PROJECTS

Bumping around

Just have to add this. Anyone, but anyone, tell me why the aftermarket does not carry pre-1976 hard parts. Seems as though no one makes a decently heavy rear bumper with reciever for these jeeps. Yes, there are some out there for the front, but that is only because all CJ's have the same frame width and bolt pattern on the front. A rear tube bumper with reciever is available for the "older models," but it is hardly close to "heavy." Hence, I went down to a local wielding shop and had a 56" long, rectangular 2x4" stock (1/4 inch thick) steel cut. Tapered then boxed the ends and had a hitch wielded to the bottom. Then had two plates wielded at right angle 29.5 inches apart to slide in on the outside of the frame. Had to practically yank the old bumper "cover" off. They are wielded across the top and bottom to the frame and have 1/2 inch tab/rivets going through the frame. Removal required 1 hour with the grinder. Finally slid the new bumper in place and drilled 1/2" holes for the bolts. It is not coming off. Nice 2 gallon air tank to boot!

Console

Dad had this sitting around. Paid little-to-nothing for it at the junk yard. It's out of a 1999 Chevy Suburban. Cutting out a notch for the riser for the Jeep's ""bed"" makes a perfect fit between the seats. If doing this, be sure to get the keys! Make the bolt or straps that tie it down go under (accessible from inside the console). Hence, can't be stolen or broken into. I did have to support the front, as the notch at the back can only go up about 2 inches (will run into inside box). I just keep my roadside bottle jack under the front. A simple 4x4 scrap could be used instead.

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