I have a 99 xj with a dent in the roof from a tree. I found a 95 and the guy is selling it for parts and was wondering if his roof and back doors will fit properly on mine. I would be cutting off the roof of both and welding on the new one.

 

If I might ask have you did a repair like this before?

 

I have not.

 

I really need to know if the body sizes are the same. Anyone that knows please let me know.

 

Beat it out with a hammer and throw a roof rack on it.

 

The size should be the same, but the shapes won't match. the Xj was somewhat restyled in 1997. The 95 might have a boxier shape than your 99.

And I wouldn't recommend replacing the roof if you've never done it before, unless you have help from someone who has.

 

I have help. So should I get a roof and rear doors from one, im okay with any look as long as its rain proof.

 

You need to brace up the body before you cut off the roof.The braces need to be welded on every door opening and x across the jeep.Its a big job to do right how bad is the dent you have?

 

I would only use a roof from a 97-2001 XJ and the reason I asked about having done this before were several.

First was the issue of it being a uni-body as mentioned already the bracing is very complex on these and if not done properly the job is doomed before you make the first cut. There is a reason why about all insurance company's will total all cars with roof damage except for very high dollar ones and most times not then. They go to the auction for someone to hack together and sell on craigslist.

IMHO you should find a good shell blown engine, trans, etc. and buy it, you will be better off in the long run for sure.

 

Agreed, if the dent is too big then it could be a bear to fix. You can get a cherokee with a blown engine around here for almost scrap prices $500-$1000.

 

Yeah, I agree...If the dent isn't too bad, though, and it were mine, the easiest route is to pop the dent back out...If reflections make the dent look too bad, another option is to bedline the roof after popping the dent out, to mask how bad it was...

 

The rear doors are not easily interchangeable. The door harness and window regulator are different along with the style seal between the body and the door. I think the latch might be slightly different but will still work. Also some changes where made to the door hinges over the years. The easiest solution is to get 97-01 rear doors and use those.

As for the roof I would just pound the dent back out. With the height of mine I can't even see my roof when standing next to it. You could add a roof rack as well. Another option if add some supports or a cage and add one of the full length sliding soft tops. I know jp magazine did a write up on one and the guy who owns detours offroad has one in his personal Xj.

 

Yeah those soft tops are sweet. I have a tiny bit of roof rust that I'm pretty much just ignoring for now...I'll bedline or flat-black the whole roof, or do the soft top or something if it gets too bad

 

Like this but I got a roof and two back doors from a parts jeep so I have two steps to go.

 

Id find a new shell and swap all of my parts over to it.