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What Did I Just Acquire????

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by FogHead, Oct 5, 2023.

  1. Oct 9, 2023
    FogHead

    FogHead New Member

    SW Virginia
    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2023
    Messages:
    17
    Interesting concept... but it's not. Bottom of the tub is of different material than the top... still glass, but different. Magnet doesn't stick anywhere on the tub. Tub appears to be of decent quality though
     
    Glenn likes this.
  2. Oct 9, 2023
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,192
    Your Jeep is an early 1967 model (build date of Oct ‘66) and its not uncommon to have it titled as a year newer if it sat on a dealer lot for a while. The serial tag is supposed to be mounted on the driver’s side above the heater box, though the heater box on yours is mounted a bit too high.
    Likely the only original parts of your Jeep are the chassis, axles, engine/trans/transfer case. Even that front bumper is straight out of an early’80s JCWhitney catalog (I have that same bumper from there).
    I don’t recognize that tub brand. I have a “4 Wheel Drive Hardware” ’glass tub that is very similar including the ribber rear floor, but mine has smooth rear fender tops where the rollbar mounts. Mine has the maker’s name molded on the rear floor. Neither yours or mine have the recessed bow sockets over the rear wheel opening or the side gas filler molded in. Your top is likely from the ‘80s and appears to be made by Acme (one of the better ‘glass tops). From what I see, I would guess your Jeep was re-bodied in the early ‘80s, likely with many parts supplied from the Whitney catalog; full ‘glass body w/tilt front, rollbar, front bumper, rear fuel tank, & possibly even the wheels. There was a limited time that aftermarket brands got away with reproducing the Jeep grill before Chrysler went after them for trademark infringement.
    Most of the fiberglass tubs have plywood ‘glassed in the floors, fenderwells and firewall for added strength. A few brands ‘glassed in 3/16 or 1/4” steel plate in some places. Either material has issues over time. Moisture gets in and rusts the steel, or swells and rots the wood. I’ve cut out the added strengthening material and had to replace and re-‘glasx a couple of these tubs in the past.
    I’m likely going to bond in aluminum plate in the current tub I have, though it is in the best condition of my prior ‘glass tubs.
    Check your floors and firewall to see if they are dry and solid, though the hardtop my have helped preserved them.
    Your Jeep has a lot of made-up history, but the knowlegible folks on this forum can help sort out what you really have.
    -Donny
     
    Glenn, vtxtasy and Fireball like this.
  3. Oct 9, 2023
    Zoomer

    Zoomer eJeeper (walking)

    Minnesota
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    1,092
    Willys and Kaiser actually published bulletins to dealers telling them what serial number they could go back to for titling as current model year. How closely the dealers followed may be questionable.
     
    Glenn likes this.
  4. Oct 10, 2023
    FogHead

    FogHead New Member

    SW Virginia
    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2023
    Messages:
    17
    I looked closely at the tub and the holes that were drilled for the cage mounts... appears that the tub floor is solid glass. Floor inside the tub looks to be perfect. Like, brand new perfect... so no issues there. IMO, the jeep got the new tub and likely never moved far again. The wiring is completely useless and shot... likely never got sorted after the body got swapped. Once again, seeing as how it's really nothing special, I'll rhino the outside, rewire and run it, not necessarily send it though :lol:
     
    Glenn, Jw60 and vtxtasy like this.
  5. Oct 10, 2023
    FogHead

    FogHead New Member

    SW Virginia
    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2023
    Messages:
    17
    Also, looking at converting it to a soft top. Hard tops are nice, until you want it to come off. This one isn't terribly heavy, but too heavy for me to mess with on my own. I'll likely list it for sale here shortly.
     
    Twin2, Glenn and vtxtasy like this.
  6. Oct 10, 2023
    Zoomer

    Zoomer eJeeper (walking)

    Minnesota
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    1,092
    Looks like a great start for your project! Have fun with it!

    Acme tops are nice, especially for those of us in cold climates. Some years of Acme tops had door latches that failed, and from what I understand, there are no replacements readily available.
     
    Twin2 and Glenn like this.
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