Jeez Zack you always amaze me with your guts and also your tenacity. It is no easy thing to get under your car and just start dropping parts and cutting stuff off, when you aren't experienced in it and especially without a lift So many people who do start doing that, never finish it. You do a great job of making it look easy, and you show the details and tricky spots that others tend to gloss over. Well done. 👍👍👍
I would suggest when totally done spraying cavity wax in the frame. If you get the 3M cans you can order extensions straws which will allow you to coat the entire box frame.
I got a 97 TJ 4.0 myself and will eventually have to do the same work. I unfortunately don't have a garage yet and when I have one in the future ill be in there welding and all that. I cant wait to have it completely restored.
Love guys/girls working to keep TJ's going down the road. We see new modern Jeeps, which are great if we could afford one, but we TJ guys/girls know we can rebuild a classic at a fraction of the price. Sort of puts ours apart from just buying a new one. Plus side is going down the road in a classic restored TJ ride, which in my mind's eye is better than new. As for rust issues, I feel for you people up north....not an issue here in Texas.
Your TJ is coming along nicely. Those JK wheels look goofy on it, though. Should find some original TJ ones from the early to late '90s, maybe even some Moabs.
I have no interest in Jeeps, but I love your channel Zach. Constantly keeping an eye out for your newest videos and get excited once I see a new one. Keep up the great content man.
Love this channel and this bloke - wish we had the level of Jeep support in the UK. Very informative and entertaining- jeeps, boats and skis , what more could you want!!! Jay (uk)
I’m considering a complete frame off restoration of my ‘97 TJ Sport…that I “spec ordered” in late 1996. She still runs like a top. But she has seen it all when it comes to the environment, weather, and all sorts of happy adventures…..from the beaches of the Outer Banks to winters in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and coastal Maine. I have the funds--no problem there-I’ve had the frame “capped” by Endangered Species Jeep in Holyoke MA….so she’s still safe and sound. BUT (why the hell is there always a “but”, and with the exception of JayLo--damned buts!) it won’t last forever. And I would like to modernize the interior….and replace the frame. So that’s the story. I do enjoy four Jeep videos….you are a sharp young man!
Love your channel. Glad to see you working on your jeep after you got your parents jeep looking great. Looking forward to your next video. Jeep builds and fixes are best.
Wow, a lot of rust in Florida. Here in Texas, I have zero rust on my 2005 TJ Unlimited. I’m guessing I have a later TJ with better drain on frame. Great video!
Just bought a 97 TJ without knowing about the internal frame issues. When I crawled under it while haggling, all I saw was minor surface rust on the outside frame and said no big deal. Owner even sold it as "No Rust", but I knew better from small stuff I saw. Being in NC I thought well it shouldn't be too bad. Last night I changed the oil and I felt chips and large chunks of rust in the front rail (AFTER watching a "Things to watch out for on buying a TJ" video). Luckily got it for cheap, but not 1800 cheap. Thank you for this informative video and showing me what can be done to save this one. Not sure I can do it, but it gives hope and a parts vendor. This one probably spent time at the beach is my guess.
This reminds me of the work Jared on Questionable Garage did with his $1 Jeep, that thing came from Virginia and the frame was quite rotted underneath just like this one.
This looks like a hell of a job especially without the use of a lift. I suppose the most critical part was re-aligning the radius arm supports accurately. Two things I wonder about: I know that old cj Jeeps had a channel-section chassis which was less prone to rusting; has this been changed to box-section in later models? Land Rover (box-section) chassis are prone to rust and need patching but the metal thickness there is only 2mm. What was the metal thickness of your original frame rails?
Sir, you have skills beyond what I thought! Very inspiring for me to do exactly this on my first Jeep which is a TJ this Spring when the weather warms up. It's 20f now in Feb 2024. LOL
Zack I jave 2020 JL. If i had known the corrosion issues they have I wouldn't of purchased another one. Great video as always. Keep the videos coming. We all sure do appreciate the..
Great video. Clearly it's a good experience ie when it's over. Or as some say "I love having done X". Not so much the doing. Updating an old Tundra I just purchased with new speakers, head unit, back up camera and Sirius, Apple Car play, etc. Just started and I look forward to saying "I love that I did it."
Nice work. I wish I had all the skills you have learned. Thanks for the video. I have a TJ Wrangler and it's always good to watch and learn about them.
Awesome work, congrats! I own a '97 TJ 2.5L with not much rust. I'm wondering if drilling 'drain holes' into the frame would be legal over here in Germany - should ask TÜV...
The 4.0 wasn’t the best engine in those jeeps, the 4.0 is arguably one of the best gasoline engines of all time.. there was a reason they had to discontinue them. They just didn’t die and when they did it was so easy to fix them. RIP to a real one!
You took a lot of good metal off that frame. I’d think you would have just cut out the lower section where it’s really rusty and leave as much original frame as possible. Does the manufacturer of the replacement piece say you need to cut that much?
Cheap steel would never happen on an European ULSAB based FRAME. But seen 2-3 year old jeeps getting rust in Canada so that putrid cra[[y steel. And some 20 year old Volvos or BMWs barely having any rust spots.
As a life long Jeep enthusiast who lives in the rust belt, and has been a certified auto and auto body tech for decades, and who has fixed more rusty jeeps and frames than you can count. I have to say you would have been much better off scraping that Jeep and buying one that isn't a rusty pos. I wouldn't even fix that one if it was in Michigan where its almost impossible to find a rust free TJ, let alone in a state that doesn't see snow and salt. Too each their own, but that is one foolish project.
Love seeing this channel…… so much good vibrations. You show how hard things are, but with some tenacity you come a long way…. Love the floridavibe’s
Zac.. the new lighting looks great. It really makes your videos that much better!! Awesome job brother!!
Jeez Zack you always amaze me with your guts and also your tenacity. It is no easy thing to get under your car and just start dropping parts and cutting stuff off, when you aren't experienced in it and especially without a lift So many people who do start doing that, never finish it. You do a great job of making it look easy, and you show the details and tricky spots that others tend to gloss over. Well done. 👍👍👍
I would suggest when totally done spraying cavity wax in the frame. If you get the 3M cans you can order extensions straws which will allow you to coat the entire box frame.
As always amazing work, and your welding looks great.👍
Plasma cutter makes this job a lot more fun!!!
I don't own a jeep but it was still fun to watch and learn. I didn't know they even sold parts for that situation.
I got a 97 TJ 4.0 myself and will eventually have to do the same work. I unfortunately don't have a garage yet and when I have one in the future ill be in there welding and all that. I cant wait to have it completely restored.
Living the dream, man. I wish I was young again and had the balls to try my hand at content creation.
This is an overwhelming job, but you are so positive and obviously capable of repairing it all. My hat goes off to you Zach.👏🏻
Love guys/girls working to keep TJ's going down the road. We see new modern Jeeps, which are great if we could afford one, but we TJ guys/girls know we can rebuild a classic at a fraction of the price. Sort of puts ours apart from just buying a new one.
Plus side is going down the road in a classic restored TJ ride, which in my mind's eye is better than new. As for rust issues, I feel for you people up north....not an issue here in Texas.
Your TJ is coming along nicely. Those JK wheels look goofy on it, though. Should find some original TJ ones from the early to late '90s, maybe even some Moabs.
I have no interest in Jeeps, but I love your channel Zach. Constantly keeping an eye out for your newest videos and get excited once I see a new one. Keep up the great content man.
Some of the nicer UA-cam welding I’ve seen! Like watching your rebuilds
Love this channel and this bloke - wish we had the level of Jeep support in the UK. Very informative and entertaining- jeeps, boats and skis , what more could you want!!! Jay (uk)
I’m considering a complete frame off restoration of my ‘97 TJ Sport…that I “spec ordered” in late 1996. She still runs like a top. But she has seen it all when it comes to the environment, weather, and all sorts of happy adventures…..from the beaches of the Outer Banks to winters in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and coastal Maine. I have the funds--no problem there-I’ve had the frame “capped” by Endangered Species Jeep in Holyoke MA….so she’s still safe and sound. BUT (why the hell is there always a “but”, and with the exception of JayLo--damned buts!) it won’t last forever. And I would like to modernize the interior….and replace the frame. So that’s the story. I do enjoy four Jeep videos….you are a sharp young man!
Finally some ultimate rebuild action !!
I bought a 99 Wrangler with a 4.0. It came from Maine. The rust was unreal.
Love your channel. Glad to see you working on your jeep after you got your parents jeep looking great. Looking forward to your next video. Jeep builds and fixes are best.
Very nice. It definitely was a bonus that new bolts came with the kit. It shows they actually think about their customers and not only making a buck.
Wow, a lot of rust in Florida. Here in Texas, I have zero rust on my 2005 TJ Unlimited. I’m guessing I have a later TJ with better drain on frame.
Great video!
we have missed you. Glad to see your back. Hope you had a great holiday season.
Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along
I'm catching up on you're rebuild. Can you give a final break down on cost when you have completed the build?
What a sense of accomplishment and confidence that must give. Better than new.
Great video! Enjoy your channel just wish you would post more than once per month!
Excellent job. Wish I could send my jeep down to you and have you do the frame haha.
Just bought a 97 TJ without knowing about the internal frame issues. When I crawled under it while haggling, all I saw was minor surface rust on the outside frame and said no big deal. Owner even sold it as "No Rust", but I knew better from small stuff I saw. Being in NC I thought well it shouldn't be too bad. Last night I changed the oil and I felt chips and large chunks of rust in the front rail (AFTER watching a "Things to watch out for on buying a TJ" video). Luckily got it for cheap, but not 1800 cheap. Thank you for this informative video and showing me what can be done to save this one. Not sure I can do it, but it gives hope and a parts vendor. This one probably spent time at the beach is my guess.
This reminds me of the work Jared on Questionable Garage did with his $1 Jeep, that thing came from Virginia and the frame was quite rotted underneath just like this one.
Watched a video earlier about TJ he recommended not using synthetic oil in the 4.0.
Said to use regular 10w-30.
This looks like a hell of a job especially without the use of a lift. I suppose the most critical part was re-aligning the radius arm supports accurately. Two things I wonder about: I know that old cj Jeeps had a channel-section chassis which was less prone to rusting; has this been changed to box-section in later models? Land Rover (box-section) chassis are prone to rust and need patching but the metal thickness there is only 2mm. What was the metal thickness of your original frame rails?
Im about to start the same . I , too, need to replace the torque boxes as well as the drivers side floor.
Sir, you have skills beyond what I thought! Very inspiring for me to do exactly this on my first Jeep which is a TJ this Spring when the weather warms up. It's 20f now in Feb 2024. LOL
Good job especially considering you don’t rip apart frames for a living. Great kit too.
Zack I jave 2020 JL. If i had known the corrosion issues they have I wouldn't of purchased another one. Great video as always. Keep the videos coming. We all sure do appreciate the..
That's a really nice kit.
Zac. You are great to watch. Keep the vids coming.
Beautiful repair there Zach. That should be stronger than new!
Nice welds! I wish I knew how to do that when I was younger.
The rear upper control arm mounts are rusted/busted off on mine. Guess its time to learn how to weld ha
Any progress on the gas powered surfboard?
I have a 79 Toyota pickup. The frame is pretty good but the body has some rust. I'm looking forward to your video working on your jeep.
Great video. Clearly it's a good experience ie when it's over. Or as some say "I love having done X". Not so much the doing. Updating an old Tundra I just purchased with new speakers, head unit, back up camera and Sirius, Apple Car play, etc. Just started and I look forward to saying "I love that I did it."
Its coming along good job
In the northeast we would call that "rust free"
For $1800 that Jeep was a steal. Florida jeep too, that would be a $4k plus jeep in MA all day.
Nice work.
Nice work. I wish I had all the skills you have learned. Thanks for the video. I have a TJ Wrangler and it's always good to watch and learn about them.
Looks like you need to replace alot of the floor pans that have the body mounts
Fun in Ft Myers?! I live in Lee, not that fun. Driving not that bad, I daily my Harley.
Zach, I gave your dog a thumbs up!!!
Awesome vid man, keep it up🙏
Such a fun channel to watch. Thank you for your content!
Why doesn’t the hood fit the top of the grille correctly? Is it bent or the grille/rad support bent?
Looks like a nice upgrade. Good job. 👍🏻
I had no idea those could be removed like that
Great video, definitely saving it for when I pull the trigger on repairing my TJs frame. My prayers go out to your now empty wallet my friend.
Great video. Your welds look great!
Was this jeep only being held up by the rear springs, and a couple of jack stands, with no control arms to prevent the axle from twisting….?
What state was this Jeep from that the frame has all this rust?
Love your channel great job
Awesome work, congrats! I own a '97 TJ 2.5L with not much rust. I'm wondering if drilling 'drain holes' into the frame would be legal over here in Germany - should ask TÜV...
Great videos!! Love your content!
Amazing Work
Great project !
Great vid!
You’re a beast keep up the good work
U selling parts off the parts Jeep? I need the small threaded fitting off the valve cover for the vent
as always great and amazing work love the videos.
Great job!
Good job!
Nice work, I gotta get mine done soon and just bought a welder. What settings did you use for welding?
You’re production quality is top tier. Cant wait for more videos. Also, can I take my JK to you lolol
Wow, a 4.0 six liter huh? That's a rare bird!
Nice work!
Great video. Thank you.
Great content!
The 4.0 wasn’t the best engine in those jeeps, the 4.0 is arguably one of the best gasoline engines of all time.. there was a reason they had to discontinue them. They just didn’t die and when they did it was so easy to fix them. RIP to a real one!
Nice work ❤
great job!
If I send you my jeep, how much to do the same?
0:09 which one a 4.0 or a 6.0L
4l straight 6
Dude cracked me up on this one. Same as his forward faced flag stripes… Gotta be too much sun, or weed maybe
Still, great work. I wouldn’t have the balls to fix that rust
And frame rails are !/= to skid plates. Maybe that’s why he was so brave tho. Ignorance is bliss
Fun channel with the jeep stuff. Be glad you don’t live in northern Ohio or there would be way more rust than that!
Looks good..make it nice
Best channel on UA-cam. I was getting withdrawals. Great video.
You are a wise young man, well worthy of the title of a master craftsman. Your Parents should be really proud their Son has so many talents.
4.0 6 Litre? Never heard of that engine
4.0 6 litre? Did you mean a 4 litre 6 cylinder?
salt water flood?
Next one please.
Awesome!
You took a lot of good metal off that frame. I’d think you would have just cut out the lower section where it’s really rusty and leave as much original frame as possible. Does the manufacturer of the replacement piece say you need to cut that much?
The original investment was $1,800. How much have you put in her since then?
А можно его перевернуть на бок?
U said 6 litre but u meant 6 cylinder
Love your content. Can't handle the "music"
Cheap steel would never happen on an European ULSAB based FRAME. But seen 2-3 year old jeeps getting rust in Canada so that putrid cra[[y steel. And some 20 year old Volvos or BMWs barely having any rust spots.
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As a life long Jeep enthusiast who lives in the rust belt, and has been a certified auto and auto body tech for decades, and who has fixed more rusty jeeps and frames than you can count. I have to say you would have been much better off scraping that Jeep and buying one that isn't a rusty pos. I wouldn't even fix that one if it was in Michigan where its almost impossible to find a rust free TJ, let alone in a state that doesn't see snow and salt. Too each their own, but that is one foolish project.
Nice pep talk. That ‘el show ‘em for trying. 👍🏻
your welds are beautiful lots of dimes, beautiful
So much rust debris in the rails