MJ in Norway

[Caspar]

Here is an update on Project Comanche from Norway. The vehicle has been through the periodic vehicle inspection and received a few remarks that must be fixed before it can be registered again. Mostly just minor issues, but the rear axle had been relocated under the springs, and that did not pass inspection.

I have now re-welded the rear axle for correct mounting on top of the springs, and at the same time the rear brakes were gone through. The axle and springs have now been sent for sandblasting and powder coating and should be finished by next week. After that, there shouldn’t be much left before it can be registered.

I have a few questions regarding parts. Possibly these are two of the most difficult parts to obtain? In the EU, we have never had separate side marker lights on vehicles that glow red at the rear and amber at the front. My truck was imported to Norway in 1989 and was probably never delivered from the factory with EU specifications. Therefore, my taillight lenses are painted black on the portion of the lens that faces out toward the side. I think it’s a bit risky to try using paint remover on 35-year-old plastic. But is it even possible to get new tail lights?

I would also really like to have a rear window that opens, but that might be very difficult to find? Is there anyone who can help me with tips on where I might source marker lights and a rear window with an opening?

Otherwise, the truck looks very solid and nice. Apart from the XJ front end, it seems very original and not heavily modified. It has driven 180,000 km, which isn’t very much considering its age. For the last five years it has been deregistered.

I received a remark for rust on the left front brake line. I thought that would be quick to replace—it wasn’t. Out came the lower part of the dashboard, out with the steering column, and out with the steering shaft to access where the line enters the distribution valve after the master cylinder.

Now I’m just waiting for the rear axle and springs, and then I think we’ll soon be out driving the MJ.

[AZJeff]

OEM style tail lights are available on eBay from Key Parts.

 

Aftermarket tail lights with integral LEDs that match OEM appearance are available from Oracle Lighting.  I have these in my MJ, and they are brighter than the OEM style that have incandescent bulbs.

[Eagle_SX4]

2 hours ago, Caspar said:

 

Those tail lights look like they could be saved. Sand off the black paint with increasing grits from about 400 up to 2,000 then use some headlight polishing compound. They will look like new.

 

In the event they can't be saved new ones are available from Key Parts. They are available with black, silver or no trim. https://www.ebay.com/itm/115801642492

 

[garyweb3]

There was a guy on this site that was looking into getting rear slider windows made.