Abuelo Reborn!

It's been almost 4 years, but the work has paid off! I bought Abuelo (means Old Man), a 1968 Jeepster Commando, drove it for one summer with the family and then began the long frame off restoration process.
Work included mechanical repairs on the brakes, suspension, bearings, differentials, motor and new wiring using a Painless kit. Body work was the hardest part with lot’s of sanding, welding, sanding, sanding, sanding and more sanding! The rockers, fenders, doors, tailgate and rear wheel wells all had to be redone. I had not idea how much work this tub would need!
It turned out nice, and the best part is driving with the family again!
Thanks for all your encouragement and help with the project! The work continues...
-Nathan

 

Sweet!

 

What's your best guesstimate of money/time into him?

Outstanding results, BTW

 

what color is that?

 

Nice - I wish I had one of those!

 

I hate to add it up, but I think an estimate of $9,000 invested is fair. I bought the Jeepster for $4,000 and put $5,000 worth of work into it. Projects like this are always more expensive the first time around! There are things I did wrong that I had to re-do, body work that had to be re-done, lots of lessons learned )
The paint color is a base coat/clear coat version of the original color Olive Mist. I have the new dupont paint code if anyone needs it.
Thanks for your kind words,
Nathan

 

I'm waiting for a pic with those hub caps installed !

 

Excellent job Nathan, looks right at home downeast.

 

nathan.

fantastic job. thats the nuble (sp) in york beach isnt it?

are you on neow?

im near concord nh.

frosty

 

Very nice!

 

Now that is nice.

 

very nice

 

I was going to ask is that Pemiquid (sp) point. Sure looks like the pictures and small ceramic models we have of it. Sweet Jeep and very nice background.

edit: Dad told me I need to pay more attention and I am wrong. So where is it?

 

That is one sweet ride. Congrats on the hardwork, now go enjoy it!

 

You guys are a great encouragement! The picture was taken at Nuble Light in York Maine. The light house is about a 10 minute drive from my home in Eliot Maine.
I may have some questions next week that you guys can help me with. I'm going to replace the rear wheel bearings on the tapered shaft Dana 44. I have no idea if the wheel bearings have ever been serviced, and I don't want them going out on me on my drive to the All Breeds Jeep Show in York PA. Keep on Jeepin!
-Nathan

 

First thing you'll want to get or borrow is a heavy duty hub puller cause you're gonna need it.

 

Yep, for sure... I can't really remember doing mine anymore, but I think I had to use a press to get bearings on and off the axle shafts too.. Can anyone verify?

 

I've already bought the parts that are needed for the bearing replacement, so I will do the work at some point. Do you think I should leave it alone for now and do the work this winter while the Jeepster is off the salty roads? I'm a maintinance nut, but I have learned in the past that somethings are better left undisturbed. My mechanic friend told me to drive it and cary the parts. I just worry about the bearings because the service book calls for lube every 15,000 miles and mine have over 75,000 on them with no lube!
-Nathan

 

I've got a couple of D30 axle shafts and I'm pretty sure the bearings are pressed on. Guess I could dig them out and verify that.
Can't really say for sure about the bearing service interval, I've heard a couple of theories on that. Some say leave them alone others say do it. The only one I have that's got that style axle is my 70 and it's just gone over the 12000 mile mark so it's gonna be a while before I have to worry about it .

 

Nice work Nathan!