Tub swap issues

[kc jones]

I have an 86 cj7 with a rotten tub. I bought a replacement tub off a 77 cj7 and I am noticeing a few differences between the two I was hopeing to get some pointers on. First being there are no door strikers on the 77 or anywhere to mount them. I thought about cutting the pannel with the striker out of my 86 and welding it into the 77. Is this the only option or is there an alternate route? As I still would like to drive my jeep until the replacement tub is ready for the swap if possible. Next question, the 77 tub came with a new wireing harness witch I also need but it's for a 77. My concern is the little computer box or what ever it is above my glove box in my 86 and the ignition module. Could I tap in to the new harness for this equipment or would I be better off buying a new harness for an 86? Lastly are there any outher issues I should look forward to during this swap. Thanks.

 

[TLCJ5]

Measure the frame width & the body mount points. There were some frame changes in 1980 when they went to the wide track axles. You may have to fab some mounting points or drill some holes. The heaters were different in "77 than the later CJs so the cowl vent may be different. Not sure how many differences in the wiring,but you might check with the harness manufacturer & see if they have a different part#....they may be able to tell you the difference betwx their 2 parts & then you can decide if you want to add your own wiring or get another harness & sell the one for the "77. I'm sure the fuse blocks are different but that doesn't mean you can't make it work.
I'm not sure about the door striker panel you mention,but I wonder if you could make one instead of cutting up your daily driver. Hope my rambling jibberish helps.

 

[kc jones]

Measure the frame width & the body mount points. There were some frame changes in 1980 when they went to the wide track axles. You may have to fab some mounting points or drill some holes. The heaters were different in "77 than the later CJs so the cowl vent may be different. Not sure how many differences in the wiring,but you might check with the harness manufacturer & see if they have a different part#....they may be able to tell you the difference betwx their 2 parts & then you can decide if you want to add your own wiring or get another harness & sell the one for the "77. I'm sure the fuse blocks are different but that doesn't mean you can't make it work.
I'm not sure about the door striker panel you mention,but I wonder if you could make one instead of cutting up your daily driver. Hope my rambling jibberish helps.

I'll check the frame mounts tonight hopfully it's the same. I am going to have to modify the firewall a little so I can use my heater but that don't look like it'll be too diffacult. Thanks for the info.