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Hi all. Brief preface to questions. I've been off work since June (arm weakness and numb hands). I am having c4, c5, c6, c7, and t1 vertebrae fused in 3 weeks. then 3-4 month recovery time. In my boredom, I'm hoping to compile a project master list, and these questions are but a few of the many I have. Please forgive me if I post an inordinate number of questions in the next couple of weeks. This surgery has gotten me anxious and focusing on the Jeep keeps my mind off of whats coming. I thank you in advance for any tips or opinions. I'm numbering these, so Body parts, especially step bumpers are becoming scarce commodities. With that in mind, 1) Please refer to the first picture. Rear bumper. Can this one be beaten back in shape reasonably, or replace it? I already need license plate lights and the left plastic step, but I'm not having luck finding one anywhere within driving distance. 2) Refer to pic 2. The tailgate works ok, but there is a bend in it at the top. Can a body shop fix that, or should I replace it? 3) Picture 3 - left rear panel. I think this one is most likely repairable, but I don't know. Most folks want to sell the whole bed. Repair or replace? 4) Pics 4 and 5. My hood hits my cowl in the center just it starts to raise. Broke the old cowl. I bought a new one, but can't use it now. My daughters confessed to sitting and standing on the hood, so no wonder. They never admitted it till they were grown. The first pics shows that the alignment is pretty even all around the hood, but it might bump forward a little. The hood height matches on both sides, but sags in the center Pic 5 shows underneath it a brace with pancakes of adhesive pulled apart. Could this be the key for a body shop to be able to pull the center of the hood up a bit by attaching the brace? If not, new hood or has somebody found a better fix? 5) When painting stuff like aftermarket headlight trim and grille, can it be done at home and look decent? I have the new chrome grille, but I'm putting it away until I get it painted. I just need to spray paint the old one to put back on for now. Does it need to be primed or painted with a special kind of paint, or just Krylon or Rustoleum? Or should I buy another after market one, and put a clear sealer on it to protect it? 6) Also I have surface rust on the roof and parts of the bed. I'd like to sand this out and prime it to stop the spread of rust. Someone said not to use above listed primers , because the body guy would just have to sand it all off again. Whats the best way to take care of the rusty spots till I can get it painted? What about bumpers? Freds fast dry, Rustoleum, or dupli-color? Or should I leave the bumpers to whoever paints it? 7) Last question. Refer to last picture. These rims are in decent shape, but the clear coating has clouded. I found a set of 4 in Texas refurbished for $500 plus shipping. Could a fellow strip this clear coat with aircraft stripper or just buff it off to save the gray paint on it, polish it up, and re-coat it. How difficult is a project like that to pull off? That clears my list today. Any help and tips welcome.

I'm planning on repainting my 88 MJ back to the original Dark Baltic Blue Metallic (HQ9). I'll be doing the prep and paint at home using my HVLP but this will be the first vehicle I have painted. I have a few rust spots that I'll weld in patches. I'm looking for advice in a couple of areas: 1) Anyone have experience with color code HQ9? Who did you order from and how true was the color? 2) Advice on prep/paint process. I don't want to do the 37 step Eastwood process on youtube but not a rattle can job either. What's a reasonable middle of the road? 3) Any differences in prep for mix of new metal and existing painted metal? 4) From actual experience, how much paint was required for a LWB? 5) Are there any original diagrams for logo placement? I've seen some differences in opinion in the forums especially regarding the 4x4 logo and Pioneer logo. I think I have all the correct parts just want to get them installed in the original locations. Thanks in advance. https://comancheclub.com/topic/59780-1988-jeep-comanche-rebuild/

hey guys new to the forum i have a 86 mj 2.5 that ive had since june....i think......ive done alot work to the thing to much to explain here..buuuuttt back to topic....the body on this thing is $#!& ive already taken off the fender flares and busted off chunks of rust there. sanded filled and primed tons of rust there...so my idea is come spring-summer i want to put a new coat of paint on....myself....i was thinking of using tractor and implement paint from the local farm store...by recommendation... and borrowing a gun from a friend....like i said I'm new and this is my first post really so just wondering if anyone does there own paint and body work and if they got any tips and suggestions for a noob