89 Comanche Restore...

[JENSSEN]

OK since no one has really posted up in here I will document my 1989 Jeep Comanche (MJ) restoration from start to finish with some subtle mods,...

So here is the rusty POS that I found on Kijiji.ca when it was posted in a local Jeep forum. I spent a whopping $50.00 to drag this cancerous demon home.

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche011.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche004.jpg

I bought this Jeep as I could justify the $50.00 as I could easily part it and recover the funds,.. now if it comes to life we can fix the rest.

So that being said this Jeep has been stolen, column smashed, been sitting for 3 years in the weeds, $60.00 later in towing the Dump Humper is home.

First things first will this bucket of bolts start and run? A battery went into the old girl,.. figured out the "hot wire" sequence and "click,...grunt" SFA happens,.. is the motor seized? Starter gone,.. I must dig deeper. Now what makes a starter engage but not allow the motor to turn over,..Seized? Well I liberally soak the cylinders with some bolt penetrating oil (why not??) and Eric my Diesel Fitter (deez-will-fit-her) asked me if I have checked the oil,.. seems simple so I did,..9 liters! So out it came and some fresh stuff went in. A fresh battery was installed , and low and behold it cranked over WHOOT! Halfway there,.. I cleaned the old plugs fixed some vacuum leaks and out came the slot blade screw driver key and a few moments later a haze of rusty black smoke reeking of stale fuel plumes from the tail pipe,. The dump humper has now moved a up status level. I changed out the injectors and installed a new column , now it starts no problem at all,.. now to face the next task,.. The Rot.

[JENSSEN]

Here is the Rot ,... I think I need a tetanus shot,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche016.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche017.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche018.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche012.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche012.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche014.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche015.jpg

[JENSSEN]

So I scored up a set 0f 98 XJ doors off a wreck for $100.00 which included the new column, New style rad and overflow bottle, coil springs, some locks, and a whack of other $#it. So lets address the drivers door,..

So of course all but one of the Torx door bolts come off so I made an access door on the skin and convinced the door it needed to come off

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche005.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche007.jpg

hung the 97 door only to find out the door catch was in a different spot,.. so off came the pin to test fit

I dig it,.. one piece window, power windows and locks gigidy

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche008.jpg

So you will notice in the picture the door frame is cracked around the pin so that will have to be addressed,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche009.jpg

Welded ground and the new style catch is test fitted,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche020.jpg

Door adjusted and GM key lock installed to keep it true to form and becuse I didn't have the key for the new doors

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/91b55a26.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/ded8a2c0.jpg

Now onto the passenger door,..

[bluedragon436]

Looking good... might end up picking up a Jeep truck of my own to build up slowly... but if that doesn't work out will keep an eye out for a MJ that I can convert over to a 98+ MJ over time of course... Can't wait to see as yours progresses...

[JENSSEN]

Just need to grab some sheet metal and then I should be cooking,..

This is along the lines of what the finished product will look like,.. just a bit more modern with possible a pre-runner twist.

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/Comanche010.jpg

[Mudderoy]

Great information, thanks! I see a lot of possibilities for the MJ now!

[4.3LXJ]

Lots of work there, but so far, so good :thumbsup:

[alwaysxj]

wow that thing is rotted like crazy... did it come from utah? lol...

[JENSSEN]

wow that thing is rotted like crazy... did it come from utah? lol...

Nope its a Alberta truck but the rot is caused by "lot Rot" when they sit in a wet dark area especially over grass,.. and un repaired collision damage,.. its ok though thats why I got it so cheap :)

[alwaysxj]

that is how the older vehicles look in Utah, they like to salt the fauk out of the roads in the winter.

[JENSSEN]

that is how the older vehicles look in Utah, they like to salt the fauk out of the roads in the winter.

I am from Ontario originally and if this truck had of been there I would of been sweeping it up not fixing it,.. This truck was just straight abuse and neglect,.. poor little short box,...

[xj4life2]

You might consider a bob and a flat bed , fiberglass the cab and you golden. The floorboards on that thing would scare me the most !!! Nice work keep us posted

[JENSSEN]

You might consider a bob and a flat bed , fiberglass the cab and you golden. The floorboards on that thing would scare me the most !!! Nice work keep us posted

Oh yee of little faith, fiberglass,.. No thanks! Only fillers used will be at weld joints, floors? Meh minor my 93 has a new belly front to back,.. Rockers and floors are both available in reproduction parts,..

Once the montero is out I will crack out the 3 in 1 metal machine (rollers, shear and break), plasma , mig, sawzall,.. And some body hammers to make this troubled little MJ shine once again!


last body job is here http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=4898

[bluedragon436]

Yeah the J10 I am looking at has quite a bit of cancer in and on the bed... so was thinking of ditching the bed, bobbing the frame, and learning some tube work on the rearend... I think anything can be revived with enough time/work & money... and if I had the knowledge and equipment to do it, I would def. take on quite a few projects just for the experience and then sell them after I get them into good shape again..

[JENSSEN]

if I had the knowledge and equipment to do it, I would def. take on quite a few projects just for the experience and then sell them after I get them into good shape again..

My plan is to show the project through webcam and link it through the xjtalk site, Mudderoy gave me a link for live webcam and the plan is to show how to make repair parts, panels, floors ect with simple tools and the more advanced equipment. How to attach panes with welding and if $ allows even some advanced epoxies,.. I want people to feel confident doing their own work and not to have to spends thousands to do it :)

[GT MOTORSPORTS]

I really like your "never say die" attitude on these jeeps! I have a close friend who lives in Woodbridge,Ontario.

Greg

[XJ4IV]

I never thought about looking for a junker ole MJ to build up... If
I could score one for 50$ Id buggy it like crazy NOTHING to lose and you will definitely make your 50 bucks back ... basically get some old school d60s on it lift it really nice and toss in some 38's and sell it for 4 grand

[JENSSEN]

Updated pics
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/6c955805.jpg

[JENSSEN]

Found some rad rot

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/a43c8641.jpg

old fender bender repair

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/b3df546e.jpg

Cut out some rot

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/c06a90ec.jpg

Goodbye rusty rocker :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/bdc21505.jpg

Now lets play a game,... find the brake adjuster,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/330cfb6b.jpg

Some parts bouncing around in the brakes,.. no biggie :eek:

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/55b64a87.jpg

Driver side rocker before

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/29ddc3dd.jpg

Both doors are on now,.. working on some electronic repairs,.. beauty interior,.. :shocker:

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/5b274a0f.jpg


and finally it starts and runs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKivqclTRTM

[bluedragon436]

I know it has to be good for you to see some progress coming along.. Looks good!!

[XJ4IV]

dang you move QUICK for a kanuck LOL must have a heater in the shop!

[JENSSEN]

Quick? I was hoping to be in primer by now the montero put me behind,...

[XJ Rat]

Nothing ever seems to go as originally planned.

Keep up the restore and post when you can. It is a good story. Pics are really nice, too.

[4.3LXJ]

Lots of work on that one. Most people wouldn't even touch it. Good so far.

[JENSSEN]

This may scare you but this one is in ten times better shape then the 93 2 Door started out.

[JENSSEN]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5mGH6axuHM

[bluedragon436]

Wow... the sad thing is I was like who cares about his smoking habit... but still was watching intently to see if the lighter would actually pop back out... LOL... I hope you are able to stop smoking... I know the stresses of the issues don't help any.....

[DETOURS]

I love 'waking the dead'.........stick with it! Great progress!

[BlueXJ]

Just re-listened to that Renix startup. Great motors and quite simple and straightforward. I love them, can you tell.

[xjrev10]

Not too highjack but treads like this make me think about fixing this thing instead of just parting it. 87 Chief, black interior, 4.0, 4x4, 90k original miles.

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af332/xjrev10/87mj2.jpg

Thank you for the inspiration!!!! I will be watching:thumbsup:

[4.3LXJ]

Too nice a truck to part. Pump up that tire and sell it.

[xjrev10]

that pic makes it look pretty decent.. no i will never sell my MJs. I will get to them someday. This one is wrapped in plastic out in the woods by my buddies place right now.

[JENSSEN]

starting to come together :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/62040733.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/bd0da8c3.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/4a51b087.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/a38d5b1b.jpg

[xjrev10]

nice job! did you fab that corner?

[bluedragon436]

So you won't sell the MJ... but you'll part it out???

Jenssen the MJ is continuing to look good... Can't wait to see what it comes out looking like after everything you put into it!!

[xjrev10]

So you won't sell the MJ... but you'll part it out???

Jenssen the MJ is continuing to look good... Can't wait to see what it comes out looking like after everything you put into it!!

part it out to myself..I have 3 MJs and 3 XJs.

[bluedragon436]

ahhhh... see that makes sense... and I was kind of thinking that after I posted...

[JENSSEN]

nice job! did you fab that corner?

No got lucky and one was at pick and pull and it was hit hard but had cab corners so I lucked out,.. Wasn't looking forward to making those bends

[xjrev10]

No got lucky and one was at pick and pull and it was hit hard but had cab corners so I lucked out,.. Wasn't looking forward to making those bends

thats what i figured, had to ask tho! boy you could of lied so EZ :rotfl2:

[JENSSEN]

Meh,...one thing about the truth ,.. it always stays the same,..

Some final grinding and a bit more welding and the passenger side is done :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/7856319b.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/7740d3ba.jpg

[xjrev10]

very true, nice job sir:thumbsup:

[JENSSEN]

Ugggggh I hate rust,... Drivers side :(

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/222731de.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/a5dad015.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/9c355a58.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/0b4be7d5.jpg

[JENSSEN]

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/fd1657bc.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/cd36fb0c.jpg
old "Rockers"
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/b7e4db4d.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/6d3763fe.jpg

[JENSSEN]

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/fd1657bc.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/cd36fb0c.jpg
old "Rockers"
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/b7e4db4d.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/6d3763fe.jpg

:thumbdown:

[cwvs]

Not too highjack but treads like this make me think about fixing this thing instead of just parting it. 87 Chief, black interior, 4.0, 4x4, 90k original miles.

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af332/xjrev10/87mj2.jpg

Thank you for the inspiration!!!! I will be watching:thumbsup:

Man I would love to get a hold of that MJ if you don't want it!
Parting out would just be terrible!:eek:

Bob

[oderdene]

nice work, congrats. the best of best is looking at "before" n "after" photos.

[JENSSEN]

Man I would love to get a hold of that MJ if you don't want it!
Parting out would just be terrible!:eek:

Bob

Send it my way :)

[JENSSEN]

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/snapshot.png

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/6fdb08d1.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/b2bebf08.jpg

[modestmar00xj]

Man Jessen! this MJ is turning out so nicely! i pumps me up that you took on such a job! i really wasent a fan of the MJ but now i have good respect! good work!

[Mudderoy]

Man Jessen! this MJ is turning out so nicely! i pumps me up that you took on such a job! i really wasent a fan of the MJ but now i have good respect! good work!

Best of both worlds. It's a Jeep and a open bed truck!

[JENSSEN]

Man Jenssen! this MJ is turning out so nicely! i pumps me up that you took on such a job! i really wasent a fan of the MJ but now i have good respect! good work!

Thanks man , sometimes projects like this are daunting because there is so much rust and work to do to bring it back to its glory,... its bits of encouragement that pushes me each day to fix more, faster and better,... maybe one day I can be a Jeep "Foose" LOL!

[xjrev10]

Man I would love to get a hold of that MJ if you don't want it!
Parting out would just be terrible!:eek:

Bob

The only reason I would do that is because I have 2 mjs that are fairly rust free and the red one doesn't have a title....well I got one for it but.. Read between the lines.

[JENSSEN]

few more updates,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/8abeee34.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/178df659.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/c21e6d09.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/36dc1bc7.jpg

[JENSSEN]

little PYP score today ,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/745bed71.jpg

[JENSSEN]

Poll

99 clip as pictured:

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs138.snc1/5893_545256798907_6603948_32215043_511930_n.jpg

Old school as pictured:

http://jeep-parts.uneedapart.com/images/jeep-comanche-parts.jpg

[BrianXJ]

I vote for the 99 clip. looks different

[ironmanandy]

I totally vote for the 99 clip. That will look sick!!!!!
A

[JENSSEN]

Just for an idea of what it could look like,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/a257e14c.jpg

[JENSSEN]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/WJ4Rocks/Onyx/100_3146.jpg

[ironmanandy]

OMG! with the rubicon wheels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SICK!!!!!!!!
A

[PolarXJ]

Keep up the good work, its looking great.


Best of both worlds. It's a Jeep and a open bed truck!

My BIL has a short bed, and its amazing how well that thing wheels.

[JENSSEN]

Seems I netted a bit with the SOA swap in the rear,... the JY coils pale in comparison,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/37eda9af.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/d4e7d624.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/f6308219.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/0532d6bc.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/60799691.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/93fd3374.jpg
Hopefully the box weight will lower the tail a bit :eek:

[PolarXJ]

How much lift are you looking for? On my BIL rig, he ended up having to combine to MJ leaf packs to match his front after he install RE 5.5 springs and a custom front D44. BTW, he already was SOA, when he did his lasted modifications.

[JENSSEN]

Honestly it's my First Manche,... the plans are fair game,... I will match the front to the rear ,.. going for the "Pre-runner" idea

[ironmanandy]

That SOA tends to sag a little after little use. YOu may want to keep that in mind. Also the bed if you are running one should lower it as well.
A

[JENSSEN]

I figured it would lower with the box,... Can't see it sagging though as they are the original leafs. One Dilema is do I keep it 2wd or go 4wd,....

[ironmanandy]

I know this makes no sense. I dont have anything technical to back it up.. every spring I have taken from sua to Soa has sagged and wrapped. within 2-300 miles. I think the forces on a SOA are greater and load the springs that are made for a load from the top instead of the bottom.

Just food for thought
A

[JENSSEN]

Yeeeaaah hmmmmm still pretty tall

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/9f390168.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/7f8aee90.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/e905ee77.jpg

[BrianXJ]

very tall.

[JENSSEN]

Yeah I may use XJ shackles to drop it in the tail

[ice_cold]

2wd, pre runner in southern Alberta, on fire roads....that would be a hoot!!

[JENSSEN]

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jenssen

[JENSSEN]

Passenger side floor

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/79b14d05.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/c508ada4.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/da66ae7c.jpg

Drivers

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/eb254f4f.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/eb254f4f.jpg

[JENSSEN]

New box :) $160.00

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/d1b4d53f.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/2b30b155.jpg

[88AMCOMANCHE]

Im working on an 88 Comanche & its been a very very slow process. Uphill all the way.

[Weldmen]

You r doing a great job. I am jealous because I wanna do mine but lack the enthusiasm.. :(

[BrianXJ]

Very nice keep up the good work

[JENSSEN]

Plan on it once I get home,.. in Toronto all week for a Sales conference :thumbdown:

[JENSSEN]

After a quick clean up I started ion the drivers side floor pan after some investigation it was deemed the "spine of the floor was not even remotely salvageable,.. faaack

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/9fad0b9d.jpg

so I started on a new one :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/91cd36a3.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/5c231109.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/165d21df.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

I know this makes no sense. I dont have anything technical to back it up.. every spring I have taken from sua to Soa has sagged and wrapped. within 2-300 miles. I think the forces on a SOA are greater and load the springs that are made for a load from the top instead of the bottom.

Just food for thought
A

Not saying this happened, but one mistake almost all people make with a SOA is the length of the pad under the springs. Most just use the top of the axle which may be only half the length of the pad of the lower spring plate. Then the spring bends too much in the center and looses its temper and corresponding height. To do it right the pad needs to be the same length as the spring plate.

[JENSSEN]

It always looks worse before it gets better,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/429dc191.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/1e6e63c1.jpg

Now the new inner rockers are ready, last of the rusty needs to be removed and then the healing can begin,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/8d323184.jpg

[ice_cold]

Why do I get the feeling that the tool catalog at work for you gets a major work out!

I could use this and this and this..........surprised you dont have a brake, to help in the bending....
looking good, so have you decided on whether to go 2 or 4 wd??

[JENSSEN]

Got the inner rockers rebuilt tonight :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/e08b6338.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/a4e6c103.jpg

Inner looks gross still I have some cleaning and finishing to do yet

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/c459a367.jpg

[JENSSEN]

Why do I get the feeling that the tool catalog at work for you gets a major work out!

I could use this and this and this..........surprised you dont have a brake, to help in the bending....
looking good, so have you decided on whether to go 2 or 4 wd??

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/36530ace.jpg

Still thinking on the 2wd vs 4wd,.. leaning 4wd though,.. :)

[xjrev10]

I cant wait to start this on my 87 Chief. I was going to just use the parts, but after seeing this thread, im going to fix it. Now I just need to find a title for it:boohoo:

[JENSSEN]

i cant wait to start this on my 87 chief. I was going to just use the parts, but after seeing this thread, im going to fix it. Now i just need to find a title for it:boohoo:



get on it!!!

Lol!

[JENSSEN]

Scored this up for $30.00 because it won't eject disks,.. LOL it's got rubber rollers and when they get dusty they won't eject,.. just have to clean it up inside and it will be GTG

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/e87f3248.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/cc03286a.jpg

[88AMCOMANCHE]

If you end up replacing a floorpan...id love to get details or pix on how that turns out. Its what im doing now and its becoming quite the nightmare

[JENSSEN]

If you end up replacing a floorpan...id love to get details or pix on how that turns out. Its what im doing now and its becoming quite the nightmare
The floor pan will be replaced on the drivers side, i ordered a new one but i am unsure if the replacement pan will replace the effected area.Can you tell me about what issues you are having? From scratch or did you buy a replacement pan? Let me know what you need to see or what you need help with and I will try and video it and maybe have it for the xjtalk "talk" show,... Please let me know!

[88AMCOMANCHE]

The floor pan will be replaced on the drivers side, i ordered a new one but i am unsure if the replacement pan will replace the effected area.Can you tell me about what issues you are having? From scratch or did you buy a replacement pan? Let me know what you need to see or what you need help with and I will try and video it and maybe have it for the xjtalk "talk" show,... Please let me know!:thumbsup: Well...theres a guy on ebay that has the Floorpans.thats where i got mine.Should be here within a few days. And dont feel bad,My affected area is slightly more than what the floorpan will cover too.....but atleast the floorpan will take care of 75% of the Rot.The remainder will simply have to be grinded down,primed & patched. After all this floor work gets done,I plan on undercoating it and also a nice heavy coat of roof tar & let it sit atleast a day. So far Ive used "Purple Power" rust inhibitor (advanced auto) its has the same rust killing agents that Ospho has & Ive used Ospho with amazing results. And i wont know positively how good this Purple Power stuff is for like a year or two ....but its the same thing as Ospho just a different brand so im pretty confident in it. As of tonight ...i have my floorpan cut out & all "heavy" rust removed. Ive grinded down as far as i could & soaked it down with the Purple Power chimical really good .That will be dry within a few hours.Then it can be undercoated when i get around to it. In the meantime....Im trying to locate the "Floor channel support" that runs from back of cab to front close to the toeboard,having NO luck at all! None. will try & update when i actually make some more progress & check back & see hyow yours is doing too. Good luck, Be patient~

[JENSSEN]

The floor channel support is a DIY project, no one seems to sell them and used,...:smiley-scared002: no chance from what I have read I can show you how if you have q good bench vise or brake and some patience

[JENSSEN]

Scored up some new rims from a '98 Grand at the Junk yard and a couple of new B-Pillar lights at the Edmonton PYP :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/b628bae5.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/fb8023b5.jpg

Now just to find some bigger tires :$

[bluedragon436]

Looking good Jenssen!! I was going to say looking at the pics of the new rockers you had made... that you had to have had a brake... I would love to have the use of half that equipment... much less own it all...

[JENSSEN]

Found an AX-15 from a 99 XJ $123.00 :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/ea6c78c2.jpg

Jucked up the nose to try and figure out coils for the front,..:smiley-scared002:

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/d5c5474a.jpg

Drivers pan came in this week,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/8a6f0699.jpg

[JENSSEN]

Well I plugged away and fitted the floor,... faaaawk!

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/78074920.jpg

Then I called the Wifey out to get some good smooth welds in on the floor

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/2db06d55.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/2637365e.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/dc8871ac.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/2392ae58.jpg

Now the new pan didn't cover 100% of the rust so I have a few more small pieces to make up,.. progress pics up soon :)

[JENSSEN]

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jenssen

[JENSSEN]

Well for the floor support I made this

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/165d21df.jpg

upon test fitting it to the floor i decided I hated it,.... to the bin it went and made a second one, heavier gauge like stock and fit it in :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/9dab37f6.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/7320225f.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/17663ad0.jpg

Took about 2.5 hrs to make it and fit it,..

[bluedragon436]

MJ is looking good... What are you plans for the MJ once you are done.... well ok Jeeps are never really done... but you get what I am meaning... like are you going to use it as a DD, weekend wheeler, or what??

[JENSSEN]

Not sure if I will keep it or sell it,... I want to build a KOH Comp Rig and this may help fund it,..

[JENSSEN]

Just got back on the rust bucket,... And made some headway !

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/8c96a9c1.jpg

Cab corner in :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/37943563.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/d09e5c47.jpg

Rocker in/on

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/0cbf6556.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/91a3f819.jpg


I am dirty and rusty,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/d91288c3.jpg

[88AMCOMANCHE]

Hey...I need one badly. Wanna sell me one? At this point,Im not too picky. Just whatever I can get that will serve the purpose since no one sells MJ floor supports. The one u did looks as good as stock IMO.

[88AMCOMANCHE]

The floor channel support is a DIY project, no one seems to sell them and used,...:smiley-scared002: no chance from what I have read I can show you how if you have q good bench vise or brake and some patience
What about if we have no Q bench OR patience :p I need a drvers floor support brace like Yesterday! Ive read that its originally 18 gauge but 20 gauge is better to use cuz its stronger. but at this point I think id be satisfied with 16 gauge ....or do I have that backwards? anyway ........ I really need one if anyone has one or even has a homemade deal.

[JENSSEN]

I can make you one , I need pics of what you have left of your existing support, I can make it to spec I just need an idea of where to start on yours, that being said you will have to massage it in. Mine are flat when I am finished but they are curved ,.. Pm me for email and phone number.

Cost would be time and metal and only work time not beet or poops times

[JENSSEN]

Into the windshield frame,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/f1acaa32.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/d88d9067.jpg

Some small rust holes to be repaired,.. typical of cruddy windshield installs,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/137ecefd.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/176b1b73.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/2c33a186.jpg

State of the union,... and yes I know it's a mess,.. :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/6d844c8d.jpg

[JENSSEN]

Popped out the windshield to find this once I cleaned it up,... not acceptable!!!

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/8b5f9553.jpg

So I took it out :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/6cb0a1b1.jpg

and welded in some new stuff

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/152736d8.jpg

much better :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/506cbb96.jpg

Now onto the next section,..

[88AMCOMANCHE]

Not sure if THIS is the correct place to post this pic, but...im taking a gamble.
This is my drivers floor.The one needing the Floor support channel.


http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5363/1003402.jpg

[88AMCOMANCHE]

My floorboard

http://img708.imageshack.us/f/1003402j.jpg/

[JENSSEN]

"A" Pillar rot now gone

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/3fda4fe0.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/cca6eba0.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/525efbc5.jpg

Still some finishing to do but ran out of time,.. squirted it with primer to save it for later

[BrianXJ]

nice

[JENSSEN]

Not sure if THIS is the correct place to post this pic, but...im taking a gamble.
This is my drivers floor.The one needing the Floor support channel.


http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5363/1003402.jpg


just below your finger and slightly to the right,.. is that more floor rot between the support and the floor? may have to go back farther,...:(



btw nice job on the floor welds :highfive:

http://i53.tinypic.com/33xts3t.jpg

Where the green circles are,.. is that rot or holes? Also the pink circle area needs to be capped before the floor support

[88AMCOMANCHE]

It is but its not. Its a bit of surface rust. All the black stuff is Por15 and that spot your mentioning I do remember seeing but when i cut across the black line, I will also clean that area up better & treat it,OR cut a bit more out. Everything from the little side support bracket piece (bottom of picture) Back top the rear of the cab,I brutally attacked with a sharp screwdriver so all else should be good , never say never though :p

[JENSSEN]

Just finishing up some metal finishing in the door jams,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/7a94f984.jpg

Test spot on etch primer to see what it will show up for areas of improvement

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/094852ba.jpg

some finishing on the "A" pillar,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/edd73bcb.jpg

[BlueXJ]

You are a true artist with rust-repair. I would have given up when I saw those first MJ pictures. This is going to be a truely beautiful truck when completed.

[JENSSEN]

Thanks man,.... :$

[oderdene]

Yes you are truly master, very good job. waiting to finish everything and want to see newborn MJ.

[bluedragon436]

Definitely coming together nicely... I also would have given up at the start... but if I had the skills you have put into this project... then I might have also at least given it a hard try to build back up into a nice MJ again..

[JENSSEN]

Thanks man,.. I get frustrated some days, compliments like that really help :)

like today I felt bogged down and a touch overwhelmed so I decided to get some instant gratification and cherry pick a few jobs on the Manche,...

Old hole for a topper I assume

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/33eac7cf.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/eb6ea52c.jpg

and a bit of body work happened,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/e209298f.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/11457834.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/8609dde1.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/ad8d6988.jpg

[modestmar00xj]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/WJ4Rocks/Onyx/100_3146.jpg

Oh dang this is the sickest jeep truck ever! im so pumped! good work! and the tires/rims look amazing on it!

[modestmar00xj]

one quick question...
what welder are you using? im looking to do work like this and im looking opinions. thanks.

[JENSSEN]

:cool:
Oh dang this is the sickest jeep truck ever! im so pumped! good work! and the tires/rims look amazing on it!


That's just a sort of inspiration picture,.. But mine looks more and more like it each day :)

[JENSSEN]

one quick question...
what welder are you using? im looking to do work like this and im looking opinions. thanks.

I am running a 230v wire feed, I sell welding equipment for a living, for home shop use I always recommend a miller 180 with autoset. If you have more questions feel free to Pm me

[easttxhunter]

Can't wait to see the finished product. Are you going to lift it?

[JENSSEN]

It's SOA in the rear , 4.5" coils are ordered for the front I am making fixed uppers and lowers

[bluedragon436]

So you should ship this thing to me when you get done with it.. Are you going to do a 97+ interior swap as well as the front end??

[JENSSEN]

So you should ship this thing to me when you get done with it.. Are you going to do a 97+ interior swap as well as the front end??

I would gladly ship or personally deliver it if the right offer came up ;)

I am going to use the new door panels but no dash swap becuse I don't want to change all the engine and ECM wiring,... At the moment and I have no donor

[bluedragon436]

Yeah I wish I could afford to put up such an offer!! I started researching this whole swap again last night, after looking in on your progress.. I think I might keep an eye out for a good deal on a MJ to build up.. granted on a much slower pace than my XJ will be, and no where near as nice as yours will be in the end.. Keep up the good work... can't wait to see how it continues on..

[JENSSEN]

Well it will likely end up with a new home when I am done, sadly I would love to fix and keep them all but gonna have to sell a few the fleet is at 10 and it needs to slim down,... :(

[xjrev10]

Looking good. What size/type of material did you use to repair the floors? Rockers..Bought or built?:popcorn:

favorite tool for removing the rusty areas?

[JENSSEN]

Looking good. What size/type of material did you use to repair the floors? Rockers..Bought or built?:popcorn:

favorite tool for removing the rusty areas?

The passenger floor I made the patch panels from scratch and the driverside I had a pan kicking around. The outer rockers I bought but they were from a Cherokee so they had to be extensively nodded to get the fit I wanted. The floor support I also made from scratch on the driverside.

For tools I use a body saw or zip disk to cut out serious rot that needs to be replaced , use a bevel plier to make a "seat" for the new panel unless there isn't the room. For surface rust I use a 5" wire wheel, then spot blast the effected area, smooth it with a die grinder then seal putty and sand. If you'd like I can cover both methods in a quick video or picture post.

-Jenssen

[xjrev10]

That would be great. I am going to start on a project just like you are working on hopefully this summer. I have been reading books and trying to get as much info as I can off the net. I am a welder by trade but I've always dealt with heavy iron (mining industry).

[LizardRunner]

very nice and informative. good to see another metal bender here. It's so much fun to take something most would just junk and bring em back. That is some serious rot in the bottom panels. can't wait for you to show the replacement. Are you going to use ready made patch panels or bend some up yourself?

[JENSSEN]

:)


http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jenssen



Back at it today,...

[JENSSEN]

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/e286d694.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/b712633b.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/d6bf28bc.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/bdf47c7a.jpg

[JENSSEN]

Driverssdide inner and outers,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/09fee5db.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/7792c13e.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/6b2d1ea1.jpg

New Cab corner

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/e23cb51f.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/6fd5c0c6.jpg

Primer slowly creeping on !!!

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/5f8e6ad0.jpg

[Mudderoy]

I'm really enjoying all these pictures. :popcorn:

[easttxhunter]

This thread is awesome. If there is such a thang, I give my vote for thread of the year.

[OverEasy]

Awesome seeing this thing coming back to life! Thanks!:thumbsup:

[JENSSEN]

Well I needed some more instant gratification tonight so I decided to sand the roof,.. peeling clearcoat,.. seems innocent right?

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/1d425c7b.jpg

first couple of passes,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/c42139c7.jpg

oh wait what do we have here????

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/28c600bc.jpg

FAWK more rust,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/c0757aa6.jpg

Should of named this the "Leper" Project,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/21b3c275.jpg

[bluedragon436]

Yea... I'm sure that is exactly what you wanted to see right there... more rust... glad that it only appears to be surface rust though...

[xjrev10]

Did you have any cracks under the rear window on the back if the cab at all?

[JENSSEN]

Did you have any cracks under the rear window on the back if the cab at all?
Havent made it that far yet

[Mudderoy]

Don't they make something that converts the rust into something more stable, uummmm like GOLD!

[BlueXJ]

POR15 is some good stuff but it looks like you need a 55 gallon drum of it.

[JENSSEN]

Lol no way man I cut all the rot out!!!!

[BlueXJ]

You must have a pile of cut out rust areas the size of Rhode Island then.

[JENSSEN]

You must have a pile of cut out rust areas the size of Rhode Island then.

Well look at the thread lol; floors, cab corners, parts of the window frame,rockers, box, fenders, doors, floor reinforcement all have been replaced and that's just off the top of my head,.... Not much left that I haven't cut out or replaced,...

[88AMCOMANCHE]

POR15 is some good stuff but it looks like you need a 55 gallon drum of it.

Good stuff & quie expensive. I paid 31.00 for a PINT,that is After I FINNALY found someone that carried the stuff. But i guess its true what they say......U get what you pay for. Previous to POR15,i purchased some "Purple Power" from advanced auto for 14 bux & some change......I used it and it works exactly like Ospho .....which is good. Has a rust Neautralizing agant that WORKS. But comparing the 2 head to head, I think POR15 not only seals the area,but leaves a rock hard barrier,almost like a hard glass top layer to the area. And ive actuyally had to remove some (backtrack) in order to add a small weld to a small area. I used the wire wheel on a drill & it would NOT remove the POR15. I had to use the Grinder wheel to Cot theu the POR15. its goood stuff.

[88AMCOMANCHE]

Did you have any cracks under the rear window on the back if the cab at all?

Mine had a 1/4" bubble under the paint back behind the rear window bottom corner when i got the truck a year ago. So its been one of those "worry about it later" things........well,a month ago,while working on my floorboard......Just outta curiosity I took a small screwdriver & poked the Rust bubble,then more poking, then dug at it, then chipped away at it then scraped away at it ........... when it was all done......I ended up with a hole big enuff to slide a pencil thru & the rest was solid good metal ......so after cleaning it reallly good,I used JBweld "putty" (comes in a clear plasit cylender tube) ....i rolled me up a gumball size wad of it, & pressed it down into the hole,all the while gently rotating slightoly so that the putty would slightly spread into the hole.,then added a drop of water to smooth the outside down level. Then I let it cure for 2 days & painted over it with POR15. So far so goood.

[xjrev10]

2 of my mj I know for sure are cracked on the back of the cab that's why I asked..

[JENSSEN]

Can you guy take pics of said spot?

[JENSSEN]

So I decided to shift gears, and try somthing I have never done,..

The headliner,.. was out with my Wife and we stopped at the fabric store,.. Grabbed some batting and headliner-ish fabric. So I started on stripping the old crap off,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/8cd5f049.jpg

Hosed on the 3M spray glue and attached the batting

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/10781fa6.jpg

Then I did the same with the fabric

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/cc470715.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/c280d21e.jpg

It's not perfect but it looks pretty damn good I think for the $20ish dollars I invested in the experiment :)

[JENSSEN]

No updates this week, I am in Springfield MA this week for training,... any members in the area?

[bluedragon436]

headliner looks pretty good... thought about redoing mine, but as it is still good... I'll just leave it alone... for now...

[xjrev10]

Can you guy take pics of said spot?

Both jeeps are buried in 3 feet of snow right now. But the cracks are on the passenger side and run a 45 degree angle off the corner of the rear window. One isn't bad yet but I will have to remove the box to fix the other one. I know there is a thread on comanche club about them somewhere.

[88AMCOMANCHE]

Im ALMOST done with my floor pan. Got a 16 gauge sheet of steel 24" long x 8 wide at local tractor supply and measured and marked it out and had a local machine shop "bend" it. My measurement was off just shy of a 1/4" on the upper Wide part across the top,where the outter seat post bolt mounts, but it will work just fine. I didnt extend down intop the floor board as far as the factory piece did,so To somewhat accomodate that., I layed an extra 16 gauge sheet first and extended it the length of the front floorpan on up to about 2" up the toeboard where it slants up. ...HOPE to be finished with THAT projecxt today. THEN i can worry about my headliner,since my old headliner was rotted away & i removed it entirely about 5 months ago haha. I "was" gonna get a sheet of ABS 1/8" plastic & use a heatgun or lamp to lightly mold the corners, but since i cant seem to get a sheet anywhere big enough to fit the roof.......Im back to reading osts such as this one for ideas :thumbsup: ....will check back & see how it turns out.


So I decided to shift gears, and try somthing I have never done,..

The headliner,.. was out with my Wife and we stopped at the fabric store,.. Grabbed some batting and headliner-ish fabric. So I started on stripping the old crap off,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/8cd5f049.jpg

Hosed on the 3M spray glue and attached the batting

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/10781fa6.jpg

Then I did the same with the fabric

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/cc470715.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/c280d21e.jpg

It's not perfect but it looks pretty damn good I think for the $20ish dollars I invested in the experiment :)

[88AMCOMANCHE]

I have just about, almost,nearly completely finished my floorboard. FINALLY. -ALMOST. Its all done, except.....the 4" x 7" side brace that connects to the inner floor support by an inch maybe. I just have to add about a 2 inch piece of sheet metal just so it reaches the inner floor support brace. and ties it in to the little side bracket,brace frame piece that goes from by the door opening to the inner support frame. wont take hardly no time. OTHERWISE...............The floor is Finished & heavily caoted with POR15. - now with gas prcies going up & my hours getting cut.....putting it on the road may be a while off yet. but atleast my floor is almost done.

[JENSSEN]

Been swamped with work and life stuff, I have had no time to plug away on the the MJ,... I messed with it a bit tonight but ended up bouncing around gem one task to another,. Nothing picture worthy and no parts fabricated,... Give me a few days to get back in the groove. This month I have spent 9 days out of Canada

[bluedragon436]

Alright... so it's the 28th, and you spend 9 days out of country... so that gives you 19 other days you could of worked on MY MJ for me... LOL.. JK... yeah I can understand work & life taking precedence and lots of time (as they should) over projects... I have been there too... can't wait to see it as it progresses as you have the time though... you have def. been doing a great job with it..

[JENSSEN]

Today after some nice warm weather I woke up to this

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/7418aeb9.jpg

and it's still going ,.. so out to the shop I went and started on the crap I didn't want to work on,...

Decided to finish welding patches in and finishing the rocker,...ect

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/142d3e02.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/458ac4f3.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/a2bcade3.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/d428ca2d.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/19aba3b9.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/4fa7e493.jpg

It's slowly looking like a truck again :)

[bluedragon436]

Got to love snow in the beginning of April... but stupid weather like that is a good time to get jobs that you otherwise would put off completed!!

[xjrev10]

What do you use to sand the body? Type of material and tool used?

[bluedragon436]

I think I see a pneumatic orbital sander in the fifth pic above...

[JENSSEN]

What do you use to sand the body? Type of material and tool used?



I have 2 different sanders one DA and one orbital I use 240 and 380 (i think) for the prep,.. Then change the grits when I do the finish.

[xjrev10]

Okay still hanging out and doing my research...

[JENSSEN]

A few updates,.. decided to pull the box to clean the frame, prep for the new diffs, pull that stupid brake adjuster, ect, ect

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/78876154.jpg

Found some welds that made it by the illustrious AMC Quality control dept,... :fs1:

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/bc3221f1.jpg

Nice perocity,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/96cb8e29.jpg

Found some interesting undercut and basic lack of weld on the frame rails,... so that had to be fixed,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/4a55c86e.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/5e219ee5.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/5486bbac.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/edff4fec.jpg

Tried the Jackson "NITRO" ADF Welding helmet tonight and let me tell you for a value priced bucket ,... it's DAMN NICE!

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/402b74e2.jpg

I am happier with this :)

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/fe2a7753.jpg

Noticed an oddity in the frame rails,.. Silver paint,... very odd and a nice colour

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/19bc267b.jpg

Likely the colour I will end up with on this project,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/304ece43.jpg

that's it for tonight I think,.. I am tired and dirty

[JENSSEN]

Okay still hanging out and doing my research...



Would you like me to do a more info post on how I do my body work? From Tools, to paper, prep, and paint and everything in between?

[88AMCOMANCHE]

poor Naked Comanche lol ......Awesome pix man. thanx for posting. I didnt remove my bed,But Ive spent many hours crawling around under there inspecting & just simply observing. Not to mention.....My E-brake is being a P.I.T.A!! When i adjust the 14mm(?) adjusting nut while holding the cable from turning.......Only one side seems to pull tighetr. The other doesnt seem to do much of anything. Which explains why I can put the pedal almost in the carpet & it barely puts a slight drag on the truck to keep it from rolling. sux lhaving to put it in gear & shut it off,just to get out for a minute. - MY floorboard job turned out "good" although I dont like the visual part of the underside since i used Sheetmetal screws AND welded it too. even though i used Por15 to treat everything top & bottom....then rattlecan Undercoat ....Black sheetmetal screws are still ugly.

[bluedragon436]

Those are def. some awesome welds that they have there on that frame... def. looks better now that you have finished them up for the factory... LOL

[xjrev10]

Would you like me to do a more info post on how I do my body work? From Tools, to paper, prep, and paint and everything in between?

Yes sir! This has been my best reference so far I've found.

[xjrev10]

poor Naked Comanche lol ......Awesome pix man. thanx for posting. I didnt remove my bed,But Ive spent many hours crawling around under there inspecting & just simply observing. Not to mention.....My E-brake is being a P.I.T.A!! When i adjust the 14mm(?) adjusting nut while holding the cable from turning.......Only one side seems to pull tighetr. The other doesnt seem to do much of anything. Which explains why I can put the pedal almost in the carpet & it barely puts a slight drag on the truck to keep it from rolling. sux lhaving to put it in gear & shut it off,just to get out for a minute. - MY floorboard job turned out "good" although I dont like the visual part of the underside since i used Sheetmetal screws AND welded it too. even though i used Por15 to treat everything top & bottom....then rattlecan Undercoat ....Black sheetmetal screws are still ugly.

Dude you should start your own build thread !! Thumbsup!! (on my phone)

[JENSSEN]

A few randoms,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/9f5be6cf.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/aefbb937.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/c4492b45.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/72efc316.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/e8bbd4da.jpg

[Mudderoy]

Amazing, love seeing someone save another one.

[bluedragon436]

I need to save up the money so I can go visit him and then see this saved beauty in my driveway!! LOL... this thing is coming out very nice.. wish I had the time, money and knowledge to do something like this...

[JENSSEN]

I need to save up the money so I can go visit him and then see this saved beauty in my driveway!! LOL... this thing is coming out very nice.. wish I had the time, money and knowledge to do something like this...

Learn as you go! You don't need super expensive tools to do it, you find yourself repurposing items as body tools lol. My biggest obstacle was my own patience,... Well some days it still is an issue lol

[bluedragon436]

Learn as you go! You don't need super expensive tools to do it, you find yourself repurposing items as body tools lol. My biggest obstacle was my own patience,... Well some days it still is an issue lol

Might be finding out myself here shortly... Found a CJ that needs a bit of body love... so we'll see what happens with that deal...

[dancome433]

Comanche looks awesome from what it was when you first got it, keep up the awesome work, cant wait to see it done

[JENSSEN]

Comanche looks awesome from what it was when you first got it, keep up the awesome work, cant wait to see it done

Back on it in 15 mins,.. Cranking the tunes, locking the door and rockin the Manche :)

[JENSSEN]

Before,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/eb254f4f.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/24e1244b.jpg

After,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/feec2aee.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/32bf7d9d.jpg

[88AMCOMANCHE]

boy thaT BRings back memories lol. ....IS that POR15? or undercoat? My truck was Rust free. which i found amazing, till i decided to fix that itty bitty rust hole in the floorbaord. lol yeh ...I THOUGHT it was itty bitty. When the carpet comes out thats when reality sets in.

[JENSSEN]

Inside is etch primed, seam sealed with a brush and then rubberized,... road side and chassis will the get the POR treatment

[JENSSEN]

Passenger side,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/79b14d05.jpg

to this,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/c508ada4.jpg


and now,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/02098397.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/aed65060.jpg

[88AMCOMANCHE]

Good deal!! I coulsnt get a good enough weld for my liking...so I also used some sheetmetal screws. thats all fine but my final outcome.....the underside wont look as good as yours will.

[JENSSEN]

:)
:)

[JENSSEN]

OK so I lost my s#it tonight,... I was working n the drivers door and chasing dents,... the mudd fawker was full of them and bad , so as I was patching the corner the little elastic band in my brain snapped

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/7f27a5cc.jpg

and I "disciplined" the door,.. I am now in need of a new door,..

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/56e8d744.jpg

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/7ec3d77a.jpg

Off to the wreckers tomm for a new one now I guess

[Mudderoy]

Perfectly understandable. Love the red :x:

[bluedragon436]

Can't say that this might not have happened sooner if it was my project... just to get out some frustration.. but keep up the hard work, looking forward to continuing to follow its progress!!

[JENSSEN]

Comanche is going on the back burner for a bit,.. I was pretty sick the last 2 weeks and I am really behind, now the 60 day countdown for the comp XJ is ticking away,... And I have loads of work to do!

[Bravo31]

wow love the thread.im new here and only joined to see this project come alive. i got my eyes set on an old MJ but just needed some inspiration. aaand i found it here. love yours though.(a lot of)good work! get well soon. Jean

[Mudderoy]

Comanche is going on the back burner for a bit,.. I was pretty sick the last 2 weeks and I am really behind, now the 60 day countdown for the comp XJ is ticking away,... And I have loads of work to do!

Sorry to hear you were ill. Might have been the reason for your release of frustration on the MJ that loves you. :rolleye0012:

[dagr8tim]

Awesome build thus far. I am in awe of your sheet metal fab skills.

[1ATony]

looks like this is coming along pretty good.

[gearheadette]

Love it

[4.3LXJ]

Lynn, haven't heard from you in ages. Start yourself a thread and lets talk.

[LizardRunner]

Nice floor pan work Jenssen. do you have a supplier of door skins up there? I have been looking for you here in the states and so far have only found patch panels. Can't believe there isn't a company that made the whole door skin or at least a half panel. I'll have to get into Hemmings tonight and see what else I can locate for ya.

[JENSSEN]

Yes I got mine from cross canada who is owned by keystone,.. So you should be able to source some; mine are from an XJ cut to fit

[bluedragon436]

Alright, you been doing some comps with your XJ.. so lets see some progress on this bad boy again!! You got to finish it so, I can make the venture up there to pick it up from ya!!

[JENSSEN]

Ok so after SEMA I have a dilemma I want to build a seriously badass race rig,.... I saw the ZONE MJ and the KOH trucks and the wheels started turning,.. I am contemplating going ape $hit on the 89 and breaking out the tube bender , going on a hunt for some 60's , V8 drivetrain and see what comes out of it,..

[JENSSEN]

Alright, you been doing some comps with your XJ.. so lets see some progress on this bad boy again!! You got to finish it so, I can make the venture up there to pick it up from ya!!

My had is almost healed up 100% so expect some changes to the 89 and the 90,.... Oh and expect updates on the 98 XJ and 97 ZJ fund raiser jeeps lol

[bluedragon436]

Can't wait to see some progress on whatever you work on next.. I just enjoy getting to live through everyone else' projects due to my own lack of knowledge/money to do the same!!

[4.3LXJ]

Ok so after SEMA I have a dilemma I want to build a seriously badass race rig,.... I saw the ZONE MJ and the KOH trucks and the wheels started turning,.. I am contemplating going ape $hit on the 89 and breaking out the tube bender , going on a hunt for some 60's , V8 drivetrain and see what comes out of it,..

Money, money, money Jensen. Ya gotta set limits or you will break the bank.:sign0181:

[JENSSEN]

Money, money, money Jensen. Ya gotta set limits or you will break the bank.:sign0181:


Shop rules are that the shop must fund itself and projects,.. so i need to sell my spare Jeeps like the 98 2DR and the 97 Grand.

and limits are like rules,.. meant to be broken

[4.3LXJ]

Lol :D

[JENSSEN]

Game on! Found some new doors so I can get back on the 89, once I get all the dents and rot out, its off to the Board of Education to get finished

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/66b54c3f.jpg

[bluedragon436]

Any further proression on this project Jenssen??

[JENSSEN]

Alright, you been doing some comps with your XJ.. so lets see some progress on this bad boy again!! You got to finish it so, I can make the venture up there to pick it up from ya!!


Well there are some very serious chassis issues with the race jeep have surfaced,...

There may be a serious change of direction in this build or one of the other Comanches,...

[cantab27]

Well there are some very serious chassis issues with the race jeep have surfaced,...

There may be a serious change of direction in this build or one of the other Comanches,...

do it man............:D

[4.3LXJ]

Poor race Jeep, what happened?

[JENSSEN]

Unibody is severely damaged, track bar took part of the frame off body is bent

[4.3LXJ]

Uh, oh. I know what you mean about that track bar. I ripped mine off that axle and almost off the frame. Won't happen again. But I do think you are better off using a vehicle with a frame to race.

[JENSSEN]

I do think you are better off using a vehicle with a frame to race.

Stay tuned :rolleye0012:

[Pookapotamus]

do I smell a race MJ???

[4.3LXJ]

Hurry up, holding my breath

[JENSSEN]

Once I have it scketched out I will share the info,.. ;)

[4.3LXJ]

Oh the suspense .....

[JENSSEN]

Pen meets paper,.. Bad ideas have started,...

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/RACE4THECURE/E4B0EE2C-87AF-4B35-90A8-77BD96900BD8-13900-000012A67A1AF785.jpg

Measurements at weak at best,.. Just thinking out rough material requirements,..

[JENSSEN]

If I build it from 2x6 or 3x6 tube it will also allow me to reposition the drivetrain back a bit,.. The firewall may need some mods. ;) moving the frame rails in on the rear will allow for more and better tire tuck, on the front I can skid the inner fenders,.. Whoot

The bed will be just box sides with a floor and some tube,... Oh the wheels are turning,..

[4.3LXJ]

I see many shop hours coming

[JENSSEN]

Well the one huge advantage is I won't have to rework all the OEM stuff to make it survive,... Purpose build vs retrofitting

[4.3LXJ]

Gonna get the wife to weld that frame up? You did say she was the better welder

[JENSSEN]

She is a damn good welder but 5 months preggo,.. Fumes not good for the peanut,.. :(

[bluedragon436]

Looks like it'll be an awesome MJ build for sure!! Can't wait to see what it becomes

[4.3LXJ]

Mask and breather tube I say