'85 Tub replacement

[helimd]

Hello from a long time CJ guy, but only my second Scrambler. More importantly, my first time on the forum. I recently purchased a rusty 85 Scrambler and, after a somewhat hasty look, I purchased one of the few remaining tubs available. In some ways I wish I had waited as the repairs might have been easier.

However, the tub will be here tomorrow and I am trying to figure out the best way to prep this thing for installation. I am leaning toward seam sealing the entire tub followed by finishing the underside with brush on bedliner. Then, I will install the tub followed by painting the entire Jeep. I know there are many steps to accomplish prior to paint so I'm in no hurry to do the finish coat while the tub is still in my garage.

Going back in the archives has proven more than valuable as I have been able to see what many have gone through in the pursuit of my same goals. So, am I approaching this right, or are there any tips, warnings, advice, etc. that all of you can give me? FYI, I am an career aircraft mechanic and have done several restorations, just not on a Jeep. Thanks in advance for all of the responses.

 

[Randyzzz]

Hello from a long time CJ guy, but only my second Scrambler. More importantly, my first time on the forum. I recently purchased a rusty 85 Scrambler and, after a somewhat hasty look, I purchased one of the few remaining tubs available. In some ways I wish I had waited as the repairs might have been easier.

However, the tub will be here tomorrow and I am trying to figure out the best way to prep this thing for installation. I am leaning toward seam sealing the entire tub followed by finishing the underside with brush on bedliner. Then, I will install the tub followed by painting the entire Jeep. I know there are many steps to accomplish prior to paint so I'm in no hurry to do the finish coat while the tub is still in my garage.

Going back in the archives has proven more than valuable as I have been able to see what many have gone through in the pursuit of my same goals. So, am I approaching this right, or are there any tips, warnings, advice, etc. that all of you can give me? FYI, I am an career aircraft mechanic and have done several restorations, just not on a Jeep. Thanks in advance for all of the responses.

No tips or tricks, but welcome!

 

[helimd]

No tips or tricks, but welcome!

Thank you, Randyzzz. I've been lurking on the forum for quite some time and find it extremely helpful, especially with the number of restorations going on. The tub should be here today and I'm looking forward to getting started. Pics to follow.

 

[rubclt]

Welcome… all types of ways to do your project. I would likely test fit tub, grill and fenders on frame with all bolts, then remove and keep tub separate from frame until the frame is ready with brake lines, drive train, exhaust, etc. then drop painted tub on frame for final assembly.

The Bedliner topic has many opinions for and against because it is often used to hide and trap rust that surface years later. Raptor liner is easy to spray and I have used on jeeps vs brush on type as I prefer the final texture and look.

 

[helimd]

First, I love the screen name. Kudos to you for originality. As to the Raptor liner.........I never realized you could get that in a DIY kit. I'm going to look into it. Thanks, amigo.

 

[rubclt]

@helimd the screen name is short for “Rubicon Charlotte” Rub and CLT is airport abbreviation. Likely not as original as hoped…

 

[Randyzzz]

I also used Raptor liner on mine. Sprayed it myself and really liked how it turned out. Epoxy primer/sealer first and once it flashed the Raptor went on. As Rubclt said, the texture is great. I also did LizardSkin in the cab. Came out with a similar texture. You don’t want to use the Raptor in the cab, it tends to offgas for quite a while.

The toxic nature of bed liner comes from one of its major ingredients, polyurethane. Polyurethane contains methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (or MDI), a chemical that is a known allergen and sensitizer. It has been linked to an increase in cancerous lung tumors.

It’s easy to assume that once the coating hardens, it becomes inert, but that’s not the case. For as long as your bed liner is present, it will release toxic fumes. In the case of an open truck bed, the health effects are minimized since the fumes don’t accumulate and you most likely don’t ride in the bed of your truck for long periods of time.

Compare this to an enclosed truck interior. Bed liner gives off fumes constantly. You’re inhaling them while you’re driving, and they accumulate when the vehicle sits as well. As soon as you and your family step into your truck, you’re inhaling all of the fumes that have built up.

To make matters worse, increased temperatures increase the fumes released. In the hot summer sun or when you are using your vehicle’s heating system in the winter the problem worsens.

 

[FLCJ8]

I also used Raptor liner on mine. Sprayed it myself and really liked how it turned out. Epoxy primer/sealer first and once it flashed the Raptor went on. As Rubclt said, the texture is great. View attachment 101266View attachment 101267I also did LizardSkin in the cab. Came out with a similar texture. You don’t want to use the Raptor in the cab, it tends to offgas for quite a while.

The toxic nature of bed liner comes from one of its major ingredients, polyurethane. Polyurethane contains methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (or MDI), a chemical that is a known allergen and sensitizer. It has been linked to an increase in cancerous lung tumors.

It’s easy to assume that once the coating hardens, it becomes inert, but that’s not the case. For as long as your bed liner is present, it will release toxic fumes. In the case of an open truck bed, the health effects are minimized since the fumes don’t accumulate and you most likely don’t ride in the bed of your truck for long periods of time.

Compare this to an enclosed truck interior. Bed liner gives off fumes constantly. You’re inhaling them while you’re driving, and they accumulate when the vehicle sits as well. As soon as you and your family step into your truck, you’re inhaling all of the fumes that have built up.

To make matters worse, increased temperatures increase the fumes released. In the hot summer sun or when you are using your vehicle’s heating system in the winter the problem worsens.

That is interesting about the off gassing in the cab.

 

[Randyzzz]

That is interesting about the off gassing in the cab.

Lizard skin and like products are safe for interior use. I also believe (can’t find anything to the contrary) that water based liners are ok for interior use.