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Aqualu or Willys-overland, Driving me nuts

Interceptor

Interceptor

My toy of joy
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City
Galivants Ferry
State
SC
I think I have decided to just replace tub on my KISS project, remember "keep it simple stupid".
The Aqualu makes alot of since to me. Just not sure about the way bed is flat, not original looking.
Will the Aqualu body raise eyebrows when people look at it?

Also these are my assumptions:
The Aqualu tub will need very little adaptation/fitting of doors, tailgate etc.. the Willys-overland will still need alot of work, but will look orginal when done.
The Aqualu tub is lighter and stronger than steel tub
Both will be of same value once installed.
My project is a 1981 or 1982 with half cab, steel doors, wide axles, 29" tires. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I am aware of grounding issues and careful paint/prep work.
 
Did you see this thread from a while back?

Aqualu (is not) shutting down operations - retiring

Saw this announcement on their FB page... now I have to accelerate my tub decision. WE'RE RETIRING Aqualu Industries will be closing our vehicle replacement parts business effective December 2023. We would like to thank all of you for your business and loyalty to our company over these many...
www.cj-8.com

cb
 
I would go with Aqualu. Are you going for a point full on resto? If not, go Aqualu.

@Jeeperdd is building a Scrambler with his son right now and is using an Aqualu. Maybe Dustin has some first hand insight
 
I went through this a couple of years ago, with the same questions you are asking. I bought the MD Juan tub. In hindsight, I should have just bought the repair panels but, after spending upwards of $2K on all of the necessary parts, that appeared to be less than ideal. Especially after you factor in the time necessary to weld them in. However, the MD Juan tub took a great deal of work to make right. I'm not building a show truck but figured that things would have fit better. At least my tub has Jeep stamped into the steel as opposed to Joop. Needless to say, I am very happy with the end result.
 
I've looked at the photos on Aqualu website again. To me, it doesn't appear to have body mounts in place?
 
I've used both, if you want as close to original as possible use the md Juan, but know that you are going to spend a ton of extra money at the painters to get the body right. I prefer Aqualu because they are straight and better made, but the floors are different and you will have to cut all your holes on the firewall.
 
Jeeperdd said:
I've used both, if you want as close to original as possible use the md Juan, but know that you are going to spend a ton of extra money at the painters to get the body right. I prefer Aqualu because they are straight and better made, but the floors are different and you will have to cut all your holes on the firewall.
Click to expand...
Was installing heater box difficult? On the Aqualu.
 
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