BornUnderPunches Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 It has been a long time coming friends.Here is a little background on this project...I drove to Alabama from Georgia to tow this beast home after looking for a long time. Got it for $900 in working condition with some "minor" fixes necessary. I guess "minor" is somewhat subjective, but here is a list of what I got, what was wrong with it, what I've done to fix it so far and what I'm planning on doing.Keep in mind that this is still in progress. I will keep you guys updated as it comes together with tons of pictures and probably some videos. I'm big on videos...Anyway, here's the beast the day after I picked it up: And here's some more pics before some of the fixes just to give you the full scope on this guy: And here's the engine: The rust was not terrible, but obviously not ideal either. The biggest issue was basically the electrical was all messed up. It would not start half of the time, the turn signals never worked when it did start, no radio, A/C worked only half the time, and worst of all, half the time I was driving and it would just stop if it idled. This was not an engine issue though, it was all electrical. I knew this because all power would go out and if I got out of the truck and wiggled the wires around, i could eventually get it to crank. I turned to ComancheClub to help me asses the issue by uploading tons of pictures of my wiring. While this wasn't a bad idea, it still was futile just because nobody could really see the issue. Turns out that there was a bad diode in the alternator. Check out how the last owner dealt with the alternator. I guess this is an Alabama fix? :doh: So, to start, I replaced the alternator and fixed some minor wiring issues. Now the turn signals work, the A/C works, the heat works, the engine cranks every time and stays that way no matter how long it's idling. :banana: Alright, so the beast is alive now. Good progress. From here some routine stuff had to be addressed. The radiator fluid inside of the overflow was rust brown. I flushed it completely and then found out there was a huge leak in the radiator. I guess some dirt or rust was clogging the hole up before, but now it was just pouring out coolant. So...time for a new radiator. :wrench: After I got the radiator in, I went to the oil, changed the filter, put some good synthetic stuff in there. Food for the soul . :MJ 1: . So...now the beast runs like a champ with a new alternator, fixed wiring, new radiator, new coolant, fresh oil filter and clean oil. So what's next??? :) Here's my list. This will allow me to have something to reference as well as allow you guys to hound me if I'm not updating you with pics and info! -Paint Job, sand down the rust -Take out the carpet and fix the floor as I'm sure there's plenty of rust there. -I know the interior looks pretty good, but I have an itch to change the interior to some sweet black and white seats I saw on this forum a ways back. I will try to find some photos, but am not sure I'll be able to. But it looked sooo good. -Add roll bars -possibly a lift -Needs new tires desperately -Some surprise customization that I'll keep you all on the edge of your seat for :popcorn: Normally, a paint job shouldn't be the FIRST thing for a variety of reasons...but I had an opportunity that was too good to pass up to trade a guy who has a paint shop for services. I build websites, do photography, video etc. so I offered to build him a couple websites for his business if he would paint the beast. He agreed. Under 1 condition though...he will paint it textured flat black (kind of like a bedliner paint job...) At first, I wasn't crazy about this, but I actually went to visit a jeep that had this paint job...and I think it looks like a tank. Pretty freaking cool I think. But...just want to throw that out there so you guys don't think I killed my jeep when it comes back murdered out! B) I think it will look good...at least it will be a unique look. Anyway, I'll hopefully be able to update you guys next week with the paint job pics. Stay tuned Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Are you really going to "bed line" a red Eliminator? I think that is a huge mistake but it is your truck. What part of Georgia are you in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 Are you really going to "bed line" a red Eliminator? I think that is a huge mistake but it is your truck. What part of Georgia are you in? I live in Atlanta. The problem is that I do not have a garage to paint it in nor the experience and someone offered to paint it as a trade for service. I don't have a ton of alternatives as I can't afford to drop $2000-$3000 (what I've been quoted) for a new paint job and I don't have the tools to do it. If it were up to me, I know exactly how I'd paint it (combo of silver and black), but it just doesn't seem to be possible for me right now... Any and all ideas welcome though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 Here is what would be ideal for me to paint: I love that comanche... If anyone in Atlanta has a garage and some sanding equipment, I brew beer like a mad man and will happily clone 5 gallons of your favorite beer for you if you could host... Just throwing that out there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
91Pioneer Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I think you'd ruin it if you didn't stick with the factory red. Solid truck you have there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 I think you'd ruin it if you didn't stick with the factory red. Solid truck you have there. Hmmm, well... I think ruin is a strong word. I think it's more a matter of preference. I personally don't like red trucks, red cars etc. so, for me, I'd rather paint it black than red... Plus I don't have the money or the tools to repainted it red. Kind of stumbled on a good opportunity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neohic Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 I think you'd ruin it if you didn't stick with the factory red. Solid truck you have there. Here is what would be ideal for me to paint: What's ironic is that this truck started out as a red Eliminator too. :laughin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strokermjcomanche Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 Have you checked with maaco or Earl scheib for painting your truck . People in my area have gotten paint jobs rather reasonable . For what the bedliner costs ( and your going to have to mask it off anyhow ) it would be rather comparable . I'm all for you doing what you want with your truck and just trying to give another option . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minuit Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 Sure, I don't think bedlining a red Eliminator is ideal, but the current paint job is absolutely toast anyway. In the end, it's his truck and he can do whatever he wants to with it. If the truck had an absolutely pristine, garage kept, always waxed finish? That would be ruining it. This is a good start to the thread, controversial or not. I'll be looking forward to seeing more updates on this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revmaynard Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 I live in Decatur but there is a place called MiracleGlo in Norcross that I had one of my other cars painted at. They are pretty reasonable for the work they do. I look forward to your progress with it either way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share Posted August 2, 2014 Thanks for the responses guys. I visited a bed lined Jeep and you know what, I actually think it looks pretty awesome. Is it the classic comanche look? No, but for me, I'll make it work. I know the idea of a bed lined comanche on this forum is near treason, but all I can say is I have big plans for it and will surely make it look as awesome as it can be. Unfortunately I just don't have the money for a paint job right now. Someone mentioned the cost of bedliner vs. maaco, but due to my arrangement I'm not paying for any of the materials or labor. So it's a pretty good deal for me. Anyway, I figured just mentioning this would cause some controversy on the board, but I will keep you guys updated regardless! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 What makes the bed liner bad is the fact that it holds dirt. The red clay here in GA will get down into it and it will look like crap in a months time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share Posted August 2, 2014 What makes the bed liner bad is the fact that it holds dirt. The red clay here in GA will get down into it and it will look like crap in a months time. I'll keep you all updated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revmaynard Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 I hope you didn't take my comment negatively! I just threw that out there as a cheaper paint alternative, definitely keep us updated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share Posted August 2, 2014 I hope you didn't take my comment negatively! I just threw that out there as a cheaper paint alternative, definitely keep us updated! No problem. Thanks for your input. I think it is a good alternative. But right now I just can't beat free! Anyway, I will post updates but based on just mentioning what I have in mind I doubt physical evidence of a bed lined jeep comanche will gather any more positive responses than I have already bypassed. Either way, I'll post some pics soon. Thanks to all! Jeep on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 6, 2014 Author Share Posted August 6, 2014 Hey guys, should have a nice update for you soon hopefully. I'm aiming for end of the week for some more pictures. In the meantime I'm trying to find the right tire size along with lift amount if anyone cares to give some feedback it would be much appreciated! Here are my thoughts: I will not be doing a whole lot of off roading with this truck, mostly highway and around town on the road, but would like to do some trail riding. I do however really like the look of a 5'' lift with some 33's (specifically 33x12.50R15). I have an opportunity to get a really good deal on these tonight from craigslist, but wanted to ask you guys a few questions... 1. Will this type of set up substantially decrease MPG's? 2. Any reason to do this beyond just liking how it looks if not using it for offroading? 3. Is $500 for some BFG 33x12.50R15's with wheels a pretty good deal? Barely used. 4. Can I get away with a 4 inch lift with these size tires or will there be any trimming? Thanks in advance guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Hey guys, should have a nice update for you soon hopefully. I'm aiming for end of the week for some more pictures. In the meantime I'm trying to find the right tire size along with lift amount if anyone cares to give some feedback it would be much appreciated! Here are my thoughts: I will not be doing a whole lot of off roading with this truck, mostly highway and around town on the road, but would like to do some trail riding. I do however really like the look of a 5'' lift with some 33's (specifically 33x12.50R15). I have an opportunity to get a really good deal on these tonight from craigslist, but wanted to ask you guys a few questions... 1. Will this type of set up substantially decrease MPG's? 2. Any reason to do this beyond just liking how it looks if not using it for offroading? 3. Is $500 for some BFG 33x12.50R15's with wheels a pretty good deal? Barely used. 4. Can I get away with a 4 inch lift with these size tires or will there be any trimming? Thanks in advance guys! 1. Mileage will suck nuts unless you regear the axles to 4:56. Thais is another $1000 for both sets installed. Power will be down drastically as well. 2. a mild 3-4" lift with some 31s is a better DD combo than 33s any way you slice it. You can get away with using your stock gears as well. I see no reason for them on a DD. 3. $500 is a decent deal for them depending on wear and type of wheels that they are on. 4. You will need a lot of trimming to run 33s on a 4" lift. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 6, 2014 Author Share Posted August 6, 2014 Hey thanks for the fast reply. I am looking into 31s too, but can't find any pics of ones that look as kick @$$...I'm sure there are some out there though. Just need to find the right inspiration. But, It'll look good either way :yes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Any tire that looks kick @$$ will generally wear out fast and have poor handling on wet streets. Goodyear Duratracs or Threadwright Guard Dogs are the way to go. At $115 a tire I like the Treadwrights. https://www.treadwright.com/individual-product/141 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 Any tire that looks kick @$$ will generally wear out fast and have poor handling on wet streets. Goodyear Duratracs or Threadwright Guard Dogs are the way to go. At $115 a tire I like the Treadwrights. https://www.treadwright.com/individual-product/141 Good call. These are the tires I was looking for, but couldn't find :thumbsup: Will pick some of these up. Thanks guys. Will update you guys with some pics tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collkid Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Yeah 5in' for a DD is going to be rough unless you're ready to throw a couple grand into it. I'm stock suspension and 31's. It fits pretty well, thinking about doing a little budget boost. Wouldn't need much more than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 9, 2014 Author Share Posted August 9, 2014 Here is the new paint job, flat gun metal gray and black. I'm pretty happy with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 9, 2014 Author Share Posted August 9, 2014 Yeah 5in' for a DD is going to be rough unless you're ready to throw a couple grand into it. I'm stock suspension and 31's. It fits pretty well, thinking about doing a little budget boost. Wouldn't need much more than that. When you say you're running 31's on stock suspension, do you mean you have no lift and 31s? Do those fit...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collkid Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 Yeah 5in' for a DD is going to be rough unless you're ready to throw a couple grand into it. I'm stock suspension and 31's. It fits pretty well, thinking about doing a little budget boost. Wouldn't need much more than that. When you say you're running 31's on stock suspension, do you mean you have no lift and 31s? Do those fit...? Gooooood looking paint. Real BA look. And yes. They rub just a TOUCH at full lock. Keep thinking a BB and/or spacers would fix that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornUnderPunches Posted August 9, 2014 Author Share Posted August 9, 2014 Cool thanks for the info. Your truck looks great man. Love the all black. 2 quick questions for everyone... Where can I find this interior? And second, does anyone have any good resources for buying some front grills/brush guards? Does rockauto sell these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now