Bare paint isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (as nobody says anymore), but it shows the originality of this 1970 Jeepster Commando to me and I really like original vehicles. The wheels aren’t original, of course. I just thought I’d mention that before someone else does. Grand Junction, Colorado is a perfect place for this Jeepster and the only better place would be in our garage. Thanks to T.J. for the tip!
I’m such a weirdo that I would much rather have original-style tires and rims/wheels on this Jeepster, yes, with the original wheel covers. I know that some sort of chrome or aluminum wheels are probably better as you aren’t always losing wheel covers, but I really like the look of the original wheel covers. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t change anything about the exterior of this Jeepster, at least for now.
They were made from 1966 through 1973 and this is the first iteration (C101) with what I consider the classic Jeep, or Jeepster, grille. The C104 model that appeared for the 1972 and ’73 model years had a full-width grille. You can see how incredibly solid this Jeepster looks in the many photos the seller has provided, even a few underside shots. Look at those original rocker panels, incredible! They have provided a nice video here on YouTube.
Colorado isn’t without its issues, however, whether they have a big problem with salty roads or not. They do have lots of dry heat and lots and lots (and lots) of rodents. I don’t know which one is responsible for the condition of the seats, I’m assuming the heat and sun because the padded dash is cracked. All in all, the interior looks great to me, all of those things are fixable. And everything else appears to be in solid original condition, even the rear cargo area, which seems to be missing the spare tire.
The seller refers to this as an inline six, but it is, of course, a Buick-sourced Dauntless 225-cu.in. OHV V6, which was factory-rated at 160 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque when new. It sends power through a Borg-Warner T86 three-speed manual to a transfer case and all four wheels as needed. This engine runs when it wants to but they haven’t found a shop that can troubleshoot it so they’re selling it here on craigslist in Grand Junction, Colorado. They’re asking $9,500 and here is the original listing. They say it needs carb work and if that’s the case, it should be a fairly easy fix. Any thoughts on this Jeepster?
I like both styles of Commandos.
The C-101 is the Jeepster, built on an CJ-6 frame. The C-104 was the short lived Jeep (AMC version) with a 3” stretched frame to fit the AMC inline.
While I prefer the AMC Hurricane inline 6, the Buick 231 or 252 even-fire V6s can be swapped into an C101 and the Buick 350 will fit. Having seen a YJ with a C101 front end on it, I’d bet a 4.0 liter inline, with its offset water pump, could also fit in the C101.
Love Commandos,Howard do your thing
Great looking seldom seen vehicle. Natural paint and upholstery, haha. I like a truck that drives like one. Imagine the shift throws on that three speed :p
I hope the staff has the site “hittin’ on all 6” again, rarely can I add much to the authors posts, he does his homework. I liked the Jeepster/Commando too, but it remained the answer to the question nobody asked. If people wanted a Jeep, it was most always a CJ for utilitarian purposes. Not many thought of a friendlier Jeep, what’s the point? These were about $3822 new, and almost $500 more than a Bronco. These Commandos remain the rarest of all Jeeps produced, with only about 60,000 made in its run. I think this too needs an automatic, even though there’s still enough of us “shifty” folks,,,for now, but the future will have no place for a manual trans. I all but guarantee, someone showing up in their new Rubicon, looking for an “old” Jeep for junior, thinking, how different could it be? 3 pedals,,,SURPRISE, as they run back to their Rubycon slinging a ton of dust in the air,,,,in drive,,,after relogging into the Jeeps mainframe computer,,,it wondering where you’ve been,,,okay, too far, I guess time will tell, huh.
Uhhuum…Howie, as the owner of a Rubicon, I started driving through dirt roads in Ky in around 1974 in my uncles 56 Chevy truck with 261 Cu in 6 banger with 3 on the tree. Had a 65 Impala 396 4 sp. and a 67 Camaro 327 L79 with Muncie Rock crusher 4 spd (should’ve kept those) Just because you see someone driving a newer version of an older design doesn’t mean they’re all softies. Some of them / us enjoy driving to the mountains or the keys with plenty of cargo space and peace of mind you will likely make it back home without a tow or not have to say a small prayer to make it over a hill!
That same uncle had a red 49 Willys Jeepster. He and my dad ran around in it back in the 50’s. Uncle Tommy, who is 94 is still with us and still runs Automotive Parts And Shop on East Main St in Glasgow, Ky. My cousin Mark, his son, operates the store. We lost Dad back in 05 of a heart attack.
Well, Cooter, if that is your real name, I don’t mind interaction, and we have a few “Howies” here, but I don’t go by that name here and almost said as an admonishment. As if “Howie” is less credible than “Howard”. I wholeheartedly disagree, most new Jeep owners couldn’t tell you the front from the back. They know nothing of its origin, and bought solely for its retro looks, nothing more. I take strong offense to the “make it back home” part. If Jeeps didn’t get your old man home, you wouldn’t be here.
Didn’t mean to push your hot button, as I assume many names used here are fictitious as is mine. If I recall you have gone by a different name here in the past. How do I know if the one you currently use is real? I enjoy the company and the comments here and try not get offended, but I too took admonishment to the term “Rubycon” as if it were a female driven vehicle that I happen to own. Did you expect Jeep to halt making their product after you purchased yours because it was the greatest model ever built? If you were such a soldier of the product, you would love all models. I have seen people take these female models as you call them, and create some pretty radical machines. You can get one with a Hemi from the factory now. What’s not to appreciate about that, Howard?
mine’s a 71 225 T400–body still pretty good, got new floors in front had 75k on it when I got it, 115K now!! Daily driver, nobody but “real” Jeep folks know what it is! 4″ lift w/new springs, new brakes(power), P/S, adding A/C, I have a ball with it!!
Jeep is cool 😎 to say the least. Not many left. Three pedal only way to go in my opinion. I drove 5 axle rigs most of my life
So u know what camp im in. It’s always interesting to see other jeeps that are not wranglers and all jacked up. Buy this get carburetor fixed and enjoy! That motor is a good reliable product. Good luck to buyer and seller. Remember its the miles not the age that catches up to us lol 😂
Put a Holley Sniper injection on it and it will be perfect.
Bought a ‘71 many yrs ago. It had been rattle canned camo, looked like the devil. Kinda noticed after a while it looked like it had been original white. Then, noticed some red and blue stripes in odd places. Yes, it was a Hurst Edition, some stuff there, some gone. Dang, that was one that should have been a keeper!
I prefer this gen 1 as its 4WD (Jeepster wuz 2WD). This would B a fun project for me. I like them finished in one color (not 2 tone) and 1 inch BL, 2.5 inch SL. Best, I’d love to see what the 225 could do under my tune. I kinda like the 104’s looks but some say that killed the model. At anyrate glad they brought it back (& in 4WD) low those 16 yrs later.
Got to side with Howard/HOA, most new Jeep owners are more worried about putting Rubber Ducks on the dash than anything else,how many you got on that Rubi Cooter?? Please answer..
I did answer and one of you turned into teachers pet and turned me in! Got a good laugh outta that! I’d like to sit at a bar with you 2 and see if those bulldog mouths can backup those puppydog a$$es! You’re trying to bully the wrong one. I even complimented Howard’s Jeep earlier in this thread. Then he disrespected mine and my deceased Father calling him “old man”. So go ahead and turn me in again. You must be some really miserable guys, but You’re not fooling me!
Number of ducks please?