Pinch Seam

[Power Wagon Family]

So the rear pinch seam on the JKU (maybe the 2 door too not sure) is just asking to be trimmed. While in Moab the tires rubbed a little there and want it gone now. Has anyone on here found a clean way to trim these without opening up the tub?

Thanks
Corey

 

[86tuning]

Haven't looked in the wheel well of that vehicle, but I've hammered pinch welds before for clearance. Followed by some paintable rocker-guard and nobody will see your surgery.

Maybe try hammering it flat? That would retain strength, where trimming it would lose strength.

 

[brianjwilson]

I trimmed mine (jku), and stuffed some RTV sealant in there. Then I painted the area flat black. Some others I read have used JB weld in the small hole left behind.

FYI if you use a cutoff wheel, beware of the expanding foam behind the pinch seam. It gets hot and smokes easily, the stuff is highly flammable.

I think hammering that rear pinch seam would be a mess, just due to the way the panels come together in there. I'm not saying you couldn't, but I think it would look terrible.

 

[Power Wagon Family]

So a saws-all? I guess I just need to get after it. Thanks for the heads up on the cut off wheel. :Wow1:

 

[brianjwilson]

I don't know, sawzall might not be as clean but at least it won't throw sparks!

 

[scottman]

I used a sawzall without issue. Just silicone up the area that opens up after trimmed and paint. Rock rails will need trimming too and will cover up any mess you make of the pinch seam...