Side Step and Body Panels

[GunnersWillys]

Hello :

I'm back with another "educate me" question.  Two actually. 

A little background.  My '58 CJ3B is a bit of a mish-mash of body parts.  The backstory I was told was that this was someone's farm Jeep, and that at some point in its life a tree fell on it.  The result was a new body from the aft of the front fenders on back.

See below photo.  The panels are definitely not original.  They are either aftermarket, or home-made.  I'm curious if this was common.

Note that it actually was just set down over the original, or part of the original panel, and bolted on.  Underneath you can see what is left of the original.  Hat channels are almost gone.

Side-step photo also below. 

Again, I'm just curious if this was common, or if someone in its past life got really creative.

I wheel it, not super aggressively, but it does get beat on a bit.  Because of that I don't want to restore it.  Maybe later, but for now it is nice not to worry too much about scratching a pristine body.  Any comments would be appreciated. 

[Rus Curtis]

GunnersWillys,
 That sure looks like PO repair work to me.  The fasteners do appear to be placed to hold the panels down flush with the tub.

This is an image of what Classic Enterprise offers as a replacement of the step:
https://www.classicent.com/products/jeep-step-tread

Some images from the CJ3B Page of Lawrence's '55 showing the step and that corner of the tub (drain hole, etc) and wheel well:



Notice the small "tab" sticking out of the back of the step flush with the tub.


And yes, the hat channels run right out under these steps to reinforce.  There's one bolt/nut that secures the back of the fender to its front edge.

I've seen examples of repair work where that step is brought straight back (like yours) to connect to the tub.  If I were to guess, I'd say it's easier when constructing; less bending and fabricating.  Also, after market tubs don't seem to have the drain holes in the tub either (easier to make) but if yours is skinned, maybe you can see them from inside.  do you ever collect water inside on the floor?

[GunnersWillys]

I collect water always!  As you say there are no side holes.  But it does drain through the floorboards, which are all homemade also.  Thanks, that confirms my suspicions.