After I test fit the body on the frame I cleaned the fenders and hood. Found the fenders were from 09-04-2009. Also found the fenders had stress cracks. Sanded the fenders and hood to get to fresh gel coat. Also sanded some of the stress cracks to see if they were into the fiberglass. Most were in the gel coat. A few were into the fiberglass. For a daily driver they'll work. Seems these fiberglass fenders have a habit of flexing but being brittle.
Taking Built CJ7 apart to make CJ8 For Winter Use
- Thread starter jammer1
- Start date
Sanded the underside of the tub, hood and fenders. Sprayed epoxy on these parts then when they flashed off sprayed bed liner. They're all ready for tape and primer. Probably going to paint white. I have 3 quarts of centari gloss white enamel. White will show less of the wave that's in the fiberglass tub. Also have the paint so that's covered.
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While doing the fenders I sanded the grill, smoothed out the spot welds some with body filler then epoxy primered the grill. When dried wet sanded the primer, ready for filler primer. Not trying to get grill completely straight, just make it so the spot welds weren't as deep and grill wasn't as wavy. It was as if they used a ball peen hammer and hit where they were going to put the spot weld, then did the spot weld. Put a straight edge across and they are approx. 1/4 inch deep dishing out the size of silver dollar. If this would have been the other cj8 I would have sent it back.
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Crown Automotive. Didn't expect a great product. Didn't expect that bad though. Even had to hammer the bottom edge so it matched the other side (other side of body mount). Wanted something that I could use the epoxy primer and get into all seams to minimize rust.
Kane
CJ-8 Member
- City
- Berlin
- State
- ct
I had this exact problem but went about it in a different manner. I made a sub frame to go under the cowl and force it straight. I tapped the subframe for the dashboard mounts and made mounts on it for behind the window hinges. It is very strong and eliminates having to reach up inside the dash for the bolts when ever the dash or the window frame needs to be removed.
That's a good idea. I was going to drill a extra hole where the dash mounts (but not through the dash) and use a grind most of the head off. This would give me a mounting point to drop a bracket down to catch the front of the vintage air unit that I have in the cj7. Your subframe would make that and other mounting points move secure and easier to tie into. Good idea.
Shot 2 coats of epoxy on the tub and parts. Then shot 2 coats of filler primer. Half doors have been repaired and sitting in epoxy so shot them with 2k filler primer with the other parts. Half doors are going to get painted and used on other cj8 build.
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mhinchliffe
CJ-8 Member
- City
- W-S
- State
- NC
man how I wish I could paint, or you were closer!
Good stuff. Keep it rolling
Good stuff. Keep it rolling
Your not kidding. During the 2 weeks I itched. Every night came home, took a cold shower which helped. When I was in my 20,s I did my first fiberglass body. Didn't know better and did in the heat of summer in a tank top. When I got home I took a hot shower. That was a huge mistake, Itched non stop for weeks.
Yesterday finished the primer and sanding. Washed the parts , turned the heat up to 75 degs. Today finished prepping the shop and parts for paint. Used a new gun. Not bad, just going to have to get use to it. Ended up with 3 runs and a sag in the tub (only had maybe 4 or 5 runs in paint before this project). Also rested my let against the side of the hood (never done that before). Touched it light enough that I wasn't sure I did till I looked at it. Enough paint stuck to the suit that I decided to blast it heavy, try to fill and let the run go off the hood (about 3 - 4 inches up from the edge). Worked some but since it pulled some of the 1st coat all I could do it try to get enough to hopefully wet sand it out. Discouraging day. Should be able to clean it up, next problem is only around 10 ounces of unmixed paint left (not able to find any more, discontinued). Hopefully enough for repairs.
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mhinchliffe
CJ-8 Member
- City
- W-S
- State
- NC
I know you're going white. Is it base/clear or single stage?
Single Stage Dupont Centari Acrylic Enamel White 817a. I had just over 1/2 gal. left. Whits hides the waves in the fiberglass body, had the paint, might as well use it before it goes bad. Glad I took the paint and filled qt. containers. Don't think it would have lasted with any air in the can.
mhinchliffe
CJ-8 Member
- City
- W-S
- State
- NC
That ought a lay down really nice. Get some color on that pig!
It will, I know I was going to be short on paint for dash, tailgate and windshield. But was thinking if I couldn't get more paint I would use urethane instead of enamel. If color a hair off wouldn't bother me since the object is to not go crazy and be afraid of driving in winter and the other cj8 would be the trailer queen. Just discouraged with my self. I can do better.
Better pics. Paint continued to flow together. Sag is not as bad (half the size it was after 2 hrs.). Found 2 dryer spots, so looks like I get to sand out runs and sag then color sand the tub. Feel much better than after it was done.
