Zusez3

Hey everyone! I'm planning on starting a rebuild of my 96 XJ. I've started with the outside body rust and cut away what rust was visible and a quarter panel. After i get my 95 YJ running as my daily driver, i plan to gut the interior of my XJ and remove the carpet to find god knows how many holes... or just one big one? Idk. But i do know i will need sheet metal and plates to rebuild the rotted structure. I know as of now i have to rebuild the rear leaf spring mounts and possibly some other main structural uni-body components.

My questions are, What is the best type/gauge/plates (Metal) to use for structural/flooring rebuild? What is the best way to rebuild a section of uni-body that has rotted away? Is there such a point where one should give up on an old friend and send them to the scrap yard?

I've just started with my grinder. I haven't even touched a welder yet. This will be my first major rebuild (frame/body) and i chose an XJ who sucks up the gas, runs "good"and has plenty of rust and holes to cover. I could use budget friendly starter tools/welder recommendations so i can start to plan out my spring and summer rebuild. any welding tips and best ways to learn would be welcomed (Im not completely in the dark, I have a welding friend to help out )

If i find myself with like half a car missing due to rust, i would like to rebuild and reinforce what i can salvage. I like the XJ so much i would be willing to slap that upper, more solid, uni-body to frame rails from a truck if it meant i could keep what i have now as a base to rebuild. My overall goal is to keep the XJ as stock as possible while rebuilding and reinforcing everything to make it BIGGER, BETTER, FASTER, AND STROOOOONNNNGGGGEEERRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so it can last FOREVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEERRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! and to protect it from rust. Thanks for reading.