Our '81 CJ8 has a pretty bad frame, rusted completely through in many places. We have two options - 1. get a TDK frame (which someone suggested on fb, i'm totally new to all this) or 2. Take a CJ7 frame that we have on hand and have extensions welded on to make it work. Has anyone every done that before with success? Or would we be better off to just get a new something that will fit right?
Switching out the frame
- Thread starter Palnud
- Start date
- City
- East Norriton
- State
- PA
Really depends on money. Extended CJ7 between axles and rear of rear axle would be cheaper but you still have a frame with parts 36 years old at best. Can't go wrong with a TDK frame from what I have heard(never used one but have seen 1 and it was really nice). TDK frame is heavier gauge and should basically last a lifetime.
- City
- Ashburn
- State
- VA
Have you looked for option 3? A Scrambler frame? I spent about nine months searching and found one about 9 hours away, then a few days before going to get it, one popped up less than 2 hours away. Maybe more were available 5 years ago when I looked. GIven those 2 choices that you posed, I would go with the TDK. Almost did as it was as I have heard great things about them. And you could have them built for what you need/plan.
Someone in fb land recommended just that, I'll look around, but we're hoping to have this put back together by fall. Thanks for your thoughts!
Yeah, you make a good point, the cj7 is still old and will likely run into problems at some point... Now I'm hearing that it will devalue it to not put a factory frame on it which gives me pause.
Tips on where in the heck to look for a used frame? A quick google search was just rabbit trails.
- City
- Richmond
- State
- TX
I found one on Craigslist. Decided I need a new frame, and one was posted for sale 4 hours from me 2 days latter.
I’d suggest looking at Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
If in a hurry, TDK is the way to go.
I’d suggest looking at Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
If in a hurry, TDK is the way to go.
- City
- East Norriton
- State
- PA
Devalue really depends on what your plan is for it. My current CJ8, I would value it more in its current state with a TDK frame. It has dana 44's, T18, 401, cut rear wheel wells. Built as a wheeler so a stronger frame would add value to me.
Ignore comments about value unless you plan on selling it.
Chamba
Not obsessed: focused.
- City
- Vero Beach
- State
- FL
I agree with Barrys. Scramblers are somewhat unique among 'collector' cars in that much of the value can rest on how well restomoded the car is, not just whether the numbers all match.
Because Scramblers were not built to a very high standard to begin with, many folks feel that a well- improved Scrambler is worth at least as much- if not more -than a stock one. Right now on CarGurus, there's a CJ8 with a hemi on a TDK frame for $90,000 and a stocker for $20,000, just as a random example.
My 8 is completely rust- free with a perfect frame and a rust free tub, yet I will eventually put an Aqualu tub and TDK frame on her.
Bottom line with these I reckon is build it the way you want it but build it well. A well-built, tasteful 8 will always have a buyer when you sell it; whether it's bone stock or has almost nothing from Toledo left on it.
Because Scramblers were not built to a very high standard to begin with, many folks feel that a well- improved Scrambler is worth at least as much- if not more -than a stock one. Right now on CarGurus, there's a CJ8 with a hemi on a TDK frame for $90,000 and a stocker for $20,000, just as a random example.
My 8 is completely rust- free with a perfect frame and a rust free tub, yet I will eventually put an Aqualu tub and TDK frame on her.
Bottom line with these I reckon is build it the way you want it but build it well. A well-built, tasteful 8 will always have a buyer when you sell it; whether it's bone stock or has almost nothing from Toledo left on it.
- City
- Rochester
- State
- Mi
I put a TDK frame under mine, the quality is levels above a stock frame. Being in the Midwest I ordered mine galvanized to be safe, but odds are it will never see salt again.
Wjtstudios,
I'm thinking about ordering a TDK frame. What were your thoughts on the galvanizing? Is it worth the eXtra $600?
- City
- Rochester
- State
- Mi
It all depends on where you are at. I’m in the epicenter of the salt belt, so I wasn’t taking any chances even though it will never see winter again. I will say, that it it does leave a spots or debris on the frame that will show up once you powder coat it. But I think it was worth it.
I'm in Northern Illinois so I'm also in the eye of the storm when it comes to rust. Also like you, I have no intentions of driving in the snow. She'll be a garage queen. With that being said, I don't know if I would be better off just spraying the inside with a product from eastwood and saving myself $500.
- City
- Bedford
- State
- NH
TDK has a 3 month backlog the last time I checked...
RockTractor
Basic User
- City
- Albuquerque
- State
- NM
I've used two TDK frames..
One for my old CJ-7. For that one, I opted t get it galvanized because I used to live in KY and rust was an issue there. The "cons" to getting it galvanized are that painting it and welding on it require special considerations.
For my CJ-8, I opted not to get galvanized since I now live in Albuquerque, NM and rust is not an issue.
The quality of both frames has been over-the-top.
One for my old CJ-7. For that one, I opted t get it galvanized because I used to live in KY and rust was an issue there. The "cons" to getting it galvanized are that painting it and welding on it require special considerations.
For my CJ-8, I opted not to get galvanized since I now live in Albuquerque, NM and rust is not an issue.
The quality of both frames has been over-the-top.