1969 Jeepster Commando Deluxe Model Hardtop -gorgeous Stock Restoration on 2040-cars

1969 Jeepster Commando Deluxe Model Hardtop. It has the Dauntless (Buick) 225 V-6, TH-400 Automatic Transmission, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Dana 27 Front Differential, Dana 44 Rear Differential, both with 3.73 gears. Originally an Arizona vehicle it was restored in 2006 in Texas, sold in 2008 and trucked to its present Oregon location where it’s been garaged since then and used very little. It was a trophy winner at the 2011 Medford, Oregon Cruise Car Show.

 The 18 month detailed restoration was done with the intention to keep the vehicle stock in all ways possible. There were some upgrades that were not stock, but were done with originality in mind and to help with the overall usability of the vehicle.

Engine: prior to restoration the odometer showed 25,268 miles. Due to the condition of the overall drive train and the overall cleanliness and the amount of factory paint on still on the engine, the restorer believes that the mileage is original. Most of the mileage accumulated when it was being towed by a Winnebago. The following was replaced with the correct stock style parts or rebuilt: One-Wire Delco alternator, repainted valve covers and replaced gaskets, repainted oil pan and replaced gasket, all new hoses and clamps, vatted and repainted radiator, new belts, all brackets repainted, new wiring (all matches factory appearances, but used larger gauge and added fusible link at ignition wire from alternator), firewall refinished, degreased engine, new paper element style air cleaner, rebuilt carburetor (factory Rochester 2G), new battery installed this summer. Due to lack of regular use, it starts a little rough, but once it’s warmed up, it runs well.

Suspension and Driveline: During the restoration the frame was blocked and all suspension was removed. The frame was wire brushed and scrubbed and the underbody and frame was then power washed and degreased. Then the frame was painted with POR-15 chassis coat and the underside was coated with 3M undercoating. From there, all the suspension components were disassembled and sandblasted. All leaf springs were re-arched to factory specifications and had one new leaf replaced in the pack to hold the re-arching. All components were painted with POR-15 then re-assembled. Both differentials were disassembled, sandblasted and painted with POR-15. Everything was finished up with new bushings, bolts and seals.

Body, Trim and Top: To complete the body finishing, all components were disassembled. The entire interior was removed, front fenders, windshield frame, hood, front splash apron, tailgate and top. There was minimal rust repair since it was an Arizona vehicle. Where there was quarter size rust spots (the rocker panels, left rear fender well and floor), the areas were completely cut out and new metal was welded in. Afterwards, the entire floor and sidewalls were sanded and sprayed with a two part Herculiner bedliner product. All body seams and door jambs were sandblasted. Since the tailgates were notorious for rust on these vehicles, due to poor weather stripping and assembly, the restorer cut the bottom off the tailgate and took a piece of schedule 40 wall by 1/2 ” diameter pipe with two angle broke pieces of sheet metal welded to the top of it. This was slipped over the remaining tailgate assembly and re-welded. You can now sit two people on the tailgate with no sagging or cracking. The best thing about it is that it looks just like it was original. Then it was professionally prepared and sprayed base coat and clear coat Vintage Gold Metallic (Factory 69 Kaiser Jeepster Commando Color).  The top was completely sandblasted with repair welds and seams sealed and painted the original white color code. Since this is the Commando Deluxe Model is has chrome side window surrounds  and sliding rear windows. All these components were polished. All badges and emblems were polished and the lettering was repainted by hand. All reflectors and lenses were NOS items bought off eBay. Every piece of weather stripping was replaced. The passenger side rear view mirror snapped off its bracket and needs to be reattached or replaced.

Interior: The entire tub was coated with Herculiner which was a great base for sealing all the seams along with providing a bit of sound deadening. Since the Deluxe models had loop style carpet, foil backed jute padding was installed throughout the tub. Then black loop carpet was installed that matched the OEM style for 1969. Also, being the Deluxe model, it has restored fiberglass panels that cover the rear sidewalls. The factory center console was restored and re-installed. The dash and sun visors were dyed and re-installed with no cracks or distortion. All gauges were restored and everything down to the rheostat for the dash lights function properly. Some additional fuses and updated wiring was added under the dash to make the electrical system safer. The original AM radio is in the factory location, but an AM/FM CD player is mounted in the glove box. The speakers are in the factory speaker location in the dash so no cutting anywhere took place. New door panels and seat covers were made to replicate the two pattern factory scheme the Deluxe models had. It all looks new. A small clip that is part of the driver side window crank assembly tends to come undone and might need to be replaced.

Winning bidder to send $500 deposit within 48 hours of auction close via PayPal. Balance of funds accepted by certified funds, cashier’s check or bank wire transfer. There is no warranty expressed or implied with this vehicle. Thanks for looking!