New To Commandos, Just Looking

Hello all.

Currently have a '67 CJ-5 in pretty bad condition and trying to just get it running and possibly upgrade to something Jeep, but maybe a bit more room.

My question is this, I know the second series Jeepster/Commandos came in different roof styles, open roof, rag top, pickup and hardtop. I may have that wrong, but please fill me in if I'm wrong. "IF" I found a rag top and wanted to put a hardtop on it, can that be done? I've seen hardtops without any back side windows, just the door glass. Rag tops have quarter windows I believe.

Just thought I would ask a true knowledge base rather than trying to get info from a Google search and get wrong information.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving all...

Dan

 

The convertible Commandos are a lot more valuable than the regular version. I wouldn't want to change one even if it could be done.
You're correct about the convertible version having quarter windows, they also have different door windows.

 

Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted to know.

I have a line on this '67 here in MI and it does run, but how much work it needs is not known to me yet. Going to take a look at it next week.

I also have one locally pop up that's a '51 2wd. I REALLY want a 4x4 and love the looks and the slightly more room of the Jeepster/Commandos. I know it would be a sin to chop up a 2wd to convert to a 4x4, but I'm sure many have been done. Not much room in the center of the frame with the X member connecting the frame rails. But cross members can be fabbed and a nice Dauntless can be dropped in I would imagine.

The '51 is a rolling project without any motor/trans in it and at some point many years ago it had been setup with a TH-350 and SBC for power. Those have been long gone and there's no top bows of any type at this point, or interior for that matter. He's supposed to be getting back with me about floor board condition etc, but no pictures yet.

So would I be doing the ole '51 a true disservice by converting to a mild offroader 4x4?

Thanks and hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

Dan

 

51 is the old style Jeepster...I honestly don't know much about them other than they are all 2WD (stock)
The 67-73 Jeepster Commando is 4x4 and shares a lot of parts with the CJ series.

 

The early VJ Jeepsters were only 2wd and have a fabricated chassis, as in made of pressed sheet metal. They also have a transverse leaf spring planar front suspension. This chassis is not recommended for modifying to street rod or 4wd use.
A 4wd Willys Wagon frame (C channel) is a good foundation for a 4wd version of the early Jeepsters if that is what you intend on building.
The later Kaiser C101 Jeepsters and Commandos came in several variations, both 4 cyl and V6. One of the more rare versions is the Convertible with retractible rear quarter windows. Some of these have a “turtle deck” adjoining the tailgate. Because of the rarity, I would not recommend modifying this version too far from original stock. Regular Jeepsters and Commandos could have full soft tops, full hard tops, and half hard tops, and are usually 4wd. All of the hard tops unbolt making an open or soft top option without much modification.
The AMC era Jeepsters (‘72-up) have longer front sheetmetal and are known as the “Bullnose” from the squared off shape.
-Donny

 

Just a thought for you...be sure to sit in & drive a Commando before you buy it. The interior space of these things really doesnt work if you're average height or taller. I have a Commando & I'm thinking about selling it because I'm 6' tall & my knees hit the steering wheel & turn signal when using the clutch & brakes.

 

I'm 6'-1" and fit fine behind my bull nose.

 

I used to have a ‘68 commando and added a 8 point roll cage to the frame. Cheated a bit by mounting the suspension seats to the cage - no issue with my height 6-2 in driving. (Saginaw steering, 4 wheel discs, Dana30, Ford 9” and detroit locker rear, muncie 465, np205, etc)
Miss the extra room of the commando in my current M38A1
Dennis

 

Maybe they changed something between 70 and 72. My left knee hits the turn signal stalk when operating the clutch and my right knee is up close to the steering wheel spokes when I apply the brakes. I've thought about modifying the seat to go back further but it already is difficult to roll down the LR window because the drivers seat is so close, any further back and it will be totally inaccessible.
If I keep it, it'll probably get an aftermarket tilt column and smaller steering wheel.

 

I have a 67 Comando and I'm 6'2". Yes my knees hit so I drilled the floor and moved the seat back 1 1/2" or so. What a difference.

 

I wish i could do that with mine.

 

I know a bit more about the Jeep I'm going to look at this week. It runs!

The VIN is 8705 H16 16609

It has a pretty good looking hard top that appears to be metal. Were they metal or fiberglass? The rear wheel wells have been cut out and just lined with flat stock sticking out straight about 3" all around the radius, an easy fix to make it look nice again. He says the floors need replaced/repaired etc. It has the 225" with a 3-speed, probably the T-90 like in my '67 CJ-5 F-134. Not sure of the axle ratio. What were available or stock/optional in the '67 with the 225 Dauntless?

Can the full hardtop be taken off and a folding rag top be installed?

Thanks again, Dan

 

Full tops are steel.
Rear wheel openings on these are pretty small, so hackery for larger tires is common.
The trans is not a T90, it should be either a T86 or T14.
Soft tops are available for them.