Replacing Jeep Panels

Hi My 74 cj has the original body on it that someone patched up and painted a while back. While they did an ok job patching and painting, they left some things out pertaining to the body mounts.

1. The 2 front most mounts visable from under the hood are missing, I mean not the rubber body mounts, but both steel structures that weld to the body and bolt to the frame are missing.
2. They neglected to replace the hat channels with the new floors so the floors are just bolted to the body mount spots through sheet metal.
3. All the rear mounts that mount on the rear crossmember are missing because the original panel rotted out a flat piece of sheetmetal replaced it.

So really there are only like 6 body mounts holding the body to the frame and the creaks, groans, body roll, etc are getting aggravating.

I want to fix these things. First I want to install the front two body mounts so that the front of the body is secured to the frame correctly. Secondly I want to replace the front floor with one of those complete front floor sections with the hat channels underneath. Then I want to replace the rear body panel with a new one to get the mounting points back. Finally a new set of rubber mounts should cure all my problems

Quesitons:
1. Should I do this with the body on or off the frame?
2. How true does this work have to be? Is there room for error?
3. Does anyone know where I can get the front mounting pearches?
4. Should I start from front to back or back to front?

Thanks for all the help ahead of time and sorry this post is so long!

 

Here are the 2 front body mounts. They and classic enterprises have the hat channels. Or some guys here have used 2 inch channel. I went with the replacement hat channels.

http://wildcountryparts.com/

http://www.classicent.com/jeep.htm#Price List

 

Any input on the replacement floor panels from Quadratec? They are significanly cheaper than Classic, so I'm guessing the quality isn't there. I'm looking for patches to last 1 to 2 years until I can replace the tub.

 

Thanks Eddyt. I was looking under the Jeep last night and things are not as bad as once thought. I could get away with replacing the floors on each side and the underbracing and not have to buy the entire front piece from Rigid Steel. Which is nice cause it's $400. Next question. Do the replacement floor panels have the rolls in them to provide the structural integrity like the originals? Or are they just flat steel?

 

MA74CJ5, the replacement panels from Quadratec have the formations for added rigidity. I just wonder why they are so much cheaper than Classic.....Also, do you know if the underbracing is the same on a '79? I only see it listed up to '75.

 

I built my own panels. I cut out the old rusted ones. I used them as a pattern and replaced them with 1/8 flat steel then added the new hat channels .They came out OK. The ones I have seen for sale are the flat panels with no rolls.

 

That was my first option, but for $29, they offer a pre-formed ready to install panel. Here is a picture. Looks like it has a few formations, but not as many as the production panel. They also sell the rear floor panel and rear crossmember 'step' brace.

 

Do you know what gauge they are? I got some from jc whitney,,, they were junk 20 0r 22 gauge. They worked OK for practice welding before I tossed them in the corner. Those look good, where are they from?

 

They are available through Quadratec. I just callled and the panels are 18ga. What do you think, will these be ok?

 

I am really conflicted on what to do. Those panels look a little different then the stock panels for 74. I can order the whole front floor or each side. I will have to think about it.

Also does anyone know if the rear panel (under the tailgate where rear part of body bolts to the frame) has the body mount points or is it just a flat piece?

 

The back half on my 71 has 2 channels on it. They bolt to the frame with body mounts. I am going to replace both of them. I did replace the whole back floor pan with flat 16 ga, I know it had the rolls in the origional panels though.That floor panel looks good I think it is 18 ga that came on them.

 

Hi - I had thought you were in MA... there are a couple of places nearby where you could maybe source your parts. Rowe, MA (NW corner) http://www.rigidsteel.com/y5pC4tIGk1.html and
S. Paris, ME (north of Portland) http://www.jeepanelsplus.com/

Jeepanels plus makes their own parts, so maybe they could supply you with the front mounts. If you need floors or hat channels, you could make a sketch of what you need and take it to a local shop for fabrication. I'd expect that shipping something like a complete floor would run into some money, and if you can source it locally, the price should be less.

IIRC the traverse ledge support (see the rigidsteel link) turns under at the bottom and has rubber mounts at 4 places along its length.

 

hey Boyink.

Those pictures were great! It solved the mystery of the rear panel and how the body attaches to the rear crossmember. What kind of welder did you use? Mig, arc, and how many amps etc. I need to buy one.

 

Yeah Tim the floor I was referring to was from Rigid Steel. I think I am leaning away from that now though. I am going to replace the floors and hat channels piece by piece. Do you have any experience with Jeep Panels Plus? Do the floors have the original raised roll in the middle for structural stability?

 

Hey thanks Boyink. A bunch more click and save pictures there.

 

Hi - I have not bought anything from them, but I was recommended to them by somebody on NEOW for rockers for my pickup (same as M715 rockers). If you ask there I think you will get a positive review.

I don't know about the raised section, but metal shops have a machine to raise reinforcing ribs in large, flat panels, so they could easily make something equivalent. I'd suggest you give Jeepanels Plus a call.

 

Tim I think I am going to call them. The original floors have that whole odd shaped section that is raised like an 1/8th in for structural support. Unlike the 76+ which have straight raised ribs. I want the original appearance.

OK so who is up for a Jeep ride from MA to Portland any takers???R)

 

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input. It helped me make some decisions. As always this board rocks! A jeep wave to everyone.