1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Couldn't resist

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by jackdog, Jun 18, 2015.

  1. Jun 18, 2015
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    Saw this Commando and couldn't resist bringing it home http://s1370.photobucket.com/ The date on the tag is Oct. 70, does that make it a 70 or 71. It is pretty complete with solid frame. Body is going to need work though. Is there venders for body parts?
     
    Keys5a likes this.
  2. Jun 18, 2015
    commanlerwrangdo

    commanlerwrangdo Member

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2014
    Messages:
    470
    Can't get your link to work to see any pics. Either way though you technically have a 71 Jeepster. If it was an early 70, you would still have the Ross steering. From the production date you mention, it should have the Saginaw steering located right behind the front bumper. Also, you should have a L and R exhaust manifolds instead of two rights. Good find!:beer:

    Only body part basically available for a Jeepster Commando are the rocker overlays from the Jeepsterman. He has other underside braces and tailgate hinge side pieces, but not outside body panels.
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2015
  3. Jun 19, 2015
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

    I live in a...
    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2006
    Messages:
    1,512
    Yes 71, unless it's from somewhere that titles them the year they were built. Get a hold of Mark Vilbert at justjeepsters.com. No repro major body panels but he does carry outer and inner rocker panels, floor overlays, body supports etc. Not sure what he has left but he did have some NOS body parts
     
  4. Jun 19, 2015
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    I'm keen to see pictures of this Jeepster. 1971 is likely the best year, except for the '72-73 bullnose models that everybody seems to hate the appearance of.

    Aside from the Saginaw steering, I would expect that a '71 is sure to have a flanged 44 rear axle. Automatic or manual?
     
  5. Jun 19, 2015
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    I will work on getting photos up soon. The link worked when it was put up but doesn't seem to now. I have not had a chance to go over the Commando very good but it does have Saginaw steering, rear dump manifolds and flanged rear axles. Looks like a Dana 20 Tcase and 3 speed(T-14?). I am trying to resist getting into it because my 3A project is 90% done and want to finish that first.
     
  6. Jun 19, 2015
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
    58 willys likes this.
  7. Jun 20, 2015
    commanlerwrangdo

    commanlerwrangdo Member

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2014
    Messages:
    470
    Cool to see you got some pictures up. Nice find. I hear you on the start another project with others still in progress. I always tended to bounce from project to project myself. I like to get my Jeep projects at minimum starting, running and at least lot driving because Jeeps you have to push to move around are just not worth as much! Plus, when someone stops in to ask about one being for sale, they are usually impressed more by the fact I can hop in it and it fires right up.

    Possessing 4 Commandos, a CJ5, 2 Willys pickups and 2 YJ's I do have quite the Jeep collection. I have a deposit down on my 95 YJ, so I will be rid of one Jeep as soon as he pays for it in full.
     
  8. Jun 20, 2015
    uncamonkey

    uncamonkey Member

    Greeley CO
    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2009
    Messages:
    2,104
    Pretty nice and less rust than I would have expected being from that area, er, how is the floor?
     
  9. Jun 20, 2015
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    Floor in the rear is cover but underneath there is actually most of the floor. The front floors are worse but patchable. Take alook at the steering box it has 3 mounting holes and the mount has 4. Wondering if that's correct. Might have to pull it in the garage and work on both projects.[​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
    58 willys likes this.
  10. Jun 20, 2015
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Saginaw manual steering gears are all 3-hole, AFAIK. I don't have a parts book that goes back that far, but I'd guess that the same bracket is used for either power (4) or manual (3).
     
  11. Jun 20, 2015
    uncamonkey

    uncamonkey Member

    Greeley CO
    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2009
    Messages:
    2,104
    Nice having all of the stock air cleaner set up. I wish I had had a saganiw on mine and I'm sure you know you have a bent steering part there.
     
  12. Jun 21, 2015
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

    I live in a...
    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2006
    Messages:
    1,512
    Yes on the three hole manual Saginaw box and the frame mount being the same for manual/PS.
    Somebody wasn't thinking about the consequences of removing the front crossmember. That poor skinny little piece of steel is not even up to being a a grille support.
     
  13. Jun 21, 2015
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,489
    I have a 4 bolt Saginaw manual box on my cj5. Adapted by the PO. Original source of the box is unknown to me.

    I was always told to get one from a larger vehicle so the steering isn't so quick/sketchy for our short wheel bases.
     
  14. Jun 22, 2015
    commanlerwrangdo

    commanlerwrangdo Member

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2014
    Messages:
    470
    Nice, you have quite a few cool options on that rig. The extra labelled switches, the different style/color seats, the bent steering linkage, the 40 MPH floor and the redone extra thin and light grille support. :D

    The great news is it's the most desirable year Commando unless you are fond of the non-Jeep looking bullnose models. There are aftermarket switch panel label overlays available, seats shouldn't be an issue either and I've straightened linkage like that before with no issues. The 40 MPH floor and the grille support require welding, but so do the rockers and just about EVERY Commando need rockers, so those are the most work to fix.

    Remember, our Jeeps don't have to be Barrett-Jackson quality, just functional, safe and painted nice enough to turn head as they roll down the road!;)
     
    75 DJ likes this.
  15. Jun 22, 2015
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    Already have some fenders coming and picked up a new spool of mig wire. Going to order rockers and floor pans soon. I got it for just about scrap price($350) so I can afford to put some into it. Thinking of keeping pretty much stock with the same color paint scheme. Will update as it progresses.
     
  16. Jul 10, 2015
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    Got all the road signs and patches out and it's pretty ugly. On the bright side I found a pretty much rust free tub, fenders and tailgate, but there in North Carolina. Guess I'm going on a road trip! [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
  17. Feb 21, 2017
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    Made some progress on the Jeepster. Ended up with a 68 frame and moved everything from the bad 71 frame to it. Rebuilding the engine, transmission and T=case at the moment. Also installed D30 and D44 axles with 11 x 2 brakes. Have a good tub but it will need a little work. All in all coming along now that I have a little time for it.[​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    melvinm, 47v6 and commanlerwrangdo like this.
  18. Feb 25, 2017
    commanlerwrangdo

    commanlerwrangdo Member

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2014
    Messages:
    470
    Looking good. Amazing how what you need will show up eventually.
     
  19. Feb 25, 2017
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2012
    Messages:
    2,327
    Take time to have a good result, with the good colors. I see that you have a good workshop!
     
  20. Feb 25, 2017
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

    I live in a...
    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2006
    Messages:
    1,512
    So true. Waited years to find an original paper element air filter assembly, now I have two.

    You'll appreciate the 11" brakes. Not just the better stopping power but the actually being able to buy hold down springs and the various what not's (y).
     
New Posts