dirt_biker_guy

So I have a 01 xj. Recently I added a new rear bumper which required me cutting the rear end caps in half. My question is, is there a write up on how to remove the metal strip on the side of the body that the plastic caps connect to? I plan on bed lining the whole lower side of my jeep and want to remove these. But I have no body work experience. You can see in the picture what I'm talking about. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks!

PocketsEmpty

I think it's just riveted in. From what I've seen people do, i think they just drill out the rivets, and I suppose you could bondo the holes if you wanted

mr white

Iirc they are riveted in. Need to drill out rivets, fill holes. I like the 3m fiberglass repair. Real easy to work with for small holes and holds up extremely well.

Bondo sucks.

dirt_biker_guy

Cool. Well at least I have an idea now. Ill research how to patch the holes after I drill them out. Then I'll be able to get the bed liner on! Thanks guys.

PocketsEmpty

You could just get a replacement panel and weld it in. I'm getting this.

http://www.andysautosport.com/jeep/1...t00000033.html

But no sense welding if you don't need to. I have rust to fix, lucky me.

dirt_biker_guy

rust blows!! Thankfully I'm rust free! Lol but most likely I will buy these panels by the same people who make my bumpers...

http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJ...LQPA-97-F.html

cm75

I took mine off and welded up the holes. Just be careful if you do weld it,because on the drivers side panel there is insulation down there in that area and it is flammable. Ask me how I know. Btw, it's also right there by the gas filler neck, so yeah, I almost went boom.

PocketsEmpty

There's also insulation on the passenger side, at least there was in mine.

dirt_biker_guy

Well I'm sure that is a good story! Lol welding and grinding might be easier for me than the bondo. So if I attempt that I'll make sure to have the hose on stand by. Lol. Thanks for looking out!