Ok so the first post didnt go as planned and made for a really big post. As I stated before I am new to this forum and the Jeep world. My question is can I use rivets and trim off spot weld area. I will be leaving the top lip which will be where I will be putting the rivets. Below is a pic off what I am talking about. There will be about 15-20 rivets in that section. Any and all help would be awesome.

 

Why not just cut and fold the whole thing? Why completely trim out some of the areas?

 

I still want it to look good. It is not a trail rig. DD so I think it will look cleaner with it cut off.
I just need to know if anyone has done this before and whether or not its a going to be a bad idea.
I personally think it will be fine but want others opinions.

 

Personally, I think you should cut and fold the whole thing... With that said, I have done this "mod" to both of my Cherokees, first time I was young and "dumb" or inexperienced if you will. And I cut the entire pinch weld area off down to the lip all the way around, then riveted it together like your talking about...and although it worked, I wouldn't suggest it to anyone. Now mine was a DD weekend worrier. Doing it this way, it never sealed up until I sealed the seam from the backside of the quarter, and it started separating after a few good trail runs, which flexed the body decently. The full cut and fold will work much better and still be factory sealed...and if done right can look awesome. I say do it the right way, which is full cut and fold, just take your time. Make sure not to cut in the pinch welds and all will be butter.

And my second cherokee is done full cut and fold. And have not had any problems with separation or leaks. And I think it looks better without all the rivets in it.

 

How far apart were each of your cuts?

 

1" max. On the straight parts. I didn't really measure. Just try to make as many as you can in the tighter curves as it will fold better and give you cleaner lines... And don't cut to high. A hair below the lip should work great.

 

Why was the first thread not good enough? This is why forums get cluttered so easily.

Cut and fold the seam. Take your time and it'll look way better than hacking it off and popping rivets. (For the second time.)