Nick's CJ build part 1

[RAT]

Dang, that's cool! I might hit you up with a bunch of small parts to powder coat. Every time I spray paint something, it doesn't last very long, haha Can you powder coat aluminum?

Yes you can. I can get some crazy colors too. Metal flake, metallic, candy pearl, flat, gloss.

[daniel_buck]

Dude metallic blue with pink pearl in it, that's what I need.

[HookandLadder]

Dude metallic pink pearl, that's what I need.

Fix it for ya

[RAT]

If you are interested I can send you a color chart. I don't think Pink is an option but I can blend white and red for you. I aim to please...

[daniel_buck]

Hah Nah, black is what I'd be wanting.

[vwtipeii]

what color are you going to paint the Jeep?

[RAT]

what color are you going to paint the Jeep?

Jeep color called Dune. Mid tone tan with black trim.

[RAT]

There is work being done to the CJ, I just haven't been taking many pics. To busy trying to get this mess finished.
All sheet metal and body work, with some other stuff thrown in for good measure. Today was mounting a new Griffin aluminum radiator. Made a custom lower rail mount and billet aluminum top clamps to fit her in the support. She fits like a glove..

Hood is almost done and ready for paint.
20150201_111053 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Shiny new parts to play with
20150203_181758 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Hammer to fit, paint to match
20150205_161433 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

20150205_161453 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

I forgot to take a pic of the lower rail mount. Do that tomorrow.
20150207_173227 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Billet aluminum. Fun
20150207_173237 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Gonna put some rubber pads on the clamps and the lower rail, seal the sides with rubber window trim.
20150207_173321 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Floor is finished. Will seal with undercoat and time to mount the tub back on the frame.
20150207_173259 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

I'm not sure how many holes we have welded shut in this tub but it has to be in hundreds. This poor Jeep had some drill happy owners in the past. And we haven't done the dash panel yet. Another hundred I'm guessing...

More tomorrow.

[daniel_buck]

Is it more holes than you've had to drill?

That radiator looks great in there

[RAT]

Test hit with the Desert Tan powder coat. Need to do a few more tests. It did ok, but I'm not totally happy with it.

Just ignore the party table cloth...
20150208_173413 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

[daniel_buck]

It's kind hard to ignore that awesome table cloth...

How long do the parts have to bake for?

[6spdYJ]

It's kind hard to ignore that awesome table cloth...

How long do the parts have to bake for?

I'd assume they come out with the cake?:haha:

[alittleoff]

Those balloons... 5 colors... 5 wheels hmm......

Steve

[dirtman13]

Looking good. Getting closer.

[RAT]

My corporate job and other things are really cutting in to the Jeep time but still managed to get some stuff done. A little every night till it's done. building the rear bumper and getting the frame connections done, also installing the roll cage connectors to the frame. A little more fab work and welding then the frame can be coated and drive line assembled again.
Here are pics of the bumper assembly:

Flat 3/16" steel 16" wide and 57 " long. Layout of the bends
20150216_131808 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

trailer hitch port
20150216_160247 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Preliminary bends and first fit up
20150225_163419 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Shaping the ends and fit up of the hitch
20150227_134050 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

20150227_134121 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Hitch reinforcement
20150228_130858 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

20150228_140011 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

20150228_140022 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Endcaps. Shaping the first cap took a while but the other one went quickly.
20150302_194641 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

20150302_194702 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

20150302_194804 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Cleavis mounts
20150302_194958 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Almost done. Final fitment tomorrow after work and then weld all the reinforcements and clevises.
20150303_185221 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

I just got the latest edition of BendTech PRO tube, sheet metal and header design software. Time to go crazy...