1946 CJ2A Tub Finally Comes Off! What shape is the frame in?…

Working to establish the condition of our 1946 Willys Jeep CJ2A project. Next up, remove the tub and inspect the frame! Are we still on track for a Resto Mod with the 1997 Jeep TJ? Or do we need to reevaluate our path forward? The saga continues.

[@mschiffel1]

My 56 CJ5 was in the same condition. I made a few frame repairs and painted it with POR-15 everywhere. I turned the frame upside down and painted there as well. Got into every nook and cranny. Now the frame will outlast us all.

[@NedHills]

Thanks, I’m wondering how best to prepare it? Thinking about wire wheel or blasting before POR 15. Any recommendations?

[@swhod2190]

You actually are off to a good start. The chassis looks to be in good shape and very restorable. My '46 chassis was already quite good. I kept the old tub and put new floor panels in. I still have to patch a lot of old holes in the side panels, but I prefer to keep the original tub. Mine had a column shift, which I removed and put away in storage. I have another transmission with a good floor shifter to use instead. I was lucky in that I was able to drive and stop it when bought and the engine is running like a top. I look forward to future videos on this!

[@NedHills]

I’m still wondering which ways to go. Debating on an engine now, stock L134 or maybe a GM 4.3L? This thing is a totally open canvas! Thanks for watching and any thoughts you might have for me along the way!

[@scubasteve7946]

It's called rust jacking where the rust swells and pushes the two pieces of metal apart. The factory layed an extra layer of strap metal on the top and bottom flange of the frames on the CJ-2A frames because the C-channel was a thinner piece to begin with. Then later they upgraded to a single 3/16" C-channel on the later 3a's etc.
If you really want, you can cut that strapping off, clean it up, paint with weld through costing, and reweld if back on. Or just leave it as-is if it's not too bad. Good luck it looks great so far

[@NedHills]

Thanks for the comment and idea! A couple areas are pretty deteriorated, so maybe I’ll pull it apart like you described. Thanks for watching also!

[@NedHills]

Thanks, they are fun projects aren’t they? My tub bottom frame is pretty rough, with patchwork floor pans on it. Not sure how I’m going to approach that yet…but was happy the frame is in as good of shape it is!