CJ7 rear ended

[czechsonofagun]

We got some snow in Virginia this week - that's always hard, because significant part of the population does not know how to drive in snow - and my jeep (86) got rear ended. This nimrod in front of me stopped for absolutely no reason and since I kept extended distance, I was able to stop too - but the kid behind me did not.
As a result the left rail of the frame is bend above the rear axle and there is some damage to the body, but since it was rusted and patched I am ok with that part to replace - it is actually overdue.
The Jeep high seat took the impact and probably saved my back, because it broke in the place where the hinge would be - CJs had fixed back seats - and leaned back.
Insurance company came to check it out yesterday and it seems like it is gonna be total loss. Wife was hinting on letting it go, but I would part easier with my right hand I am trying to figure out my options:

- buy new frame, they are few manufacturers and they run about $2k
- fix the bend on this frame (the rear left wheel now sits about 2" forward)
- replace the bend part of the frame with some tubing welded in place
- build a new frame

I believe once I have the frame figured out/fixed, the rest will fall in place, CJs are very much like the original jeep, anything can be replaced and/or rebuild.

Advice, suggestions, opinions? I need as much as possible before I start taking it apart.

Thank in advance

Prokop

 

[Egon]

It sounds like this is a vehicle which you wish to keep for some time. If that is the case put a new frame under it or find a similar unit and keep the bent one for parts.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Mornin Prokop,
If it makes you feel any better, I owned a 78 CJ-5. I bought it brand new, and I would give anything to have it back !

Fix it if you can !

 

[tydp]

Look on Jeepsunlimited.com or craigslist for a used frame in good shape. Can probably get one for $300 to $500.....good luck

 

[RobertN]

Based on growing up around Jeeps, building my own etc...

Get another one. Buy this one from the insurance as a parts vehicle.

If you bent the frame, and broke the seat, it is very possible that the springs, shocks, shackles, rear end, driveline were impacted, at least. CJ7's have a pretty nice boxed frame; if it is bent, a lot of other stuff is tweaked too.

 

[RedRocker]

You might try these guys, kind of far away, but they may be able to help.
Collins Bros Jeep Used Jeeps Parts and Accessories

 

[George2615]

You should find a new frame and rebuild. Once in an accident like yours even the best frame shop cannot get it back to perfect in my opinion. Glad no one was hurt.

 

[Thomas]

Glad your okay...whew.
Seem you have knowledge to make repairs,and you really don't mind the down time for repair on CJ,heck why not get this project whirl and if you find more damage etc. you can also part the jeep out etc.

 

[Egon]

Seem you have knowledge to make repairs,and you really don't mind the down time for repair on CJ,heck why not get this project whirl and if you find more damage etc.

Making it a project could end up with a very nice vehicle.

 

[Thomas]

Egon Making it a project could end up with a very nice vehicle.

Or one heck of great doddlebug.

 

[PILOON]

I don't know the laws in your state, but around here it is not legal to weld a frame.
Cut and splice using rivits is OK, but needs a specialized liscensed shop to do so.
Naturally off road would be exempt.
Also if an insurance declares the vehicle scrap the VIN is withdrawn from circulation and your goose is cooked.

Note that is here and laws probably vary from stste to state, but I'd look into that aspect before deciding.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Collecting parts:

 

[czechsonofagun]

Progress:

 

[Egon]

So there is a "Rebuild Plan in progress" !

 

[LBrown59]

I don't know the laws in your state, but around here it is not legal to weld a frame.
Cut and splice using rivits is OK, but needs a specialized liscensed shop to do so.
Naturally off road would be exempt.
Also if an insurance declares the vehicle scrap the VIN is withdrawn from circulation and your goose is cooked.

Note that is here and laws probably vary from stste to state, but I'd look into that aspect before deciding.

I had a pick up that the insurance co totaled .
They paid me the claim and I kept the truck and drove it for several years finally selling it for about 400 dollars.

 

[Wis Bang]

Looks good that you have another frame. The rest will work out, the frame is the heart of a jeep.

 

[RobertN]

Progress:

So... A reverse cut high pinion Dana 60 in the rear, and a high pinion Dana 44 for the front? With a set of air lockers? My BIL did that in his '84 CJ7. Works really nice on the rocks. Wasn't cheap though...

 

[czechsonofagun]

So... A reverse cut high pinion Dana 60 in the rear, and a high pinion Dana 44 for the front? With a set of air lockers? My BIL did that in his '84 CJ7. Works really nice on the rocks. Wasn't cheap though...

Oh, I wish Actually, I would go Dana 44 for the front to match the rear one, OX lockers and 4:1 kit for Dana 300 and be happy with it.

Hmm, take it back, Jeeps are never finished

 

[RollTideRam]

Do you have a helper? JC

 

[czechsonofagun]

Do you have a helper? JC

Buddy of mine will show up when there is a need for second pair of hands - like to position the tub. The rest I can handle with some primitive machines and brutal strength

What does shade tree mechanic do when there is no good tree?

Nice Jeep, JC