Sasquatch Posted January 1 Share Posted January 1 Last weekend we took a family trip to see aging parents-in-law during which my wife's Dad calls me out of the group to chat. Wanted me to have his old paint truck, a 1989 Jeep Comanche base with 7' bed, tool box, ladder racks, auto trans, Jasper straight 6 engine. It hadn't taken a 3hr trip since he moved to Mtn City, TN over 11 years ago. Last oil change sticker on window was 1/2023. I drove it home yesterday and entertained visions of what it could be and hopefully will become. First things first, it needs a good cleaning. I spent 5+ hours removing all the supplies and paint tools (he did other maintenance work so there were tools of every kind in the box and behind the seat. In every way it evidences a work truck that he's driven for the 30 years I've known him. But it didn't have an issue making the 3 hr road trip. Good engine and transmission that made the trip uneventful as far as concerns about getting it home. There's plenty of work to get started on, including a good inspection of every part of the truck to see what needs work, maintenance or repair. After locking the doors the night before voyage, I awoke to being locked out for an hour, and I wasn't about to break a glass. eventually the latch and cylinder cooperated and let me back in. Hadn't been locked in years, I was told later on. So there's that. Blower fan on the heater didn't work, but it didn't matter. Also a turn lamp on the front end is out but all lights otherwise worked fine. The radio didn't show power but I'll get to that in time. I look forward to this project, and as funds and time become available, I'll share what she's turning into. As for a name, (I'm one to nickname firearms, vehicles, etc.) I haven't settled on one yet. But I have a few in mind. I've already learned much from this site and look forward to gaining from all the knowledge represented here. Thanks again for letting me be a part of this project community. I look forward to sharing progress as I move forward. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted January 1 Share Posted January 1 congrats! looks like a solid truck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted January 1 Share Posted January 1 Congrats and welcome. When you get a chance please post its VIN in the registry for the build sheet. https://comancheclub.com/forum/32-1989/ p.s. I like the name Old Paint for this truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 1 Author Share Posted January 1 PETE M - Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I drove it today to the hardware store and had no issues. It needs a good bit of TLC but is a blessing. I realize in looking through a few threads that others have had much more work to do before the first drive. I'm blessed to have it. fiatslug87 - Thanks for the welcome also. I'll head on over and add the VIN for the build sheet. I looked through a half dozen in that linked page to make sure I was tracking on what you were asking from me. Looks like jdog links a spreadsheet with lots of data. Can you briefly share what that is/means? It seems specific for each vehicle. Sorry, I'm new at this. Thanks! Honorable Mention for the Old Paint. That's a good one I hadn't thought of yet. We'll have to see..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted January 1 Share Posted January 1 @Sasquatch jdog will get information like where it was purchased and the build sheet lists what came on the truck, some information is inaccurate due to Chrysler reusing the codes. There’s also a spreadsheet compiling all the VINs. https://comancheclub.com/topic/62656-vin-registry-list-december-2025-update/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ωhm Posted January 1 Share Posted January 1 Front grille is upside down, needs to be flipped. Welcome to CC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 2 Author Share Posted January 2 2 hours ago, Ωhm said: Front grille is upside down, needs to be flipped. Welcome to CC. Thanks for the welcome and also... Good catch! I wasn't sure if this was a "welcome" to the "new guy" because it would have worked! I am very new to this. But it is upside down! I wasn't convinced by my photos but as soon as I came out to go home I saw the misalignment in the grill and housing for the headlamps. It may have been the engine swap when it came off and went back on like that. Not sure. But according to photos on the web it appears that I'm not the only one running the grille 'downside up' (as I like to say). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ωhm Posted January 2 Share Posted January 2 No joke meant here. But just how do you tell someone their front grille is upside down or downside up without just saying it. We need a pinned TOPIC explaining how something like this can happen. That way it can be tagged and put in the post when this happens. MJ/XJ of the RENIX years have this problem. Two ways to put the same part on. Once again welcome to CC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 2 Author Share Posted January 2 58 minutes ago, Ωhm said: No joke meant here. But just how do you tell someone their front grille is upside down or downside up without just saying it. We need a pinned TOPIC explaining how something like this can happen. That way it can be tagged and put in the post when this happens. MJ/XJ of the RENIX years have this problem. Two ways to put the same part on. Once again welcome to CC. I haven't turned a bolt on the truck yet so I am talking out of my head; but I'm guessing with this grille the bolt holes line up both ways. The obvious 'tell' once I looked closely at it was the misalignment of the grill to the headlight housing. Apparently the grille fits both ways as far as the fasteners are concerned but only one way clearly and exactly aligns with the overall front design. I'll sign your petition and help fight for the proper orientation of Jeep grilles everywhere....... otherwise, we risk having those in violation inexplicably finding that their buddies have seen the grille 'upside down' and assume they are helping by flipping the Jeep back over..... Seriously, thanks again!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 2 Author Share Posted January 2 DAY 1 - Pictures (Interior) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 2 Author Share Posted January 2 DAY 1 - Pictures (Body) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 2 Author Share Posted January 2 DAY 1 - Pictures (Engine/Front Axle) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 2 Author Share Posted January 2 DAY 1 - Pictures (Miscellaneous) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 2 Author Share Posted January 2 17 hours ago, Ωhm said: Front grille is upside down, needs to be flipped. Welcome to CC. Fixed it for ya! Fully prepared to raise the hood and dig around behind the fan and radiator to get it flipped. Nope, 8 screws from the outside. Took less than a minute….. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ωhm Posted January 2 Share Posted January 2 Looks good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 14 Author Share Posted January 14 UPDATE - I took the ladder rack off and removed the toolbox from the bed frame and cleaned out the interior. Doesn't look like much progress but most of my available time has been spent reading articles and researching the Comanche, and a big THANK YOU to everyone here on the forum for the wealth of knowledge. So, here's what I have learned since I brought the truck home. These are the parts that don't work - Wipers; Radio; Horn; Right front turn (probably a bulb - I'll check that) These weird things are happening - The left turn signal indicator (on the instrument panel) lights solid when headlights are running (even when the turn signal is neutral or indicating right turn); Blower/Fan for Heat intermittently works. (worked on the trek from TN briefly but hasn't since) So in my reading I downloaded the article addressing "WIRE GROUNDING" issues with the truck. I'll start there and see what happens. Perhaps you all could chime in and give a few tips or direct my attention in a few specific places. I know how to use the search forum and the articles have been helpful. But for those who might have a quick note or tip I'd appreciate the help. Also - these side mirrors are going. The issue is what mirror came stock with this truck and where can I locate them? Thanks!! I'll do more as I get time. My goals with the truck are obviously get it looking nice (small lift, new rims/tires, paint job and new interior) but before any of that I want to make sure I get everything working properly. Thank you all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 Those are the original mirrors. There were five types of mirrors: "Flag" type that attach to the top of the door "Towing" type that attach to the door like yours and three that attach in front of the triangular window: Power remote Manual remote (joystick inside) Manual non-remote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 14 Author Share Posted January 14 4 hours ago, fiatslug87 said: Those are the original mirrors. Thanks. There are several sets of holes unoccupied in the current door so I didn't know what came on it. There are two open holes between the braces for the mirror that I'm not sure why they are there. I thought maybe another set of side mount mirrors. I'll still remove these mirrors and install a different style for the truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watchamakalit Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 If you remove the tow mirrors (I wouldn't) don't trash them. They are a bit of a rare option. The braces inside the door are a tow mirror option only thing. In fact the braces may be more rare than the mirrors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 15 Author Share Posted January 15 On 1/14/2026 at 6:20 PM, watchamakalit said: If you remove the tow mirrors (I wouldn't) don't trash them. They are a bit of a rare option. The braces inside the door are a tow mirror option only thing. In fact the braces may be more rare than the mirrors. Thanks. I’m still waiting the build info thinking it will give me a bit more information about the truck. I’m still curious as to why there are other holes in the doors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coheed Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 I think the lower holes are where the towing mirrors are supposed to be mounted from the factory. If I had to guess, someone remounted them higher at some point. Here's a picture of them on my truck when I got it and a picture from one of the sales brochures, both of them have the top mount basically in line with the door handle, not up at the top like yours is mounted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 Then there should be another set of holes for the lower mount. Unless these aren't the OEM mirrors and they used only the lower mounting points. @coheedand @Sasquatch what is the distance between the lower mount and the horizontal bracket? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coheed Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 21 hours ago, fiatslug87 said: Then there should be another set of holes for the lower mount. Unless these aren't the OEM mirrors and they used only the lower mounting points. @coheedand @Sasquatch what is the distance between the lower mount and the horizontal bracket? Did some poking around and found this thread that has the measurements I took of my tow mirror doors, another members measurements, and Pete posted some shots of a service manual detailing how to mount them and some measurements. It's hard to tell in the pics, but it looks like maybe @Sasquatch's truck had oem tow mirrors at some point and someone took them off and mounted some aftermarket ones. The top bracket is wider than the lower one, and on the oe ones the brackets are the same width. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted January 20 Author Share Posted January 20 Thanks for the info everyone! I'll get out later this week and do some measuring and update. Busy schedule these days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiNi Beast Posted Sunday at 07:47 PM Share Posted Sunday at 07:47 PM Well I can say you have a great little base to work with. Jasper online you say....ummm curious to what year? I'm here to tag along and enjoy the progress. And I here 2nd the "Old paint" as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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