[vetteboy79]

Now that I don't have anything to fix on the XJ, I've been able to start some "fun" projects I've been meaning to get around to.

Gutted and rough cut:

Everything tacked in place. The plug welds along the new edges hold some 1" x 1/8" angle in place, to reinforce those corners.

Welded up and on for a test fit.

Started sanding down all the edges...

The little rod sticking up near the rear of the door is what operates the latch...just push it down and the door pops open (really nicely, actually). Once I get closer to being finished I'll cut that down and put some sort of button on there instead. Also the holes left from the old handle and lock cylinder will be filled in and sanded smooth.

 

[vetteboy79]

Cage was my doing...~110 ft. of 1.75 x .120 DOM, JD2 bender, JD2 notcher. I had to use a 7-foot handle on the bender to operate it...if I ever do this again I will probably get the hydro setup because that sucked.