YAY! Progress...

The back bumper is constructed and mounted. Here is where we are...

Fallon is cutting pieces for end caps.




This caught my attention, for some reason...



I have been looking everywhere for my speed square! Blended well with the top of the Jeep.



And then I noticed the XJ headliners sitting on top of my 7, and I had an idea for the inside of my hardtop. I think it could be cut down and fit pretty well to dress up the inside.



Caps welded in place.



Fallon cleaning up welds.




Bumper installed.



COOL! A slide-out bumper! Wonder how useful that would be?



Now I need to figure out how to finish the lower quarter panels. I did not look far enough forward to see how they would stick down below the bumper. Same issue with the shackle relocation brackets. Think I'm going to have to rework them too.




Now we have to clean up the Reese hitch and reinstall, rework the shackle brackets, and build the front bumper. More to come...

 

Relocation brackets are drying, nearly ready to reinstall. I was so proud of them when I made them, but they are butt-ugly! Oh well, nobody will see them.

I would like some ideas on how to finish the lower rocker that extends down below the bumper on both sides (last two pics). I don't mind cutting it off, or whatever, but I'm not sure what needs to be done. Any suggestions?

 

Here is where we are now. Bumper is finish-welded. I need to make some fillers to clean up the open areas, designated by the red squares. I'm thinking some lights to fit near the ends of the bumper to hide the lower rocker that shows below the bumper, designated by red circles. What do ya'll think??


This is just an overall pic of the back. I like how it looks. The hitch has been Osphoed and will be painted tomorrow. I have had poor Fallon in the shop all weekend! But we got a lot done. Notice the missing, offensive, red shackle brackets?? They are now redesigned and black.


And Fallon sitting next to his prize. This is one great kid.

 

Who do ya'll recommend for replacement carpet kits? I am skeptical after seeing/reading everything online. Is there a good fitting kit?

 

Bumper looks really good! For the rear quarters, search "cut and fold". That will give you some ideas. I'll try to find some examples and post them here when I get more time.

 

For the carpet, I've read good things about these guys.
http://www.stockinteriors.com/items....herokee_Carpet

 

This thread has a decent how to for cut and fold starting on post #14: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/92-xj-build-178917/
And since you have a welder in the family, you could do a modified version of this and just cut everything out and weld a piece, sealing it up better.

 

Sweet! Thanks. Good and clear pics on the cut and fold.

 

Did you see my post about the carpet? Another idea for the bumper/rocker area....maybe you could add a raised portion on either end under each tail light. and then a rocker armor type piece similar to what is shown here.


http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJB/DIY-XJ-R.html


http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJArmor/XJQL.html

 

Yep, I did. My main concern is color. Don't know what shade of gray Fallon has... light, medium, or dark. Sorry for missing that reply. Prolly call them tomorrow. Also, I will be adding the fillers around the lights. I have looked at the side armor and not sure about that yet.

 

I'm sure if you asked them for a sample of each shade they would send you some small pieces.

 

 

 

Those are the angles I was wanting to show earlier instead of the general link.

 

They also make a integrated armor piece that might help fill that area you are dealing with. Its similar in shape/angle to what you were thinking about. Click through the pics at the bottom.
http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJArmor/XJQL-INT.html