GrandWillys Project

[Joe Hartson]

The lights look great where they are now and at the right height. They match the light mountings on the front of the jeep. If they were in the valance panel they would be too low. The valance panel could have a place for the license plate and the connector for the trailer power behind a little door so you don't see the connector when there is no trailer.

This has been a great build and is turning out perfect. Thanks for posting all of the information on what you have done and how you did it. When you get this prototype finished how long will it take before you have more made to sell to the general public? I would like to have one.

[123pugsy]

Better post quick........#2 on the waiting list.

[Gojeep]

Originally Posted by Steve Hamilton

Attachment 60355

Like this, but maybe more squared off, Jeep like.

You have done a great job so far and what ever you choose I’m sure will look great!

Steve

Yes Steve, that is exactly what I was talking about. The frame is sitting 4" higher than stock so why the skirts end up below frame level at the rear.


Can see how the stock one sits here.
There was no roll pan stock and the rear cross member was just exposed.
What I am calling the valance, stock it was the subframe for the bed floor.

I originally thought to have everything on the valance but mocking it up it looked out of balance and wanted something covering the rear tyre. Having the licence plate lower covered that nicely but now leaves the hitch hole exposed. Might make a hitch cover with a Willys or Jeep emblem on it to hide it.

[Gojeep]

Originally Posted by Joe Hartson

The lights look great where they are now and at the right height. They match the light mountings on the front of the jeep. If they were in the valance panel they would be too low. The valance panel could have a place for the license plate and the connector for the trailer power behind a little door so you don't see the connector when there is no trailer.

This has been a great build and is turning out perfect. Thanks for posting all of the information on what you have done and how you did it. When you get this prototype finished how long will it take before you have more made to sell to the general public? I would like to have one.

Thanks mate.

[Gojeep]

Originally Posted by Larry4406

I really like that hitch pin solution you came up with!

Hopefully it doesn't sway and rattle as you go down the road. Maybe put a piece of rubber hose over the handle end.

When the handle is down there is tension on it and does not rattle at all. I have a slight bend on the stainless rod so it tightens up in the down position.

[Gojeep]

After many cardboard mock ups, came up with a shape for the rear skirts. Curve matches that of the one in the stake pockets and step support.


The stock one ended before the stake pocket, but have extended it to just short of the valance. Also added a rounded end the same radius as the outer edge of the guards. The roll pan will go from here to the other side.


The taillights looked a bit stuck on the valance, and when others noticed that too, I decided to do something about it. I am stretching the inside of the step I did with the bead roller for the lights to sit in. I did not pre-stretch to start with as on something like this I find it easier to do afterwards.


I also flipped it over and stretched around the outside edge of the step as well to get back material drawn in by making the step. Can see the difference on the one not done behind.


I had to make the whole panel from scratch as had to make the flanges slightly deeper so I would have enough room left for the wiring to go between the back of the lights and the cross member.


Looks a bit more integrated now. Only a small thing, but they do add up. I will make a hitch cover with a Willys badge or something on it to cover the hole.


To 'hide' that the valance sticks out a bit more, I increased the radius of the fold on the ends. Same radius as used on top edge of the skirts.

[123pugsy]

Very nice.

[Steve Hamilton]

I think that looks like it belongs there!
Nicely done as usual.

Steve

[WordMan]

Perfection!

[Gojeep]

Many thanks.
The step is the exact depth and profile of what is in the doors, so should tie in better once they are back on.