turner-2000tj Posted July 5, 2015 Posted July 5, 2015 This will be my attempt at documenting the rebuilding, building and modifications of this new to me 1987 MJ. I've never been really good at taking "in process" pics but will try harder as time goes on. This is the first picture I have of it. More to come!
turner-2000tj Posted July 5, 2015 Author Posted July 5, 2015 It hasn't been on the streets for countless years, so the first order of business is to get it running, driving and stopping. A couple gallons of fresh gas and it fired right up! You can't keep a good Jeep down! completely new brake system and she stops pretty good as well. While doing the brake job I noticed a lot of frame rust. I knew it had a previous repair but missed just how bad it really is.
turner-2000tj Posted July 5, 2015 Author Posted July 5, 2015 After seeing how much rust it had I was torn if I should scrap it and buy another or fix this one. After consulting with fellow Comanche owners I've decided to just keep it and fix it. I started by cutting access holes in the top to clean out, treat and coat the inside of the frame rails. I then repeated the process on the outside. As you can see there are additional spots that need to be cut out and new steel welded in. I have yet to tackle the really bad spots.
COFFMAN Posted July 6, 2015 Posted July 6, 2015 Don't want to sound like a Kill Joy but if ya ganna put your hart and soul into it, Could you find a better base ( truck ) to start with ????
turner-2000tj Posted July 6, 2015 Author Posted July 6, 2015 there are so few MJ's available in my area that this is as good as it gets. I could wait and see if a better one comes along, but I bet I see maybe 5 in a years time come up for sale.
turner-2000tj Posted July 6, 2015 Author Posted July 6, 2015 Took a break from rust treatment for a little bit over the weekend and wanted to make it a little prettier.
turner-2000tj Posted July 6, 2015 Author Posted July 6, 2015 Going to try and get back on the rust repair tonight!
relyt120 Posted July 6, 2015 Posted July 6, 2015 :eek: I'm pulling for you on that rust battle. Looks like you have the perseverance to put up a good fight. That paint looks really good too, what are you using?
turner-2000tj Posted July 7, 2015 Author Posted July 7, 2015 good ol' Rustoleum spray cans. Its a really nice 10 footer paint job. :banana: :banana: :banana:
turner-2000tj Posted July 10, 2015 Author Posted July 10, 2015 Rain finally stopped long enough for me to get back to work. Started on the drivers side frame rail, it's the better of the two. Cut out from the front spring hanger to about midway to the transfer case. Was I surprised what fell out! The rail was over half full of sand, dirt, mud... Perfect recipe for disaster.
turner-2000tj Posted July 10, 2015 Author Posted July 10, 2015 All cleaned out now! Time to start be building this side.
turner-2000tj Posted July 10, 2015 Author Posted July 10, 2015 Can you access inside the frame rails if the floor pans are cut out?
sang_route Posted July 10, 2015 Posted July 10, 2015 Rain finally stopped long enough for me to get back to work. Started on the drivers side frame rail, it's the better of the two. Cut out from the front spring hanger to about midway to the transfer case. Was I surprised what fell out! The rail was over half full of sand, dirt, mud... Perfect recipe for disaster. also the perfect recipe for a lot o fun, so least she brought smiles to someone.
Steve88 Posted July 20, 2015 Posted July 20, 2015 For a comanche i'm not sure but i replaced the floor pans on a cherokee and you could get inside the frame rails with the pans removed. I would imagine you could on the comanche as well.
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