1986 custom long bed.

[COM86]

When I purchased my 1986 Jeep Comanche custom, 12 years ago, I found out that I'm the 3rd owner. 

It was basically bone stock. 2.5 4cyl, 5 speed, 4x4, radio delete, idiot light dashboard, black vinyl floor, blue interior, bench seat.

I was at my local junkyard and found a shell for it from a Mazda pickup. 

[COM86]

I was using it as an extra money maker. I was refurbished headlights.

I got tired of the silver paint and did the rattle can approach. Went from silver to two tone. White top, blue bottom. 

Recently, I  have removed the shell.

[COM86]

Then I have painted the wheels blue, added a tube rear bumper with a 2in receiver. 

I have seen the new jeep gladiator. Frankly my mj looks better. 

[COM86]

Oh I have also installed bucket seats with center console,  97 side rearview mirrors, Chevy blazer rearview mirror Inside with map lights, and side vent windows. 

[COM86]

Also I custom built in a tool box. The plywood top I used is semi trailer interior plywood. It has a metal surface.  I installed a latch system from a RV door lock with a deadbolt. 

[COM86]

[COM86]

Just last week, I installed a 1998 Ford explorer 8.8 rear axle. 

[COM86]

[COM86]

Then installed wheel spacer to bring out the tires to the correct width. 

[COM86]

Also upgraded the foot brake to a handle. 

[89 MJ]

Looks nice. What are your long term plans with it?

[COM86]

37 minutes ago, 89 MJ said:

Looks nice. What are your long term plans with it?

Thank you for the comments. I'm a retired truck driver and I always wanted to be an owner operator. I recycle pallets for extra cash. And I use the truck as the pull vehicle.  The picture shows when I had the shell on my truck and I was in in the process of delivering the load.

[COM86]

1 hour ago, 89 MJ said:

Looks nice. What are your long term plans with it?

Oops, I failed to answer your question. My long term plan is to keep it on the road. As long as possible. 

[89 MJ]

Good plan

[JMO413]

Good looking truck you have there!

[COM86]

2 hours ago, JMO413 said:

Good looking truck you have there!

Thank you. 

[Pete M]

I love that storage box!  I think I'll be doing that approach for my new-to-me truck.  

[COM86]

My original spare tire carrier was beat to death plus someone stole my spare by cutting the cable. 

So I asked a friend who weld's to help me modify a RV spare tire carrier. He welded a pipe to it, drilled holes for a lock. And just now as I look at the picture, I see a design flaw. I need to have the lock go through both sides of the pipe. 

[eaglescout526]

If you still have the carrier, I recommend finding another one like a GM one and cut the old hoist out and use the brackets to fit a new one in place. That's what I did, but never really showed the final product

[COM86]

I'm looking for a jeep spare tire cover for a 17 inch wheel, to keep the sun off the tire.

[eaglescout526]

Just now, COM86 said:

I'm looking for a jeep spare tire cover for a 17 inch wheel, to keep the sun off the tire.

Went down that route too. Managed to get a NOS one for a XJ. you could probably get away with getting a TJ or a JK  cover.

[COM86]

Ok. Good old craigslist. 

[COM86]

Today I'm swapping out (probably original) front shocks for kyb. I'm keeping the factory ride height. 

[Pete M]

that should make a marked improvement in drive-ability

[COM86]

Come on everyone, let's sing along. It the same jingle as "I fought the law and the law won, I fought the law and the law won."

I fought the concrete steel pole, and the pole won.