Tube doors

[Java]

Building tube doors for my Jeep. I got the basic tubes from jeeptubes.com, you get 6 pre-cut and pre-bent tubes in 3 different styles. You have to trim and notch them yourself. I added 1 1/4" angle and 1" flat steel, both 1/8" thick to make the hinges, the pics are pretty self explanitory. I'm using grade 8 bolts to attach the tubes to the hinges as well as welding it up, mostly because I still don't fully trust my welding skills, and partly because I think they'll look good. I'm not done, ran out of time today (it's taking longer than I expected, fabrication is both fun and a beotch) but so far so good.

pic #6 is a mistake I made but didn't notice at that point, the angle is backwards it should be open towards the rear. I didn't catch it until I had already tacked it...

[Chris]

Looking good Paul! Welding and flip-flops aren't a real good combination! :lmao:

[Java]

Looking good Paul! Welding and flip-flops aren't a real good combination! :lmao:

I know, I knew when I was doing it too. I did get myself with sparks from my bench top grinder later, my feet were right under it. I could use some sharpening...

[Jim]

He's work'n on having an even, no tan lines tan... :D

[Popsgarage]

Looking good Paul! Welding and flip-flops aren't a real good combination!

I do it all the time and usually end up swearing at least once. A friend of mine has these tube doors and she likes 'em.

[glacierpaul]

Nice Paul! I bet you were also wearing shorts and a t-shirt, with no gloves or goggles..... now I'm callin OSHA :lmao:

[Rob]

Welding and flip-flops aren't a real good combination!

Unless you're tough as nails. :D

[Java]

more progress after work today, I welded a nut inside the ends of the tubes that meet the angle iron so that the end wouldn't stick out the back. I bolted it up and welded it, turned out pretty good so far. they both fit, the passenger side fits perfectly, the driver's side needs a little tweaking. The hinge design makes that easy, the tab the bolts are welded to can be easily bent. Tommorow I have a LOT of grinding to do, my welding is still a mess, but it's strong. I ordered a set of small bear claw latches from ebay, should be here thursday or friday, then I'll figure that out.

[Rob]

Looking good, Paul.

[Java]

these are the latches I'm using, got a set off ebay for about $34.00 including shipping: http://www.autoloc.com/catalog/Bear-Claw-Latches/Manual-Bear-Claw-Latches/BCSM/Locking-Mini-Bear-Claw-Door-Latch-Set

http://files.autoloc.com/img/product/branded/250/65553.jpg (http://files.autoloc.com/img/product/branded/600/65553.jpg)

[Brad]

Looks good Paul! :thumb:

[The StRanger]

That will work !

[Cr33p3r]

Looks real good Paul!

[glacierpaul]

Cool Paul! Looks like you'll have plenty of practice to make mine for me :).

[Java]

little more progress, got everything together and painted. it turns out that Rustoleum Sunrise Red and Krylon Banner Red are both pretty good matches for Jeep Flame Red. I went Rustoleum, it's a better paint but it's taking it's time drying. I usually see black tube doors, but I think red will look pretty good too. I painted some lock nuts too, and made some brackets for the Autoloc clasps from 1 1/4" x 1/8" angle. I took the locking mechanism off of them, seemed like more hassle than anything else. I got some 1" black plastic plugs for the open ends (2), and some pipe insulation that fits perfectly. I found some mirrors from Autozone for about $15.00 each that look great with the doors off on a JK, I'm going to see if I can work them in.

here's a pic I took from jkforum of them, (this isn't my Jeep, but I like it!!) apparently they fit right on the OEM bolts on a JK, you just have to open up the holes on the mirror (plastic).
http://namtaru.com/uploads/2012/jeepfreshkc.jpg

and some pics of my junk so far. I can't figure out what to put over the pipe insulation... I bought fancy red duct tape but that never works out in the sun, it gets sticky quickly. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

[Java]

pretty much done and mounted on the Jeep. I have to make or find handles for the latches, mount the sideview mirror, figure out a GoPro mount and cut the insulation to fit the top bar as an armrest- decided to put nothing over it, it's only $2.99 for 6' of it, I'll just keep some around and replace it as it gets damaged. I'm especially glad that I bought the Autoloc latches, they make them close tightly like a regular door, it even sounds like one. The Rustoleum isn't a perfect match, but it's close enough for a trail rig. Overall I'm really happy with them! I also should say that I had a great experience with www.jeeptubes.com (http://www.jeeptubes.com), there was a small problem with my order that he went totally overboard to solve, great customer service. :thumb:

[Chris]

Very nice Paul, I like that they're red!

[Rick]

those look great! nice work

[glacierpaul]

Looks awesome Paul!! I would just red tape over the donkeydi**, and it is cheap enough to replace when it gets funky, but still keeps the red flow going. :thumb:

[Brad]

Looks amazing Paul!

[Java]

finished except the mirror, it looked better with the tape than without, I'll see how it goes. I got ducttape with dragons on it because of the colors, but I guess dragons are cool too. The handles are transmission pan spacers from my lift kit, LJs under 4" of lift don't need SYEs or transfercase drops so I used some of them to raise my 3rd eye brake light to clear my spare tire and two of them for door handles. They're different and I already had them, so they'll do. Just have to drill two holes for the mirrors and it's done.

[Rob]

I guess dragons are cool too.

Darn right dragons are cool! I like it, Paul.

[xaza]

You could probably find something to wrap the insulation at bicycle shop. Not sure if this would be right size, but gives the idea.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Road-Bike-Bicycle-Fixie-Single-Speed-Foam-Frame-Top-Tube-Pad-Padding-010482-/121016062195

[glacierpaul]

Dragons are way cool Paul! Aidan already liked your Jeep, now with the dragons....look out:). Where did you get the dragon tape at? My wife has the tape with skulls and crossbones to wrap her bike with.

[Java]

Cliff- those are perfect, I think I'll just use your link and order a couple. :thumb: Paul- I got the duct tape at ACE, they had one with skulls too and some others.

[Popsgarage]

I like the use of the trans drop spacers!:thumb:

[glacierpaul]

I like the use of the trans drop spacers!:thumb: X2, forgot to mention that!

[Fordguy77]

Looking good.

[Java]

Brandon


these are the latches I'm using, got a set off ebay for about $34.00 including shipping: http://www.autoloc.com/catalog/Bear-Claw-Latches/Manual-Bear-Claw-Latches/BCSM/Locking-Mini-Bear-Claw-Door-Latch-Set

http://files.autoloc.com/img/product/branded/250/65553.jpg (http://files.autoloc.com/img/product/branded/600/65553.jpg)

[dieseldoc]

thanks paul!

will be getting some materials soon.

now that my vent controls are doing what ever they want my AC is not worth running.