I got a couple of reasons I want to do this but I'm wondering about the structural integrity of that area being compromised. Searched here and found nothing but did find the subject of it on another forum. No definite answer though. Any opinions?

 

Its been awhile since I did mine but I don't remember there being much of anything else other than sheetmetal. Not much structure there...

 

if done right, you maintain the integrity. far as i know, cut on the pinch seam welds and proceed to fold. here, this is a decent vid

 

GOOD video VT but I'm talking about this mod.

http://www.ajsoffroadarmor.com/pages.php?pageid=12

 

The two triangle shaped ends that connect the inner and outer fenders seem to be pretty substantial.
What seems to be the general consensus from not too many contributors is that as long as the rest of the body is in good shape in that area your good to go.

 

I did mine when I got my bumper from ajs offroad armor with their directions from their website. Seemed plenty strong

 

i did mine a yr ago and its solid.use seam sealer and a bunch of rivets..







i built my bumper to wrap under

 

Very nice!

 

Went and did it.

 

Looks nice.

Thoughts on the project? Tips for other folks who may do it in the future?

 

Other than owning the tools or having access to ones to do the job it was also nice to have online info and pics. Here are the ones I collected and studied before starting. If a 66yr old stoved up dude can do it anyone can.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f58/re...rite-up-94546/

http://www.ajsoffroadarmor.com/pages.php?pageid=12

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/c...t-way-1007865/

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=29750

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthrea...tting+quarters

Having box of band-aids handy is good to.

 

Looks good. Now I need to do mine!

 

It's not that hard of a job at all. I did mine for the ease of cleaning but also because of a 2" diameter rust hole on the left side. The rest actually wasn't bad at all. The right side was spotless. Also makes easy access for maintenance and lubrication. I also removed the spoiler under the front bumper yrs back. With me if it's in the way it's history.

 

You did a really good job, Looks really clean. Did mine over the summer. Biggest thing is to just do it. Hardest thing was making that first cut. I always lay out every cut with an ink stick so I know EXACTLY where to cut.

Did you reuse the gas filler neck shield on the drivers side?

 

I can definitely relate to trying to make yourself take that first cut.
Looked at pics,read the info,and looked at my XJ for weeks before
starting.

I reused the shield. Just kept measuring,marking,bending,cutting,and
grinding til I was satisfied. After wirewheeling it I mounted it then
sealed it all with silicone except for a drain and sprayed with undercoating.