J-truck front dovetail

[BRUTUS]

I am seriously considering dovetailing the front of Brutus much like a few rigs on this board. Only difference being a J-truck versus a Chero or Waggy. Obviously this means that everything has to come off the inner fender wells. Anyone have any good ideas where all that stuff should go?

The obvious answer is to put everything in the front of the bed (considerations must be made for the 100# propane tank that will also reside there) in waterproof containers... etc. I am also not opposed to putting stuff behind the driver/passenger seats.

Starter relay -> firewall, passenger side
Battery(s) -> behind seats or in bed with battery boxes?
Horn -> removed altogether
Windshield washer fluid reservoir -> removed altogether
Radiator overflow bottle -> firewall, drivers side?
Stock voltage regulator -> removed altogether (alternator has it covered internally)
Vacuum reservoir -> firewall, drivers side (under radiator overflow bottle)
If I were to buy a hydraulic reservoir/cooler (for hydro winch and hydro assist steer), where should it go? In between radiator and grille?

Is there anything else I am missing at this point?

[Mahamotorworks]

I agree with the way you have it. Take lost of pics so we can see how it turns out.


MAHA

[Desert Beast]

are you gonna run an engine cage? mount all that crap to the tube. thats what i did. got my starter solenoid on the tube, and im running an aftermarket rad resi that bolted to the core support flange.
the batteries should go in the back anyways, better weight dist.

[Desert Beast]

and as a side note, if you want to keep your nice sheetmetal (that took some time to narrow) i would run some tube like an exo cage to protect it.

after about 3 rolls and some hard wheeling, my front sheetmetal, (which i spent some time on narrowing) is now pretty much toast. along w/ headlights and off road lights.

your gonna spent the time narrowing it, i would protect it also.

[FSJ Guy]

Three words: Don't Do It.

I like the character of the FSJ vehicles. "Dovetailing" is best left to woodworking. :D It's the latest thing to do to your trail rig. If ya want a Sniper buggy, go down to Avalanche and have then build you one.

Don't agree with me? That's fine, but Brutus asked for opinions. There's mine. :hide:

[BRUTUS]

and as a side note, if you want to keep your nice sheetmetal (that took some time to narrow) i would run some tube like an exo cage to protect it.

after about 3 rolls and some hard wheeling, my front sheetmetal, (which i spent some time on narrowing) is now pretty much toast. along w/ headlights and off road lights.

your gonna spent the time narrowing it, i would protect it also.

Well the passenger side took the hit when I rolled it on 12/27/07 (sorry everyone I haven't posted about the roll yet). It will take some work to bend it back out anyways.

I am not a big fan of exo's really when it comes down to it... I agree with Ethan... If I want the exo look I would just build a buggy.

Three words: Don't Do It.

I like the character of the FSJ vehicles. "Dovetailing" is best left to woodworking. :D It's the latest thing to do to your trail rig. If ya want a Sniper buggy, go down to Avalanche and have then build you one.

Don't agree with me? That's fine, but Brutus asked for opinions. There's mine. :hide:

I do value your opinion Ethan. But understand that:
1) I have a SERIOUS lack of visability that I have to deal with. I realize that dovetailing doesn't FULLY accomplish this goal but it definately helps more than hinders.
2)I do NOT want to build a full width bumper for the front. I have always planned on having a narrow front bumper and I just think it would look much better with a dovetailed front.
3) I have SERIOUS problems when it comes to REACHING into the engine bay and trying to get anything accomplished ON THE ENGINE! The dovetailing would allow me to stand on the narrow bumper and either front tire and access the entire engine bay pretty easily.
4) I am SOOOO looking forward to scaring children and old people. :D

[j20brett]

i say go for it...why not? Its your rig, do as you wish.

On a side note, your current jeep status says ROLLED...we need pics :D

[fulsizjeep]

i say go for it...why not? Its your rig, do as you wish.

On a side note, your current jeep status says ROLLED...we need pics :D

X2! :drivin:

[misfittom138]

i say go for it...why not? Its your rig, do as you wish.

On a side note, your current jeep status says ROLLED...we need pics :D

Pics, video, whatever ya got!!!!! :D

[PhilG]

pardon the ignorance? what is dovetailing? any pics that represent it?

[Desert Beast]

its usually refered to in the front as narrowing. dovetailing is usually for the rear.

as for what it consitsts of...taking some width out of the front end for better clearance for wheeling.

http://www.southbaycustoms.com/fullsizejeeps/buildup/rockwells/narrow/afterchop.JPG

i also narrowed the firewall.

http://www.southbaycustoms.com/fullsizejeeps/buildup/rockwells/narrow/cutamnt.JPG

http://www.southbaycustoms.com/fullsizejeeps/buildup/rockwells/narrow/drvrside.JPG


i fail to see how narrowing the front end takes away "character" from an FSJ?. your not making it look any different, just narrower.
unless of course the "vent holes" are what make an fsj, then i guess you would be. :thumbsup:

[j20brett]

Thats hella cool looking!! Maybe on my next rig :rolleyes:

[misfittom138]

Now I'm getting ideas!!! :D

[BRUTUS]

Actually, I consider Garrett's rig to be narrowed as well... in dovetailing the front I want to narrow the core support and bend the quarter panels inward... here is the rig that I am inspired by: "Rock Ape" on pirate4x4.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/nrminime/MEMORIAL/100_1925.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c233/rockape81/100_1464.jpg
buildup thread: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=454424

[AlsChopShop]

BRUTUS..... you say you have visibility problems? thats the job of a spotter... thought you had a girlfriend? :D

personally, i've always loved how big BRUTUS is, full fenders and everything. narrowing the front would really take a way from the FULLSIZED part of our FSJs.

so it looks like i was the only one who noticed your rig status change right after it happened? ha.

Al

[BRUTUS]

BRUTUS..... you say you have visibility problems? thats the job of a spotter... thought you had a girlfriend? :D

personally, i've always loved how big BRUTUS is, full fenders and everything. narrowing the front would really take a way from the FULLSIZED part of our FSJs.

so it looks like i was the only one who noticed your rig status change right after it happened? ha.

Al
She isn't much of a spotter... :hide: She has only just begun to drive offroad and I don't expect her to be my spotter anytime soon really.

I appreciate the compliment.

I really think it would remain pretty fullsize looking... 131" wheelbase will NEVER look small! When my 38's wear down I am definately going to 42's. I still plan on keeping the majority of the front flares and the rhino grille look on the front. The vision I have in my head will look badarse! and I will be able to work on the engine bay without climbing IN the engine bay. If I am feeling spicy I might do a little photoshop work tonight.

[FSJ Guy]

If I am feeling spicy I might do a little photoshop work tonight.

If you're feeling spicy, it's probably something you ate! :D

[AlsChopShop]

I really think it would remain pretty fullsize looking... 131" wheelbase will NEVER look small! When my 38's wear down I am definately going to 42's. I still plan on keeping the majority of the front flares and the rhino grille look on the front. The vision I have in my head will look badarse! and I will be able to work on the engine bay without climbing IN the engine bay. If I am feeling spicy I might do a little photoshop work tonight. if you narrow the front how will the front fenders stay intact? IIRC at full flex the tires just barely tip inside the fender flares, if you narrowed the fenders they would hit, especially with larger rubber.

i dunno, i think it would open up a whole 'nother world after narrowing, and at that point you might as well start with a tube buggy.

Al

[tjosha]

The only thing on your list that I might change is the windshield washer bottle. Even on dry days the dust builds on my windshield to the point I clean it. Just my .02 cents.

[shadowjeep]

i say narrow it and try to keep some of the look. if you take your time and try to make it look like you want it should turn out great. i think it will be harder to keep the inner fender wells than it will be to keep the wheels out of the fenders. i have been wanting to do the same thing but im going to wait until i trailer it. keep us updated.

[PhilG]

pu rety cool

[jeeping1974]

if i had the space, time and know how on how to dovetail, i'd do it too then. i think its a big step and once you start, there is no going back. if you take your time, keep your edges clean and lines as straight as possible, then i think it will look killer. it will definitely give BRUTUS a whole new look. after seeing how you do it, i might consider it myself.

[BRUTUS]

if you narrow the front how will the front fenders stay intact? IIRC at full flex the tires just barely tip inside the fender flares, if you narrowed the fenders they would hit, especially with larger rubber.

i dunno, i think it would open up a whole 'nother world after narrowing, and at that point you might as well start with a tube buggy.

Al

I have a FSJ JY right up the street from me that I could get some fender material and "stretch" the front fenders to make up the distance lost. I have thought about the rubber meeting the fender and figure that bump stops would be in order so I could keep my flares.

The only thing on your list that I might change is the windshield washer bottle. Even on dry days the dust builds on my windshield to the point I clean it. Just my .02 cents.

Brutus has never had a functional windshield washer system so it really doesn't bother me to get rid of it. I might consider doing Shimniok's washer/squirter deelydad at some point in the future but really, I only drive it between 1000 and 2000 miles per year.

i say narrow it and try to keep some of the look. if you take your time and try to make it look like you want it should turn out great. i think it will be harder to keep the inner fender wells than it will be to keep the wheels out of the fenders. i have been wanting to do the same thing but im going to wait until i trailer it. keep us updated.

My plan with the inner fenderwells is to trim the minimum amount so that at least they end up over the frame... then I will drop some rubber material from the inner fenderwell to the frame. I have no plans to have Brutus trailered anywhere even after the dovetail.

if i had the space, time and know how on how to dovetail, i'd do it too then. i think its a big step and once you start, there is no going back. if you take your time, keep your edges clean and lines as straight as possible, then i think it will look killer. it will definitely give BRUTUS a whole new look. after seeing how you do it, i might consider it myself.

I agree. I will take lots of pictures. :D

This forum needs a multiquote button

I agree

[Desert Beast]

I have no plans to have Brutus trailered anywhere even after the dovetail.

quoted for posterity. :D :thumbsup:

[blt2krl]

Narrow it and your going to love the added visibility. The look of the FSJ is still there and apperently some here like to peer over the king sized hood. Me not so much when your hitting the hard stuff. I think mine still has the FSJ look but some would say it is a buggy. TO each their own.

[Long&Low]

http://www.southbaycustoms.com/fullsizejeeps/buildup/rockwells/narrow/afterchop.JPG

I don't care who you are, that is down right cool.

I tip my hat to you sir.:)

[Desert Beast]

I don't care who you are, that is down right cool.

I tip my hat to you sir.:)

thanks man. it took some time to get it to look right. only body work ive ever dont on the jeep.

but alas all good things have to come to an end.
after about 3 different rolls, (one end over end, one 2 roll, and one 1.5) it now looks like this. i think ill get rid of all the sheet metal pretty soon.

http://www.southbaycustoms.com/fullsizejeeps/sbchero/afterrolldrvrs.JPG

http://www.southbaycustoms.com/fullsizejeeps/sbchero/afterrolldrvrsclose.JPG

http://www.southbaycustoms.com/fullsizejeeps/sbchero/afterrollpass.JPG

http://www.southbaycustoms.com/fullsizejeeps/sbchero/afterrollpass2.JPG

that is why you might want some protection for the sheetmetal. not a full exo, just some tastfully placed protection. (or just dont roll it. :thumbsup: :D )

[rampagefsj]

Hmmmm, I gotta say, I can't imagine if narrowing the front of your truck will make it look good or bad. Just take your time on the cuts, bends, and welds and hopefully it will turn out slick.:cool:

[jeeping1974]

i think ill get rid of all the sheet metal pretty soon.

... and replace it with some new(er) sheet metal?

[Desert Beast]

... and replace it with some new(er) sheet metal?

no probably not. it takes too long to do the body work to make it, to then just get smashed apart. ill see how much longer my current tin will last, then maybe run some just regular sheet over the cage or something.

[TINMAN93]

Dove it!!, but think it out before you cut. I'm well into BOBBING my FSJ and the one thing I kept in mind while planning it was to keep as much of the original look as possible. I think I've done it (check my post BOB). A little time in measuring and planning will make the project flow well and more fun. I do have a suggestion on the battery. On my SJ I placed the battery along the inside on the passenger frame rail just in front of the rear axle. I used an Optima of course. It sits level with the bottom of the frame and is still fairly easy to get to if needed. I welded a frame to hold the battery in a box with the back open to slide it in & out, and then strapped it it. After 3 years = no problems. Just put some jumper posts up front and your all set. And remember to use BIG wire. Welding double-ot works great. Good luck with the Doving project.
Tinman

[jeeping1974]

any updates on how the dovetailing is going or are you still at the drawing board?

[Slick Willie]

I think if they're done right, they look good. Knowing how anal you are with details, it will get done right. Everyone knows I go on functionality, not as much looks, so I understand the "I need to be able to see" thing. I just don't have the time or worry to make it look right, so mine would look like crap if I did it myself, and then I'd bash it on a rock and be mad anyway. Just like I can see my half doors doing. :( If you narrowed it, and protected it, and it looked good, that would be awesome.

One thing though, here in Texas, you have to have a working horn to get inspected. I don't know if you have inspection on it, or if it's required, but just a thought.

[BRUTUS]

any updates on how the dovetailing is going or are you still at the drawing board?

This thread is more about where to put everything TO dovetail than actually dovetailing. I will most likely do the dovetailing when I replace the cab and doors next winter. I just wanted to have a plan in place before I start ripping into everything.

Dove it!!, but think it out before you cut. I'm well into BOBBING my FSJ and the one thing I kept in mind while planning it was to keep as much of the original look as possible. I think I've done it (check my post BOB). A little time in measuring and planning will make the project flow well and more fun. I do have a suggestion on the battery. On my SJ I placed the battery along the inside on the passenger frame rail just in front of the rear axle. I used an Optima of course. It sits level with the bottom of the frame and is still fairly easy to get to if needed. I welded a frame to hold the battery in a box with the back open to slide it in & out, and then strapped it it. After 3 years = no problems. Just put some jumper posts up front and your all set. And remember to use BIG wire. Welding double-ot works great. Good luck with the Doving project.
Tinman

I have followed your bob thread closely. The problem that I have with putting the battery there is that I don't want to punch a hole through my bed for access because then the "battery box" is subjected to the weather (unlike a waggy) and I have to put drain holes etc into the box. The more I have thought about it, I will put both batteries (Interstate commercial grade) in battery boxes near the "tail" of the propane tank.

I think if they're done right, they look good. Knowing how anal you are with details, it will get done right. Everyone knows I go on functionality, not as much looks, so I understand the "I need to be able to see" thing. I just don't have the time or worry to make it look right, so mine would look like crap if I did it myself, and then I'd bash it on a rock and be mad anyway. Just like I can see my half doors doing. :( If you narrowed it, and protected it, and it looked good, that would be awesome.

One thing though, here in Texas, you have to have a working horn to get inspected. I don't know if you have inspection on it, or if it's required, but just a thought.

Thanks for the compliments I guess. No inspections here.

[Lindel]

Just don't put any batteries in the cab. Too many opportunities for bad things to happen. Even a cracked battery can be deadly in certain circumstances.

In fact, I'd keep as much out of the cab as possible, less stuff flying around if/when you roll it again.

[BRUTUS]

In fact, I'd keep as much out of the cab as possible, less stuff flying around if/when you roll it again.

Hardy Har Har Har...

Actually I am liking the idea of dual battery boxes more and more thinking about the hole that my positive terminal blew through my hood when Brutus rolled.

[AlsChopShop]

get yer dad gum camera charged up and take some pictures of BRUTUS already! :)

Al

[misfittom138]

get yer dad gum camera charged up and take some pictures of BRUTUS already! :)

Al

X2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[BRUTUS]

Ok ok.. I will this weekend.

[shadowjeep]

ok its saturday, wheres the pics?:p

[misfittom138]

ok its saturday, wheres the pics?:p


:lol: :lol: :lol:

[BRUTUS]

Sunday is part of the weekend too you know! :D

[shadowjeep]

Sunday is part of the weekend too you know! :D your right, it is, its sunday now wheres the pics? :D LOL sorry man i couldnt resist bustin your chops.

[BRUTUS]

update... pics are taken... superbowl starts in a few minutes.