Looking for opinions..... Doing a major build up of my CJ... Stretched the body 9" and wheelbase to 101"... Got some poison spyder comp. corners and cut them down to fit the stretch... that way no body work is needed on the outside and since I'm rhino lining the inside it'll cover the sheetmetal work.. Going with a 1/4 elliptical rear setup..

Since I'm knee deep in this already and $ is already through the roof, Should I tube the front fenders or leave it ?? Matching the paint would be difficult and I was planning on powdercoating the corners... I think the front would look silly powdercoated silver with yellow body... The rear will be silver though.... Opinions ??? or ideas..

Check it out so far... And no, I'm not doing this myself.... I'm not smart enough to try this so I enlisted Arabia's Overkill Jeep to do it... Flame on...


http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/55678995.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/55679000.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/55679002.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/55679005.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/55679007.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/55679006.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/55678996.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/55678999.jpg

Looks good....

I hope that rear lower crossmember is thick wall or that control arm bracket will twist it. BTDT

Where did you find the sway bar? I need a longer one that will go to the outside of the frame like yours.

ohh ahh someone can weld. that looks great.

I'll keep an eye on it, thanks... the rear sway bar is a Currie Universal anti-rock 44"... You can find it on their web site...

Very nice.........
You've gone this far. I'd tube the fenders and match the look you're going for. If you can paint it together you'll have less chance of the paint not matching. I did mine apart same day, same time, and in the all in the same booth. Now I want to repair the side that's not quite perfect.

I agree you should have a paint matched tube the front fender ... absolutely. Especially since they are so vunerable and you've taken good precaution for your rear panels.
I prefer the leading edge of the front tube fenders to be bolted onto a sturdy front hoop for strength and easy removal.
You might even consider curving the leading edge down a little like I did on my CJ. This offers a little more coverage, is more aerodynamic and stronger too, especially if you weld a full across tube diameter threaded bolt recepticle.
Note that the hoop is welded to the Warn winch bracket and is completely removable also.

http://www.monsterslayer.com/jeep/PrincessFendersDone.jpg

Definitely tube them. It'll complement the comp cut rears nicely. And yeah, Jeff does nice work.

What dept you work for? PM me if you get a chance.

looks like you're doing an awesome job man. keep us updated

Either tube the front or use a hood fender for more clearance. Paint it all the same color..... Use a factory car color that way you can somewhat match it later when you scratch it bad. Krylon work well for high impact areas.

Here are some progress pics.... check it out..
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/56625875.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/56625879.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/56625881.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/56625884.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/56625885.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/56625886.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/56625890.jpg

Nice Rig, If it were mine I would tube the front fenders and Powdrecoat them yellow to match the paint, corners too!

Your rig looks badass. I would also tube the front fenders to match the rear, and just paint it all the same color. I wouldnt do the powdercoat myself, just get it painted all at once so all of it will match, and then later on when you need a touch up you can just get the paint mixed up and spray it. Can you give some info on the entire drivetrain? The welds on the stretch are nice...:smokin:

I'd also vote to tube the front fenders to match the look of the rear tube work. It looks like a lot of thought went into this design, very good work.

No question that the fenders need to be tubed. Exceptionally clean work there, man; looks really, really good. And I love that you went with the elliptical in the rear. Cool shit.
d

Either tube the front or use a hood fender for more clearance. Paint it all the same color..... Use a factory car color that way you can somewhat match it later when you scratch it bad. Krylon work well for high impact areas.
x2

You're putting a lot into this thing. Let it look like it. Being able to touch it up would be a great feature also.

I would absolutly tube the front. Kinda looks silly with all that work on the read and stock flares:rasta:

thanks guys.... tube fenders on the way from poison spyder... Hard color to match but I'll get it done.. UCTJ asked about the drivetrain... Chevy Vortec 6.0 liter V8 LQ4 going to a Ford NP435 (lower granny) to a dana 300 w/ 4:1 Dynatrac 60 front and Dynatrac Prorock 60 rear both with 4.10's...

http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/18593276.jpg

Can't wait to get this thing out on the trail.... I will need to learn how to drive it all over again... Super flexy compared to my spring over before and the wheel base.... forget about it

I can't even remember the question, NICE FAB!!

Nice looking fab work! Keep pictures of build coming.

Thats one helluva build up...Iam envious to say the least. IMO thats the best looking CJ5 I have ever seen...keep the pictures coming...I wish you were in my area Id like to see up in person to get some close up looks at all the fab work.

That looks very nice. Very purdy welds too. Really nice work.

And another vote for tube fenders. They're a must have.

bump to the top

Wow....

Really super sweet rig!!! I vote tube front fenders also. oh and Daaayyyuuuummm:D

Can you get a better shot of the upper shock mount, what kind of bracket is that. Does it pivot to allow more travel.

Arabia is the man. This is magazine material.

This is the best shot I have of the upper mount... It's mounted to the anti-rock and does not pivot... I like the solid mount for streetability... maybe that would be something for the future should I decide I need more flex... :eek:

http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/56928357.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/56928358.jpg

Props....Looks sweet

Just out of curiosity why did you go with 1/4 elliptical? That shit is so 90s man :flipoff2: Hehe j/k

Can you walk us through the suspension in the rear? It appears that you have a fairly basic four-link, 1/4 eliptical, Anti-Rock and shocks. Did I get it all? :D It's not a traditional approach and I like that about it. How did you come up with the idea? Why'd you do it this way instead of something more traditional?

I think you should go with the tube fenders up front, that jeep looks awsome, you guys did a good job.

That rear suspension setup is trick! Very clean build! What size tires are you running? Either that thing is rediculously tall, or those are only 35s, which begs the question why all that muscle and beef to only run that small of a tire?

Can you walk us through the suspension in the rear? It appears that you have a fairly basic four-link, 1/4 eliptical, Anti-Rock and shocks. Did I get it all? :D It's not a traditional approach and I like that about it. How did you come up with the idea? Why'd you do it this way instead of something more traditional?

You got it all.... Under the suggestion of Jeff at Arabia's he said I should look into 1/4 elliptical and as I did some research I liked what I saw.... Never driven one but it's obvious that it flexes like crazy..... Talked with a few people who had them and they loved it... Everyone else has coilovers so I wanted to be a little different... Plus I was able to keep my interior dimensions and back seat without coming through with a set of coilovers to take up space....

That rear suspension setup is trick! Very clean build! What size tires are you running? Either that thing is rediculously tall, or those are only 35s, which begs the question why all that muscle and beef to only run that small of a tire?

Not stupid tall at all... Tires are 37's and i will probably never go taller than a 38... Look at the front... Standard SpringOver on 2 1/2" springs.... Maybe its the color that makes it look tall....:D Plus all that beef is so I can spend more time wheeling and less time fixing....

Always shied away from 1/4 elliptic because of said street manners, I assume your Jeep was SOA before, I be interested to know how it compares with SOA on the street.

[QUOTE=firemansven]You got it all.... Under the suggestion of Jeff at Arabia's he said I should look into 1/4 elliptical and as I did some research I liked what I saw.... Never driven one but it's obvious that it flexes like crazy..... Talked with a few people who had them and they loved it... Everyone else has coilovers so I wanted to be a little different... Plus I was able to keep my interior dimensions and back seat without coming through with a set of coilovers to take up space.... [QUOTE]

Cool! I've been thinking coilovers or air shocks for my CJ build, but might need to give this some though because I want a rear seat. Are those actually shocks or struts? They look a bit like a strut.

Awesome Cj, I hope mine will look that nice when i'm done with my project.

The only thing I would do Is add Bracing to that Spare tire mount. It's probably ok, but as easy as it is to make a couple notches I think the extra bracing would b worth it.

Nice!


-Nick

Could you please post some pics from the interior of the tub

Always shied away from 1/4 elliptic because of said street manners, I assume your Jeep was SOA before, I be interested to know how it compares with SOA on the street.

Have you ever been in a rig that was 1/4 ellip on the street? My old Jeep rode better with the 1/4 ellip that when it was on leafs. Thereis NO reason to shy away from running the 1/4 ellip on the street. Iliked it more than the SOA for street and off road use.

Dima

Cool! I've been thinking coilovers or air shocks for my CJ build, but might need to give this some though because I want a rear seat. Are those actually shocks or struts? They look a bit like a strut.

Should not have a problem fitting 14" shock under a rear fender, and keeping the rig low.

Looks like a BBCS from Polyperformance.

Have you ever been in a rig that was 1/4 ellip on the street? My old Jeep rode better with the 1/4 ellip that when it was on leafs. Thereis NO reason to shy away from running the 1/4 ellip on the street. Iliked it more than the SOA for street and off road use.

Dima

No I have not, I've not even see one in person close up. But that is good news to here. I'm sure the ones that said it was squirly on the street were not running a rear sway bar like the currie type.

http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/57230680.jpg

Cage back from powdercoating....

http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/57230678.jpg

Tube fenders initial fitting....

http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/57230682.jpg

Painted !!!!! 06' Corvette Yellow....

Should be wrapped up by the end of the week.....:smokin:

Getting closer....

http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/57307803.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/the_rutger/image/57307805.jpg

Looking really good, the entire build up. The tube fenders look really good, it was a good choice to go with. Bit too much yellow for me and I have a yellow jeep.., Id have painted the rockers black, maybe just to add some contrast, but still best looking CJ5 Ive seen. :grinpimp:

When you get it done, post some trail pix.

that is a nice looking Jeep! the motor swap looks sweet gotta love the PSC fenders. hope to see some trail pics

UCTJ asked about the drivetrain... Chevy Vortec 6.0 liter V8 LQ4 going to a Ford NP435 (lower granny) to a dana 300 w/ 4:1 Dynatrac 60 front and Dynatrac Prorock 60 rear both with 4.10's...

Can't wait to get this thing out on the trail.... I will need to learn how to drive it all over again... Super flexy compared to my spring over before and the wheel base.... forget about it
Did you do your own engine wire harness work or shop it out? Hiding the ECM up under the dash?
I'll be knee deep in this (5.3 install) by early summer so I want to gather as much info as possible.
Awesome workmanship!

That is a sick rig period. Anyone who critisize's is just hatin'.......

That's really nice!

Beautiful build.

I dub the, "Bumble Bee". :grinpimp:

Beautiful build.

I dub the, "Bumble Bee". :grinpimp:


With a stinger like that, it'll have to be hornet :flipoff2:

Nice work :smokin:

Beautiful build.

I dub the, "Bumble Bee". :grinpimp:
Yes! Add some "SuperBee" stripes on the back of the tub!

With that paint job, the first scratch is gonna hurt. Looks great.

That thing is a piece of crap... I think you should give it to me so you don't have to be burdened with looking at it anymore:D :smokin:

Ha Ha Ha..... I told Soren that he can just leave the Jeep here, we won't mind.I appreciate all of the comments you all gave about the build. We have been working our butts off for about 2 months on it. The funniest thing about this whole job is that he came in for a stinger.Just a stinger. Good salesman huh? Trust me, it;ll be on the trail soon! Thanks again Jeff Arabia

Really nice build! Post up some action shots, very nice rig!

Gui

Thanks to whoever deleted my post. Just a heads up, check Arabias history at the BBB. YOu can check under Arabias Automotive in Los Gatos. I think it's important for people to know who they are paying good money to. Then you'll know why he changed his name.

This is the second time I wrote this in this post. The first one was deleted form this post. Hmm?

That is probably the sexiest CJ I have seen. EVER! Kudos on the awesome build. The tube fenders were a nice touch and I'm glad you decided to go that route. Probably the ONLY think I would have changed it adding a little more black contrast, but it still looks BE-U-TEE-FULL!

Again. Arabia is the best around. I checked BBB as you claimed. 0 complaints.

Thanks to whoever deleted my post. Just a heads up, check Arabias history at the BBB. YOu can check under Arabias Automotive in Los Gatos. I think it's important for people to know who they are paying good money to. Then you'll know why he changed his name.

This is the second time I wrote this in this post. The first one was deleted form this post. Hmm?

Hey jackass.... This is the 2nd time you have tried to trash Arabia's without explaination on this post and another post.... If you have information and facts then post them... Otherwise stop with the highschool games and get over whatever gripe you have with Jeff.... I have been going to Jeff for years and have never had a problem and I would recommend him for any Fab work to anyone.....

Just so there is no confusion, this is a direct quote from the BBB..

BBB Reliability Report

The Better Business Bureau®
Serving the Silicon Valley
700 Empey Way #110
San Jose, CA 95128



Arabia's Overkill Jeep Fabrication
1436 White Oaks Rd #15
Campbell, CA 95008-6757
Telephone: (408) 626-8660
Fax: (408) 626-8661
www.arabiasauto.com



The BBB reports on members and non-members. If a company is a member of the BBB, it is stated in this report
BBB Definition:

report - A summary of activity reflected in a company's BBB file. Includes basic business background, BBB membership information, and Bureau complaint activity over the previous three years. Also reports may include any known government actions, advertising issues or other information that results from activity conducted by the BBB.


.



Original Business Start Date: February 1992 Incorporated: August 2000, CA
Principal: Pam Arabia, Owner Employees: 2
Customer Contact: Pam Arabia, Owner - (408) 626-8660 File Open Date: December 2004
Entity: Corporation
TOB Classification: Auto Customizing
BBB Membership: This company is a member.


Additional DBA Names

Arabia's Automotive, Inc.


BBB Membership Status

This company has been a member of this Better Business Bureau since January 2005. This means it supports the Bureau's services to the public and meets our membership standards.



Customer Experience

Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record
BBB Definition:

satisfactory record - A business identified in our report as satisfactory has, based on Bureau files, been in business for at least one year, and has voluntarily provided the Bureau with all information requested about the business and its product or service. If any complaints have been received about the business, their number has not been considered by the BBB to be extreme, given the nature of the company's business and the volume of business transacted. Complaints are also generally typical of what might be expected for this type of business. A business stated to be satisfactory has not been the subject of any recent law enforcement actions concerning its dealings with the public. If the business has been contacted by the BBB about its advertising or selling claims, it has modified or substantiated its practices to the Bureau's satisfaction. In addition, the BBB has a clear understanding of the company's business, and the business is not in an industry which has raised significant marketplace concerns.


with the Bureau. A satisfactory record
BBB Definition:

satisfactory record - A business identified in our report as satisfactory has, based on Bureau files, been in business for at least one year, and has voluntarily provided the Bureau with all information requested about the business and its product or service. If any complaints have been received about the business, their number has not been considered by the BBB to be extreme, given the nature of the company's business and the volume of business transacted. Complaints are also generally typical of what might be expected for this type of business. A business stated to be satisfactory has not been the subject of any recent law enforcement actions concerning its dealings with the public. If the business has been contacted by the BBB about its advertising or selling claims, it has modified or substantiated its practices to the Bureau's satisfaction. In addition, the BBB has a clear understanding of the company's business, and the business is not in an industry which has raised significant marketplace concerns.


means a company has been in business for at least 12 months, and properly addressed matters referred by the Bureau. The company does not have an unusual volume of complaints, or any government actions involving its marketplace conduct. The Bureau understands and has no concerns about the company's products, services and type of business.

The Bureau processed a total of 0 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period.


Company Management

Additional company management personnel include:

Jeff Arabia - Co-Owner



Have a nice day.....:)

What part of this post was trashing Jeff Arabia? I didn't get into specifics because I didn't want to trash his livelyhood. But at the same time, I think it's important for people to know with who they give there money to. As you posted, Jeff and Pam opened shop in 1992. That was under a different name. They opened a new file with the BBB with the new name in Dec. 2004. Hmm, so what do you have to show about the old shop in Los Gatos? Do a little more research before you call me a jackass. I know what I'm talking about. And I think other would agree that I wasn't trash talking. Everybody should check references from an independant source, not Jeff's buddy's. Your obviously a friend of his and maybe a little biased. I am biased also, and that's why I didn't include my personal opinion of Jeff or Pam.

By the way, nice jeep.

What part of this post was trashing Jeff Arabia? I didn't get into specifics because I didn't want to trash his livelyhood. But at the same time, I think it's important for people to know with who they give there money to. As you posted, Jeff and Pam opened shop in 1992. That was under a different name. They opened a new file with the BBB with the new name in Dec. 2004. Hmm, so what do you have to show about the old shop in Los Gatos? Do a little more research before you call me a jackass. I know what I'm talking about. And I think other would agree that I wasn't trash talking. Everybody should check references from an independant source, not Jeff's buddy's. Your obviously a friend of his and maybe a little biased. I am biased also, and that's why I didn't include my personal opinion of Jeff or Pam.


why dont you just STFU and admire the fab work that you could never do. quit trying to start shit, i dont care about the history, look at the dam fab work you tool! dont be bringin that drama bullshit up in a buildup thread.

By the way, nice jeep.

Some people do care about the history. And maybe you didn't read the post before yours where I told Sven that he had a nice jeep. OOPS, did you forget to read that one? :laughing:

Epara your just a jackass go troll in somebody elses thread :shaking:

At first, I didn't feel the need to reply to this post. Thrashing should be done in person or in the right posting area. We are talking about build-ups here, nothing else. But for all of you to know, we changed our name because Arabia's Overkill Jeep Fabrication sounds like a Jeep fabrication shop (doesn't it?)Arabia's Automotive doesn't. Did you notice that each name starts with "Arabia's" ? Kind of hard to run away from a name like that. Especially when it starts with it. It's kind of like changing your name from Goodyear Tire to Goodyear Rubber. I have no problem talking about complaints.... but I need to know what they are first. I don't know who this person is, and after all of this, I really don't care, but if you have a genuine problem you need to talk to me about it. I have been in buisiness for 14 years working on Jeeps, of coarse we have had some BBB complaints. I work on Jeeps. The last complaint we had was 5 years ago when a customers thermostat failed on a motor that we installed. It failed 2 1/2 years after we put it in. I refused to replace his motor for free. He didn't like that. Oh, I forgot to mention that his temp gauge had not been working when he overheated. oops. We don't, and nobody that I know warranties againt neglect...... Hell, we even got a complaint before we even started working on one once. He said that he has had very bad experiences in the past with shops, so he was protecting himself. Needless to say, he retracted it after we finished the job. Yes I actually still worked on it. It's amazing what you will do when you have kids to feed. Anyway, there are just some people that you can't make happy no matter what you do. Is this one of them? Maybe we did something wrong. WE are all human. I will always admit when I'm wrong. We should all be willing to work things out with each other. So if you want to thrash me good, call me, otherwise don't waste all of these people's time that are trying to enjoy themselves on Pirate!

Sweet jeep man. I like your idea for the rear frame. I was going to do something different but I am liking your idea more and more.

Thanks, I really appreciate that. We are just starting another one.(Cj7 though).It will be a couple of weeks, but I'll start a new tread on that one.

Good to seesom elow buck buildups still happening!




:D

Man i'm SO envious of your build, that is some extremely clean fabrication work, and a beautiful jeep. NICE JOB....oh more pics please :flipoff2:

Very nice. Very clean look. Not too drastic whatsoever.

I like those rocker gaurds. Do you have any more detailed pics of those (underneath). Are they custom or an off the shelf item from someone?

Nice build up

What part of this post was trashing Jeff Arabia? I didn't get into specifics because I didn't want to trash his livelyhood. But at the same time, I think it's important for people to know with who they give there money to. As you posted, Jeff and Pam opened shop in 1992. That was under a different name. They opened a new file with the BBB with the new name in Dec. 2004. Hmm, so what do you have to show about the old shop in Los Gatos? Do a little more research before you call me a jackass. I know what I'm talking about. And I think other would agree that I wasn't trash talking. Everybody should check references from an independant source, not Jeff's buddy's. Your obviously a friend of his and maybe a little biased. I am biased also, and that's why I didn't include my personal opinion of Jeff or Pam.


I find it interesting some people will take the BBB as gospel. Ever owned your own business? There are some people who you can NEVER please. These are the same ones who run to the BBB or post negative feedback on eBay when the situation didn't warrant it. Jeff and Pam are good folks. My wife and I met them a little over 2 years ago. We were VERY impressed with their business and skills. I think this thread speaks for the skill level. Just look at those welds!

It's already been said, but I'm gonna say it again ....... put the facts out and let us decide if your complaints are warranted.

Nice.:flipoff2:

Hey Robert, what do you mean when you say I should avoid your rear end? Are you having a little flare up back there? And are you trying to impress me with a picture of your ass? Sorry bud, I'm not interested. I like girls. When I see you on the trail, I'll intoduce you to one. They're kinda cool. Maybe if you talk to one, you wont want to send other guys pictures of your ass anymore.

Oh that's right, I'm supposed to avoid you. Are you going to beat me up after class? Grow up.

Wow, nice Jeep!!! Keep the pics coming!!! For now, I'm heading out to my shop and gonna cry. If I owned a dog...I'd be kicking it right now. Guess I'll just yell at the wife and kids instead.

Just curious if anyone has completed pics or wheeling pics of this Jeep?

Edit: Sorry to bring back such an old thread from the dead

also what can of muffler is that?

Just curious if anyone has completed pics or wheeling pics of this Jeep?

Edit: Sorry to bring back such an old thread from the dead

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6275907&postcount=256

Thanks!

First off let me say that is one of the best looking rigs I have ever seen, and props to Arabia on his craftsmanship. I just got into the jeep thing, I have been doing Suzuki's for a couple years and decided to make the move. I just got an 82 cj5 that i want to do similar to yours, and the elliptic rear looks interesting. I was wondering what springs you are using, and i anyone has ever had a problem with them breaking in this type of set-up. Again, great looking set-up, and if I can get mine anywhere close to yours, ill be happy.

Ray

sorry it took so long to get pictures up, I forgot about this thread until I saw it posted in another area.........

Thank you for posting once again reminds me of how much my rig sucks.:(




Seriously bad ass work.