I'm seeing red

[jeepnmike]

Where did you get those doors I like the window frame looks like it would seal up good. Also how did you mount the roof rack. By the way that is one sweet rig.

[Tim]

Thanks for the compliments. The doors are stock. The upper window frames were cut off of a Chevy pickup, re-formed, then grafted onto the Jeepster doors. Four mounts were welded onto the roof to attach the rack to. I'll try to post a pic when I get home Sunday.

[Tim]

I forgot I had these pics on my laptop. You can see the four mounts on the top. The rack bolts to them. The underside of the top was beefed and reinforced with steel plates and flat bar.

[Tim]

Due to concern about transmission temperature, I added a temp gauge to the panel on the far right. After monitoring it around town, I will now be changing to a larger cooler with fans mounted under the passenger side of the floor removing the B&M cooler with fan from under the battery box. Just too hot in the engine compartment for any effective cooling to happen.

[Tim]

Since I installed the tranny temp, I noticed it get up to 230 degrees, not good. In the interest of trying to keep it below 200 degrees, I ordered a larger cooler rated at 40,000 GVW & 45,000 BTU. Also ordered 2 Spal 7.5" pusher fans.

Got the fans mounted to the cooler and installed it under the passenger's side that's free of any exhaust pipe that would add heat. Need to come up with a skid plate for it now.

The old tranny cooler with fan is now mounted under the winch plate and will serve as the new power steering cooler.

[Tim]

I have yet to figure what to do with the old p/s cooler with fan. Perhaps an engine oil cooler. But I really think my vacant real estate that's away from the heat has vanished.

[Red Mistress]

This build definately caught my eye....

Great job Tim,
What a level of quality workmanship and total attention to detail.

Milton (other Red Commando) is thoroughly impressed, I showed him pics, me too - very impressed.

After my Gladiator build is somewhat finished, been thinking of what's next and have been tossing around Willys PU, M715, the more I see, I've been thinking of going Commando.

My wife named my addiction Red Mistress as I spend more time with Jeeps than her.
Joined this site just now to watch what's left of build.

My RM #1
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd17 ... C01042.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd17 ... ure530.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd17 ... 0258-1.jpg

[Tim]

Thanks much. Your Scrambler is also very impressive. I too am doing a build on a pickup. While not technically a Gladiator, (it's a '73 J4000), it's kinda sort-of. The entire drivetrain has been replaced with GM 350/700R4/NP-205/3/4 ton D-44F/14 bolt rear and 6-8" suspension lift. We should compare notes, drop me a pm, if you like.

Below are some pics of the 2006 Reno Raid Milton and I attended. I was in the orange one, "Punkin," which I built for my brother-in-law and delivered it to him at the Raid with new 4" lift/axles/tires, etc.

[Red Mistress]

Yep that's one of Milton's rigs.
He doesn't own / want to own computer.
Neat guy with a variety of Jeeps.

73 J4000 is first year of new dash design as U know. Swap in pre 72 style dash so it matches the Commando.
That longwheel base would make a great tow rig.

Now lets see some more Commando pics.... she's awesome !

[Tim]

Swap in pre 72 style dash so it matches the Commando.

Just so happens I have one of those that will get swapped-in when I get to body and paint phase; however, it won't match my Commando since I've redone that dash too.

That longwheel base would make a great tow rig.

Yep, the plan is to have it capable of towing the Jeepster.

Now lets see some more Commando pics.... she's awesome !

I still have a few clean-up items left on it, then need to do the interior. Will post progress when it happens.