Newbie restoration guidance for a 1981 scrmabler?

[blackout2815]

Hey y’all,
My brother and I are new to the forums. Last year we picked up a 1981 Jeep scrambler found in a family member’s pole barn. We’ve been slowly picking away at it and are in search of some guidance. Both of us have very little experience restoring cars and have been doing what we can, learning on the way. We got the body off the frame the other week and are in the process of sanding down the body. It turns out this body has much more bondo on it and rust holes than originally thought and we are toying with the idea of getting a fiberglass tub. Attached are pictures of what the body looks like now. If you have any insight on whether or not this is worth the price or our next course of action, please feel free to let me know. We’re not looking to make it look as gorgeous as some of your cars, just presentable and road legal. Thank you in advance!

 

[FLCJ8]

From those pictures I would say spend the time/money to repair.
That being said, how are the floorpans, bulkhead, bed, area under the rollbar mounts, etc.

Basically need more pics.

 

[ag4ever]

Classic Enterprises for the replacement panels.

 

[blackout2815]

I

From those pictures I would say spend the time/money to repair.
That being said, how are the floorpans, bulkhead, bed, area under the rollbar mounts, etc.

Basically need more pics.

ll get you pictures tomorrow. Floor pans are shot, full of holes. With what it will cost to get everything cutout out and welded back in, I’m thinking it would be more cost effective for our skill set to just buy a new body. Thank you!

 

[ag4ever]

Depends on if you want a fiberglass body or a steel body. There are steel reproductions, but they are not great. Both the fiberglass and repro steel have issues. Most agree reworking an OEM body ends up with a better overall product.

 

[blackout2815]

From those pictures I would say spend the time/money to repair.
That being said, how are the floorpans, bulkhead, bed, area under the rollbar mounts, etc.

Basically need more pics.

Here’s a few I for yesterday, had it covered for the weekend so I couldn’t get shots from top-down. The floor pans underneath the seats are rotted right through. Also this cross-members under the bed are also shot right through. Not much metal to salvage/ solid points to spot weld to.

 

[OGRES]

Here’s a few I for yesterday, had it covered for the weekend so I couldn’t get shots from top-down. The floor pans underneath the seats are rotted right through. Also this cross-members under the bed are also shot right through. Not much metal to salvage/ solid points to spot weld to.

Search the forum for the threads on the replacement bodies. It seems that the needed repairs for the replacement tubs cost as much as the tubs themselves. This is why a lot of folks on here think salvaging the original body may be easier and cheaper in the long run.

 

[walkerhoundvm]

If you're not concerned with anything approaching originality and just want a drivable vehicle, fiberglass would be the way to go. The "only" thing you're chasing there is grounds.

 

[JFReese]

I

ll get you pictures tomorrow. Floor pans are shot, full of holes. With what it will cost to get everything cutout out and welded back in, I’m thinking it would be more cost effective for our skill set to just buy a new body. Thank you!

 

[YJ-8]

1. Your doing this the hard way-- Haul that body to a media blaster and have them remove the paint-- best 700-1000 you will spend.
Then it is ready for repair and you know what you are working with.

2. As for a body/tub, if yours is too far gone, I would do 2 things
A) Search for a used one, but that may be difficult to find and cost as much as option B
B) Get an aluminum replacement from these guys -- It shows up on a truck, test fit and it is ready for paint.
https://www.hardbody4x4.com/5050-cj8-1981-1985-scrambler-body.html

Brad