CJ's had drop down tailgates, the swinging ones are a YJ tailgate.

 

Is it a steel tub?

I thought all CJ7s had tailgates from the factory, (especially by '86) and Chris is correct, they were all drop down style...

Hoss

 

Yes its a steel tub but really customized a ton. I am not the 1st owner. The tailgate was missing when purchased.

For example the side panels do not even have a stamped JEEP logo.
I am trying to figure out what i can get to at least get close to a 3D side JEEP logo on both sides.

No way im going to replace the panels only for the stamp.

 

There were CJ5's made that did not have a tailgate prior to 1979 I believe, The CJ7's all had the drop-down tailgate.
There are aftermarket tubs on which the tailgate opening is an option, mostly the aluminum ones, I think.

 

plenty of fiberglass tubs without the tailgate opening, too.

ALL cj7s had tailgates (dropdown, as noted).

 

As Hoss always says:

"It didn't happen unless there are pics"

----JEEPFELLER

 

I doubt that RR swinging spare tire rack is designed for a CJ, so you should take that into consideration. They may state it will fit a CJ, not sure… just something to look into.

 

I did a dry fit. And it fit perfectly.

Will post pics when im done installing

 

I've seen a few that were automatic.

You unlatch it

and it automatically drops down

into a bench seat.

There are other options where the tire carrier swings off of the "replaced" larger bumper.

I DIYed mine on my CJ-5 so that I could get the spare (torn off the side several times) onto the back

of my Jeep with my other goodies. The square bumper is the air tank for my train horn system, and has a

quick connect for my air hose (tires, air gun). I also have slide in sockets on the front and rear bumpers

for my 2 piece canoe rack to anchor into.

I plan on beefing it up a little more with some angle bracing, it's been like this for 25 years.

It wants to sag about 2 inches when I open it, it is still fully functional.

-----JEEPFELLER

 

A swinging tailgate is doable, but you'll need to use YJ hardware, sheet metal, etc. My pal Dave (@Mongo228) had to replace the tailgate on his '80 Laredo, but he really liked his YJ tailgate (from years ago), so we talked and I suggested he swap-in the YJ stuff, since he pretty much had to replace everything anyway. He did, and it all worked out perfectly.

The only downside with yours is that you'll need to replace the CJ corners you just replaced with YJ corners to accommodate the YJ tailgate set-up.

If you're pretty much to this point, all you need to do is get a new CJ tailgate with the latching hardware, straps, seals, and hinges, and you're basically done.

Should look like this once you're done. Don't forget to put the hinges on correctly (the other way is upside down) - they oriented the hinges with the hinge part lower so the tailgate was level with the bed surface when the tailgate's open. Pretty clever! A lot of people put the hinges on with the hinge part right at the split, which works, but defeats the original intent since the tailgate winds up more than an inch about the bed surface.

Get some color-matched spray cans and 2K clear coat from a local automotive paint supplier, and it'll be like it was from the factory once again. (I was building my own tire rack in this pic - the bumper-mount is the way to go - especially with bigger tires).

All done - just gotta hang the tire now. Only thing left is to pop some caps into the factory tire rack locations.

Hope this helps!

 

Mine is a steel tub. But its a very large custom job.
I am getting it back to sort of factory.

I guess just keeping the tailgate as a drop gate is fine.

Thank you all for you great advice and info!!

 

EZ for logo

Get the dimensions of somebody else's

Or shade over it with a pencil

Have a graphics place make the letters (and desired color)

Line up the correct dimensions on the Jeep

Normally this is like 2 sheets with the graphic between it.

You tape it in place, peel off the bottom sheet, lower the rest of it down

Rub it from the center outwards to avoid wrinkles. Peel the top sheet off.

Everything should be perfectly spaced

Stick you with a fork---you are done!

The only thing missing is the "raised" metal ---- not too many folks will notice!

The AMC police will not arrest you.

Every bit of insignia on my CJ2A is vinyl graphics - See "OWNS" below

-----JEEPFELLER

 

Good luck finding another CJ where I live.
They are super rare here

I’m friends with a ton of Jeep owners and go off roading a bunch with them.
Great people!!

I have yet to see anyone else with a CJ

Found this on Ebay as NOS

 

Those things you show are thick and stick on, the adhesive sometimes won't hold up and they fall off,

Or you dumb buddy yanks and snatches on them!

You used to be able to find the exact "stickers" to go over the raised letters in every Jeep magazine.

I did a quick look at quadratec----like $60 for the wrangler one I saw, NOT ME!

I sorta sponged the black on mine a little at a time with like a larger makeup sponge.

This kept me from painting the "Rise" and keeping the letters looking right.

I also Renegaded Mr. JEEP, some fellers think that's evil if it did not leave the factory with that package.

I think the Renegade Decal pretty much screamed "Jeep" back in the '70s and '80s more so then one

with a plain hood. Besides, I like it, it's my Jeep, if you can whack the fenders off of yours---I can play

sticker on mine!

When you get closer to decals, let me know, I'll take closer up pics, lay out the dimensions of the word,

Layout the position on the tub.

The graphics place can work it all out, Get the Jeep clean, they might even install them for you (a less than 10 minute job)

-----JEEPFELLER

 

Paint Job done

 

Looks Great! Did you find a new tailgate to complete the back end yet?

 

Yes. I am just going to use the stock type. And have it drop down instead of the YJ type that swings.

 

Sweet! Can't wait to see it all back together!

 

I have another dumb question.
I was looking online for the stock windshield nozzle for the CJ. And this came up.
It makes no sense to me. Looks like it just shoots the washer fluid to the sides...
Am i missing something here?

 

I have another dumb question.
I was looking online for the stock windshield nozzle for the CJ. And this came up.
It makes no sense to me. Looks like it just shoots the washer fluid to the sides...
Am i missing something here?
View attachment 4326065

The water fills the nozzles on either side, but the nozzles rotate up and down to aim at the windshield. This is correct.

 

UN Fing real..
So i finally got to installing the new fender flares i got.
Opened the box and there are 3 rear and one front!!

Ordered through Amazon back in March. So return is not an option. Tried contacting the seller but wont hold my breath...
This is so screwed up. How do they ship 3 rears and one front?? And these things are not cheap...

 

UN Fing real..
So i finally got to installing the new fender flares i got.
Opened the box and there are 3 rear and one front!!

Ordered through Amazon back in March. So return is not an option. Tried contacting the seller but wont hold my breath...
This is so screwed up. How do they ship 3 rears and one front?? And these things are not cheap...

Called Amazon. Contacted the seller.
Will see what happens.
This got me pissed.

 

No, they rotate only so you can aim them. You center that main body so the nozzles are on either side, parallel with the windshield frame, then rotate the nozzles to direct the stream at the windshield. You can only adjust them up or down once the nozzle is pointing at the windshield (the openings are mostly sideways, not out the ends).

Here's the other side your pic isn't showing:

 

No, they rotate only so you can aim them. You center that main body so the nozzles are on either side, parallel with the windshield frame, then rotate the nozzles to direct the stream at the windshield. You can only adjust them up or down once the nozzle is pointing at the windshield (the openings are mostly sideways, not out the ends).

Thanks i think i understand now. Its because of the slope on the hood. And these have a wide spray pattern.
I'll try them out rather then the aftermarket type.

 

The seller messaged me back saying they would ship out a replacement fender flare kit the same day. This was on Monday.
Since then haven't gotten anything yet, and keep asking for a tracking number with no response....

I need to learn to open and check things when they arrive

 

I need to learn to open and check things when they arrive

Guilty, as charged. You're not alone.

 

Oh wow. You went with the cut-out/pocket-style flares? I originally ordered a set of Bushwacker cut-out's because I needed just a little bit more tire clearances (I upsized to 35" SSRs without going any higher than my 4" Pro-Comp lift, and the front tires buzzed a little on the trailing edge of the front flares). I didn't really shop around as much as I should've, but instead ordered the Bushwackers from QTec. When they showed up, I installed them and instantly hated them because they were just TOO wide for my liking. I later ordered a set of Rugged Ridge 4.5" flares, which aren't quite as annoying to me as the 7" Bushwackers. Interestingly enough, the RR's fit the same holes as the 'Wackers, but actually seemed to fit the Jeep better (you can see the subtle difference in length between the 2 sets).

You don't actually have to cut your fenders to install them... but you do need to drill holes for the mounting hardware. Here's another forum member's Jeep with the 'Wackers, but he didn't cut his fenders (you can still see them poking out from behind the flares):

I only had to trim a little bit to get the clearance I needed:

Here's the difference between 33x15.50 TSXs and 35x12.50 SSRs:

Here we are with the 33S still mounted up (and my old CJ top and early-style doors before the 304 swap - I'm still finishing things up from a huge "swing for the fence" round of upgrades, including the YJ top for bigger glass, and the late-model 'paddle handle' doors - but this is the overall desired look... just gotta get back there now):

I figure things would be OK, but obviously things settled a bit on the first run:

During the first run with the new wheels and after getting the 304 running, and I learned the flares are just a little too close to keep off the tires over hard street bumps. I don't want to go any higher because I can just slide my butt right onto the seat as it sits right now.

Here are the Bushwacker 7" flares - I was surprised they didn't want to go back any further on the front wheel opening.

They also came up short on the trailing edges and hung down a little, kinda like built-in mud flaps.

And they were just too wide for my liking:

They Rugged Ridge flares showed up and I swapped the Passenger front first - which I had to drill a few more holes, since they're shaped a little different (more like I was expecting - the rear is the 'Wacker as still too wide):

The RR's seems to fill out a bit better on the fender than the 'Wackers - no 'leftovers' hanging down at the back:

Another close-up of the Driver front 'Wacker)

Passenger side RR - goes to the edge of the front fender with no hangie-down bits:

I used the same holes and mounting hardware since they lined up (except for 3 new ones on the trailing edge of the front flares on each side), and RR forgot to send the screws:

Much better, width-wise - I like my tires to stick out just a bit.

Sorry if it jumped around a bit. But when I went to the link you provided, and saw "don't want to cut my fenders," I figured I'd share my experience with both the Bushwackers and the Rugged Ridge flares.

Hope that helps!

 

I have Dick Cepek 33x12.5x15r tires.
I really like the look of those flares you have. Depending on what happens with this vendor i may get those

Thanks for sharing!!!

 

They're the Rugged Ridge 4.5" flares on Quadratec, but I had also installed a set of the Bushwacker 7" flares (again from Quadratec) and didn't like the width. I saw the QTec flares, but they weren't available when I was looking around, so I settled on the 'Wackers the first go 'round.

BTW - I sent you a PM.

 

I really dont see the difference between the rugged ridge flares and the Quadratec ones...
Except the cost.
Am i missing something?

 

Nope. As a matter of fact, all three sets are probably made by Bushwacker... or at least they were designed by BW and the others are just offering them for less cost. Beats me. I can honestly say that quality-wise, the RR's are on-par with the 'Wackers, and actually fit a bit better (IMHO). I can't speak to the QTec flares, but I'd wager they probably have a deal with Rugged Ridge to resell them under QTec moniker, and QTec is probably selling more as a result of a lower price tag.

Who knows. Hopefully, they'll make it right.

 

It’s coming together

 

NOICE!!! VERY Cool!!