Back at it Again -- '72 CJ5

Here's what happens when you don't have a clear plan in your head before starting.


I ended up cutting a lot of excess metal that I in turn had to replace in the exact same spot. It was a big mess, but I finally got it sorted out.


The passenger side so far has gone exponentially smoother than the driver side, because I had a better plan.

I started out by cleaning all the paint off everywhere I am going to have to weld beforehand.


Measured twice, cut once.


I took off 2" from the back of that cut. That way I can butt the beads together and make a cleaner look.


One of my biggest issues on the drivers side was the side support. Then I remembered that I am eventually going to mount an under-seat tank, so I cut it out.

 

Finished the passenger side notch today. It went incredibly smoother than the driver side. And they are both perfectly symmetrical,so all is well that ends well.




I had to repair the bottom flange of the wheel house as well.

 

Looking forward to seeing those finished wheel house notches! Did you make all the cuts with a cut off wheel?

 

Just read through your build. Boy, it sure brings back memories. Makes me want to do another one! Looks awesome.

 

I really like your method of cutting the notch. I did mine the old way and it was the first meatal work and welding I tried. It would have been slicker to do the way you did it. Good thinking! Great looking project.fb