Jeep CJ7 Body Tub Details and Paint Prep Technique

There is a lot of information on the CJ7 OEM body tubs in this video. Most of it is what I've learned from the first CJ7 (84) that I restored. In this video, we discuss how to potentially prep your body tub to alleviate the rust and the spots where it happens most often and also what the differences are between the 76-81 & 82-86 tubs. Some of the details will dictate what elements you can use for your restoration and what modifications you might need to make to meet your goal.
Topics covered:
Rust proofing your seams
Seam Sealer
Seam Priming
Phosphoric Acid for rust treatment/prevention

[@ronthoman7138]

Thank you for documenting your entire build! You have provided us a TON of detail, Well Done Sir!!

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Just trying to help out all the other CJ crazies out there.

[@LeoKahng]

I really appreciate the incredible amount of detail, history and techniques that you share so generously!

[@coolguy_CJ7]

My pleasure!

[@curtiswood110]

Greetings from the UK. I will be watching all your video's as I restore my 79 Jeep Cj7. Thanks for all the great video's.

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Love hearing from across the "pond". Keep checking back and letting me know how things are going.

[@Mike-mc2qo]

Not sure if you're still monitoring this post… I recently purchased a ’76 CJ7 with less than 40,000 original miles (I’ve got the paperwork verifying this…what a find!). It’s in remarkable condition to the point I can clearly see through the windows of the original soft top. Driver side floor pan is rotted and tub rust is the normal spot below the JEEP on each side. After that, minor rust damage. I've seen quite a few of your videos and wanted to say thank you for showing everything you've done. I’ve got mine apart now and preparing an area in my garage to sandblast the tub and other parts in the next few weeks. It may sound redundant to do this but, after blasting the plan is to then build a frame and use the old pool liner to make a tank for some home electrolysis to remove any remaining rust on the tub in places blasting is unable to remove. And I agree with you for leaving the look of spot welds and other factory imperfections as it retains the unique character of each CJ. Anyway, thank you for taking the time creating/posting your videos and sharing your passion for the CJ!

[@coolguy_CJ7]

I’m always monitoring to keep I contact with the crazy people that think I know what I’m talking about :) What a great find. Very jealous. I’d be happy to help advise anywhere I can. Email me @ [e-mail] with questions or to exchange CJ photos.

[@Mike-mc2qo]

@@coolguy_CJ7 email sent with photos

[@TheSuperduke08]

ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS HAVE BEEN SO HELPFUL. THIS HAS BEEN EXTRA HELPFUL

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Good to know that these are at least remotely useful. :)

[@gmoney9588]

Good point on add ons with Jeep bodies ; parts such as roll bars and possibly battery trays were assembled and THEN primed and painted . Wheel wells , riser panels , passenger side tool boxes on front floors and more . Bare surfaces were left to exposure and not even sealed . The finishes that were used were the typical DuPont enamel . They were decent primers and paints but it was left to question ; was it the corrosion preparation in the sheet metal before panels and bodies were stamped or in the assembly that failed and caused corrosion . As you’ve pointed out as well , the fitting of floor supports to floor panel,stamping were less than perfect so it was a fail waiting to happen . They just primed and painted and counted on dealers to sell under coatings . It’s up to us to protect the metal as best we can , trusting the producers of anti rust coatings to help .

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Having cleaned, etched, primed, sealed, and painted every piece individually, it will be interesting to see if I cured the rust spots that AMC is renown for. Hopefully I never see rust on it within my lifetime. :)

[@gmoney9588]

Sir , you are correct in stating that spot welds were all over Jeep’s as in many vehicles produced then . Spot welded panels were a quick production method and the Jeep was considered a utility vehicle . Spot welds contributed to rust in later years since it was relied on the corrosion inhibitors of the sheet metal to combat corrosion . Although I can see that someone wants smooth out panels and take pride in their Jeep’s finish , it’s just hopeful that it’s done right . On my 1973 CJ5 , body filler ( bondo , a trade name ) was applied over rust and shoddy repair work as is so commonly found . I don’t condone or condemn body filler , but it has its place IF PROPERLY APPLIED . Yeah , it was a snow plow Jeep so it’s common . But now I’m the guy who wants to fix it right to the best of my ability and don’t want to just say “ send it “ . So I respect that your taking the initiative to do it right . Glad your pointing out the pitfalls where rust never sleeps on a jeep and what to be aware of .

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Truly a labor of love.

[@gmoney9588]

@@coolguy_CJ7 Absolutely . No matter how many will lust over this Jeep when finished , no one will ever be able to appreciate its value as you will .

[@Raiderstarrunner]

The Jeep Jedi strikes again!

[@coolguy_CJ7]

It's all Jedi mind tricks, really.

[@knobknobbiwah4784]

Your tub is late model form 79-80 CJ-7 with T98 or T18 Dana 20. I got the same tub as your's one, My one is original late 79 CJ-7 golden eagle package. You are lucky to get the great body tub. The body roll bar is different than early 79CJ-7. You did the great job also. I have another spare 82 CJ-7, would you like to trade it? Ha! Ha!

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Ha! no chance :)

[@mjcavender1230]

Purist at heart. Me, too. Great video. 👍🏻

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Thank you for the kudos. The number of original equipment/truly restored CJs are diminishing by the day. I'd bet that, of the roughly 250k CJ7s that were made, there's 3-4k left that are not modified or are near survivors.

[@mjcavender1230]

@@coolguy_CJ7 I agree. I have a 1977 CJ5 w/T150 and 258. It is Fire Cracker Red with the original white hardtop. I’m in the process of restoration. I’ve learned a lot by watching your videos. Thanks for taking the time to produce them for us.

[@jimhoran5445]

Looking good! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@coolguy_CJ7]

It's an interesting journey to say the least.

[@davebrown5403]

could you add some seam sealer and primer links? You're the man cool guy!

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Sorry so long in response. Do you want the products that I used?

[@davebrown5403]

@@coolguy_CJ7 yes please!

[@royhaight3256]

Thanks for ghe videos! I've got a 83 cj7 and it needs body work. But the odd thing is there are what look like screws along the quarter panels. Is this common or something the previous owner probably did? Any info helps

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Could they be for the buttons of the original soft top?

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Send photos to [e-mail] so I can see and assess.

[@royhaight3256]

@@coolguy_CJ7 Thanks! Turns out after some more questioning of the previous owner those are what they used to hold the body panels on that they replaced. Makes my job of getting them off for new ones much easier. Appreciate it!

[@philmunson7773]

Great videos! How about a YJ tub on a CJ? Will it work?

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Yes. But you will have to make a fair amount of mods to fit with the CJ7 frame and a couple other things CJ components.

[@marvinmakarwichrealtor]

Can you share contact info for where you purchased the tub?

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Rudy’s Jeep parts (West/Central Ohio). Unfortunately he has almost stopped taking CJs apart. Ray Moulton @ Dead Jeep would be a great option to find an original tub.

[@robertthrem3382]

I didn’t like that crap rust reformer. Does it contain rubber. It don’t paint over well

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Some versions of the rust reformers may contain rubber, but not that I've seen as of yet. Using the rust reformer as a preventative measure for areas between seams and then sealing it with seam sealer is a pretty sound way to go.

[@Rustkill2010]

If you need a Jeep to work on for videos let me know. I can loan mine to you. 1985

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Tempting, but I haven’t got the right space to make a hobby/job out of this yet :)