SGI Body Review

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   It has been exactly one year since I started this process of restoring a family heirloom. Thank you to everyone on this site who has helped me answering the stupid questions, as well as the ones that were complex and difficult.

I ordered this body through Pete Debella, and he has been amazingly helpful throughout the process.  India was hit hard by the pandemic and was shut down for several months, so it to much longer to get this body than normal.  But SGI was great to deal with.  I connected with them on Facebook and they sent me progress reports every few weeks.  Once the body was ready to go they sent me pictures of it being crated, then a video of it being loaded on the crate.

First impressions:
The body came is a metal frame crate similar to what I have seen for MD Juan bodies.  It was secure and undamaged.
I ordered this without primer because I wanted to use an epoxy primer and had no idea what would come on it from SGI.  I also knew that working it to fit would likely scratch the primer anyway.  So far this was a great choice.
I did not receive the windshield adjusting arm assembly, but that is ok.  My original ones are probably better.
The kit also did not include the cast hinges for the tailgate.  But again, my originals are fine, and have the body serial number cast in them.
The gauge of the metal is substantial.  Side-by-side comparisons of my original hood, fenders, and windshield are very close is weight and sturdiness, and the dimensions are nearly identical.  Also, the rigidity is very good.  They feel very authentic.
Fit:
Here is the great part.  I am very impressed by the overall quality and fit of all of these parts.  I dropped this tub on my frame and every single hole lined up perfectly.  The same is true for the fenders.  I am using my original hood and grill, and they lined up perfectly as well.
The hood bolted right in and aligned perfectly.  The grill (also original) needed some massaging to get it in place, but that was more because it was bent in a few spots, and needed correction.  Once straightened, it went in like a glove.
The only area I have to manipulate, and Pete warned me about this, was the fit between the fender and the side step.  The angle of the step is more vertical and will have to be matched the the angle of the fender.
Overall Quality:
The spot welds and welded areas are very obvious without primer, but easily managed by basic bodywork. (MV Specialties in Redwing has the body now and he agreed that it was great quality. He said they got "a little excited" with their grinders in a couple areas, but no big deal)
There are no visible waves or dents, and the symmetry from front to back and left to right is very good.
All of the holes appear to be where expected an consistent with a CJ2A.  Now, my original tub had A LOT more holes in it for various reasons (someone added a passenger heater, dash starter button, etc.), so it has what I need and is a refreshing sight.
I will let the pictures speak for themselves:

Where it started - I am not including all of the pictures, but the floor boards were pretty much gone, sides filled with bondo, and every mounting point except 2 were completely separated from he frame.

The new body

Edited by jgodfrey - 21 Oct. 2021 at 4:18pm