New To The Forum & Comanche's, Just Bought One Yesterday, Help Appreciated!

[BornUnderPunches]

Hello Fellow Enthusiasts!

I am new to the forum but have been really intrigued by the community, the passion and the detail associated with this forum and attached to the comanche after I fell in love with the truck after searching for one to buy. I have never owned a truck, or a jeep for that matter, but after doing a ton of research and finding the comanche, I can't believe it has taken me this long! Anyway, I stalked Craigslist for a couple months looking for the right Comanche for me that fit my budget and just went ahead and picked one up yesterday.

 

I drove 6 hours total from atlanta to Alabam, rented a tow and hauled that baby back. It was originally listed for $1500, but I ended up getting it for $900. When I showed up it drove perfectly, but there was quite a bit of rust and some electrical problems that need to be fixed. I'm hoping I did not overpay, but time will tell I guess.

 

Anyway, I want to start learning about cars and turn this truck into my dream truck over time. Being that I'm new to this, I would appreciate any tips, advice or know-how from any knowledgeable members! I will give you some of the specifications of the problems below and post some pictures so you can see the condition. Thanks in advance guys, I'm really excited to have found this site and to hopefully help in bringing this beautiful truck back to life.

 

Specs:

1989 Eliminator Comanche 5 speed manual trans 6 cylinder 4.0 Liter. 

 

Pros:

Cranks

Runs

Drives

New Interior

Bucket Seats

Solid Body, minus rust on outside

New Master Cylinder

Oil Just Changed

New Oil Filter

Only 127,000 Miles!

 

 

Cons:

Rust on outside of body

Battery needs to be replaced (not a big deal obviously)

Probably needs a new radiator

Electrical problems consist of Turn Signal not working, Oil Gauge not working, and front headlights on the grill not working, but stock headlights do work, brake lights work etc.

The alternator "seat"? has been removed and is sitting on a couple scrap pieces of wood...sketchy, but okay for now I guess?

Tires have great tread but have been sitting for a couple years so apparently they have tire rot.

 

So, I think I am going to start by sanding and painting myself, replacing the battery, ripping up the carpet to check for rust, and troubleshooting the electrical.

 

Please keep in mind I have little experience working on cars. I bought this truck as a way to teach myself and fix something up that I can hopefully keep and maintain for a long time. If you ahve any insight into some of the problems I have and would like to shoot me some pointers I would definitely appreciate it.

 

I am going to start a topic that tracks my progress as a complete newb not only to Jeep Comanches, but also to working on cars hopefully to inspire others. I will post more pics of the car soon. Here are a couple from this morning.

 

[BornUnderPunches]

Also,

 

forgot to add that the breaks make a pretty nasty grinding sound. Not high pitched, just kind of static-like. Or like they are grinding on metal. So I'm hoping the rotors are okay, but will check soon.

Also the plastic guard around the wheels cracks when you touch it so that will have to be replaced as well.

[Comanchepur]

Hello Comanche Maniac!!!!!!!!!!

You explain you have some electrical problems take time and check all connections with a profesional.

In specially the principal line down the cabin, it's a group of cables connecting with the original conectors and sensors like temp, oil pressure, transmision temp, exhaust oxigen sensor, If one of this do not receive the correct electrical signal your truck run with problems. Some people I saw change spark plug cables, change the distributor, change cables connections and the truth solutions is checking with a electrical meter all connections to receive the correct charge.       

[BornUnderPunches]

Hello Comanche Maniac!!!!!!!!!!

You explain you have some electrical problems take time and check all connections with a profesional.

In specially the principal line down the cabin, it's a group of cables connecting with the original conectors and sensors like temp, oil pressure, transmision temp, exhaust oxigen sensor, If one of this do not receive the correct electrical signal your truck run with problems. Some people I saw change spark plug cables, change the distributor, change cables connections and the truth solutions is checking with a electrical meter all connections to receive the correct charge.       

 

 

I will do that. I am trying my best to avoid having any "professionals" look at my car yet, just because I really want to try to fix everything myself. I know I have no real background doing that, but with a forum like this, I think, with time, it's possible. But being that it is an electrical issue, if you guys would advise me to drop it off with a mechanic because you think I could end up doing some damage, then I will let the consensus speak! You uys definitely know more about this than I do.

 

Thanks for the reply.

[BornUnderPunches]

Does anyone have any input on the rust on this comanche? I plan on sanding down and priming, but do you guys think considering the condition it will be okay with some good repainting?

[ComancheKid45]

The rust on the hood and roof appears purely cosmetic, sand it down and use a good filler primer before ya paint ;) Ill always be a sucker for those red 88-90 Eliminators  :thumbsup:

 

[BornUnderPunches]

The rust on the hood and roof appears purely cosmetic, sand it down and use a good filler primer before ya paint ;) Ill always be a sucker for those red 88-90 Eliminators  :thumbsup:

 

Awesome! Thanks.

 

I am headed out of the country this weekend, but can't wait to start working on her soon.

 

Beautiful truck btw. Did you restore that one or were you lucky enough to find it in that condition?

[ComancheKid45]

I bought that Truck pretty much just like that. The Hood and roof was badly weather just like yours.

 

I however did restore it, and it became what I now call "Walker" :)

 

 

 

The entire buildup of that truck can be found by clicking the link in my signature, as well as my other 3 MJs if your interested ;)

[earl*t]

Welcome to the "Club". Looks like you have a very good platform to start with. I've got an '89 Eliminator also. (See signature) So, you already changed the wheel to original, or other way around? The "ten holes" look to be in good condition also.

 

From my experience here, it may be more beneficial to post specific questions on the "Tech" forum, ie. your electrical issue. Not always the case, but members seem to follow forums of interest to them. The members here are extremely helpful.

 

I'd like to offer another suggestion if I may. There is a tool I use and would recommend. It took me literally 6 years to accidentally find it. At the top of this page in your title, there is a box on the right hand side that says "Follow this topic". It is at "0" now, but will change to "1" when I finish this post. You can click on the number and see who is following your thread. By clicking on the "Follow... box, you'll get options. Instant... will send an e-mail to your cell when anyone responds, including the message. I hope this is helpful whether you use it or not.

 

Your experience is equal to mine when I started my project, trust me if I can muddle through, anyone can. Good luck. :wrench:

[neohic]

... Ill always be a sucker for those red 88-90 Eliminators  :thumbsup:

 

Agreed.  :rock on:

[Minuit]

It's always great to see a rookie like yourself take an interest in a vehicle. I was there once (not too long ago, actually) and it's been the most enjoyable thing I've ever done in my life. Hopefully, you'll have the same experience.

 

Of all the things you've mentioned, the body rust and the general condition of the paint will be the hardest things to overcome mostly because there isn't a definite way to go about things. Paint and auto body work are two very difficult things to master and I'm not saying this to discourage you, but to encourage you: the most satisfying moments in life come when you've mastered something difficult. A Comanche in this state of repair is a good introduction to the "art" side of working on automobiles.

 

There will very likely be significant rust under that carpet, but the determining factor in just how bad is usually luck. The pictures in the second post of my project thread (in my signature) is considered mild rust. It's a major design flaw of our trucks but it's fixable. Your problem with your turning signals points to possibly a bad switch in the steering column (do your high beams work?) or a screwed up socket for one of the bulbs. Those aren't definite answers but they're good places to start.

 

The best thing by far about Comanche Club is the atmosphere. We're all people with at least something in common (a fondness for stupid little trucks) so you're guaranteed to find someone helpful here. Do not be afraid to ask any questions you may have. PM myself or anyone else if you have specific questions. That's the reason we're all here - to help ourselves and others.

 

If your truck is anything like what I see in the pictures, you got a great deal :thumbsup:

 

Jeep on! . :MJ 1: .

[BornUnderPunches]

I bought that Truck pretty much just like that. The Hood and roof was badly weather just like yours.

 

I however did restore it, and it became what I now call "Walker" :)

 

 

 

The entire buildup of that truck can be found by clicking the link in my signature, as well as my other 3 MJs if your interested ;)

 

Man, that truck is amazing. Those are the kind of comanches that convinced me to drive 6 hours yesterday to pick up this truck. Can't wait to get it there.

[BornUnderPunches]

Welcome to the "Club". Looks like you have a very good platform to start with. I've got an '89 Eliminator also. (See signature) So, you already changed the wheel to original, or other way around? The "ten holes" look to be in good condition also.

 

From my experience here, it may be more beneficial to post specific questions on the "Tech" forum, ie. your electrical issue. Not always the case, but members seem to follow forums of interest to them. The members here are extremely helpful.

 

I'd like to offer another suggestion if I may. There is a tool I use and would recommend. It took me literally 6 years to accidentally find it. At the top of this page in your title, there is a box on the right hand side that says "Follow this topic". It is at "0" now, but will change to "1" when I finish this post. You can click on the number and see who is following your thread. By clicking on the "Follow... box, you'll get options. Instant... will send an e-mail to your cell when anyone responds, including the message. I hope this is helpful whether you use it or not.

 

Your experience is equal to mine when I started my project, trust me if I can muddle through, anyone can. Good luck. :wrench:

 

Thank you for the tips. I will definitely do that.

 

Also, what are "ten holes"? As far as the tires, I have no touched them yet. They came as they appear in the picture, but definitely need to be replaced.

[BornUnderPunches]

It's always great to see a rookie like yourself take an interest in a vehicle. I was there once (not too long ago, actually) and it's been the most enjoyable thing I've ever done in my life. Hopefully, you'll have the same experience.

 

Of all the things you've mentioned, the body rust and the general condition of the paint will be the hardest things to overcome mostly because there isn't a definite way to go about things. Paint and auto body work are two very difficult things to master and I'm not saying this to discourage you, but to encourage you: the most satisfying moments in life come when you've mastered something difficult. A Comanche in this state of repair is a good introduction to the "art" side of working on automobiles.

 

There will very likely be significant rust under that carpet, but the determining factor in just how bad is usually luck. The pictures in the second post of my project thread (in my signature) is considered mild rust. It's a major design flaw of our trucks but it's fixable. Your problem with your turning signals points to possibly a bad switch in the steering column (do your high beams work?) or a screwed up socket for one of the bulbs. Those aren't definite answers but they're good places to start.

 

The best thing by far about Comanche Club is the atmosphere. We're all people with at least something in common (a fondness for stupid little trucks) so you're guaranteed to find someone helpful here. Do not be afraid to ask any questions you may have. PM myself or anyone else if you have specific questions. That's the reason we're all here - to help ourselves and others.

 

If your truck is anything like what I see in the pictures, you got a great deal :thumbsup:

 

Jeep on! . :MJ 1: .

 

Thank you for the encouragement. I agree, I think that the difficulty of the task is not necessarily what attracts all of us to this hobby, but that feeling of accomplishment that follows. Can't wait! I'm just glad I have a community to fall back on like this for when things get frustrating. Because I know they will...

 

I'm not terribly excited about ripping up the carpet, but it's a must. So it's the first thing I'll tackle when I return to the states the end of November!

 

Thanks again for the hospitality. I will definitely reach out if things get too hairy! Ha.

 

Oh and to answer your previous question, oddly enough my high beams did not work, but I went out and found a new battery today ($60 ; ), replaced the old and high beams came right on. It also fixed the windshield wiper problem because they were not working and funny enough the right turn signal worked when I first cranked the car, but failed to come back on after turning it off and cranking again. My guess is that there is a fuse that needs to be replaced?

[HOrnbrod]

Just curious - where did you find this MJ is AL. Looks familiar..........

[BornUnderPunches]

Just curious - where did you find this MJ is AL. Looks familiar..........

 

picked it up in Gardendale AL. Have you met this comanche before? That would be wild...

[HOrnbrod]

 

Just curious - where did you find this MJ is AL. Looks familiar..........

 

picked it up in Gardendale AL. Have you met this comanche before? That would be wild...

No, the one I'm thinking of was way further north. Used to belong to the county judge up here.

 

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