DJ3A Just Purchased

[zooke581]

I actually had those laser cut for me.  I tried one and didn't look how I wanted it to.

[zooke581]

Winter decided to come back for about three days so no work done tonight.  About 20 degrees.  My family has got to quit sending their weather from Wyoming this way.

[zooke581]

Got a little further on the rear light panels. I made the light brackets and welded them in. I then fit the new panel and get it ready for welding tomorrow.

[zooke581]

Reworked the first rear light panel I put in.  Tank of gas for the welder was bad.  It wasn't fun but it is done.  Amazing what good gas can do.  Then on to the other side.  Lots of rot there.  Removed it and made up the new panel for install.

[zooke581]

Not the best picture but here it is with the recessed military light panels.

[zooke581]

Since I was already on the back panel I continued to do some more changes.  I took out the two center braces that were there for the rear center mounted tire bracket.  I then put in a hat channel like the military jeeps.  I also put a couple of dowels for support where the lower military tire bracket will mount.  I will put in the triangular braces in tomorrow.

[zooke581]

Made some braces on for the back panel that help support the extra weight like tire and gerry can.  It's nice to have both a GPW and MB tub to get measurements off of to do this.

The braces on the GPW. 



The brace I made.



The brace now welded in place.  I did this instead of bolting it like the GPW as if I remember correctly the MBs are.  My MB tub had the panel cut out for a tailgate so I couldn't check.

[zooke581]

Sanded the back panel after I filled a million holes.  The bondo was thick.  Now I see why.  Looks like a Army ball peen hammer brigade attacked the rear of my jeep.  No hope in me getting all these hammered out.




I measured my GPW and drilled out the holes for the tire carrier and mounted it.  I also made a template of the Gerry Can support panel, made one and clamped it in place.  With the tire and gerry can it will cover up much of the rear panel.  So...should I skim coat with bondo to get most of the dimples out or just leave it?

[athawk11]

My vote...

A little war torn is probably a good thing, but...

A flat chunk of steel bar stock...around 4" x 2" x 5/8" is my favorite dolly for hammering away at a Willys.  You would be surprised at how smooth you can get that panel.  Add in a little heat shrinking then a little more hammer/dolly work.  Smooth with a light coat of filler...just to even out the surfaces hiding behind your hat channels, then call it good.

You're doing such a nice job on the repairs.  This surface will be one of the most seen on your Willys.  Smooth it to at least the level you will smooth out the sides.  Otherwise, I think you might regret not cleaning it up a bit.

My humble opinion only.

Tim

 

[zooke581]

Did a small final patch on the transmission tunnel. 





Also did a little work on the back panel.  Didn't do what I wanted it to and don't want to spend too much time so I will skim coat it with bondo.  And on to the tool indents.  That is going to take a bit of work and the final small patch forward of the tool indents to finish yet too.

This jeep was supposed to be my quick runner but it got more involved than expected (don't they normally go that way?).  It is my test mule and learning process for the GPW/MB that is next on the plate.

[zooke581]

This evening I worked on the tool indents.  I tried a couple of ways that were just not going to work and then I fell upon this way that was much easier.  Wished I'd have thought of it a few pieces of sheet metal earlier.

Marking out the replacement sheet for the indent cutouts.  Indents were already made and bent for insert and welding.




Axe indent inserted and welded in.




Both axe and shovel indent welds ground down ans smoothed out.

[zooke581]

Finished panel next to a bad panel off one of my Military tubs.




Installed and finished.  I think it'll pass.

[1955CJ-5]

Well, don't that just beat all!

This thing is a work of art.....

[zooke581]

Thanks!

[Ryan_M]

I've been trying to resist the "Wow that looks great" comments throughout this whole thread. I can't help myself here after seeing that installed panel.

WOW! THAT LOOKS GREAT!!