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cj7 steel tub vs. fiberglass tub

Author Topic: cj7 steel tub vs. fiberglass tub  (Read 9640 times)

Offline carchameleon

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cj7 steel tub vs. fiberglass tub
« on: March 31, 2008, 07:33:17 PM »
i have a 76 cj7 and the body is a little worse than i thought it was, and it just gets worse.

i have found tubs for sale, some steel, some fiberglass.  what are some pro\'s and cons of either.  

is fiberglass strong enough?
can i transfur everything from my steel tub to the fiberglass one?

any tips/suggestions are great

thanks
76 CJ7
06 Mazda 3
05 f150 crew cab

Offline gCracker

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Re: cj7 steel tub vs. fiberglass tub
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2008, 07:38:57 PM »
I had a fiberglass tub on my first CJ7.  It held up to the little bit of wheeling I did just fine.  Everything should transfer from your existing body.  The best pro is the fact that it will never rust, but if you do plan on wheeling hard there is the fact that the glass will not bend it will just crack and break.  But then again some people say repairing \'glass is easier than welding.  

One tip, would be that if you do go glass, plan to upgrade your rollbar to a complete rollcage that is tied to the frame, because the glass will not take a lot of stress in a roll.

Offline smichaelR22

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Re: cj7 steel tub vs. fiberglass tub
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2008, 07:56:32 PM »
if its going to be a hardcore trail beater, id go with a steel tub.  If its a street truck, mild wheeler go for the glass.  

i did my cj5 with a glass tub, picked it up new tub and fenders that were passed between guys for a few projects never finished, locally for $1100 and got a new fiberglass hood of ebay local for 60$.  it was nice with minimal paint prep, but a pain to drill holes with glass fiber always in my arms, and well everywhere....  my CJ8 im building now even though its pretty much a rust bucket, its definaly going to be a trail rig and staying steel to beat on......  

personally, i would also rather weld than glass.... which i have done my fair share of on model boats and full size hydros...
572 single seat race buggy
573 Brolite '97 Ranger, '96 backup ranger
1997 ZJ 35's
2014 Ram 4500 Cummins 6 speed 4x4
48' enclosed trailer

meangreen

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Re: cj7 steel tub vs. fiberglass tub
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2008, 09:38:48 AM »
Quote

personally, i would also rather weld than glass.... which i have done my fair share of on model boats and full size hydros...


X2

Offline carchameleon

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Re: cj7 steel tub vs. fiberglass tub
« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2008, 12:09:00 PM »
so if i found a fiberglass tub for $500-$600, would that be a good deal?
looks like its in decent condition.

thanks for your input, it helps a lot.
76 CJ7
06 Mazda 3
05 f150 crew cab

Offline gCracker

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Re: cj7 steel tub vs. fiberglass tub
« Reply #5 on: April 01, 2008, 12:12:57 PM »
yeah 5-600 is a steal, if the body is in decent shape.

Offline smichaelR22

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Re: cj7 steel tub vs. fiberglass tub
« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2008, 04:33:36 PM »
is this the one on craigslist i saw?  I think it was a CJ7 one....
572 single seat race buggy
573 Brolite '97 Ranger, '96 backup ranger
1997 ZJ 35's
2014 Ram 4500 Cummins 6 speed 4x4
48' enclosed trailer

Offline carchameleon

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Re: cj7 steel tub vs. fiberglass tub
« Reply #7 on: April 01, 2008, 11:47:01 PM »
done, got the parts jeep....   the guy didn\'t want to take it apart so i got tub/seats/windshield/frame/dash...etc.  

anyone have an extra parking spot?
i will also have some extra parts when all is said and done.
also if anyone would like to lend a hand or just come see what i have, let me know

thanks again for the tips and suggestions/advice
76 CJ7
06 Mazda 3
05 f150 crew cab

 

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