88 YJ-CJ...CJ7 Tailgate
CJ7 Tailgate
The drop down CJ7 tailgate is another big piece of the CJ7 conversion. I
want have to do all this work now, before the
gas tank is installed.
Holes marked and drilled - my trusty sidekick helped me greatly - it was a 2 man job to hold the tailgate and mark the holes accurately:
Access holes cut:
Nut plates...it wasn't really necessary, but I used my underutilized milling
machine. It was nice have the holes perfectly spaced - much more
accurate than manual layout and centerpunch of the holes.
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| Squaring up the long edges |
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| Squaring one end |
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| Holes drilled |
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| Getting there |
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| Ready for welding |
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Done, except for paint |
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| First install |
The tailgate fit well. There is some latch interference with the tailgate bar that I'll have to figure out
Next steps:
1) I'm going to weld some sheetmetal brackets to "cage" the nutplates, so they will stay in position.
Some people have fished their plates up through the drain holes, but that seems difficult. Others don't cage their nut plates, and could potentially have to drop the gas tank if they remove the tailgate.
2) Weld (and seam seal) some cover plates over the two access holes that I made. Everything will get weld-thru primer and a top coat.
3) Make a proper (strong) bracket for the tailgate latches.
1) I'm going to weld some sheetmetal brackets to "cage" the nutplates, so they will stay in position.
Some people have fished their plates up through the drain holes, but that seems difficult. Others don't cage their nut plates, and could potentially have to drop the gas tank if they remove the tailgate.
2) Weld (and seam seal) some cover plates over the two access holes that I made. Everything will get weld-thru primer and a top coat.
3) Make a proper (strong) bracket for the tailgate latches.
Bumperettes?
Another thing to consider before the gas tank is
installed...bumperettes. Any feedback one way or the
other?
Keep the rock crawler bumper currently installed?
Or install a set of the CJ7 stock bumperettes? (I've already got
a black set ready to install)