Hat channel replacement

SFCKUNERT · Post by **SFCKUNERT** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 1:30 pm

I have a couple of questions about hat channel replacement. Can this piece be salvaged by replacing just the rotted section or will the entire section need to be replaced?

And on the inside of the passenger side tub, can this support section (with the star) be repaired without replacing? If not, who offers these pieces for sale?

SFCKUNERT · Post by **SFCKUNERT** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 1:33 pm

Larger versions of these photos can be seen in my Album at:

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 2:55 pm

Midwest Military. You can buy all or just the areas you want to fix. great quality and match. John

SFCKUNERT · Post by **SFCKUNERT** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 3:20 pm

I already bought the two rotted sections from John and have already cut them out. I just need to know if the other two pieces in question need to be replaced or if they are capable of maintaining thier structural integrity with patch pieces welded in.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 9:36 pm

Andrew,
I am not a welder.

However, my opinion is you can replace just the rotted out section and still maintain structural integrity if you weld in some sheet under the good channel and the replacement channel. You might be able to bend some 1/16 or have someone do some for you to get just the u shape to tack under and to the two pieces and bridge them if you get my meaning.

Just be aware that some of those channels contain wood used by Willys to help with rigidity 70 years ago, and that contributed to the pieces rotting out. There is also wood inside the channel at the right rear quarter panel where the four holes are behind the rear wheel. That is where the spare is mounted on the civvy version and they used the same sheet metal. Many jeeps are rotted behind there as well.

I say that to caution you to make sure and get all of that rotten wood out or you'll just be in the same place in another 70 years or so (snicker).
Several folks have documented replacing sheet and channel like you are doing.

Patrick did some pretty heroic sheet metal repair as well as frame work:
http://52m38.blogspot.com/search?update ... date=false

Brett has done some as well:
http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/1bral ... t=3&page=1

Both have project pages here as do many others.

Thanks for the photos. Please post more. We learn from everyone.

And that you for your service.
Brian

leecarr · Post by **leecarr** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 5:26 pm

I live in Mass. and just about everything we play with needs some rust repair. I've done my share of sheet metal fabrication and repair. A properly done repair can be both invisible and just as strong as original. I have no idea of your capabilities or equipment you have but try not to get in over your head. Good luck.

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:00 pm

My rule of thumb is if you can jam an ice pick through the metal it needs replaced. A lot of these parts will rust from the inside out. Probably there is packed in mud and dirt too trapping moisture.

Most of the body work is 18 gauge with a few 16 gauge parts. Both mild steel.