Grandpa's truck

[jodawill]

Hi, everyone!

 

I joined this forum a while back when I first bought my Comanche, and I'm finally getting around to posting here. I bought this truck from my grandpa not long before he passed away.

 

My grandpa had bought it new in 1990 when I was just a baby. I grew up with this truck. When I was little, he'd take us kids out for ice cream at a restaurant in their little town, which was called Poor John's. He used to go there every day. It was the place all the old men used to hang out to smoke cigarettes and drink coffee. (He wasn't a smoker himself.) He'd always put me in the middle seat because I was the smallest. I'll never forget the scent of that place - the combination of cigarettes, coffee, and vanilla soft serve.

 

A couple years ago, I found out that my grandparents had listed the truck for sale. They had decided he wasn't in any condition to drive. I'm guessing my grandma pressured him into selling it to remove the temptation. I didn't know about this until they had already listed it. I called them as soon as I found out. It was really important to me to keep this truck in the family. They were already waiting for a buyer to come pick it up. Thankfully, the guy never showed up, and they gave it to me for $4,500.

 

I've never been much of a mechanic myself, so owning this truck has been a learning experience for me. It was in excellent condition. He had kept it in the garage all of those years and it only had 129k miles on it. But it had some minor issues from not being driven much over the past several years. My father in law did some work on it when I first picked it up. We changed the spark plugs, we cleaned out the coolant reservoir that was full of mold, pulled out a chipmunk nest, repaired the AC, replaced the window regular, replaced the tires, and a few other things.
 

After he passed away, I became hesitant to make any changes or improvements for a long time. Every change just seemed to make it less of grandpa's truck. Recently, I've finally started to accept the change. It doesn't smell like grandpa anymore, and that really makes me sad sometimes. But I know he'd want me to restore the truck as much as possible. So I've slowly started making some changes. I glued the knob back onto the gear shifter. I replaced all of the lights and the original gas springs on the cover. I took the cover off for a bit - the first time in my life I've ever seen the truck without it. I replaced the foam strip underneath it and gave the bed a good scrub, then I gave the truck a wax. (First time I've ever done it, and it looks like crap. I need some practice.)

 

Anyway, I'm here today because I need to replace the weather stripping. The reason we had to change the window regulator was because the window was leaking. I haven't driven it in the rain or snow since I bought it because I don't want the new one to rust out. (It wasn't easy to find a replacement!) I found a post from a decade ago where people were recommending Team Cherokee. It seems they used to have a kit for the Comanche, but I don't see one now. Could someone let me know which items I have to buy to replace all of the weather stripping on the vehicle?

 

Some more things I need to repair:

- A tab broke off the driver's side courtesy light, so the fixture won't snap in.

- Some of the lights in the radio don't work, including the backlight on the display. I tried replacing the bulb, but it isn't receiving power.

- I'd like to replace the visors, but only if I can find some that are identical to the originals.

- The female end of the middle seat belt is missing. I haven't been able to find a replacement online.

 

Thanks!

 

Josh

[fiatslug87]

Welcome, looks nice, post its VIN in the Registry https://comancheclub.com/forum/28-comanche-registry-vin-decoding/ when you get a chance and add yourself to the “Original Owners” thread, https://comancheclub.com/topic/59858-roll-call-original-owners/ Precision makes all the weather striping and can be found at Summit and Jegs. 

 

[89 MJ]

Welcome to the forum. That is a very nice truck, and the story with it is even better. For the weatherstripping, all of the door stuff is the same as an 84-96 XJ Cherokee. If the window was leaking, I'd recommend pulling the carpet up to check the condition of the floors. Also, your grille is upside down.

[jodawill]

49 minutes ago, fiatslug87 said:

Welcome, looks nice, post its VIN in the Registry https://comancheclub.com/forum/28-comanche-registry-vin-decoding/ when you get a chance and add yourself to the “Original Owners” thread, https://comancheclub.com/topic/59858-roll-call-original-owners/ Precision makes all the weather striping and can be found at Summit and Jegs. 

 

 

Thanks for letting me know about Summit! Does this kit have everything I need? (I don't really know what I'm doing!)

 

17 minutes ago, 89 MJ said:

Welcome to the forum. That is a very nice truck, and the story with it is even better. For the weatherstripping, all of the door stuff is the same as an 84-96 XJ Cherokee. If the window was leaking, I'd recommend pulling the carpet up to check the condition of the floors. Also, your grille is upside down.

Thanks for the heads up on the grille! My father in law had it off at one point. I see it wasn't upside down in the photo I took of my grandpa with it. I've never pulled up carpet before. I'll see if I can do it without damaging it. The entire interior is 100% original, so I don't want to replace anything if I don't have to.

[fiatslug87]

5 minutes ago, jodawill said:

Does this kit have everything I need?

Yes, that’s it and will replace all the weather striping of both doors.

[jodawill]

1 hour ago, fiatslug87 said:

Yes, that’s it and will replace all the weather striping of both doors.

Thanks! Does that include the seal for the little triangular windows at the front? Also, do they have the seals for the back window?

[JZLAJeep]

Love the story and love the truck! You made the right choice to keep it!

[fiatslug87]

The triangular window seals are not included and are not being produced. The back window rubber trim is not really a seal, the seal is the urethane adhesive that holds the window in place, and it also is not being produced.

[jodawill]

57 minutes ago, JZLAJeep said:

Love the story and love the truck! You made the right choice to keep it!

 

Thanks! I'm glad I kept it too. I didn't realize how special it was until I bought it. To me, it was just grandpa's truck. People stop and look at it everywhere I go and I get a lot of comments about it. A lot of people have fond memories of the Comanche.

 

58 minutes ago, fiatslug87 said:

The triangular window seals are not included and are not being produced. The back window rubber trim is not really a seal, the seal is the urethane adhesive that holds the window in place, and it also is not being produced.

Thanks! I got those seals ordered. I also threw in the door lock seals. I figured I might as well if I'm already going to have the door taken apart.

 

Do you have any suggestions for the seat belt or the broken tab on the courtesy light? I'm also missing a trim piece as you can see in the photo. Is it possible to get a replacement?

[JZLAJeep]

16 minutes ago, jodawill said:

Do you have any suggestions for the seat belt or the broken tab on the courtesy light? I'm also missing a trim piece as you can see in the photo. Is it possible to get a replacement?

Buy a replacement courtesy light from Euramtec. Takes a little bit of internet sleuthing to find as I recall, but they are still out there.

 

[jodawill]

Is it possible to find one that's identical to the original? Or any ideas on another way to secure it? Nearly everything on this truck is original, so I'd like to keep it that way if possible.

[OGdaJeepGod]

https://www.euramtec.com/parts/c/c01/7180.html
 

Saved on my parts list. From my research you can find them selling it on ebay, or call them directly. Supposedly there is a Comanche club discount, not that they’re expensive to begin with. 

[jodawill]

Can that light be modified to use with the original bezel?

[coolwind57]

Euramtec is the way to go.  I've got them in mine.  They're so close to the original design that I seriously doubt that anyone would see them and accuse you of "molesting" your original truck. You'll put them in, enjoy them and never look back.  Like I did.  

 

If I remember correctly, you will need to take a sharp blade and remove a little bit off the mounting hole in your trim panel.  I've never had mine to pop out ever.  Wiring wasn't a big deal....just cannot remember exactly what I did but it was super simple.  

[jodawill]

Is this the right seat belt for the middle seat? Any idea which shade of tan is the closest fit to the original? I'm thinking Camel Tan, but it's hard to be sure without seeing it in person. I'm not sure about the buckle and retractor cover options either. Is this the closest I can get to the original?

[jodawill]

10 minutes ago, coolwind57 said:

Euramtec is the way to go.  I've got them in mine.  They're so close to the original design that I seriously doubt that anyone would see them and accuse you of "molesting" your original truck. You'll put them in, enjoy them and never look back.  Like I did.  

 

If I remember correctly, you will need to take a sharp blade and remove a little bit off the mounting hole in your trim panel.  I've never had mine to pop out ever.  Wiring wasn't a big deal....just cannot remember exactly what I did but it was super simple.  

 

Alright, I ordered them. I'll see if there's any way to put the old cover on it once I get it. Probably not, but we'll see.

[Smash6]

Great looking rig and great story!

[89 MJ]

16 hours ago, jodawill said:

Is this the right seat belt for the middle seat? Any idea which shade of tan is the closest fit to the original? I'm thinking Camel Tan, but it's hard to be sure without seeing it in person. I'm not sure about the buckle and retractor cover options either. Is this the closest I can get to the original?

I don’t think so. And the belts changed in either 87 or 88, so keep that in mind too. 

[jodawill]

I just got a call from Seatbelt Planet. They gave me the correct part ID. (For some reason, it didn't appear when I searched the website.) It's an exact match to the old one. He wasn't sure what color I need, so he's sending me some samples. Great service!

 

For future reference, here's the correct lap belt.

[jodawill]

I replaced the oil in the differential today. I wish I had taken a before picture. It was caked so badly with black crud when I started, I couldn't even see the bolts. I cleaned it all up and replaced the drain plug, which I believe was the source of the leak. I cleaned off the label too. This is probably the first time in 30 years it's been legible. It was covered in at least a centimeter of oxidized oil and whatever else.

 

This is the first time I've ever changed gear oil, so I'm not sure what used oil is supposed to look like. This stuff was awfully thick though. I took a video of it.

 

I got the samples for the seat belts. When I took out the old one (the female side was missing) to compare the colors, I noticed that all of the belts were damaged, so I'm going to order replacements for all of them. That will be better anyway because the new color isn't a perfect match.

 

After I finished the differential, I washed the entire underbody. Once it's dry, I'm going to spray it with lanolin rust preventer.

 

I have the new weatherstripping sitting and power steering hoses sitting by the door now, waiting to be installed. A new master cylinder and brake hoses are on the way.

 

I received the new courtesy lights, but I don't think I'm going to use them. I didn't realize before I ordered them that you have to cut the panel to install them. Once I do that, I won't ever be able to go back to the stock lights. I'll keep them in case I ever need them (who knows how long they'll be available), but for now, I'm going to make do with what I have. I tried using leftover foam tape from the topper. That works, but I can't get it to sit perfectly flush. Maybe I could get someone to 3D print a new tab and I could super glue it.

[coolwind57]

13 hours ago, jodawill said:

This is the first time I've ever changed gear oil, so I'm not sure what used oil is supposed to look like. This stuff was awfully thick though. I took a video of it.

 

Yea man, that old gear oil looks pretty contaminated.  Compare that look with what you're putting back in there.    

 

Sure makes you feel good after doing an oil servicing, doesn't it?

[jodawill]

4 hours ago, coolwind57 said:

Yea man, that old gear oil looks pretty contaminated.  Compare that look with what you're putting back in there.    

 

Sure makes you feel good after doing an oil servicing, doesn't it?

 

I'd be curious to know how much was in there, but I wasn't really motivated to pour that sludge into another container to measure it. That would have been a mess, and this stuff smells awful. It does feel great to have changed it though, for sure. I love the opportunity to scrub things down. I want to detail clean every inch of this truck eventually. It's not bad by any means, but I just love a clean vehicle.

[jodawill]

Alright, it's been a long time since I've provided an update, but I've been very busy with the truck. I started with almost no knowledge on any of this stuff. I've had the truck for a few years, but I've just gotten serious on the restoration about six months ago. I used to hate having to do anything to my vehicles, but I've found that it's actually a lot of fun if you invest in good tools. I bought an Icon 72" roller back in November and I've been filling it up as needed (or as things go on sale!). Now it feels good to have an excuse to play with my tools.

 

I'm not sure if I'll even remember everything I've done, but off the top of my head:

 

1. Replaced the gas springs on the cover
2. Replaced the tailgate bumpers
3. Replaced the foam padding under the cover and thoroughly cleaned the bed (This was the first time in my life I'd ever seen the cover taken off. If I had a place to keep it, I'd love to keep it off more often because it looks cooler.)
4. Replaced the weatherstripping on the driver's side door (This took me an extremely long time and was way more difficult than I ever imagined, probably because I'm just bad at it. So I'm not very motivated to do the second side yet as long as it isn't leaking. My work looked awful and I kept redoing it over and over again until it finally looked right.)
5. Glued the knob back onto the shifter (The teeth had broken off of it many years ago, as I'm sure has happened to just about everyone here.)
6. Replaced the power steering hoses
7. Fixed the driver's side mirror that couldn't be adjusted from inside
8. Put Seafoam in the oil and the gas tank
9. Changed all of the light blubs
10. Replaced the harmonic balancer
11. Rebuilt the steering gear box with new seals (power steering fluid has been leaking like crazy)
12. Replaced the o-rings on the fuel injectors (which had also been leaking)
13. Replaced the pin on the door hinge (Someone had stuck a bolt on there instead with no nut. )
14. Cleaned and glossed the tires
15. Waxed the exterior
16. Installed a 1990 license plate on the front
17. Fixed the upside-down grille.

 

I just finished changing the harmonic balancer last night, so I'm curious to check whether it fixed the issue where I was getting a metallic resonance at exactly 64mph. I haven't gotten it up to that speed yet. It seems to be running a bit smoother, but it's still not running like new. I'm going to try putting Seafoam in the air intake whenever I can get someone to hold the pedal down for me.

 

The serpentine belt has been squealing ever since I took it off. I don't know why it's only doing that now. It's in great condition and I believe the tension is correct. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

 

I noticed last night that the valence is split almost completely in half, so at some point, I'll have to pull it off and weld it together. I'll have to replace the fasteners that hold it on also because they're brittle.

 

I bought some new seatbelts from seatbeltplanet.com a few months ago. I knew that the color wouldn't be a perfect match going into it, but the belts they sent me had THREE different colors of plastic - two different tans and black. It didn't even match itself, let alone the vehicle. So I had to spend $18 on shipping to return them, which was very frustrating. They asked for a photo, then they were like, "Oh yeah, that's normal. Sorry about that."  (If anyone has an original tan center seatbelt, please let me know!)

 

At some point, I'd like to fix the rust on the outside, but it's right under one of the decals, and I don't want to replace them until I'm ready to paint the entire truck, and I have no idea when I'd ever be able to do that.

 

Is there a way to true up the rims so the hub caps will stay on? I still have three of the original hub caps, but I'm afraid to put them back on because it looks like the fourth fell off due to the condition of the rim. Is there anyone out there who does this kind of work, or is it possible to find an identical replacement?

 

Also, is there anyone out there who can repair the original stereo? It won't accept tapes. The spring just pushes them back immediately. And the back light doesn't work. I tried replacing the bulb, but those connections aren't getting power.