wish i could help with the spare. let me know what you think of my style..or lack there of..lol. should have finished pics up soon..just kinda lagging, wanted to match it to the exo.post up some pics afteryour powder coat job.

 

Nice rig brother! Dig the tube doors, been thinking on those myself, haven't decided yet, and MAD props on that bumper/carrier fab work, liking that alot. Baja bug is sweet too, I built a chop top rat rod bug with my old man for my very first car. Wanted to ask you which bender is that, and did you do the conversion yourself? I got the JD2 M32, but it's manual, but I picked up the HF 8 ton long ram from some cat on CL, brand new in the box for 40 bucks and lookin for ideas on the mounts...oh, BTW, I grew up in Santa Monica, and wandered PCH many a time at many beaches, Oceanside included, so just giving a shout out to my bros in Cali! I'll post the post-powder coat pics as soon as it's done, wanted to do it tonite, but had to bring some work home with me and been wrapped up on the computer all night....theres that damned responsibility aain....

 

nice...local guy! my responsabilty just learned how to walk(just turned 1, 2 weeks ago) so im reallly busy now. Thanks for the ego boost on my junk


now to the bender..thought about doing a write for anyone wanting the conversion..but its a JD2 model 3(had for over 10 years) converted to hyd, using a 12volt lift gate pump with powered up and down, load holding valves, and a 24"stroke 3"bore tie rod style cyl. using a 12 volt semi truck battery i can bend tube all day and nnot worry about the battery, just plug into any car charger and let it rip till the next day. set up right..you can pull a full 90 in a single pass without reseting dies in about 6 seconds! and the load holding valve feature stops the ram movement the second you relaese the switch, so you get really accurate bends..this also helps with "spring back" of the tubing.

It is also remote control..which allows you to stand over the die head and watch your degree wheel while bending.

 

not sure about the model but i hav one with a similar setup on it for all i know it could be home made aside from the center roll blocks. mine only has blocks for 1 1/8 and 1 1/4 tubing the manual bender which has a 3 foot handle extender does 3/4 and 1 inch

 

i know hrdrokn is building a vertical bender, think he's using a HF air ram, starts around post 38#

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/hr...118355/index3/

 

the vertical bend inst that bad of an idea cause we have a bottle jack style roll cage bender that is vertical and it is nice to use vs the other tubing bender where it takes out everything in its way lol

 

so true!

but, my garage is longer than it is taller.so long tubes..like roof rails..judt dont cut it.

 

lol i usually dont have the low ceiling problem till i get in the house lol. but in the garage and at work im good its 10 foot in the garage and 15 or more at work

 

I know that SWAG Offroad makes a mount plate for benders that lets you rotate the bender if you need too, for like 20 bucks, helpful if you have limited space like my one car garage, if you get close to a wall or object you just pull a pin, rotate the tool and continue on.

 

awsome idea! time to modify mine

 

looks killer, still confused on how that turn buckle is helping when in the open position. Any more detailed pictures?

 

The turn buckle is just something that I tried out on a whim. I was just looking for some kind of a hinge, and happened to see this thing Harbor Freight for 16 bucks. Thought I would give it a try. Used of 5/8" grade 8 bolt welded inside square tube On top of a triangular gusset mount, seems to work so far ... The other side has a tab fitted with a locking hitch pin. Picked up some flat stock & some c channel yesterday to add a crossbar over the top of the jerry cans to secure them down but also to be able to padlock them as a theft deterrent, Just an after thought that I had. I will post pictures when that's done today

 

That bumper/tire carrier is awesome, i'll take one please

 

looks great man! I think the turnbuckle is a nice touch and i'll bet it will hold up real well... didn't read to see if it was mentioned, but what are you using to latch it?

nice looking jeep!

 

@ creedua: It just so happens that I have recently started my business, so if you want one send a pm and we'll go from there, I also can do a custom one-off if you like and can show you 3D virtual models before you commit...
@ basslicks: a locking hitch pin drops from the top, and a hole on the bottom holds the keyed portion,that fits inside perfectly, so it's latched and locked
I think the turnbuckle gives it a burly look...