46 willys build

[swmpdonkey]

not sure if this belongs here but here we go.

I have a 78 fsj cherokee chief the body is totally shot ( rusting from outside in and inside out) mechanically it runs amazing and the frame is in great shape. Would love to find a good body to put on it but in canada they are few and far between.

I also havea 46 cj2a with a decent body.

I want to shorten the cherokee frame and mount the will's body on it that way I have a willys with a jeep drivetrain, and benefits of wider wheelbase, more power, better stronger frame, and cool willy's styling.

IMy plan is to shorten the framed, and lengthen the body a bit, to make them work, I realize I will have to change the rear driveline angles.

Has anyone done this??? I just figure it is better to go this route rather than try and stuff all this under a willys frame and body.

[WildWilly4x4]

I seriously doubt it will work...your trying to weld really old metal to newer old metal...good luck man!

[47jheep]

I've been working on a '47 CJ2A...for a while...slowly... I took a Scout II frame and cut it in two places, removed (approx) 18" from the front and 8" from the rear areas. The result was a boxed frame just about the size of a stock Willys frame. The Scout frame is a 3X4 full box frame, much stronger than the Willys... Most of the body is being rebuilt, all new custom fitted body mounts so fitting the two together will be no big deal.

Basically...think it thru. Draw things out. Plan. See it done. Then start cutting...

[swmpdonkey]

thanks 47jheep you have a buils thread???

[oldtimingman]

Can't remember but something like you're thinking was done. Shortened a waggy frame and did it. You'll have to search but it was awhile ago..

[47jheep]

Originally Posted by swmpdonkey

thanks 47jheep you have a buils thread???

Sorry, no thread...maybe it is time...

[FordFascist]

Don't waste your time modding another frame. Build your own out of 2 x 4 x .120" wall tubing.

[plym49]

Of course it can be done. Anything can be done. The key will be in where you shorten the frame, and by how much, and how high the Willys body will mount. Once you figure that out you can determine where the body will need to be lengthened.

[m38a1jpn]

It can be done here is mine sitting on a waggie frame but I stretched the body.

[swmpdonkey]

did you just stretch the rear end of the body????

[raptorider01]

We did just what you are talking about last winter. Had a 48 Cj2a with a good tub, a 78 cherokee chief with a 360, t18, d20 and d44 axles. I cut approx 3ft out of the middle of the frame, and shortened it behind the rear axle to make it work. The motor and steering box stayed in the stock location and we got it all to clear with some work.

We also stretched the tub 12" in the door area. Used yj springs on all 4 corners and built new body mounts. It works pretty good but doing it again i think I'd build a frame from scratch.



Thats an older picture but it'll give you an idea of what it looks like.

Brian

[m38a1jpn]

I didn't stretch the rear. I stretched it 14 inches at the door and extended the hood 10 inches. I didn't want to cut the frame only because I didn't want to mess with the drivetrain. I did however cut almost 12 inches off the rear frame and moved the rear shackle up a bit.

[raptorider01]

More Pictures as requested.

This was how much the center of the frame was shortened. Also cut off around 18" behind the rear axle and added a bumper in front to scoot the front axle forward a little more to get it out of the fenders.



Where the frame was spliced back together. Also boxed/plated in the back side for strength once it was all welded.



This is where we cut the tub. Had to completely rebuild the firewall and floor to make it all fit. The T18 is pretty tall. Added 12" to the tub.



Engine Clearance with the 360. Barely able to sneak a fan in and you can see how far back the firewall its moved.



Finally, last fall at waynoka.



Looking back I'll say what most do. I'd build a frame from scratch if I did it again. The drivetrain sits fairly high in the cherokee frame which makes it difficult to get the body down on it without some serious floor mods. But that being said it definitely can be done.

Brian