Well, I finally took the first step to starting the build on my 88 this week. This picture shows what I had to start with...


A set of Outlaw II style Ranger wheels and a worn out set of 31-10.50s later, this is what I had...


Wow what a difference. Who would've ever thought that a set of wheels and tires could make that much difference. I'm psyched about getting started on it now. Box tubing rockers will be fabbed and installed this weekend, and the hunt is on for two decent front fenders that haven't been shoved back into the doors. More to come!

 

Well thanks for the build. Keep us updated over time.

 

Not to bash your rig in any means, but can you safely mount the rockers?? With that amount of rust, I'd be scared to weld/bolt to anything.

IMO - I'd spend a solid weekend with a sander, cut off wheel, LOTS of rustolium and take care of that rust issue. If ya wanna go the expensive route, do new paneling. Otherwise, sand/cut to some good metal and stop that cancer!

 

All the rusted areas are coming out. I plan to completely cut the rockers/lower front quarters away, and the rockers will have legs that come back and tie into the unibody rails. I also plan on doing some plating on the underside, as this rig will eventually be a half top with a full cage.

 

The cancer is limited to the skins on this jeep, the underside is in great shape. Besides it's a trail rig so I get to help him cut it up. Yea I love to cut.

 

Yeah Jonb8 is my friend lol.... i forgot to add that the rust was on the exterior panels only. The driver's side looks worse than it actually is; the previous owner experienced a blowout at about 70 mph.

 

Well thats good news. In that case.. Chop away!!

 

Dont forget your floor pans. check out my build i Rhino-lined the interior inside after getting rid of the rust. Total cost 100 bucks give or take but it will be solid.

 

I love the 2 door look. Think that will be my next XJ. A Renix era 2 door........hhmmmmm.

 

Well, I got the rockers cut out of the way on the driver's side today. I cut and tacked a piece of the 2x2 tubing I am using for rocker material and tacked it in place to see how it looks. Found that the bottom of the rear wheel well has some rust issues, as do the floor pans, but as stated before, it's a trail rig, not a beauty queen, so it doesn't bother me too much. Besides, that can serve as a good drain hole for when the top comes off, lol. I also peeled the driver's side door off, that front pillar needs some attention. Thinking about going ahead and leaving the doors off and building some custom tube half doors. Sorry no pics, but I let the parents use the camera for the weekend; as soon as I get it back I will post some.

 

Here's a shot of the rocker removed, unfortunately the rust extended past the pinch weld so it all had to come off to the floor pan



Here's a shot of the new rocker tacked on... still have to fab the bracing to come down to the frame rail and the floor pan



I left the rockers short in the back so I can trim the fenders out... I also plan on running a brace right at the back of it.

 

Lotsa rust! Gonna be a long time project to keep the rust under control I'm afraid!

 

Like I said before... not too worried about it... it's a trail rig... if it rusts apart and breaks in half, i'll just find another XJ to put the drivetrain/suspension under.

 

That my friend is a good way to see things.

 

Yep cause it's gonna fold like a taco one of these days.