Lost Friend

Project: Lost Mutt



This '69 commando was in my family for 45 years or so. It was sold through the family line until it reached myself at the age of 9. I taught myself how to drive in this truck by age 14, and then it was sold out from under me for less then it's worth in memories. I bought it back the other day, and saved it from being crushed. It still retains it's buick 231 and t86 combo I swapped in from our family car/ another jeepster. Still has the same rot forming on the pass side bed panel. I can still BARELY fit in the cab, but expect a full write up and restoration beginning next week on this truck...

As of right now most of the truck has been gutted and cleaned for initial restoration preparation.

 

Glad you got it back!

Looking forward to progress and more pics!

 

how did your uncle buy a '69 -45yr + ago?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,j.k.you it's cool when you can save stuff like that ,good luck.

 

All of my mathematical equations are done on fingers and toes, I draw and wrench for a living. R)

 

Very nice. It is even better with a history...

Snow chains... really?

 

Nice. Wish I could find my first old truck, but it's probably eaten up with rust by now

 

That's great that you were able to track it down and better yet it is still around. If it retains the stock engine and transmission it will be a 225/T86 or T14, most likely the 14.

 

The 225 was swapped out when she tossed a cylinder, and I put a 231 it ints place, but yes it retains the t86.

 

This project was put on hold for a while, but has just been brought back to the front line. I will be picking up a mint frame next weekend and rolling some axles from a j20 underneath it. I always wanted a d44 and d60 under a mando. Plans for the rest of the drivetrain are a original 225 with a turbo 400. The transfercase is still up in the air as to what I will use. Open to suggestions! Keep an eye out for pictures coming tomorrow night.


RM

 

Harry Sheets at Midwest Willys in Crawfordsville, IN has a good body:

http://midwestwillys.com/commando.htm

 

That looks fantastic, here are some shots of the recent tear down. The 231 was seized...I seem to have very poor luck with the odd and even fire v6's. The frame is cracked right behind the Ross steering box. The U joint caps were blown out of this thing, and the pressure plate had many "hot" spots in it. My poor jeepster was not taken care of clearly. But a new frame coming this weekend, a new transfer case (d300) and a turbo 400 should fit the bill of things that will revive her. Yes I do plan to be buried around my numerous jeeps...I know I have a problem just look at my sig.

Onto the pictures!


















I wonder where this will be going? :twisted:

This project needs a name I'm open to suggestions but have been swayed towards Project Phoenix seeing as there wasn't much left other than the ashes of rust, rot and bondo.

Stay tuned; this winter I plan to finish the Commando as well as Sarge, unless someone purchases the cj5.



RM

 

NIce pics. Oh yes, you have the fever.

 

please post as many pictures as you can and post often!!

 

A new rolling chassis from Colorado was picked up this weekend for mere pennies on the dollar! I love it, pictures in the am.



RM

 

Back to the pictures!

So this past weekend I purchased a parts matching 69 Jeepster Commando frame. This truck is from Colorado and as I said it cost me a song and a dance for everything you see. The chassis was stored in a heated garage until I picked it up. Axles, springs, and frame all in perfect condition... I couldn't be any happier. I also snagged a older Jeepster grill out of the parts trailer at work...gotta love free parts. Here are some pictures for those of you that love to oogle. Oh and yes that's a 67 mustang fastback in the background.



















Tune in next time for 3/4 ton axle clean up, frame clean up with possible hot dip galvanization and install!

:v6:

RM

 

Nice score Ryan...looking forward to the progress of this project.

 

It should be a fun build, mild restoration with a dash of attitude.

Picked up another grill and a brand new pair of doors from the shop I work at tonight. Zero rot, not even surface rust. I love free things.

As soon as I stop fooling around with other minor projects this thing will be underway!

RM

 

If you need a hand with anything I am a couple towns away just get in touch with me.

 

Most definitely! Ill have some more parts up for sale as well. I'll give you a call and thanks again.

RM

 

Tomorrow I'm going to look at a new tub and some other doodads to get this is motion. Tonight I stripped a new to me windshield frame and primed it up along with my door shells. Oh and I may have decided on some tires...38.5x13 pit bull maddogs...:drool: