Willys Reproduction Body Tubs, The Hard Truth !!!
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- In this video I am going to go over a reproduction Willys body tub and share with you what I have learned thru the many years of dealing with them. It won't be pretty, but the facts will be presented to you so you can make an informed decision.
Awesome video!.. I recommend your videos to everyone. I knew those bodies didn’t fit but I wasn’t aware how bad. I refuse to use Omix parts on my build..
Keep up the awesome work!
We can have an Omix free world if we all stop using the junk they sell.
What are the other options for a replacement body?
Sooooo glad to have you on my build. You tell it like it is and that’s that and too bad for hurt feelings. Truth hurts, they say...And very thankful to be getting a tub from the new supplier. If we’re lucky, a video about what’s good with those will be made. Fingers crossed
Tom S
Tom, your body is ordered and I am hoping it will be here in April. Shipping seems to be taking longer than expected . A detailed video will be made as soon as it arrives.
@@metalshaperJeep .... no worries at all. Gonna be worth it. Just glad to have you involved.
Thanks for the info Brian. There is nothing wrong with expecting quality. When it comes to tooling, they only have to get it right once. Jeeps are kept alive by people that love them. The people that make these parts should have the same passion, after all, they are employed by their customers.
Well said!
Great source of information as always, thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Well said, nice work 👍
The problems have been reported multi times... and they never get fixed....
I’m done with the lip service, we stopped selling these bodies and panels
Fantastic, I wish all dealers would stop selling them. Nothing but trouble with them and as their dies are wearing out the bodies are getting worse and worse.
@@metalshaperJeep It has cost me dearly to try to make it right for my customers
It's pretty nice to have someone be honest about these bodies for a change. I'd love to have the name of the better body company you talked about and your so knowledgeable about every aspect of these old Jeeps I trust your opinion. Thanks for the information, it may have saved me a nightmare in the future.
contact me directly and I can put you in touch with a better distributor of body tubs. You can reach me anytime at metalshaper@comcast.net
Brian
As soon as I win the Powerball, I'm heading to Brian's place with a list!!!😎
I have hear of some problems, but they were "sugar coated" and brushed off as easily worked around. Thank you for showing what to expect and when to call it and return the body. Keep us informed on the new body company!!!
As soon as the new bodies arrive I will make a detailed video.
I have been waiting to see a real video on these bodies!
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Glad you enjoyed it, I am already getting a lot of hate mail from it, but like I said, it is hard to have friends when you tell the truth.
@@metalshaperJeep yeah I bet. Just proves to me how crappy of a company they are. I expect better than what I’ve seen for $4500.
That’s definitely not being too picky. Maybe in a third world country but not here!
You has persuaded me to use my original body parts and rebuild the best I can following your points in the videos. The only real problem is the frame has been repaired over the years by ranchers/farmers. I need to approach this problem; wiring will be upgraded to modern use; body panels will be managed as best I can following your instructions. Engine 2.2 1969 in a 1960 body turns over but has compression: two cylinders 90psi, two cylinders 60+psi. It looks like a challenging but neat project entering my eighties.
Thanks Brian! Always interesting and informative videos. Love what you do and grateful that you share your comprehensive knowledge, experience and craftmanship.
I appreciate that!
This is the reason I ended up using my original cowl and repairing it instead of using the new cowl. The new cowl was junk and nothing lined up and the holes for the dashboard were nowhere close. My repaired cowl looks much better and fits! Also the new windshield frame was horrible also. Nothing lined up, bolt holes etc. The new windshield glass also would not fit. Great video and an accurate description of the available after market metal!👍
Happens on all the body tubs. We have been asking them to make changes for many years and they said they would. Never fixed anything so time to expose all the problems and show the world what they will get when they buy an overseas body tub. Thanks for watching.
You’re the best thing that ever happened to the jeep community! Some people just can’t handle the truth! Plus I’ve never met an honest salesman! I was thinking about going that route but now I think I’ll just do a bunch of patch panels. How long do you think that India company is going to be before it puts out later CJ5? Great video!
Thanks Jim. Like I said in the video I am giving information that can't be found anywhere else, and that is why nobody like me and I am always working alone in the shop. I am waiting to hear about the CJ5 body tubs and will do a video as soon as they come out so I can show it youtube. Best to wait or fix what you have . Stay away from the MD Juan Tubs and don't pay more for a repli tub.
Very informative and consistent with other videos on RUclips that have tried to address these reproductions bodies
The phillipino body company never wanted to make changes and now they will lose a lot of business to the new company in India who is making very nice body tubs and will listen to what we have to say and actually make changes.
Amazing video Brian! I am a new subscriber and a new restorer of an old (52) A1 - learning as I go. I was just about to cut a check for a tub. How wonderful to see your video first and get recalibrated. I will contact you with the email address you shared here.
Thanks you so much for sharing your experience!
Thanks for the info. I’m currently fitting an M38A1 tub from Md Juan. It’s an older one with the red primer. So far the biggest beef is the firewall. Not very straight and missing all the holes for the battery trays etc. Right side in front of the battery box needed shrinking as it had a big bow to the front which caused too large a gap with the battery box. Luckily I have the original to go from. Primer does look to be better. This body has been sitting inside from freezing to hot wether for a couple of years, and no peeling issues. Also looks like the stamping dies where newer on this one. Too bad that the floor panels aren’t as nice as the originals with the caged nuts and recesses.
There are always obstacles to overcome with repro tubs and I can spot them from a mile away. Do what you can to make it right and be careful with the primer.
I've had a body setting for several months and getting about ready to install. I hope the quality has improved and goes together easier than what I saw on the video. Found a 1960 cj5 with 15.5k miles and rebuilding it. Thank Ray Sparks
Thanks Brian, you’ve done work for me before, and I was planning on buying a new body this summer from that place in Ohio. I have a 1966 CJ 5 with the v-6 as well. I guess I will have to wait to get a good new tub, fenders and hood for mine. Thanks again for the great info and saving me the pain of going through this problem!!
Tom, as you can see, stay away from the MD Juan tubs they are nothing but a headache. I will post a video as soon as the new CJ5 tub comes out. Hang in there, it will be well worth it.
@@metalshaperJeep Thanks Brian, I appreciate everything you do to help us out here!!
Went down to see the progress with the v6 jeep . Brian found me an older repro. Body for my jeep. Thicker steel “18 gauge instead of 20 . Way better tooling , smooth sides and it actually fits ! I am very happy with this find . The Ohio body is going back
@@matthewwagstaff9983 I'm sure glad I found Brian on youTube. With his advice and knowledge, he has not only saved me money but a lot of headaches as well, Again, thanks Brian for all you do for us out here!!
Wow! I had heard horror stories about reproduction bodies but hadn’t seen examples to the extent you’ve shown. I’m with you, do what you can to save the original. Thanks for doing the video.
I hope more people will fix what they have rather than start with the bad repro body tubs
I’m not there yet but I love your approach! I’m of the opinion that if I spend a ton of time and money on a project, I want it to be quality! You are spot on!
I totally agree!
Wow I am so glad I saw this video!I was thinking about buying a tub but I think I will rebuild my old one
Thanks for the warning no one likes to pay good money and get junk. Probably best to repair old body and let them keep it. Thanks for your videos.
Very true!
As always! Accurate analysis and identification of quality Jeep restoration issues. Great job!
Great info! Have always heard about issues with the Repli-tubs, this certainly verifies it.
There is nothing better about Repli-tubs and once the holes are in they usually have to be welded up and re drilled in the correct places.
Hey another great informative video. I installed a MDJ body on a 42 MB 2 years ago not too much tweaking on the body it all went well. The primer was sketchy so that took some time (prep is paramount). As for OMIX-ADA it’s all junk Crown is another company that should go away too. Some of the “brown box” repro parts are good some bad. I’m very cautious with what I buy. You and I share the same work ethic, something to be proud of and humbling at the same time. Keep going!!
Thanks for sharing
I feel your pain! I did a WW2 jeep 2 hrs ago with a juan body. Luckily I made the decision to media blast the body early in the project because I spent 3 month months filling holes and moving them to the correct positions. The spot welds on the fender hat channels had to be drilled out to move the hat channels to correct positions. And There was rust under the hat channels already. I had to grin and bear it because the original body was so roached out it was unrestorable. I hope the India bodies are better!
New bodies will be shown in detail as soon as they arrive in the shop.
Thanks for putting this up and calling out this poor workmanship.
Our pleasure!
Thank you for all your hard work. I wonder how well willys overland tub's would fit.
They are still starting with MD Juan junk and drilling a few holes in it. As you can see that don't fit well at all.
Thanks for the information! I think you have convinced me to repair what I can on my 69 CJ5. Where would you suggest a person look for some front fenders? I would love to see a video series of you working through this V6 CJ5.
Good fenders are tough to find but they are out there, just keep looking and be patient.
When you pay good money for a product thats supposed to fit according to them,then it should fit with all attaching parts lining up!Thanks for getting the truth out there Brian!
Hey Brian, I know the video is old but I wanted to check in with you to see if you think MD Juan Enterprises' quality has improved? I have an intermediate 1972 CJ5 and I may have to replace the entire tub or at least the passenger side panel(s). Is that other company you spoke of making CJ5 tubs yet? What is their name? Thank you very much for the honest and detailed review of these MD Juan Enterprises tubs distributed by Willys-Overland and OMIX-ADA!
They have not improved quality at all. Right now MD Juan is the only company that I know of making later model CJ5 that will fit your 1972. if you watch my videos you will see that I painted one for a 1974 CJ5 and showed the process. If you get one plan on sandblasting to clean, white metal. Also the Jeep stamp on the side of the body is not correct for the later vehicles. They still use the early Jeep stamp and it is in the wrong place. Most guys don't care but on the one I did the customer cut his Jeep stamps out of his original body and had me install them in the new MD Juan tub in the correct place. The fenders don't fit very well and the body tub will need every hole put into it before paint.
Thanks for saving me from making a big mistake: I was going to buy one of these from Kaiser. I may buy floor panels from Classic enterprises and attempt to weld or braze them in.
I still have JC Whitney body parts for my 1947 willies jeep that I never opened. Guess I should take a look.
Thanks, for sharing. I enjoy pushing your videos on the Jeep pages. Started working on play lists to share.
Awesome thank you!
I totally understand Brian’s take on these repro bodies. I really expect quality as well but not everyone can restore their body because it is too far gone. The other issue is the cost and time of having someone like Brian rebuild your tub from scratch. No one really wants to talk about the cost to do so. Metal work on a resto is super costly. I’ve done many over the years. Yes would I really want to keep my original tub? Yes, but the above reasons mentioned keep me from doing so. I’m sure some of these repro bodies are a real pain in the ass to get right. I hear the later years are the worst. For what it’s worth I have used two different MD Juan repro bodies. One for a CJ3A and one for a M38. Neither were perfect and needed a little help to fit right, but they were far less work and cost than using the original. They actually turned out very nice for the cost. I was truthfully surprised at how well they did fit after some of the things I have heard. I think they are way better than they were years ago. Many of the problems in my tubs have been corrected from what I can tell.
Quzlity Control and feed back is essential. Romania has always been a very good supplier and working with then to solve these very problems.
I appreciate your honesty who cares if they don’t like you. That is Disgusting quality
I don't have any problem with nobody liking me or my honest videos, just trying to save people from making a costly mistake with these junk bodies. thanks for watching.
I'm with you on a lack of quality from MB Juan. It's not only MB Juan as you know. There is a plague in this world of companies making products that "LOOK" like the original part but DO NOT fit like the original parts. I am rebuilding a 1950 CJ3A and purchased an MB body and I wish they would have taken just a little longer on the assembly line to build it correctly. It is the people putting them together that is the problem. Panels welded incorrectly. Windshield frame does not fit at all. Holes in the wrong place for the peddles, steering, gas tank and so on. If your body is just GONE or like lace then its a good starting point but if I had to do it again I would just repair the original. I replaced all the floor and supports as well as the rear light panels in my 1958 CJ5 by making the parts myself with great success and will do so on all further projects from now on.
@H K The issue for me is having to modify a $4000 tub by adding parts to get the mounting holes in the correct place do to parts being assembled/welded in the wrong place as much as one inch/25 mm
I hear ya, i just bought a 54 3B, juan body and po hacked the holes in floor to try and make the shifter and pedals fit. Looks like i will be tigging some patch panels in. Body sits about an inch to inch and a half above trans, i can easily get my hand in there but it seems body is too far back-but have no room to go forward its too close to engine. Gonna have to hack a spot for shifter cause its hitting body-sigh i just wanna drive my jeep. If i had the money i would ship it to you to be done right.
Great video Brian ! Thanks for all your hard work and taking pride 🇺🇸
Thanks for sharing your views, Thanks for the heads up and Thank you for taking your time off to make such a nice video.
Do you mind sharing the contact information of the folks i. India who makes the re production body of MBs
Regards
Mazher Khan
Smithville ON Canada
I have 2 1966 cj5'. I was going to buy 1 body this summer. I will wait till I can get one from India when they come out. I will need to know where though. Thanks again.
well here I go, I am about to start a scrambler tub, and it is a MD Juan tub, I KNOW that MD Juan was in the US and measured scrambler tubs, at some jeep shows several years ago, (they measure both of mine) how good the repo job they did I guess I am about to find out, good call on the primer, I was going to rough it up and clean it and prime over it, I think I'll take it off completely now. We had already done a aluminum tub on another jeep, almost 20 years ago, that was fantastic, if they didn't cost 4 times what they did then I would do that again, but I fell into this repo tub for a VERY good price, hopefully it goes well. The other company making tubs is SGI-Shree Ganesh Industries of India, they were the OEM supplier of license built jeeps made by Mahindra in India, until the roxor was released, they have been making jeep tubs for a long time, but mostly early and foreign only models. NO long wheelbase cj6 or CJ8s yet,
Was not vehicle paint , but I would tell people dose not matter how good the paint going on , it will never be any better than what is under it . And prep is what makes paint last or not. Pass some of my work and it has been almost 30 years and still looking good .
I’d really like to see some stuff from this other company. I’m a novice compared to you and I’ve been very unhappy with any of the omix products
As soon as a body tub arrives I am going to make a video of it and describe the features. Omix stuff is junk. They came on the scene many years ago like WalMart and undercut everybody to get rid of the smaller distributors then sourced the cheapest parts they could find and screwed their distributors and many customers. As I said my restorations or OMIX parts free. If I can't find what I need I will make it or have it made for me.
@@metalshaperJeep that’s why we love your videos! It’s refreshing to see someone who cares about their craftsmanship!
Hi, great video, thank you.
I have a 1973 CJ6 that needs a body and fenders they were beyond repair.
What would you suggest I do to source a replacement. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
I’m in Canada.
Thank you
So appreciate your dedication to authentic restoration and integrity. It would be so easy for you to sell out for $’s...
You’re saving us lifetimes of frustration...Thanks again!
Well said!
Nice work. I was considering a MD Juan body for my CJ6 but I think I will just up my body work game and repair the old one.
Good choice!
Damn! Makes me feel WAAAY Better about cheaping out and getting one of the last jc whitney cj6 Fiberglass tubs!
Another way to go, and probably much better than the junk I showed in this video
Afternoon
I’m starting the path to restore my 84 CJ8. Advice where to get a tub? Thoughts on acid dip vs blasting? I would love to keep my original body. Thanks
I like to sandblast all my parts. If you have access to a stripping company that can dip the entire tub that works good as well.
I am new to this channel and really appreciate it, you are a wealth of knowledge. I found this video just in time, I was about to order a tub from Willy's overland. Let me know if anyone has a lead on a 1955 CJ5 tub.
Great video. Do you have body measurements for early CJ5s?
Totally spot on. Almost all of the MD Juan repro bodies and panels are complete garbage. Even their best repro bodies, the MB/GPW bodies, have plenty of issues. The new SGI bodies out of India look promising. I really hope they can end the repro body monopoly and force MD Juan to finally make some much needed improvements.
We are all hoping for the best. No reason for customers to get a body as bad as the one I showed in the video.
Brian, NEVER, EVER, think your too picky. These other guys have zero work ethic, and should be ashamed that, thats the product they turn out. Someone will eventually build a quality product, and the other guys will get left in the dust...
I always get a lot of trouble for doing things correctly. We live in a world where quality is frowned upon and good work ethic is a thing of the past. That is why I don't have any friends and feel like a dinosaur soon to be extinct.
Thanks for this video can you tell me the other body company in India
I'm going to start working on a 46 Willys and I was wondering where the good bodies come from
Hey Brian, thanks for another great video. I've watched you make all kinds of body parts from scratch. Is it worth you making your own bodies to save yourself the headaches of dealing with the imported crap?
I make complete body tubs for most of my own projects because I don't like imported parts. I do build bodies for other people who have very early or prototype body tubs that can not be bought. It takes a long time and the price is high to build a complete body tub from scratch. Most people are happy with repro tubs and the new ones coming in are very nice.
Brian what repop tub do you recommend?
My dad has an MD Juan windshield for a ww2 jeep he bought in the 80's. It never fit and is still hanging on the wall in his garage....
Awesome information... Just saved me from even considering purchasing parts for my 1945 willys MB. I do need to get a fuel tank eventually, any advice?
contact me directly and I can send you to the best places to buy your parts. metalshaper@comcast.net
Like the fuel and brakes lines I bought from classic industries for trans am, nothing was bent correct. Truck lid springs they sent the wrong ones three times... & quarter panel was bent wrong ... my fault of course, they told me.. if your going to rebuild old vehicles plan on modifying parts, or don’t start.
Nice video, hopefully this will save someone some headache. It’s not a good feeling when something new doesn’t fit
I hope so!
I am looking into redoing my cj7 and would be interested in where you recommend for a replacment body?
Good info. Some of the reproductions are licensed and some aren’t. Do you think that impacts the quality? Or am I just paying for trademark stamps?
Any idea if that Indian company will produce CJ5/6 in the near future?
The CJ5 early body tubs should be out soon. I am trying to get one hear in the shop to inspect and test. The bodies from the India company are the best made at this point and they are only getting better with the more improvements they are making. Hang in there.
What is the name of the Indian company? Thanks
A great video. Much needed information, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Brian I am in Glasgow Scotland, I would like to get a MB jeep is it possible to buy a running replica intact if so what's the ball park price I would expect to pay? Or is there a good site for original sales , no idea of shipping costs or anything.
Best Regards
Donald.
What is the manufacturer's Name that you recommend from India?
Boy I would like to help you pack it . That's all crap to me. Keep up the great work. Thank you for the update.
Much appreciated
I've always appreciated your detailed content and your honesty. Thank you for your awesome videos! I'm restoring a CJ2A and I'm curious about how to get one of those better bodies made in India. Thanks.
Will be doing a video as soon as the first body tub gets here. Contact me directly at metalshaper@comcast.net and I can give you more information.
First off thank you so much for your videos. I have a 1973 cj5 it needs front floor pans and hat metal as well as tool box work but i want to be sure it is replaced authentically like some of the work I've seen you do which is amazing. How do I get started?
As far as I know there is no correct sheetmetal out there for guys fixing their Jeeps. You can do it yourself, find a place that cares and take it there, or find a person like myself that does authentic restoration work.
Do you have footage of cutting the holes for the pedals? Thanks!
Hi, I’m looking to buy a tub for a 1969 cj5 with a v6 can you tell me what one is good. Thank you
I used a MD fender on a CJ5A. I was pleased with it and fit was perfect. The only issue was it is lighter weight metal and the stamping of the body line on the front of the fender was feint compared to the sharp body line of the original. Once painted it did look pretty good. I would give it a B overall. I have heard about body modifications required when using MD bodies from others in the jeep community.
Porque a tinta esta soltando assim fácil da chapa?
i spent over 40hrs fixing an md juan amc cj hood for a friends cj10. one side was an inch higher than the other, one rear corner had a huge triangular gap at the cowl the other was too long you could see the difference before it was even on the jeep.. also it was too narrow where it meets the cowl. had to remove the rear brace and cut and shut it.
there is no one in good conscience that can say they are a bolt on product, the argument about being too fussy is invalid when you couldn't even bolt the part on in the 1st place.
Exact reason why nobody likes me in the Jeep world, I tell the truth and back it up with video footage. Their slogan is " if it is from Willys Overland IT FITS"
As you can see it doesn't .
I really enjoy these videos!
Great info Brian. Keep it up!! Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Hello, what is the company in India for the 2a body’s? I am looking to order one soon. Thanks for the video!
You have to contact the USA distributor for a body tub. Call Pete 631-874-8660 he will get you on the list as there are many people buying them and a waiting list.
I un-crated a CJ-3B tub from MD Juan yesterday and experienced many fit problems with the sub frame and not matching to the original 1954 frame. You mentioned there was a dealer who manufactured new restoration tubs from India. Can you send information on how to order a better fitting tub from the India outlet?
contact me directly at metalshaper@comcast.net and I can get some information to you.
Brian
@@metalshaperJeep Thank you. I found that Peter Debella sells them.
I bought a MB-2a back in 2004. Quality seems to have gone down hill since then.
I was just about to buy a new tub for my CJ-2A project. I have my original tub, but it needs a a lot of work. Think I will pay someone to do a good restore on my original tub and keep the money in the US. Or I will contact you for info on the Indian bodies.
Don't buy an MD Juan body as you can see in the video. I have an body coming in from India and will do a video as soon as it gets here. They have been doing a very good job and I will show it in detail soon.
What is the other company besides MD Juan ? I see the Willys Kaiser company is selling bodies now. Are they any better?
Here is the video on the new bodies.
Brian
ruclips.net/video/sEx_UoRwpEM/видео.html
@@metalshaperJeep thank. I will call them. Can I ask where you are located?
Have you tried the repro hood with the repro body? Maybe they fit better?
they fit even worse.
@@metalshaperJeep That's amazing.
Your videos are very helpful. I have started making my own panels and body parts for the M151 series of jeep type military vehicles. I am investing in some machinery for my shop soon and I would appreciate your recommendations.
It there a way to contact you?
Thanks
you can reach me directly at metalshaper@comcast.net
Brian
MD JUAN? BRIAN, YOU JUST SAVED ME THOUSANDS $$$
Could you provide the name of the company who builds the good bodies? I just rescued a 46 CJ2A thats going to need some replacement panels and floors at the very least.
Thanks
Galen Morris
contact me directly at metalshaper@comcast.net and I can give you detailed information.
Brian
Thanks as always for telling it how it is! Sadly, dies only get worse with age, so you expect dodgy quality now to become even poorer going forward. On the positive side, you don't have to put in much effort to get the original primer of those tubs eh?
I'm a little surprised that you can't get the CJ5 body out of India, given that Mahindra adopted the 'new' tub while Mitsubishi did their own iterations of the CJ3 body.
Will I have the same problems with a 1947 tub from Kaiser Willys?
If your body tub is from MD Juan then yes you will have the same problems and more. Their tubs are getting worse every day.
Hey Brian
Looking to do a M38 body who do recommend getting the body from?
Give Pete a call, he is the distributor for SGI body tubs, which are the best out there. Tell him Brian from youtube sent you and he will take care of you. 631-874-8660
@@metalshaperJeep I would like to say thank you for your review I too have had issues with MD some are ok some really shouldn’t have been sent no QA at all did an MB years ago with a Hotchkiss body that was a nice Jeep when completed fit and finish were awesome, have done a few MD’s as well Bensinger was decent to deal with but it is what it is was said a lot, thank for showing not just saying
Great info Brian. Our ole friends back in Ohio own a hand made aluminum Cj 5 that was built for Baja. Bob said it was only raced one season. One day I hope he will tell me the builders name. Have tried 21 yrs to buy, but now lost interest. to many project...Bear
There will always be fitment issues with large reproduction parts
where did you find those tires? i had some like that years ago, they were great mud tires but i can't find any more
common tire available at any specialty tire company. Universal Vintage Tire, Coker Tire, etc.......
Whats the company from india
What is your opinion of the aqualu aluminum tubs? Thanks.
aluminum tubs are made very nicely and fit well. they do not look exactly like the originals so if you want all the details correct be sure to look at one before buying.
Sorry about the spelling. My fingers d ok my fit the screen right
Brian.......The Truth Hurts thats why they do not Like You.................But We Like the Truth, to see what we are getting, SO THANK YOU
yes that is why nobody else in the industry likes me. Same around the shop, that is why I am always working alone, nobody really likes to do things correctly the way I do so most days I am alone in the shop working for the few people that are looking to have quality work done.
Thanks Brian, good info as always!
That’s crazy!!!! Who makes a good one then??
brian excuse my lack of knowing
but could you please give me your website or place with info to purchase a body kit from you
contact me directly at metalshaper@comcast.net
Brian
Great video. A real grief saver.
well said