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Author Topic: Cj3a door brace  (Read 2283 times)

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Offline PercyUK

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Cj3a door brace
« on: September 18, 2021, 02:41:23 AM »
Hi, I am trying to repair the doors on my cj3a as at some point in the past someone had cut them to accommodate a hardtop.
I have fabricated and inserted a repair panel but need a favour.
The brace that sits inside the door needs rebuilding. Can someone post a picture of the brace, specifically where it meets the edge of the door aperture so I can see how it should look.
Hopefully I have attached a photo showing where mine is cut.
Thanks
« Last Edit: September 18, 2021, 02:46:35 AM by PercyUK »

Offline athawk11

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Re: Cj3a door brace
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2021, 11:28:11 AM »
Hi Percy,
There is really not much to it...


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Offline PercyUK

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Re: Cj3a door brace
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2021, 02:45:02 AM »
That's great thanks, I just wanted to make sure it looked right and that helps a lot.
Cheers
« Last Edit: September 19, 2021, 02:46:41 AM by PercyUK »

Offline Marla.the.V35

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Re: Cj3a door brace
« Reply #3 on: September 21, 2021, 12:15:23 AM »
Your aperture looks gorgeous! Can you speak to how you fabricated it some?
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Offline PercyUK

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Re: Cj3a door brace
« Reply #4 on: September 21, 2021, 02:39:15 AM »
Hi, and thanks. The first thing I did was to take a card template from my friends wartime Jeep.
I knew that making a former and hammering it was probably beyond me, especially if I wanted a nice flat panel, so I simply cut out three sections of sheet and welded it together.
The large panel face first followed by a thin strip for the top and a matching curved strip for the inside.
You have to take your time so that the heat doesn't distort the panel and then I used an abrasive disc on my angle grinder to clean and final shaping.
 It was actually quite easy and once in I don't think anyone would know without a bit of specialist knowledge.
The real trick is trying to fit my new flat panel to my old bent panel on the Jeep and make it look original and patinated.
I have added some photos, the first is trial fit and the second when done. I had to use a skim of filler to help with the transition from new flat panel to old (lived in) bent one.
I think it will be OK with some paint.
« Last Edit: September 21, 2021, 03:16:05 AM by PercyUK »

Offline Marla.the.V35

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Re: Cj3a door brace
« Reply #5 on: September 21, 2021, 04:50:03 PM »
Fantastic work! Thanks for sharing the process!
'81 CJ-5 (RIP)
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Offline PercyUK

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Re: Cj3a door brace
« Reply #6 on: October 01, 2021, 03:08:44 AM »
 Hi, it's yet to be painted but here is the final result, the last shot is how it originally was having had a hardtop sometime in the past.
« Last Edit: October 01, 2021, 03:17:36 AM by PercyUK »

Offline 1955CJ-5

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Re: Cj3a door brace
« Reply #7 on: October 01, 2021, 06:21:02 PM »
That really looks good....

Do you plan to paint it soon?

If you ever intend to get an original style full canvas enclosure there are a couple of holes that belong in the top edge for the door rod, probably want to drill them before painting.

I attached a picture but it's not very good. I can get measurements if you need them.
« Last Edit: October 02, 2021, 01:22:20 PM by 1955CJ-5 »
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Offline SteveKfl

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Re: Cj3a door brace
« Reply #8 on: October 01, 2021, 07:27:05 PM »
That's a good point, (and you have a nice looking ride too), and those holes on mine are "threaded".
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Offline PercyUK

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Re: Cj3a door brace
« Reply #9 on: October 02, 2021, 02:30:44 AM »
Thanks guys, I am planning to replicate the patinated look as the body is covered in dents and marks from its long history..... I quite like it..... it also means I can make changes without ruining a decent paint job like yours.
I don't have any hood frames at the moment so I can hold off with the holes but will give you all a shout if I decide to install one. I think I would need a nice tatty hood to suit the Jeep and they are not easy to come by in th UK.
Cheers