Jeep CJ7 Rear Hatch Texturization

The CJ7 hardtop will outlast us all. But the rear hatch is a different story. Due to lack of internal rustproofing and a folded lower edge, the OEM steel hatches almost always rust out. To find a good one is rare. My hardtop came with a good one but the PO had sanded off all the original texture. In this video, I show you how to closely recreate the text and a very close color match to the original tan hardtop color found on the Golden Eagle trim.

[@wayneh331]

Thanks for the video's Cool Guy !

[@taxman121]

Very clever!

[@Raiderstarrunner]

Very cool.

[@modecreative]

Hey Cool Guy, love the video. Great tip with the speckle. I am about to start restoring mine hardtop and was wondering what prep work is required before paint. I have watched a few other vids and people say min prep is required (basically a light scuff) before paint.

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Got a couple questions first. Is it still texturized or has the PO sanded that off? Are there any cracks, damage or areas where the plastic has separated?

[@modecreative]

@@coolguy_CJ7 The texture is still on and i've just lightly scuffed it with a metal scourer. There are no cracks but I am working on patching up some of the fibreglass around where the liftgate hinges bolt into the hardtop body. I thought the hardtop was all fibreglass (apart from the rear liftgate/door), are you saying it is plastic?

[@modecreative]

@@coolguy_CJ7 I was also wondering whether I need to apply some sort of primer or sealer/undercoat before applying the paint.

[@davidedenegri3281]

Please can you write the name of the color you used? Thanks

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Krylon COLORmaxx Satin Brown Boots. Used 8 cans to get a good even 2 coats and to have extra for touch up.

[@chickensfloat7427]

Whats the nurmeg hardtop color code? Any clue what it is? My tops faded, even the door jams

[@coolguy_CJ7]

I'll see what I can find and report back.

[@eriku571]

Do you have a video of how to remove the rear windows without breaking them?
I saw the video of you installing the windshield.

[@eriku571]

I figured it out. I used a rope tool around the outside edge of the rear window grommet to help the window pop out with the grommet. It worked great!

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Perfect. I actually pushed mine out from the inside and started in a corner to make sure I didn't flex the glass. I like your technique better.

[@terrysummers9224]

@@coolguy_CJ7 But the question is, how do you get the window back in??????

[@coolguy_CJ7]

Ha! I currently haven’t figured that out yet. I already tore through a replacement gasket. This might be something I have to let a auto glass company do. Pains me to think about it.