73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions?

Hi All,

I don't think I've ever posted before - but have gotten great advice from reading other posts. I'm hoping someone can help me with a dilemma.

I've got a 73 CJ5 with 304 that I put on it's side last fall due to a weird convergence of factors: rain-slicked pavement / 33's / too much gas leaving the turn. It was low speed and a curb impact pushed it over on it's side. Amazingly, it just messed up the windshield, roll-bar and drivers side panel, and scuffed up the fender flares.

I was hoping I could get a body shop to fix it, but the nearest one I felt comfortable driving to doesn't have Jeep experience and isn't sure. That is compounded by my thinking I could get a new panel that could be welded in to repair the damaged area and leave everything else. Those hopes were dashed from being told the 76+ side panel has more differences than just details and it wouldn't work.

My long term plan would be to get rid of it. I've got 3 little ones and it doesn't make a good family toy. I don't really want to put the money into it to get it back to shape just to sell, and I don't have the time to part it out. Anyone got suggestions short of putting it on Craigslist as a parts Jeep? It was a good Jeep before I got a hold of it, and it still has good parts - exterior paint in good shape other than damage, electrical and all gauges work, etc.

I'm in central Illinois and I haven't found any Jeep salvage places close.

Thanks in advance!

Daniel.

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

http://classicent.com/jeep.php#car5175

Like this?

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

If just the windshield is damaged, fix the windshield, make it run and drive, and sell it. It isn't necessarily a parts Jeep, if the rest of it looks pretty good and it runs and drives. Someone with the skills will buy it as a project.

Post some pics if you want a more detailed opinion.

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

nickmil,

Like this...

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/side-panel-driver-side-8133112.html

I looked at the site you shared but only found every part around this one. Please let me know if I missed it, as I recall that page is really long and has a lot of stuff on it.

Thank you!

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

Great point Tim, guess I had a baby with the bathwater mentality going.

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

IMO, it is _not_ a candidate for a 'parts' donor...!

As I saw stated somewhere and rings true "Jeeps are blacksmith simple." Fairly straight lines to weld in sheet metal.
My buddy wiped his YJ about in about the same way, he was on a trail with known Trees that Move, and caught the fender all the way back to the rear panel.
He swapped out the fender, replaced the window frame, and cut out and welded in the side clip. Can't even tell unless you get close to it
from the inside.
you just need to either
A.) know how to weld (as he does)
or
B.) have friends that are talented welders <grin>

Post some picts!

_Dan

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

Hi guys. I got some pics finally, but can't figure out how to post. Do I need some separate photo account? I assume that's so the files aren't stored here?

I thought I got a good replacement panel but the wheel well is larger than my 73. It's from NORAM. Does anyone know anything about the Omix side panels? There is a 76+ panel available, but I can't find any info on what the differences would be. Anyone know the differences in the 73 and 76+ left panel?

I'll work on getting the pictures share-able.

Thanks.

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

host the pics on photobucket or the like (i use picassa) then link em to your post

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

right from classics siite

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

OK all. Here are a couple pics of what I've got.

Left side panel with damage, before cut:
http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/hodgendw/media/Jeep Repair/SidePanelBeforeCut_zpsa57bbb99.jpg.html

Wheel well removed:
http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/hodgendw/media/Jeep Repair/WheelWellRemoved_zps63b6a1db.jpg.html

Side panel after cut:
http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/hodgendw/media/Jeep Repair/SidePanelAfterCut_zpsad7ad553.jpg.html

So I got the side panel from NORAM because it covered the area that is damaged. The diameter of the wheel opening and the height of the top section that my top snaps would screw into is taller, and the very top is thicker as well. It was cheap though, so I'll use it for welding practice.

I'd like to determine if the 76+ from Omix is closer. I have a little buckle in the section at the door opening from the panel being pushed down, but if what they show in the pic is accurate, I would probably move further up and cut that portion out as well. I'm also curious if the Omix has the u channel the original panel has along the inside of the top lip of the panel for greater structure.

From what I've found so far, I'm guessing this portion of the tub is the same from the 76+ changes.

Sterlclan, could you confirm that since you have both? Since I've got the pictures here you can now see I need the section behind the classic part you posted. (And I've not seen that on their site)

Thanks all!

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

Write to J&W in Antelope CA and send them links to your pictures. Very likely they can send you the sections you need, cut from a CJ. Any '55-75 CJ will work fine as a donor. IMO the used factory steel will be a better fit and better quality for what you need. Or send your pics to Classic and ask for their comments.

The outer sheet metal for the '76 year does not change a lot, but it changes in some details. The area above the wheel well should be the same. The wheel houses from '76 up are completely different though.

I would avoid Omix/Rugged Ridge products if I had the choice. IME their parts are of uniformly low quality. Never heard of NORAM. I suggest you send the panel back - it would be wrong to accept defective parts and let them make money they do not deserve, even if it was cheap.

Too late now, but I would have tried to straighten that panel.

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

the panels in that spot look the same. there are some little things like the bow socket and snap locations appear different, the 76 dosnt have a socket for the bow. you could modify the panel you got relatively easily .the later tub will not have the cut out for the stretcher leg either so you would have to section the omix panel there

 

Re: 73 CJ5 needs new drivers/left side panel - sell as parts jeep - other suggestions

and you could flatten that panel you cut out and weld it back in if you choose.