My New Commando Convertible

Holy I was gonna toss that in the scrap metal pile!

 

Never seen one before, but it has construction cues that say "Kayline."

Here's the link: tire and gas can carrier original Kayline style swing out

 

The roll down rear quarter windows are cool...they pivot at the front, so the vertical front edge of the window becomes horizontal and even with the belt line when the window is rolled down

 

It has a Kayline label on it.

 

Score

 

Very, very nice. Ron

 

... and then?

 

Sweet merciful Pete, that's nice! I will trade crappy rubber parts for a case of rust any day!

 

I'm about ready to call this one rust free...
Inner RH rocker panel looking towards the front


Inner LH rocker panel looking towards the rear


Rear of the Jeep around the tailgate and gas tank

Damage to the rocker panel, this is the worst spot on the Jeep


Already has Saginaw steering, this'll be easy to convert to PS

 

Here's a couple of pictures of Jeepster convertibles. It appears that for 1967 the Jeepster convertible was a separate model, not using the Commando part of the name. Later models were Jeepster Commando convertibles.




Here's a couple of quotes that may help explain the different models of convertibles. One quote is from The Jeepsterman and I forgot where I got the other one.

"After spending heavily to introduce the Jeepster in 1967, Kaiser couldn't afford much new for 1968. A low-priced convertible was added to the Commando series, offering a real convertible top at a price much lower than the fully optioned Jeepster Convertible. The Commando's full-length top was markedly different from the Jeepster Convertible's because the Commando lacked the stylish trunk of the more costly Jeepster."

"In 1967 the convertible was actually referred to as the "Jeepster" and after 1967 the convertible picked up the full name "Jeepster Commando". Many people mis-identify their Jeepster Commando and believe it is a convertible when they actually are not. 8701 in the VIN number identifies if you have a true convertible. The convertible is the only model that has quarter windows behind the roll up window. The convertible also had the optional Continental package with a spare tire in the rear, stainless trim around the upper body line, and optional two tone paint. Deluxe interior was also offered which included texture on the inside of the doors."

And here's an old comment from this forum that explains the VIN numbers and how they relate to the different models. So an 8701 would be the "fancy" convertible with the trunk, two tone paint job, and spare tire mounted in the rear bumper. The 8702 would be the later more modest convertible. Oddly enough my Jeepster Commando is an 8702. It has the openings for the rear quarter windows, but the hardware is long gone. Probably removed by one of the previous PO's.

Feb 8, 2009

nvaceNew Member
Joined:
Feb 8, 2009
Messages:
3
Ok, here is my question, I just bought a 69 Jeepster Half Cab, the VIN on the registration is different than the number on the tag on the firewall. The registration has 7614F263517 and the metal tag 8705F1726526. According to the information I found on : Jeepster......What Year??? - Page 3 - Off-Road Forums & Discussion Groups

Chassis code
87 - 4WD C101

Body styles
01 - Jeepster convertible
02 - Commando convertible
03 - Hurst edition (1971 only)
05 - Open body

Model codes
F - Station wagon
H - Pickup (halfcab)
O - Roadster

Drive codes
1 - Right hand drive
2 - Left hand drive

Engine codes
4 - F4-134
5 - F4-134 smog
6 - V6-225
7 - V6-225 smog

 

Heck yeah!

 

Good info! Mine's an 8702.

 

Even though I'm relatively young (54 in a couple weeks) I've been having issues with my knees and my back. I'm hoping to get back to driving the CJ soon but I can see the handwriting on the wall...there'll come a time when it's just not enjoyable to drive anymore (it'll go to my son at that point.)
I'm really hoping this vehicle will be my ticket to enjoying time in the mountains as I get older...better ride, longer wheelbase, and it'll get PS, PB, and unfortunately probably an Auto trans (haven't made up my mind there yet.) I don't think it'll ever be a hard core 4 wheeler with all that rear overhang but with a mild lift, lockers, better gearing and tires it ought to do pretty well and be a better backroad explorer than the CJ ever will.
I'd like to keep the Dauntless but I'd also like to pull a small pop up camper and I'm not sure it'll be up to the task, have to wait and see about that. The T14 will be history, and maybe the 20 tcase too...not sure what to do there yet. Rear axle is a 44, it'll stay. Front, I'll be looking for a narrow track 30 with discs.

 

I was eyeballing that one in Crawford for a little bit, haha.

 

An Appleby on 30s and a tube frame would look good on that.