ok so i hate doors, i would have to be doorless all year round but new jersey weather doesn't allow it. i was looking into soft doors so i could just throw them in the back and put them on if it starts to rain, and not worry about them getting scratched/dented, but im only 17 and my job of stocking vending machines at the local community college doesn't exactly make me rich so im not spending 500 on them.i would like to make wooden half doors that i could use with my oem half door uppers. i would make them the same shape. add hinges, handles/latch mechanism, and some weather stripping.
or if anyone has a better idea:beerdrinking:
question 1: can i use aftermarket TJ hinges as they are much cheaper?
Question 2 : would the bestop paddle handles for a tj work with the jk latch?
if all goes as planned i will post a tutorial and post pics
Wood seems like an odd medium to make jeep parts with. Wood is not the most weather proof material. Have you considered making a frame for the lower door out of metal dowel and attach a fabric skin over that? Like a DIY soft door?
Depending on the finish wood can look beautiful. Remember the old "woody" wagons? It would take a lot of skill to make it not look like a fence post on a Jeep though.
Yeah, definitely let him have some fun width it … Maybe he wants his Jeep to look like a barn or if he make it with slats all around it could look like a corral.
Maybe if you cut them short and hang the rear from the C Pillar the could swing a Saloon doors.
Who knows with some short fence posts and chicken wire and a few critters inside it turn into a real barrel of laughs :rofl:
and they aint nuthen wrong with being a redneck..
i like his idea..anything can be done with wood..and duct tape...and the modern ziptie,,,
i want to see this and may even do the same on the old yj..
to answer the two who have asked, yes... wood doors. wood is relatively light, it wont scratch, it wont dent. factory half doors are extremely expensive as most of you know and i dont wanna ruin mine. i wanna be able just to throw them on in the rain.
and nah wood isnt weather proof when treated properly, they only make boats outta it. :deadhorse:
now that i know they make jk latches i just need to known if the cheaper tj hinges would work.
once i get this weeks pay check ill be starting on it and keep those interested up to date
Go Joe go!!! I hope this works. I was young w/ my first Jeep and had to be creative also. I see some young kids w/ Jeeps these days and 10-15k worth of accessories! Don't know where they get their money but I had to work for mine.
Good luck! Must show pics or you didn't do it!!!
If you polish the wood, treat it properly, I see no reason why it can't last....plenty of wood houses are still here after 100 years. If done right, it would be pretty cool. Go nuts!
Buy some two-part epoxy and fully encapsulate everything. Look up west system manual for good epoxy techniques. Use good marine friendly structural lumber and good meranti or okoume marine plywood. It will last forever if you take care of it. I have built a sailboat this way and plan to build a larger one next year.
Don't hear much out of the non-believers now.Too much beer or just choking on the one they were enjoying as they voiced their nonbelieving opinions!!!!My opinion---GREAT JOB!!!!KEEP ON KEEPING ON!!!!
As far as different plywood options available,I think(????) a good grade of exterior might be OK instead of a marine grade plywood.Just make sure the veneer grades are "A" or "B".I believe I'm correct in saying that the glue in exterior and marine are the same---just that marine grade has no voids but much more expensive on a tight material budget.And for what it is worth I'm sure this isn't your first wood working project nor will it be your last!!
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