Jeep CJ5 Fiberglass Tub For Sale: Revitalize Your Classic Off-Roader

Jeep CJ5 Fiberglass Tub For Sale: Revitalize Your Classic Off-Roader jeeps.truckstrend.com

The Jeep CJ5 holds a special place in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts and classic vehicle collectors alike. Known for its rugged simplicity, go-anywhere capability, and iconic design, the CJ5 represents a golden era of American automotive ingenuity. However, like many vehicles of its vintage, the CJ5 is highly susceptible to the ravages of time, particularly rust. The steel body tub, exposed to decades of elements, often succumbs to corrosion, leaving many owners with a structurally compromised vehicle or a daunting restoration project. This is where the Jeep CJ5 Fiberglass Tub For Sale emerges as a vital, often superior, solution.

A fiberglass tub offers a modern alternative to traditional steel bodywork, providing a rust-proof, lightweight, and durable foundation for your classic CJ5. Whether you’re undertaking a full frame-off restoration, replacing a severely rusted body, or simply seeking to build a custom off-road machine, investing in a fiberglass tub can breathe new life into your beloved Jeep. This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of purchasing, understanding, and utilizing a fiberglass tub for your Jeep CJ5, ensuring you make an informed decision and achieve a successful restoration or build.

Jeep CJ5 Fiberglass Tub For Sale: Revitalize Your Classic Off-Roader

Why Choose a Fiberglass Tub for Your CJ5? The Undeniable Advantages

When faced with a deteriorating steel body, many CJ5 owners weigh the options: extensive metalwork and rust repair, sourcing a rare and expensive rust-free donor tub, or opting for fiberglass. Here’s why fiberglass often comes out on top:

1. Rust-Proof Longevity: This is arguably the most significant advantage. Fiberglass composite materials are impervious to rust and corrosion, ensuring your new tub will withstand the elements for decades to come without the dreaded bubbling paint or structural degradation common with steel.
2. Lighter Weight: Fiberglass tubs are generally lighter than their steel counterparts. This weight reduction can lead to improved fuel efficiency (though minor for a CJ5), better power-to-weight ratio, and potentially enhanced off-road performance due to less overall mass.
3. Durability and Impact Resistance: While steel can dent and crumple, fiberglass has excellent impact absorption properties. Minor impacts might cause surface cracks that are relatively easy to repair, rather than permanent deformations. It’s also less prone to "oil canning" or flexing under stress.
4. Consistency in Manufacturing: Modern fiberglass tubs are typically manufactured using molds, ensuring consistent dimensions and fitment. While some adjustments may still be needed during installation (as is often the case with any restoration part), the base product is usually uniform.
5. Ease of Repair: Unlike complex metalwork requiring specialized welding and fabrication skills, minor damage to a fiberglass tub can often be repaired relatively easily with readily available fiberglass repair kits and basic tools.



6. Cost-Effectiveness (Long Term): While the initial purchase price might seem substantial, consider the cost of extensive rust repair, body panel replacement, and painting for a steel tub. Over time, the rust-free nature of fiberglass often makes it a more cost-effective solution.

Understanding the Types and Features of CJ5 Fiberglass Tubs

Not all fiberglass tubs are created equal. When searching for a Jeep CJ5 Fiberglass Tub For Sale, you’ll encounter various options that cater to different needs and budgets.

• Basic Tub Shells: These are the most common and often the most affordable. They typically include the main body shell, firewall, and inner fenders. They require the transfer of all original components such as the dash, steering column mount, pedal assemblies, wiring harness, seats, roll bar, and fuel tank filler.
• Deluxe or Complete Tubs: Some manufacturers offer more complete tubs that may include pre-installed components like the dash panel, tailgate (if applicable for CJ5, though many are single-piece rear), and even some interior bracing. These are generally more expensive but can save significant installation time.
• Reinforcement and Bracing: Pay attention to how the tub is reinforced. High-quality tubs will feature integrated steel or composite bracing in critical areas like body mounts, seat mounts, and roll bar attachment points to ensure structural integrity and proper component attachment.
• Gel Coat vs. Primer: Most fiberglass tubs come with an exterior gel coat, which is a resin-based finish that protects the fiberglass. Some may come primered, ready for paint. The quality of the gel coat can vary, influencing how much prep work is needed before painting.
• Manufacturer Variations: Reputable manufacturers like Omix-ADA (Body Armor), Quadratec, and others often produce high-quality tubs with good fitment. However, smaller, independent fabricators also exist. Research reviews and ask for references.

What to Look For When Buying a CJ5 Fiberglass Tub

Purchasing a fiberglass tub is a significant investment. Here’s a checklist of important considerations to ensure you get a quality product:

1. Reputation of the Manufacturer/Seller: Research the company. Read reviews, check forums, and look for feedback on fitment, customer service, and product durability.
2. Quality of the Layup: A good fiberglass tub should have a consistent, thick layup without visible air bubbles, thin spots, or delamination. While you can’t see the interior layers, a smooth exterior finish often indicates a well-made product.
3. Structural Integrity and Bracing: Inquire about the internal bracing. Are critical mounting points reinforced with steel inserts or robust composite structures? This is crucial for safety and longevity.
4. Fitment Accuracy: While fiberglass tubs are generally consistent, minor variations exist. Ask about tolerances and whether they are designed for direct bolt-on or if some fabrication is typically required. Look for reviews that specifically mention fitment issues with a particular brand.
5. Pre-Drilled Holes: Some tubs come with pre-drilled holes for body mounts, hinges, and other components. While convenient, ensure these holes align correctly with your frame and original components. Sometimes, an undrilled tub offers more flexibility for custom alignment.
6. Shipping Considerations: Fiberglass tubs are large and can be fragile during transit. Inquire about crating, insurance, and shipping costs. Inspect the tub thoroughly upon delivery before signing off.
7. Warranty: A reputable manufacturer should offer a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Installation Guide: Swapping Your CJ5 Tub

Installing a fiberglass tub is a substantial project that requires mechanical aptitude, patience, and often a few extra hands. While not a step-by-step tutorial, here are key steps and practical advice:

1. Preparation is Key:
   • Document Everything: Take countless photos and videos before, during, and after disassembly. Label every wire, bolt, and component.
   • Frame Inspection: With the old tub removed, this is the ideal time to inspect your CJ5’s frame for rust, cracks, or damage. Repair or reinforce as needed.
   • Clean and Paint Frame: A clean, painted, and rust-proofed frame provides a perfect foundation for your new tub.
   • New Body Mounts: Always use new body mounts (bushings and hardware) for proper alignment and vibration dampening.
2. Component Transfer:
   • Dash and Steering: Carefully remove the dash, gauges, wiring harness, steering column, and pedal assembly from the old tub. These will need to be meticulously transferred.
   • Wiring: The wiring harness often runs through the tub. Plan for its reinstallation and ensure all grounds are secure.
   • Fuel Filler: Ensure the new tub accommodates your fuel filler and vent lines.
   • Roll Bar: If your CJ5 has a roll bar, ensure the mounting points on the fiberglass tub are robust and align correctly.
3. Tub Placement and Alignment:
   • Lift Safely: Use a hoist or multiple strong individuals to carefully lift and position the new fiberglass tub onto the frame.
   • Initial Alignment: Loosely install all body mount bolts. Work from the front to the back, ensuring the tub is square on the frame.
   • Door Gaps (if applicable): If your tub has separate doors, ensure proper door gaps before tightening anything down. For CJ5, the doors are often separate items that mount to hinges on the tub.
   • Fender and Grille Alignment: Once the tub is mostly aligned, test-fit the front fenders and grille to ensure proper spacing and bolt hole alignment. Minor adjustments to body mount shims may be necessary.
4. Final Fastening and Component Reinstallation:
   • Once everything is aligned, gradually tighten all body mount bolts to spec.
   • Reinstall the dash, wiring, steering, pedals, seats, and any other interior or exterior components.
   • Test all electrical systems before final assembly.

Practical Advice: Don’t expect a perfect "bolt-on" experience. Fiberglass can shrink or expand slightly during curing, and older frames might have minor distortions. Be prepared to drill new holes, ream existing ones, or use shims to achieve optimal fitment. Patience is paramount.

Maintenance and Longevity of Fiberglass Tubs

Fiberglass tubs are relatively low maintenance but benefit from proper care:

• Cleaning: Wash regularly with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh abrasives or solvents that can damage the gel coat or paint.
• Waxing: Apply a quality automotive wax or sealant regularly to protect the gel coat/paint and maintain its shine.
• Minor Repairs: Small cracks or chips can be repaired using readily available fiberglass repair kits. For larger damage, consult a professional body shop experienced with fiberglass.
• UV Protection: If left unpainted, the gel coat can degrade over time due to UV exposure, leading to chalking or fading. Painting offers the best long-term UV protection.

Challenges and Solutions

• Challenge: VIN Plate Transfer. The VIN plate is legally tied to the original tub. You cannot simply rivet it onto a new tub. Research your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations. Some states allow you to register the vehicle with the frame number (if legible), others require a special inspection, or a "reconstructed" title. Always check with your local authorities before removing the old tub.
• Challenge: Painting Fiberglass. Fiberglass requires specific primers and paints that are flexible enough to adhere without cracking. Consult with a professional auto painter or research fiberglass-specific painting techniques. Proper surface prep (sanding, cleaning, degreasing) is critical.
• Challenge: Fitment Issues. Even with high-quality tubs, slight variations can occur.
  • Solution: Patience, shims, careful measurement, and sometimes minor trimming or drilling are necessary. Don’t force anything.
• Challenge: Cost of Shipping. Due to their size, shipping a fiberglass tub can be expensive.
  • Solution: Factor shipping into your budget. Consider local pickup if possible, or look for distributors closer to your location.

Table Price: Estimated Costs for Jeep CJ5 Fiberglass Tubs

Please note that these prices are estimates and can vary significantly based on the manufacturer, features included, current market conditions, and shipping costs.

Item/Feature	Estimated Price Range (USD)	Notes
Basic CJ5 Fiberglass Tub Shell	$2,500 – $4,000	Includes main body tub, firewall, inner fenders. Requires transfer of all components (dash, steering, etc.). Often comes with white or grey gel coat.
Deluxe CJ5 Fiberglass Tub	$4,000 – $6,000+	May include pre-installed dash panel, reinforced floor, better bracing, or specific cutouts. Less common for CJ5s compared to later models but some manufacturers offer more complete setups.
Integrated Steel Bracing/Mounts	Included in higher-end tubs	Essential for durability and safety. Often standard on reputable brands.
Pre-Drilled Holes	Included in most tubs	Check for accuracy; sometimes drilling/reaming is still required for perfect fit.
Tailgate (if applicable/separate)	$300 – $600	Some manufacturers offer a separate fiberglass tailgate for models that originally had them. Many CJ5 tubs are single-piece rear.
Shipping Costs (Domestic US)	$400 – $1,000+	Varies greatly by distance, fuel prices, and whether it’s residential or commercial delivery. Freight shipping is required. Always get a quote.
Custom Color Gel Coat	$200 – $500 (add-on)	Some manufacturers offer a limited palette of gel coat colors beyond white/grey, but most still recommend painting for a durable automotive finish.
Professional Painting (Post-Purchase)	$1,500 – $3,000+	Cost to properly prep and paint a fiberglass tub to automotive standards. Varies based on color, finish quality, and shop rates.
Body Mount Kit (Bushings & Hardware)	$100 – $300	Essential for installation. Not typically included with the tub.
VIN Transfer/Reconstructed Title Fees	Varies by state	Check with your local DMV. Could be minimal fees or more complex processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is a fiberglass tub a direct bolt-on replacement for my CJ5’s steel tub?
A1: While designed to fit the original frame, "direct bolt-on" is a strong term. Expect to do some adjusting, shimming, and potentially reaming or drilling of holes to achieve a perfect fit. It’s rarely a 100% seamless swap.

Q2: How durable are fiberglass tubs compared to steel?
A2: Fiberglass is highly durable and impact-resistant. It won’t rust, and minor damage is often easier to repair than steel. However, severe impacts can shatter or crack fiberglass, whereas steel might just bend. For general off-roading and road use, fiberglass is excellent.

Q3: Can I paint a fiberglass tub?
A3: Absolutely! In fact, it’s highly recommended for UV protection and a custom look. Fiberglass requires specific primers and paints that allow for some flexibility. Consult with an automotive paint specialist.

Q4: What about my VIN plate? How do I transfer it?
A4: This is crucial. The VIN plate is legally attached to the original body. Do NOT simply rivet it onto the new tub. You must contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. They will guide you on the legal process, which may involve a VIN inspection, assigning a new VIN (if using the frame VIN), or issuing a "reconstructed" title. Laws vary significantly by state/region.

Q5: Does the fiberglass tub come with doors, hood, or fenders?
A5: Typically, no. A "tub" refers only to the main passenger compartment body. Hoods and fenders are usually sold separately in fiberglass, or you can reuse your original steel components. Doors for a CJ5 are often separate, and you’ll need to transfer your original hinges.

Q6: How much heavier or lighter is a fiberglass tub than a steel one?
A6: Fiberglass tubs are generally lighter. The exact weight difference varies by manufacturer and the amount of internal bracing, but you can expect a weight reduction of 100-200 lbs or more compared to a fully stripped original steel tub.

Q7: Can I use my original CJ5 hardtop or soft top with a fiberglass tub?
A7: Yes, reputable fiberglass tubs are designed to accommodate original or aftermarket hardtops and soft tops, using the standard attachment points.

Conclusion: A New Lease on Life for Your CJ5

The Jeep CJ5 Fiberglass Tub For Sale market offers a compelling solution for enthusiasts looking to restore, rebuild, or customize their classic off-roader. By eliminating the pervasive threat of rust and offering a lighter, durable foundation, fiberglass tubs provide a modern upgrade that respects the CJ5’s heritage. While the installation process demands careful planning and execution, the end result is a vehicle that can confidently tackle trails and turn heads for decades to come, free from the worries of corrosion. With proper research, a quality product, and a commitment to detail, your iconic CJ5 can truly get a new lease on life, ready for many more adventures.