ndolph

I've got a lot of work to do...so lets get started

I got my first Jeep back. It was also my first vehicle. She is REALLY rough and needs some serious help but I want to make sure I do it right.

1. Rear Passenger Floorpan is gone above the muffler. Big hole that leaks exhaust back into cab. I don't drive it because of this.
2. Carpet is trashed, the lady I sold it to stored it in a barn and then outside with the rear wing windows not sealed shut.
3. Front Seats are in bad shape but nothing a seat cover didn't fix before.
4. Need to go through Cruisers tips for the Renix XJ.

I've been Googling and looking and I can't get a solid answer to a couple of questions so I thought I'd ask here!

1. The carpet needs to be replaced, and I'd like to have carpet again. This Jeep will become a daily driver not doing anything crazy. Every single carpet I find states it will NOT fit the 2 door Cherokee. What are my options? Has anybody just tried ordering it and making it fit? What doesn't fit about it?
2. Floor pans and cargo pan, what can I do to seal them up real good? I live in Iowa and they LOVE spreading salt on the roads. I'd like replacement pans to last more than a couple of years. Should I weld them in or rivet them in? Should I cut out the floor under them even if it isn't rusted through or should I leave it be and lay in the new pan over it?

I'll come up with more questions over time probably. This is just the beginning of my madness lol


Picture of the project after I pulled it out of the tree line...

Spencer_P

1. There was a recent thread discussing carpet and I believe the consensus was the 4 door carpet will fit 2 doors, however, I can't say for sure.

2. Cut out all the rust and any metal in the way of fitting new pans unless you want to cut the new pans. Weld in the new pans, maybe use weld through primer, prep all the surfaces well and coat with a good paint like chassis saver, por15, or steel it. Then use seam sealer around all the edges and where you removed any old seam sealer. I used this, cheaper than real seam sealer. Then I would topcoat with something like this. If you're really committed to keeping rust away you can use fluid film or corrosion blocker as well.

ndolph

If you happen to come across the thread again could you link it here? I believe I've seen where they have fit 4 door carpet too....but I can't say for sure. Hate to make a $300~ oopsie.

Thanks for the answer here! I will do so!

Spencer_P

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/car...erokee-256617/
Here ya go.

ndolph

Soooo.....here is the biggest rust hole, and looking at the pictures of the floor pans, nothing covers this area I think....

I'm aware its a giant mess, I'll be working on it this weekend, cleaning it out and taking out the seats and remaining carpet so I can see what I'm working with.

Am I out of luck for a pan for that area? Custom fab?

Spencer_P

I can’t say I’ve ever seen a replacement panel for there, I imagine it being a 2 door makes it even less likely. The problem with that area is they smothered it in seam sealer and it just lets rust grow.

TrailerTrash

Yeah your either gunna have to make your own replacement panels or get very lucky at a pick n pull and find a good section to cut out and use.
I suggest dropping the gas tank you are going to be cutting and welding pretty close to it. Too close for my comfort anyway

ndolph

Well..........crud.... not the news I really wanted but I'll see what I can do. Now I remember why it got parked.

Spencer_P

From what I've heard about pan replacements, it should be easier to make something. Especially right there, its a relatively flat spot.

ndolph

Its not totally flat...but I may be able to fab something if all else fails.

TrailerTrash

There is no way around welding if you ask me. That is a large area and you are going to have to cut it even larger to get to all the rust out.

It's easier to make patch panels for areas like that because it is out of sight so it doeant have to be pretty, just strong

unidentifiedbomb

I had to replace my '88's passenger floor from pretty much firewall to hatch and that spot was not fun. Lots of bending and using my body as a press to form and tack it in place.

boxburn

I found it easy to use cardboard to make a template. Split the job into 2 parts if you need to having the first stop at one of the frame edges, then the second continue on from there.

ndolph

Thank you for the pictures! I have hope in this project again. Going to get a battery and get the Jeep rolling under its own power again, then I'll be moving it inside to start the process of identifying all the rust spots, and marking cutout lines.

I'll update the thread with my progress.

Appreciate all the input! Very helpful community.

boxburn

I have plenty more. Panels for these aren't as easy to come by in the UK so I've had to fab a lot. I would honestly say coming up to 50% of my floor is panels I've had to make.