1969 Jeepster Commando: Old-School Cool, New-School Bits

When Bill Atterbury first spotted this 1969 Jeepster Commando in 2019 it was in far different condition than it is today. The rig sat for sale in Ohio, mostly stock, wearing tan paint and Mudstar mud-terrain tires. Bill wanted the Jeep, which appeared to be in very good condition for its age, but then life got in the way. However, in a surprise turn of events, he was able to purchase the rig three years later in October 2022. The purchase marked Bill’s eighth Jeep and kicked off an in-depth build that breathed new life into the vintage and rare machine.

Bill learned from the previous owner that the Jeepster Commando had spent time in Texas and Florida before ending up in Ohio, which explains its better-than-average condition. He teamed up with Charles Widemire and Keith DeWitt at Motorwerks Imports LTD in Painesville, Ohio, for a few upgrades. Like many builds, one thing led to another, and soon the Jeepster Commando was deep into a full restoration packed with unique features. The result is the stunning rig you see here.

GM 5.3-Liter LS V8

Under the hood sits a GM 5.3-liter LS V8 that replaces the stock Dauntless 225-cubic-inch V6. The 5.3 came from a 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500 that had succumbed to a broken frame. It now breathes through a custom dual exhaust with 2.5-inch-diameter pipes and Summit Racing-sourced mufflers. A custom four-core radiator and a Flex-A-Lite electric pusher fan keep temps in check. To make the swap work, the front of the Jeepster’s frame was widened from the firewall forward, and the front crossmember was relocated to clear the crank pulley and the custom steering system.

During disassembly, it was found that the wiring had been hacked over the years, and not in a good way. The Jeepster had no fuse box and relied on a single 30-amp circuit breaker for the entire rig. The fix was a complete replacement with a new wiring system from Painless Performance.

4L65E And NP265

The Jeepster Commando’s transmission and transfer case were pulled from the same Silverado that donated the LS engine. The setup includes a 4L65E four-speed automatic and an NP265 two-speed transfer case. Together, they replace the Jeepster’s factory three-speed manual transmission and Dana 20 T-case.

Axle Upgrade, Cable-Actuated Front Axle Disconnect

The Jeepster Commando rides on axles sourced from a local seller. Up front is a Dana 35, and out back is a Dana 44. The Dana 35’s vacuum-operated axle disconnect was swapped for a cable-actuated system, and the rear axle carries a limited-slip differential. Both axles turn 4.10:1 gears.

Custom Leaf-Spring Suspension, 33s

The Jeepster rolls on a leaf-spring suspension with springs built by Euclid Spring. They sit on custom perches with extended shackles, and Rancho shocks handle damping at all four corners. The rear shocks were moved behind the axle to improve ride quality and handling. Up front, the custom steering system uses 1-inch-diameter, 0.125-inch-wall tubing fitted with Heim joints.

SFJ4x4-sourced D-window wheels wear LT285/75R16 Falken Wildpeak M/Ts that measure 33 inches tall.

Vintage Interior Spiced Up With Modern Bits

Inside, the Jeepster is a combination of vintage and cutting-edge modern. For example, the factory dash has been reworked, and to the right of the factory switches is an Intellitronix LED digital gauge panel. Down the middle is a custom-designed center console. It houses the transmission shifter, the vehicle’s push-button start button (the rig is also fitted with remote start), a wireless charging system for cell phones, and a pair of cupholders.

There are many other interior modifications, including Corbeau seats, a rollcage, a Bluetooth audio system, and second-row cupholders and armrests. Additionally, custom “duck boards” were designed and built for the front seat passengers and rear cargo area. These cedar pieces act as a barrier to keep muddy or wet footwear or gear from contacting the Jeepster’s body tub.

Custom Bumpers, Fender Flares, Step Bars, And More

The Jeepster Commando was built to feel at home on- or off-road. Its sun- and rain-repelling custom safari top started life as the factory steel roof and is now lined with a bamboo headliner. Wrangler bumpers were adapted to fit the Jeepster, each fitted with a pair of shackle mounts, and the front bumper carries a Harbor Freight Badland 12,000-pound-capacity winch. Other exterior upgrades include custom fender flares, step bars, LED headlights, and a custom 2-inch hitch receiver.

Dedicated To Chris Atterbury

Bill’s 1969 Jeepster Commando is a one-of-a-kind machine that seamlessly combines modern features with vintage style. Bill has dedicated the build to his late brother, Chris, who was the catalyst for the project.

Photos by Ken Brubaker, Keith DeWitt, and Bill Atterbury