Jeepster Beginnings - Feb 2018
History:
First, some history...I was at an off road show in Dallas back in Feb 2018, and was really impressed with this Jeep. I decided I wanted one! 😁
(Later, I found out that this is Marvin Stammel's Jeep, named "Jeepster McJeepface". He's active on social media, and there are a lot of videos and posts on his Jeep.)
1972 and 1973 look like this, which looks more like a Scout or Early Bronco. 1972-73 are known as the "bullnose".
With the correct parts and some sheetmetal work, you can bolt the earlier hood, grill and fenders to make a 1972/73 look like the earlier model:
Purchase:
I purchased my 1973 Commando a month later in March 2018. I had to get a "bonded title", which in Texas takes 3 years to get a "real" title. So in April 2021, I will officially "own" the vehicle. Before April 2021, I'm not planning to put a lot of expensive parts on it on the slim chance that I never get the title for it.
Over the next few weeks, I got it running and moving under its own power. I was able to get most of the ugly camo paint off with scotchbrite pads.
Plans:
I changed plans several times - considering all of these options
at one time or another:
1) Keep it mostly original and drive it around
- this was going to take a lot of work, time and money, and I would still have a car that drove poorly like a 1973 model.
2) Turn it into a full-blown rock crawler with 40" tires
(like the
first Red jeep above) - I figured this would be too limiting. It
would be great off road, but not be a great street vehicle. The Jeepsters have a nice 104" wheelbase, so it would make a good rock crawler platform.
3) Do a restomod on it and upgrade everything with newer parts and technology:
This is also
a lot of work, time and money, but it should be a fun, reliable
car that I can take anywhere when I'm done.
In the end, I chose #3:
It's really just a shell of a vehicle now, as I've removed all the old stuff that I won't be re-using. I was able to sell:
I think I'm going with this color scheme, but with aluminum wheels. It's "Jeep Empire Blue", used from 1965-71, Paint Code 385 or 399. White convertible or bikini top.
In the end, I chose #3:
It's really just a shell of a vehicle now, as I've removed all the old stuff that I won't be re-using. I was able to sell:
1) the original drivetrain (304 V8, Turbo 400, Dana 20)
2) the "Bullnose" front clip (hood, fenders, grill)
3) front and rear axles (narrow track Dana 30 front and Dana 44 rear)
Restomod Plans:
- Corvette engine
- Chevy 4 speed automatic transmission, 4L65e
- Chevy transfer case, NP241c
- Early Bronco Axles front (Dana 44) and rear (Ford 9") - mostly to get the tires where I want them, but also better strength. Also for better aftermarket part support.
- Fully upgraded coilover suspension front and rear
- Aftermarket Wilwood brakes, so I can stop better
- Aftermarket AC system - it's hot in Texas
- Double DIN radio with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play, etc.
- Leather, power, BMW seats with seat heaters for comfort
- Reasonable 32" tires for a good look, but also decent fuel economy, etc
- Chevy transfer case, NP241c
- Early Bronco Axles front (Dana 44) and rear (Ford 9") - mostly to get the tires where I want them, but also better strength. Also for better aftermarket part support.
- Fully upgraded coilover suspension front and rear
- Aftermarket Wilwood brakes, so I can stop better
- Aftermarket AC system - it's hot in Texas
- Double DIN radio with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play, etc.
- Leather, power, BMW seats with seat heaters for comfort
- Reasonable 32" tires for a good look, but also decent fuel economy, etc
I think I'm going with this color scheme, but with aluminum wheels. It's "Jeep Empire Blue", used from 1965-71, Paint Code 385 or 399. White convertible or bikini top.
