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Earl*t's 89 Eliminator


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You sir really like showing off that roll pan don't you??? :yes: (If I had one that looked that good, i wouldnt blame you!) :thumbsup:

 

I couldn't very well show the cap from the front. :rotf: Yes Young Jeeper, I suppose I do.

 

 

I love that roll pan Mr. Earl. I'd give up one of my new chrome rear bumpers for one if it looked that nice.  :cheers:

 

Now that is a bold statement! I recognize that as the ultimate compliment coming from a gentleman not easily impressed and so in tune to his inner bling. :laughin:

 

:idea:  ...you've just inspired a new idea.

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I love that roll pan Mr. Earl. I'd give up one of my new chrome rear bumpers for one if it looked that nice.  :cheers:

 

Now that is a bold statement! I recognize that as the ultimate compliment coming from a gentleman not easily impressed and so in tune to his inner bling. :laughin:

 

:idea:  ...you've just inspired a new idea.

 

It's probably a damn good idea too.  :yes:   Just one problem I see with the roll pan though: it would be tough to install a frame hitch back there......

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Agreed. It may require modifying the mounting location. The receiver would be behind the license plate. I've seen that done here. I sacrificed the factory location for the spare tire mounted under the bed. That was part of my motivation for the cap, secure storage. I use my Cherokee for towing purposes so I haven't moved on the hitch. It was a consideration when my buddy and I fabricated the roll pan. Unfortunately, my focus was to get the truck finished, so the idea was dismissed. It can still be incorporated. My other idea is much more involved.

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As alway great job improving on an already amazing truck.  I like the big windows and the lines of the topper.... I think it helps give the truck an "updated" look.  If Jeep bought your Jeep just the way it is and produced it as a limited production SRT Truck.... I have no doughts it would be accepted as a "modern era" Retro truck..... you know kinda like the Charger, Camaro and mustang...... well done....

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I love the truck, but PLEAAASE get some more agressive tires on that thing!  That just kills the look.  I know you don't need them in your climate but it would change the look so much I think you'll love it.  Just my opinion, nothing meant by it. 

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                                                                                                :rolleyes:

 

 

One of my ideas just showed up in the Pub, I Want One. 'nuff Said. Cherokee tail light modification. Unlike Comanche tail lights, the Cherokee replacements should be available for quite some time.

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I love the truck, but PLEAAASE get some more agressive tires on that thing!  That just kills the look.  I know you don't need them in your climate but it would change the look so much I think you'll love it.  Just my opinion, nothing meant by it. 

 

Thanks for the suggestion but these have a few miles left on them. Being that my Eliminator is 2WD, IMHO off road tread design would be somewhat of a contradiction. Thanks for your interest even though we have differing opinions. It's all good. Our area has already had three snow falls. This truck will only see salted roads in the event of an unforeseen emergency.

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:yes:   I was going to reply to that, but figured you could speak for yourself. I ran some 31" BFG MT's briefly for the "look", but the drone on the pavement, poor handling, and the tires breaking free with the slightest throttle when wet cured that pretty quick. 

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Thanks CommaComanche. I'm glad you like the build. Good luck with yours. Your statement of perfection is too kind. There is always room for improvement. Given the opportunity to do it again, there are subtle things I would do differently to add to the truck's overall appearance. And as for performance, I basically haven't done anything. I encourage you to use the ideas you like and improve on them. :thumbsup:   

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  • 1 year later...

The metal is 16 gage mild steel equal to 1/16" thickness. The two 90* bends were made on a sheet metal brake. The first is unseen behind the tailgate. It is vertical and the second is horizontal and is seen directly under the tailgate. The work piece was temporarily attached to the rear of the bed with self tapping sheet metal screws.

 

In the picture above, I simply applied enough pressure to conform the metal to the contour of the bed and my friend tack welded the seam as we went, obviously from top to bottom. It was quite easy. Also above, the recess for the license plate was cut out for initial fitting.

 

Tacked in and trimmed.

 

Finished welding. Notice that at this point, no sheet metal had been trimmed or cut, other than the license plate recess.

 

After the welding was finished, two relief cuts were made from the bottom up to just within about 1/2" of the recess. We used 3/8" round stock to fab a simple frame. There are three pieces on the bottom, one below the recess and one on each side from the center out to the original bed. Two support braces were welded from under the back side of the recess up to the bottom of the bed. Then I rolled the center of the sheet metal around the round stock and my buddy tacked it on each side. It was trimmed to fit and welded in place.

After the center section was completed, the two remaining sides were rolled by hand just as the center had been done.

 

The finished product welded and dressed.

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:clapping: Me too Ben! Seriously... thanks. I can't wait for winter to lose it's grip. Up until now, my truck has seen little use, primarily shows and garage kept to preserve it's condition, not much fun, so I plan to USE it this year. I hope to put on several more miles in support of my outdoor endeavors. To that end, there are a few items and want to improve. I still have the minor tire rub on the front fenders and I need a hitch.

 

First, my thoughts on the annoying tire rub. I only need a little lift, I think a inch. Keep in mind that my ride is 2WD. My lift isn't about articulation, I don't haul loads and don't plan to, I just need clearance for the 17" wheel/tire combo. I have tirelessly searched the pages here for a solution. Undoubtedly, my answers is here, but I can't seem to find a suitable combination. The economy add-a-leaf 3" lift I installed is very respectable in my opinion. I'm not surprised that the ride is a bit stiff. That's an inherent characteristic of an add-a-leaf. Most spring rates are stout enough to support the added weight of an aftermarket bumper and the like. The result is a compromise and unfortunately, ride quality is less than it could be.

 

My impression is that Old Man Emu is the suspension manufacturer of choice for ride quality. Ever searched for a 4" lift for a Comanche with OME components? I'm disappointed by no response after having contacted them. I'll retry. One company utilizes an OME 4" "full length front coil" in their Comanche offering even though OME doesn't. They don't offer a rear spring pack for the Comanche. I suppose most here know that OME offers different spring rates. I'll pass along what I learn and am open to information if anyone has already been down this same road.

 

Second is the hitch which is on the back burner until the suspension is worked out.

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Any idea on how you want to work a hitch in with the roll pan? If it were me, I'd hide it behind the license plate but I know I'm never crazy about redoing metal work. Mid '80s Monte Carlo rear plate mounts are spring loaded due to their fuel fill location... in case you need some ideas.  :thumbsup:​ 

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