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New Jeepster Owner, Lots Of Questions

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by Rambo, Jan 5, 2019.

  1. Jan 5, 2019
    Rambo

    Rambo New Member

    Falls Church, VA
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2018
    Messages:
    5
    Hello all, I belong to lots of other forums where I know something about the subject..not so much here. I’ve read most of the threads on here, and now it’s time to get moving...

    I have just inherited a Jeepster C-101 that is all original, low mileage, with virtually zero rust on it. It hasn’t been run in many years. VIN is 870201710116. From the VIN threads on here, with a 10,116 production number I believe it to be a ‘66. I am open to corrections.

    I don’t have any illusion that it is extremely valuable, but I am wondering about the relative merits of keeping it all original or making reasonable modifications, disc brakes, power steering, etc. I’m open to any other suggestions. I drove it as a kid, long ago, and best I can recall it was the roughest riding thing ever. Don’t know if that’s poor memory, or if something can be done to improve.

    This is already too long. Thanks for reading. I’ll ask more as I progress and hopefully eventually add something to the discussion..
     
  2. Jan 5, 2019
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    Oct 21, 2012
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    2,327
    Welcome from France. Against rough riding, I use a good cushion. A Jeep is fun... enjoy
     
  3. Jan 5, 2019
    Bowbender

    Bowbender I'm workin' on it!

    Northern Minn.
    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2014
    Messages:
    561
    If it's a clean survivor, I would suggest keeping it stock and drive it for a while, then decide if you want to tweak it. By the way, Welcome to the forum. Pictures are always fun.
     
  4. Jan 5, 2019
    TIm E

    TIm E Aggressively average

    NW Arkansas
    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2017
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    683
    Welcome. They are gonna want to see pictures!
     
  5. Jan 5, 2019
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2007
    Messages:
    938
    Welcome from Michigan.
    Pictures please.:watch:
     
  6. Jan 5, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    Welcome. And congrats on the windfall.

    New owners often have a long "wish list" of modifications. Some get lost or discouraged in the complexity and expense. I myself have boxes of parts I never got around to installing.

    I suggest getting to to know and love your vehicle for its natural self. Then after a while you can decide what upgrades are truly important to you. Then do one at a time.
     
    D1RTD0GG, 47v6 and sterlclan like this.
  7. Jan 5, 2019
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Mar 29, 2007
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    Welcome from Ga.
     
  8. Jan 6, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    Feb 21, 2009
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    make it safe(brakes shocks steering components tires exhaust) and drive it any modifications needed/wanted will be easier to spot with knowledge of how it preforms stock. Im guessing it will make you smile plenty in stock form.
     
    47v6, jackdog and Bowbender like this.
  9. Jan 7, 2019
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    What Sterlclan said.
     
  10. Jan 7, 2019
    Rambo

    Rambo New Member

    Falls Church, VA
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2018
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    5
    Actually Walt, it is just outside of Valdosta now...
     
  11. Jan 7, 2019
    Rambo

    Rambo New Member

    Falls Church, VA
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2018
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    5
    I am all for keeping stock...the question I have is whether it would be just as expensive to get the stock brakes in good working order might cost just as much as disc conversion
     
    47v6 likes this.
  12. Jan 7, 2019
    Rambo

    Rambo New Member

    Falls Church, VA
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2018
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    5
    I’ll be going back to Georgia next week and will try to take some photos
     
  13. Jan 7, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    the drum parts aren't terribly expensive .
     
  14. Jan 9, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    When you get to it, pull the drums off and see what you need. Your local automotive machine shop can measure the drums for you and tell you if they can be turned. If you can reuse the drums, you may as well freshen up the original brakes and use up what life they have remaining. I would flush the brake fluid first, before I took them apart. Post up here if you need help assessing what you have. Then price out the parts and decide. 11" drum brakes from a later Jeep are an easy and invisible upgrade, though the backing plates for this conversion are getting more scarce. You have a few options if you decide to upgrade to disks on the front.
     
  15. Jan 9, 2019
    Rambo

    Rambo New Member

    Falls Church, VA
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2018
    Messages:
    5
    Thanks. When I go down to Georgia next week I’ll take a longer, closer look and see what I have got. I know there also used to be a new canvas top for it in a box somewhere if I can find it. That’s the only thing that it obviously needs.
     
  16. Jan 9, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    The stock drum brakes on the Commandos were more than adequate if they are in good shape. My brother had a later bull-nose Commando that got a built Chev 454 swapped in. It was street driven mostly, but went to the 1/8 mile strip many times. It would stop straight and would howl the tires doing so.
    -Donny
     
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