Commando differences

I am going to look at a 1972 parts jeepster for my 1971 project. Other than the bullnose front clip what are the major differences? Is the tub, top, doors and etc. the same? One spec sheet I looked at shows a wheelbase difference so are the frames the same? The one I am going to look at is a SC2 with a V8 and A/T is that rare? Thanks

 

Frames are significantly different from the firewall forward due to longer wheelbase (104" vs 101") and redesign for steering changes and the new front axle.

if you need a tub, top and doors, the '72 should be close enough to make work.

A V8/AT combo is not rare. I don't know what you mean by SC2. The only really "rare" bullnose, AFAIK, is the true convertible.

The degree of change is about the same as the changes made for the Intermediate CJs in 1975. The Jeepster already used a centered rear flanged 44, and the Dana 20, so that does not need to change. But engines, transmissions, front axle, steering, steering column, brakes, and some interior bits change, IIRC.

 

Thanks for the info. The one I was looking at is this one http://scranton.craigslist.org/pts/5108366765.html not sure why it says SC-2 on the side. Probably will pass based on your info. All I could use is the rear hatch not worth the trip or price to me. Will all years rear hatches interchange?

 

Apparently SC-2 was a Jeep Corp package that's "Super Commando 2." There was also a SC-1, which may have had some connection to the rare Hurst Jeepsters. Jeepster lore is not my strongest subject ... but I expect the value of the SC-2 package will depend on the buyer, and the condition of the Jeep.

Pretty sure the rear hatches will interchange. I don't see why they would not. Hang on an someone may confirm.

 

Not many major differences in the tubs. Biggest being how the hood mounts. BN use conventional car type hinges so no provision fo Jeepster style. The kick up at the rear just in front of the rear seat is a little further set back, nothing to worry about. Wheel wells are not straight up like the Jeepster, they're at an angle. Just allows a little more elbow room for the rear passengers.
Doors, rear hatch, hardtop all interchange. The arm rests on the doors are in a slightly different location and the BN uses different door lock cylinders. Windshield frame will interchange but the defrost openings are slightly larger. Again not a problem, bolts right on. Only other big thing I can think of off hand is the mounting for the emergency brake. BN uses the foot operated pedal
SC from what I've heard over the years was for Sport Commando. Marketing more than anything. Like most things Jeepster Commando related nobody really knows how many of the SC-1 or the SC-2 were produced so no way to determine how rare either is but they are quite rare. No affiliation with the Hurst Edition which we do have quite a bit of information on. As for a true convertible Commando you would be very hard pressed to find one since they never made them. Although, I have heard of one which was apparently special ordered by some guy who worked for Jeep in California. The guy who owns Partsdude4x4, Don Fletcher has seen it and may have owned it at one time. If I recall the story it has gone to Jeep heaven and is no more.

 

I worked for Brian Chuchua in 1974, and his wife Kirsten's car was a Canary Yellow or Daisy Yellow bullnose convertible. I recall this distinctly because I sometimes ran parts in it. This was a true convertible; no mistake, since it had a white convertible top, and the white ribbed filler above the tailgate. I don't think it had a continental kit, though it could have. AFAIK it was a production Jeepster, not put together from service parts.*

Could this be the same car?

*Brian could have done that, and he built many non-production vehicles from factory parts - 401 CJ-5s, TH400 CJ-6s, Buick V8 Jeepsters, etc. He also had a lot of juice with the factory, so i expect he could have ordered it special if he wanted it.

 

That might be the one, the Daisy Yellow rings a bell.

 

How about a 1968 versus a 1971 frame. I know the steering mounts are different but other than that would they interchange?

 

My 71 has the same WB as both the 67 and the 68. A 71 frame is more desirable due to the Saginaw steering versus the Ross, just need the proper left exhaust manifold to make it work on the earlier models.

 

I can get a rust free frame from a 68 to replace my 71 frame. I guess what I'm asking is will there be any problems? My 71 frame is repairable and was trying to figure which route to go.

 

Front spring mounts would be the biggest problem due to the different width springs but not that big of a deal. Left engine mount you could swap over from the 71 frame. You could notch the engine mount that's there to clear the steering shaft, that's entirely up to you. The frame will have to be drilled for the Saginaw mount and the frame re-enforced in whatever way suits your fancy.

 

Repairing a frame, IMPO, is easier than replacing the frame.

 

I am going to repair. Mine is not that bad and I have ideas about strengthening it. I had a 1968 frame given to me and wanted to know what the differences were. Now all I need is the back hatch and I will have all the major components for this winters build.

 

Will a Dana 30 front axle from a 74 CJ5 be a direct replacement for my closed knuckle Dana 27 on my 71 Commando as long as the gear ratios are the same?

 

Yup. Spring plates are different due to the larger axle tubes on the 30. Can't remember if I used CJ or 72/73 Commando on my 71.

 

I am going to look at the D30 today and it comes with a flanged D44 rear. If I weld new spring perches in the correct positions on the D44 would it interchange? It is from a narrow track CJ5.

 

Shouldn't need new spring perches. I'm running a rear 20 from a 78 Cj in my 73, bolted right up.

 

Just wondering because I measured the D44 that came from a 74 CJ5 in my 3A and the perches are about 29" outside to outside. On the D44 in the Commando the perches are 38" outside to outside. The rear springs are outside the frame which would account for the width difference. Am I missing something?

 

The CJ frame changes from 1976 on. Instead of being parallel all the way to the rear, it widens midway to place the spring pads at the same width as the outboarded springs of the Commando - apparently.

That's why the CJ Corporate 20 from '76 on will work without change. The CJ Dana 44 from '75 or earlier will need the pads relocated outwards.