you his take on it.
You will find a
CJ7 tub in the very last place that you look. Craig's list, Flea bay, junk yard, word of mouth, Hook up with the local 4X4 clubs and check their web sites. They are out there.
Just one more point on wire welders, Properly done flux cored wire is stronger than gas shielded and not quite so prone to warping the panel. I bought one and used it to replace the floorboards in my J-10. It worked OK and for $99 it was even better. I gave it to a buddy when I was finished with it because I have other equipment and didn't want to give up space for this machine. The only thing I did not like at all was the trigger not controlling the current. As in the wire is always hot and the trigger just feeds the wire. this would take me a while to get used to.
This could be a lot of fun and you will find that being able to weld opens up a whole new world of fabrication possibilities from cloths line posts to go carts for the kids.
I had a device implanted in my chest to help control an irregular heart beat about 6 months ago. They told me they wanted me to give up welding, that there was a possibility that it could have an adverse effect on my device. I almost passed on the implant rather than give up my welding machine. As it turn out I have had no problem and don't think I will as long as I watch the amperage. I didn't really need to burn 1/4 inch rods anymore anyway. As soon as the 6 week recuperation period was over I got a couple of friends over to pick me up if things went wrong and did some welding.
