Katalyzt13 Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I bought this '87 Comanche Pioneer, basically because I wanted one when I first started driving and couldn't get one. It's in good running condition because I had to drive it back about 200 miles on the interstate, through a major city's rush hour and then country roads to get home (calculated I got 20.42 mpg for the trip). Now, I have a lot of work to do, and I'll post my progress, but hoping to also get some feedback and direction/wisdom from the community. I'm not what you would call a natural mechanic, and have to use the Haynes books whenever I work on a vehicle (already ordered the Haynes manual for this one). This is the automatic transmission with 4x4 and the 4.0 Liter in-line 6 cylinder. It came with old, bald tires so I've already put some Goodyear Wranger Radials on it. Following are a few of the things I plan to do: 1. replace the rear bumper/fender 2. install a cross-bed gull wing toolbox (black steel) 3. replace the rubber stripping that runs along the bottom of the windows (don't know what that stuff is called, but it dry-rotted on this vehicle) 4. general tune up (plugs, wires, etc.) 5. potentially replace the bed-liner. I don't even really know the normal steps to start out with, but basically will have to do a little at a time. Any advice or comments are welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zackcj7 Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Looks like a nice Comanche. I like the two tone. What color is the interior? Just take it slow and work on the most critical things first. Make sure to fill out your location in your profile. A lot of advice will differ depending on the environment the Comanche drives in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minuit Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I think I've found my new favorite Comanche paint scheme. :drool: Here's a few bits of advice in no real order: - They are much more expensive, but I'd suggest finding a factory service manual if you're serious about working on this truck. They're still in print and can be found if you look on rockauto or maybe eBay. They have a lot more in depth diagrams and explanations that the Haynes won't have, and you get all sorts of fancy technical specifications to look at too if you're into that kind of thing. They are really big books too so they make great freeweights. Very worth the 100 or so bucks they cost. - This truck looks astonishingly clean from the pic you've posted, but you're very likely to find rust on the floors if you pull up the carpet (and you should) - You have an '87, so this thread(click me) will be a godsend. The one on the C101 connector will be of particular interest to you. The procedures in there aren't hard to do and will drastically improve your truck's reliability. - These trucks are probably one of the best things (short of an old carbed pickup) to learn on. You'll collect knowledge pretty quickly once you get out there and start working on things. If you post questions you'll get answers pretty quickly. We're a helpful bunch. We're also a very visual bunch, so post more pics of your gawgus '87 :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katalyzt13 Posted August 17, 2014 Author Share Posted August 17, 2014 The interior is red...I kind of wish it was two tone, too. I'm discovering little things that need to be done just a little at a time. Thanks for the link, Minuit, that will be really helpful. Just discovered my driver side door leaks a little so gotta tackle that pretty quick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PEEJ Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Welcome,You've found the right forum.Bought my Comanche last oct. found this site and love it.So far every answer I 've looked for I found.If you use search for a problem you'll generally find the answer.If not once you ask,You'll get an answer.This is a great bunch of guys and gals on this site.And very knowledgeable.I agree with Minuit,I love the two tone,My Comanche is black but I was gonna paint it silver to match my L.J. then I decided to repaint it black,Now I'm having second thoughts,I really like your paint color.Where ya located?Also not a big fan of Haynes,I'm a Chiltons guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katalyzt13 Posted August 18, 2014 Author Share Posted August 18, 2014 Located north of Atlanta in Georgia...guess I need to update my profile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katalyzt13 Posted August 20, 2014 Author Share Posted August 20, 2014 I've been having a seriously difficult time finding a truck box for this truck - I'm measuring 55 inches - does anybody know a specific truck box that will fit in a Comanche Pioneer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spectormj Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 I've seen a few guys with em Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collkid Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 "A lot of work to do" Yeah right! That thing looks pretty ready to go! Nice pick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collkid Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 How many miles? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katalyzt13 Posted August 22, 2014 Author Share Posted August 22, 2014 It has 136,000 miles on it. The engine doesn't leak or burn oil. The head gasket had been replaced by the previous owner, but looks like it had just started to disintegrate from age and he replaced it before it got bad. My first few projects are going to be: removing the poorly installed bed-liner and replacing with brush-in bed liner pressure washing the "under-carriage" and painting it black, including the inside of the wheel wells replacing the rear view mirror, just because it is rickety and finding some bucket seats to replace the bench seat (because the springs are wore out in that seat, anyway) Hopefully, gonna tackle the majority of these few issues over this upcoming weekend. Also, as far as a cross-bed toolbox goes I will be getting diamond plate aluminum, but what color does everyone think will look better - plain shiny aluminum, brushed aluminum, or black? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katalyzt13 Posted August 24, 2014 Author Share Posted August 24, 2014 So, my weekend got hijacked by bad weather. I did, however, take a hauling kit off of my old Honda SUV, and with the help of a friend who is very talented with cutting and welding, I'm gonna make it work for the Comanche. It is only like 6 or 8 inches too wide right now. I've also swapped out the tires for some new Wrangler Radials, which honestly have very nice tread for my mainly on-road use. I'll post a separate thread about the ongoing misadventures of trying to do a brush in bed-liner. I also could use any advice on cleaning up the aluminum wheels that seem to be resisting all the elbow grease I can throw at them. Also, does anybody know if any of the Bushwhacker bed caps will fit the 87 Pioneer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katalyzt13 Posted August 31, 2014 Author Share Posted August 31, 2014 I finally got the paint in bedliner and the truck box installed: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ComancheKid45 Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Looks great! :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katalyzt13 Posted September 1, 2014 Author Share Posted September 1, 2014 Looks great! :thumbsup: Thanks! It is still early, yet, and I have a lot of little things I want to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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