CommaComanche Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 In a few short weeks I will be the proud owner of an 86 mj. Figured I better start looking at all of the best rigs I can to get inspiration for my project. Stumbled on this site and the amount of amazing Comanches and helpful people is amazing. Looking forward to posting pictures of my project as it comes together here. I will more than likely be asking more questions than answering them as I am NOT a mechanic of any sort and I thank you all in advance for your assistance :) So, now my question. Is there a good website that carries a good assortment of trim parts for the MJ? I would like to make mine look very similar to the truck on the bottom of the Jeep Comanche wikipedia page. That black with chrome is just gorgeous. I would love to lift it and do all kinds of other stuff, but the one I am getting already has had body panels replaced and is in pristine condition. This will be my daily driver. I'll keep an eye out for one a bit more beat up to play off road with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 If you're refering to the "Laredo" Comanche, then you might be out of luck. To my knowledge, there isn't a site that exists that sells MJ-specific chrome trim pieces. Your only option is to pilfer parts from tye junkyard and give them some thorough cleaning. IIRC, the only chrome aftermarket piece you can get for the MJ is a rear bumper. Or at least, you used to be able to. Can't remember the link, or I'd post it for you. :dunno: Someone might remember the company, because they sell the one piece, generic black bumpers for the Comanche. Also, welcome aboard. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Amazon - better than you might think... http://www.amazon.com/Westin-73000-Fey-DiamondStep-Utility/dp/B0007VNZM2/ref=au_pf_ss_8?ie=UTF8&Make=Jeep%7C42&Model=Comanche%7C348&Year=1988%7C1988&carId=001&n=15684181&s=automotive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommaComanche Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 Thanks for the responses. Really kind of sucks that the parts can't be easily bought. I will be getting the chrome bumper for it. Guess I will have to spend as much time looking for parts as I do driving the truck. Sounds like fun! Here is a pic of the truck. I am buying it from my uncle who is in NJ. Just a matter of working out getting it to me here in Michigan. A small road trip might be in the not so distant future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeepcoMJ Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 You will be able to find chrome mirrors (power, manual remote, manual), and all front end chrome trim parts off of teamcherokee.com or ebay or used in nice shape at the junkyard or from local members. Good luck getting a set of chrome trim tail lights...they are gold. front bumper likewise is the same as a cherokee and readily available, but you don't want aftermarket...they aren't right and look terrible. Rear bumper, the closest you will get is a Fey chrome rear bumper, which are NOT strong enough to tow from. If you have a helpful dealer, there are 23 or so chrome MJ factory step rear bumpers left in NOS storage. They are not cheap. You will not be finding a chrome tailgate handle without a ton of help from members here to keep their eyes peeled...and it won't be cheap if you do find one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommaComanche Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 Here are my hopes for my comanche. -Chrome front and rear bumbers -Chrome roll bar (decorative only) -Chrome bed bars (not sure what to call these but chrome tubes that run along the sides of the bed on top) -Diamond plate running boards -Chrome mirrors -Chrome door and tailgate handles -Chrome bpillar trim piece -grey loredo exterior trim -grey leather interior (maybe take it out of a cherokee limited? I'll need to find out what years are easy swaps. I am really regretting donating my 95 jeep grand cherokee limited now.) I might keep the rims that are on it...or maybe I will keep the same size but get some that are a bit more....chrome and add all terrain tires If anyone has any of these parts or knows where I can find some of these parts please let me know. Hell...I know there are some top notch fabricators here. If anyone wants to make any of the parts let me know. Maybe we can work something out :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeepcoMJ Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Here are my hopes for my comanche. -Chrome front and rear bumbers -Chrome roll bar (decorative only) -Chrome bed bars (not sure what to call these but chrome tubes that run along the sides of the bed on top) -Diamond plate running boards -Chrome mirrors -Chrome door and tailgate handles -Chrome bpillar trim piece -grey loredo exterior trim -grey leather interior (maybe take it out of a cherokee limited? I'll need to find out what years are easy swaps. I am really regretting donating my 95 jeep grand cherokee limited now.) I might keep the rims that are on it...or maybe I will keep the same size but get some that are a bit more....chrome and add all terrain tires If anyone has any of these parts or knows where I can find some of these parts please let me know. Hell...I know there are some top notch fabricators here. If anyone wants to make any of the parts let me know. Maybe we can work something out :) Interior parts are direct swap from 85-94 cherokees. everything else requires fab work for the seats, and nothing else will fit from any model other than an xj. Dashes swap from 85-96 with little hassle. steering columns do not work from 95-96. Only the kick panels, door panels, dash, seats, steering column and center console are interchangeable between those years xj and mjs of all years. You will need MJ specific grey interior. Contact Rob (automan2164) regarding the MJ specific trim parts. I know he's got a ton of extra. You will want your seats to be from a 2 door cherokee....but you will be hard pressed to find a limited 2 door, so you may have to make a set of seats between 4 door leather and 2 door cloth (very easy to do). Bucket seat brackets are MJ specific, but you can make them using bench brackets and xj bucket seat brackets. If you live in a rust area, do not do diamond plate side steps. They WILL CAUSE rust, and you cannot get behind them to wash the salt out without laying on your back under it. Do a set of chrome nerf bars if you must have them...they won't trap rust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommaComanche Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 You will be able to find chrome mirrors (power, manual remote, manual), and all front end chrome trim parts off of teamcherokee.com or ebay or used in nice shape at the junkyard or from local members. Good luck getting a set of chrome trim tail lights...they are gold. front bumper likewise is the same as a cherokee and readily available, but you don't want aftermarket...they aren't right and look terrible. Rear bumper, the closest you will get is a Fey chrome rear bumper, which are NOT strong enough to tow from. If you have a helpful dealer, there are 23 or so chrome MJ factory step rear bumpers left in NOS storage. They are not cheap. You will not be finding a chrome tailgate handle without a ton of help from members here to keep their eyes peeled...and it won't be cheap if you do find one. Awesome information here. Thanks a ton. I will have to talk to some dealers about the chrome step bumper. I am not too worried about the price as I am planning on keeping this truck forever. Using it as my DD for now until I get a new ram. I build the Dodge ram so I gotta drive one. Damn credit won't allow it right now though. I didn't even think about the chrome framed tail lights. I will have to keep my eye out for those as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommaComanche Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 Here are my hopes for my comanche. -Chrome front and rear bumbers -Chrome roll bar (decorative only) -Chrome bed bars (not sure what to call these but chrome tubes that run along the sides of the bed on top) -Diamond plate running boards -Chrome mirrors -Chrome door and tailgate handles -Chrome bpillar trim piece -grey loredo exterior trim -grey leather interior (maybe take it out of a cherokee limited? I'll need to find out what years are easy swaps. I am really regretting donating my 95 jeep grand cherokee limited now.) I might keep the rims that are on it...or maybe I will keep the same size but get some that are a bit more....chrome and add all terrain tires If anyone has any of these parts or knows where I can find some of these parts please let me know. Hell...I know there are some top notch fabricators here. If anyone wants to make any of the parts let me know. Maybe we can work something out :) Interior parts are direct swap from 85-94 cherokees. everything else requires fab work for the seats, and nothing else will fit from any model other than an xj. Dashes swap from 85-96 with little hassle. steering columns do not work from 95-96. Only the kick panels, door panels, dash, seats, steering column and center console are interchangeable between those years xj and mjs of all years. You will need MJ specific grey interior. Contact Rob (automan2164) regarding the MJ specific trim parts. I know he's got a ton of extra. You will want your seats to be from a 2 door cherokee....but you will be hard pressed to find a limited 2 door, so you may have to make a set of seats between 4 door leather and 2 door cloth (very easy to do). Bucket seat brackets are MJ specific, but you can make them using bench brackets and xj bucket seat brackets. If you live in a rust area, do not do diamond plate side steps. They WILL CAUSE rust, and you cannot get behind them to wash the salt out without laying on your back under it. Do a set of chrome nerf bars if you must have them...they won't trap rust. Thanks for the heads up on the side steps. Never would have thought of that. I live in Michigan and will be driving this a lot in the winter. I'll change those to the nerf bars instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmoore1031 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I think I still have my chrome mirror. I think it's a driver chrome and a passenger is gray. I'll have to look in my garage later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommaComanche Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 I think I still have my chrome mirror. I think it's a driver chrome and a passenger is gray. I'll have to look in my garage later. Thanks. Let me know what you have. I am beginning to learn that I will see "Sorry we don't have this part in stock" a lot during my search for parts. I really need to get this truck in my driveway so I can compile the complete list of all of the parts I need. Right now I am kind of shopping blind out of excitement for its arrival. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommaComanche Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 Could someone please tell me what that piece of trim on the b-pillar is called? I am trying to see if there is a chrome one anywhere but not knowing what it is called makes it difficult. I imagine that is just plastic decorative. Maybe I could just paint them with chrome spray paint? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relyt120 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 You should check out this ebay listing there is a "laredo" 87 MJ. has anything you could ask for: Chrome taillights, chrome rear bumper in perfect condition, chrome handles and grill assembly, and even an elusive receiver hitch!. I don't know how many laredo mjs there were so this could be just a replica but it looks pretty nice so maybe you could get some ideas or inspiration or whatever.... Could someone please tell me what that piece of trim on the b-pillar is called? I am trying to see if there is a chrome one anywhere but not knowing what it is called makes it difficult. I imagine that is just plastic decorative. Maybe I could just paint them with chrome spray paint? Are you talking about the cab vents? I have never seen them be chrome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommaComanche Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 That is a beautiful truck. I love the interior on it too. Thanks for telling me they are the cab vents. I am kind of glad you've never seen them chrome before actually. Mine will be one of the few. I'll find a way to make it happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Those never were offered in chrome, would look very tacky if you ask me. But to each their own. And just an FYI, those are actually functional cab vents, not just decoration. AMC decided to make them visible rather than hide them. My truck is covered in all the factory chrome stuff, even have the chrome side trim pieces that I just have to figure out how to stick them back on. I'm tossing around the idea of removing all of it instead though by either painting it or swapping on the standard black parts and off-road bumpers. I've just never been a chrome fan and not sure if I want it on my truck or not, even if several of the parts are pretty hard to come by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacks Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Can't resist.... Excessive chrome is for Trailer Queens and Mall Crawlers!!!! :peek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommaComanche Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 Don't care what I might be referred to for using Chrome. I like the look of it. This one isn't gonna see any trail time. The next one i get will be strictly for getting character dents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Can't resist.... Excessive chrome is for Trailer Queens and Mall Crawlers!!!! :peek: I used to like you Larry. :cry: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacks Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Hehehe... sucess!!!! I haven't completely lost my touch to irritate folks... all meant in good fun of course!! LOL I did my time with chrome 'everything' on my '67 'Cuda fastback. It was hard on the eyes to open the hood in direct sun light!. I ended up spending far more time cleaning and polishing it than driving it. It's tough to beat a black rig with chrome for appearance. I will be the first to admit that! CommaComanche... just razzing ya. That will be a sharp looking rig when you get it completed. Keep us posted on needed chrome parts. The local Pull-n-Save here has a fair abundance of Cherokees and occasionally an MJ or two. I'd be glad to pull whatever you might need and can't find elsewhere and I find here. Character dents, aka Custom by crunch and brush art seem to be a lively form of entertainmnet!! I particiularly love brush art and have a fair start on my MJ but a long way to go to really be photo worthy!!! :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Check out my Build thread for Black Betty on cheap chrome tips. I searched for a few years to find a chrome roll bar for it! Good luck finding one. I got lucky and a board member here got it out of a junk yard in California for me. I like the Ranger towing mirrors for a quick shine up and better viewing, There is also a tip for getting the door trim chrome too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpace6a Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Id swap my chrome tailgate handle for a black one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommaComanche Posted July 18, 2013 Author Share Posted July 18, 2013 I am going to go pick up the truck next weekend work schedule permitting. Could you save it for me? I'll pull the handle as soon as I get it home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommaComanche Posted July 18, 2013 Author Share Posted July 18, 2013 I have heard people say that it takes forever to find chrome bed bars... But i found them in about 3 minutes of searching ranging from 200 to 600 bucks... Is there any reason not to use these? I don't want them for any safety value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Most are probably referring to factory rails when they say that. I would imagine though if you're just after a set that will work meant for another truck though it shouldn't be hard so long as you find the right length and pending how they install. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 If the truck is in decent shape rust-wise, DO NOT LET IT TOUCH THE SALT! Winter is a major killer of MJs in the rust-belt. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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