So I picked up a completely stock and very rusty 97 TJ for $1000 and thought it would be the perfect candidate for my dream military themed jeep wrangler. I was hoping all it needed were some patches in the front floorboards but it became clear that swapping for another body would be the best option. Just for the record I have never worked on a vehicle like this before, the most I ever did were oil and tire changes.
So far I have removed just about everything and removed and scrapped the old body. I have begun the process of preparing the frame for paint. Also need new skid plates
So after having the whole frame on stands for a while I have it wire wheeled and painted green with new skid plates, new shocks and sitting on new wheels and tires.
The skid plates were barely hanging on
The bumper has been re painted and custom d-ring mounts in place, and of course I ditched those ugly plastic milk jug bumperettes.
I have also got a lot done with my customized grill, Jeep purists avert your eyes! The goal is to model my jeep off of a Vietnam era mutt as opposed to the usual ww2 theme. The holes for the turn signals were cut, then I cut the vertical slats and welded in some horizontal square tubing, all it needs is a little body filler and it'll be good to go.
Also in the background you can see the green axle, shocks skidplate, etc. and notice that the stock bumper is gone and I will be mounting some old yj bumperettes.
And here are the new wheels, 16 inch steel rims painted body color with 215 85 r16 tires. They are taller while being a little more narrow than stock. Definitely a more aggressive look.( never mind the ram in the background)
Also yes, I just picked up a new body and have started preping for od green paint, as well as my custom fender and taillight set-up
Got the new tub a while back and the drivers side fender area was caved in, we had to use some unorthodox methods to pull it back into shape. There is still a dent there but it is straightened out to where the fender mounts as it should. Also the chassis is complete, bumpers and grill are mounted, just waiting for the tub to be complete.
Also the chassis is complete, bumpers and grill are mounted, just waiting for the tub to be done.
I like what you've done. Although you've changed the iconic 7-slot grill, I do like how much it mimics the MUTT :thumb: Still A LOT better than the stupid plastic JK grills like the Spartan and angry bird :rofl:
I like what you've done. Although you've changed the iconic 7-slot grill, I do like how much it mimics the MUTT :thumb: Still A LOT better than the stupid plastic JK grills like the Spartan and angry bird :rofl:
As for the tub, the modifications are nearly complete, everything is welded and primed. Just have some body filler work to do and I've already drilled the holes for the taillights, side markers, shovel and axe brackets(don't have a more recent picture showing those) so here it is, my very unique tj build so far. Thoughts?
And yes the old roll bar had to be scrapped(rust) and the new one didn't come with one, which works for me. I will not have a roll bar to stay true to the look. I figure the jeep will stay at stock height and won't see any hardcore wheeling, just the beach, gravel roads and such. And removing the roll bar which is weight up high while adding square tubing along the bottom edge of the tub will lower the center of gravity=less likely to roll over
Here's a picture from today with the side markers and original m151 tail lights mounted. The lights are located there to be similar to the mutt and to not be in the way of the gas can or the spare tire, which will be offset to the right.
haven't updated in a little while but here is where I am at. the tub is complete, body work finished and painted with markings and all.
Also my custom fenders are also welded up, the pictures aren't so great because im holding it in place with one hand. but once these are smoothed out and painted they'll be good to go.
Ill have some help to put the body back onto the frame this weekend, then things will really get going
This is awesome! Need pics of it in the snow when it's done. I fell in love with military Jeeps when I lived in Belgium as a kid. We went to Bastogne in the winter, and there were several WWII vintage military vehicles there. Those MB's looked so at home in the snow, and were surprisingly common over there at the time (ca 1984).
Seeing how I live in Florida, a snow picture might be hard to pull off lol glad you like it
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