Opinions and answers -- Original tubs

How big of a sin would it be for me to make mods to an original, relatively rust-free 3a tub? Are these things becoming rare enough that we should think about preserving the originality of the factory tubs for histoy's sake and get a reproduction to cut up? I understand that costs involved with getting a repro tub might change one's mind, but I just wanted some opinions from the crowd on the idea.

And to go along with that -- how would one tell if they have an original tub and not an older reproduction tub? It has an ID plate on the pasenger side dash, but its illegible. I only ask because this thing is suspiciously clean for a 60 year old. Just want to be sure what I got! Thanks!

Have a good weekend?

 

pictures of tub in question would help

other than that, it's your Jeep
I have no problem with what you do to your Jeep

 

I've always wondered why people take an early Jeep and cut the body and frame and stretch it to 94" WB when they could have just bought a YJ(or cJ7) to begin with...Then I think It's THEIR Jeep and they can do as they please with it!

 

my Jeep is not cut up and modified
but the only original components left are:
the body tub
the grille
and the frame
the rest has been replaced somewhere along it's 64 years

 

Mine was a clean, straight, cancer free 47 tub.... Now has a hole in the firewall for a distributor, 2 holes next to it for a master cylinder, and an opening for a SM420 shifter. do I regret cutting the tub? Not one bit.... Do I regret not doing a cleaner job? Absolutely. I'll be spending some time with rolock and 32 grit for a while...

 

What sort of mods are you thinking about?

 

Even if you modify yours, it doesn't make my original body any more valuable. Turn yours into what ever you want and go drive it.

 

probably not the best pics for IDing, but might be enough for you guys to say.






I'm probably over thinking it with the whole preservation mindset. Now that I think about it there is probably every opinion from the guy who thinks it should stay factory, to the guy who'd leave nothing original. It breaks my frigid little heart sometimes to see some of these old cars and trucks chopped and stretched and what not, but I'd say anything is better than the car crusher.

Thanks,

Bill

 

I'm thinking you're correct! Or maybe a question better suited for the restoration forum. I havent actualy checked that forum out yet.

I hadn't planned anything extreme anywyas, and there are enough 'mods' to it now anyways that I probably shouldnt sweat it so much.

Thanks,

Bill

 

Thanks. Great answer!

 

I gotta notch that wheel well and move thedriver seat back. Between the swinging pedal setup and the gas tank, there isnt any room for my left foot. That and put in a cj5 gas tank in the rear, so that might mean I have to do something with the filler, but I havent researched that much yet. I can see a bigger radiator in the future too, so perhaps some cutting in the grill area to make that happen.

That's about all for tub/body mods. The rest are probably bolt ons.

Cheers,

Bill

 

That's kindof what I was getting at at first -- whether or not we're running out of original tubs and parts and if that is or isnt a problem. Sounds like there are enough to go around though.

Thanks for the input!

have good weekend.

Bill

 

:drool:,, but it's yours so do what you want with it. Lots of folks have cut up far more scarce pieces than this. A street rodder friend has a shirt that says " anybody can restore a car, it takes a man to cut one up" Not sure how I feel about that but there is some truth to it. Enjoy your JEEP and do as you please.

 

I agree-build it the way you want it. The only Jeeps I hate to see modified are military ones-for some reason I think they should all be OD with NDTs and combat rims...I can't explain why, it's just the way I feel.

 

I like to leave mine as stock looking as possible but you have to make it comfy to ride in and usable for you. Do your thing and have fun!

 

I guess it's hard for me because tubs like that are not easy to find here in the NE. Most stuff here is rotted up and you have to fix it up anyway so it's not gonna be " original" anyway. Part of this hobby is seeing what stuff other folks come up in their mods. I guess if everything were restored to stock, it would be pretty boring. It's your thing, do what ya wanna do.....

 

and if it did service somewhere i say no way but it belongs to you not me sooooo hack away if it floats your boat....

 

Thanks for the input on that. As for my second question -- is there any way to tell if its a reproduction tub or original? I posted a couple pics but not sure if they'd help anyone identify.

Thanks again.

Bill