Classic Ent. Back Panel

Hi All,
I have a 74 Ren. I am starting to restore. I am thinking MDJuan body as nothing is available for parts in Vt. I want the solid back panel. Can I get pics from inside the cargo area where the wheel house meets the back? Is it feasible to replace the tailgate area with the Classic Ent. Replacement panel? Thanks in advance.

 

As I recall, the solid back panel replaces the tailgate, tailgate frame, lower valence panel and two side panels. Classic enterprises shows this panel specifically for the '72-75 CJ which includes the '74 Renegade. Jeep End Panels SHould work fine. Sorry, I don't have a solid back panel Jeep to show you the cargo space interior, and the parts book has no pictures of this.

 

Thanks,
What I am looking for is if the right angle pc. That frames the tailgate could be removed and that classic panel put in. I’m sure I could weld the new panel to this metal but I think stock the wheel house mated directly to the back panel. The PO of mine fabbed a homemade tailgate opening and I am not sure how it looked in the corner originally.

 

I was in a similar spot when restoring my '72 Renegade. The reply tubs all came with a tail gate. And I couldn't find anyone that sold a backing plate. So I ground off the welds on the tail gate so round, and had a back place created. You can see where I drilled out the welds.


These are the plans I used to have my local metal shop follow to fab up my back plate.

I had the top channel bent so it would slide over the change on the tub. The reply tub can be a little wonky with its bent over channels.


These braces are set on the inside of the tub.






The only part that I didn't have faded up is the external brace


I'm not an amazing welder, but I can glue with the best of them. This stuff is amazing! This was back in 2021, and it is still holding fast with no corrosion issues.

 

That's good work Al - I recall those interior braces that curve down to meet the floor. You need both the vertical and lateral reinforcement to support the spare.

Maybe this has escaped their notice, but members Chris74 and Allan both have yellow Renegades in some stage of restoration. Perhaps if you post another thread with your question and a title that prominently features "Renegade" you will get additional responses.

 

THANK YOU!!! That’s exactly what I was looking for. This forum is absolutely invaluable for us in the rust belt. Nothing left here to compare with. From axles to engines to body...It’s all here. Thanks, again.

 

My posting and fonts are terrible. Trying to get better. Never been much on talking. I do appreciate all the helpful suggestions.

 

Ha, that should have been 2012

Another note that I didn't realize of a bit. If you use the factory tire mount. The hole in the outer brace is oversized. Allowing a spacer to sit between the tire mount, and the back panel. I turned two down on the lathe out of aluminum. If you don't put the spacers in, the tire wobbles around and makes a lot of noise.

Inside view


Sorry, don't have a photo of the spacer.

 

Looking at the Classic Enterprises web site, they make a point of their panel including the proper bracing like the original. The weld marks also indicate that the proper bracing is there. if I were interested in purchasing, I would ask for a picture from the other side of the panel, just to see what's there. I suspect it will be complete, considering their reputation.