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Differences between MD Juan tub and original

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by jglad, Sep 20, 2009.

  1. Sep 20, 2009
    jglad

    jglad Village Idiot

    Glenville, WV
    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2008
    Messages:
    123
    What are all the differences between a new MD Juan tub and the original tub for a 1963 CJ5? I am assuming the battery cover on the cowl as well as the bow pockets on the sides and rear corners won't be there. Is the jeep logo on the side stamped in the correct location or is it down lower like the newer Jeeps? Are the floors and firewall the same as original?

    I am trying to decide between rebuilding my badly rusted original tub or replacing it with a new one. Original tubs in good condition are about next to impossible to find around here.
     
  2. Sep 21, 2009
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
    I got a cj3a body fit from them and it was missing the top bow brackets. The willys stamping the the hood was it the correct location. I had to notch the transfer case hole inorder to go into low range. They are fairly accurate. You will want to test fit EVERYTHING to mack sure it doesn't need to be cut/open up anything. My 3a is all together minus the paint.
     
  3. Sep 21, 2009
    Jeep Rescue

    Jeep Rescue The CJ-3A Page

    Woodbridge, VA
    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2007
    Messages:
    41
    Avoid MD Juan at all cost. If you can save your tub or find an original one, you'll be much happier. The MD Juans require a lot of fitting and some of the bends are off. The floor by the gas pedal is wrong, the tranny hole is off, and usually the fenders require you to bust the spot welds to fit them correctly. No bow pockets, no parking return spring bracket, among others. You can get a Repli-tub from Willys America which is a massaged MD tub. But seriously, find a nice used tub for $500.
     
  4. Sep 25, 2009
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
    Up in the Northeast, its near impossible to find a decent original tub, unfortunately. :cry:
     
  5. Sep 26, 2009
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    I do agree with finding an original tub or fixing the tub you have if possible, but on the same note the MD Juan tubs aren't so far off I'd say avoid them at all cost. Most people wouldn't have a clue my 3B tub isn't original. :coffee:
     
  6. Sep 26, 2009
    TigerShark

    TigerShark Sponsor

    St. Louis, MO
    Joined:
    May 27, 2004
    Messages:
    333
    Some things I noticed without researching a bunch...

    *No Jeep name stamped on side
    *Support brackets inside the rear fenders are completely different (though not noticeable unless you climb under it). They use hat channel where the originals had baffle plates.
    *The windshield base post is indented (not sure why) where the original is flat

    Jim
     
  7. Sep 26, 2009
    Tom in RI

    Tom in RI Member

    Rhode Island
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2008
    Messages:
    234
  8. Oct 1, 2009
    SIDSCJ

    SIDSCJ Jeep addict

    14th State
    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2004
    Messages:
    1,189
    Steel is thinner, primer is junk, many spot welds are junk, trans/tunnel panels are off, no m/cyl access panel on floor, still have wood in hat channels, etc etc. If you can't do the work yourself, you'll double what you spent on the repop tub alone just getting it right.
     
  9. Oct 1, 2009
    LarryD

    LarryD Member

    Gallup NM/ 4 Corners
    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2006
    Messages:
    637
    Lots of opinions Pro and Con. I have read so much it is hard to know. I am considering a Replitub for my 75 because of lots of rust but haven't made up my mind. I can tell you on my 47 I have an original tub and the replacement windshield was way off on the fit, not even close. I have heard M D Juan uses original stamping dies purchased from Willys, if so wouldn't they be an exact replacement ? Keep us posted on your decision and if you go the replacement route let us know the results.
     
  10. Oct 8, 2009
    iagmc

    iagmc Member

    SE Iowa
    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2009
    Messages:
    181
    "original stamping dies purchased from Willys"

    From the 60's? I would think that I would show some wear also..... I don't think I would look and fit the same also
     
  11. Mar 9, 2013
    jeephil88

    jeephil88 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2013
    Messages:
    62
    Hi Guys. Please direct all your MDJuan questions to me :)

    cheerio,
    Rommel Juan
    MDJuan
     
  12. Mar 9, 2013
    F Bill

    F Bill Member

    Abilene, TX area
    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2006
    Messages:
    274
    Hey Rommel, Do you use "original Stamping Dies purchased from Willys? as one poster suggested here? (If that was true I'd love to hear the story of how you got them!!)
     
  13. Mar 9, 2013
    rejeep

    rejeep Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Rochester, NY
    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2009
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    1,691
    I would rather spend the money fixing an old tub...
     
  14. Mar 9, 2013
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2006
    Messages:
    1,929
    Just and FIY, the thread was from 2009.
     
  15. Mar 14, 2013
    jeephil88

    jeephil88 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2013
    Messages:
    62
    nope. we made our own.
     
  16. Mar 14, 2013
    naomiswanson

    naomiswanson New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2013
    Messages:
    5
    [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I really appreciated that you are going to have improving the quality of your tubs. Anyway, I am planning to have a replacement tub vs repairing or finding a donor door. If you are going to commit to improve the quality and it can be proven, I would surely consider buying one of your body tubs. [/FONT]
     
  17. Mar 14, 2013
    blevisay

    blevisay Oh Noooooooooooooooo! Staff Member

    Portland Tn.
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    4,348
    x2
     
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