dakineJ Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 Wondering what's the worst frontend damage that anyone has seen repaired, cab forward. Specifically, front frame rail's, inner fender's, anything that can't be unbolted and replaced. -THX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 Being a unibody vehicle, there is very little that will unbolt, except the outer fenders, hood, and grille shell. The rest is welded as part of the vehicles structure. its not like the old cars where you could unbolt a whole front clip and swap an different one on. If theres frame damage, it will need to be pulled out and either straightened or replaced and re welded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Sam Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 Front frame rails can be removed and rewelded where they attach to the "body" but its highly skilled/experienced work. Do you have something specific you would like to ask about in terms of damage? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dakineJ Posted April 21, 2011 Author Share Posted April 21, 2011 The main concern was the front frame rails and inner fenders, which I realize are welded. My initial question was basically how bad can damage be before there is just no hope. I don't have a frame machine and would'nt attempt a complicated repair like this myself. Any personal experience's, including autobody pro's, would be good to hear. I did'nt think about cutting and welding a new front section on. In some way's that sound's cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vintage Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Best answer I can give is to put up some pictures of what you're working with. That'll yield the best insight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Sam Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 I could type all day about this stuff, but I don't have the time. Just post pictures so we can give some pointed advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dakineJ Posted April 21, 2011 Author Share Posted April 21, 2011 All right, will do, thanks for your time guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Nothing is beyond hope. I have a friend from the early days of NAXJA-NAC who started off with an '86 XJ with the 2.8L V6. He wanted to convert to a 4.0L and was deterred by the firewall issue. The lads at the local (to him) used Jeep emporium found an '88 or '89 4.0L donor vehicle, sliced both vehicles in half somewhere just behind the A pillar, then welded the entire 4.0L front "clip" onto the original back half. You can't tell where it was cut and welded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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