The eBay Jeepster- Feature Rig

129 1302 01 The Ebay Jeepster Feature Rig Built Jeepster

We know you Jeepster purist are probably firing up angry letters about how this Commando looks more like Jeep Wrangler JK than a Jeepster. For the most part, we will admit that you’re right, but that doesn’t make the Jeep any less impressive. The grill on the Jeep is from a Jeep Wrangler JK and the EVO MFG high-clearance hood and fenders are from the JK product line as well. Going with the new front end not only gave the classic Jeepster an updated look, but it allowed for the low stance and room for the 40-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers on 17x9 ATX Slab beadlocks wheels.

Buying and selling parts is a huge part of the off-road hobby. Rarely does one have the time or funds to go all-in on a $100K do-it-all wheeler right out of the gate. Over the years eBay (www.ebay.com) has made a name for itself as one of the best places to purchase new and used parts. From 2½-ton Rockwell axles to Holley carburetors, you can find just about any piece, part, or complete vehicle you are looking for on eBay. eBay is very aware of its automotive commerce value and decided to form a friendly competition between four of the top automotive magazines: Four Wheeler, Hot Rod, European Car, and Low Rider.

The idea was for each magazine to purchase a project vehicle that was found on eBay, and over the course of eight weeks, build it using parts sourced exclusively from eBay. Once the vehicles were completed, they would be put up for auction (on eBay of course) with all of the proceeds going to the shop owner’s charity of choice. Over the course of the build eBay documented each rigs progression for the “Built from eBay” competition page (www.builtfromebay.com), which allowed viewers to vote on their favorite rig.

129 1302 02 The Ebay Jeepster Feature Rig Stock 1970 Jeepster

Would you like to see how this wussy-white Jeepster got transformed into the badass-black one that you see today? Well, if you are connected to the interweb visit www.builtfromebay.com for complete episodes of the build-off.

Would you like to see how this wussy-white Jeepster got transformed into the badass-black

For the Four Wheeler build, we started with a ’70 Jeepster Commando and hauled the delinquent Jeep to the expert fabricators at Off Road Evolution in Fullerton, California. While we understand that the Jeepster is cherished by many classic Jeep enthusiasts, to us it simply provided a smog-exempt vessel that could be built uninhibited by modern electronic nannies and complex emissions devices. The goal wasn’t to rehash the rig with period-correct styling, but rather to create a great example of a no-holds-barred 4x4 that represents Four Wheeler and our industry well. Over the course of eight weeks, Mel Wade and his band of metal magicians cut, bolted, and morphed the classic Jeepster into an extremely well-built and modern 4x4.

129 1302 03 The Ebay Jeepster Feature Rig Ram Jet 350 V8

Under the hood the original 225ci Buick V-6 engine was tossed in favor of a rip-roaring Ram Jet 350ci. The GM Performance V-8 is a great powerplant for classic rigs as the simple wiring and compact design makes for an easy swap that delivers power levels that rigs of that day couldn’t imagine. A set of Hedman Hedders offers even more rumble, while a custom aluminum radiator works great to keep things cool.

Under the hood the original 225ci Buick V-6 engine was tossed in favor of a rip-roaring Ra

Though eight weeks was the official timetable, the crew actually hammered out the build in nine long working days! In the end their hard work paid off as the Jeepster’s form matched its function. The true icing on the cake was that the Jeepster beat out the competition by raising the most money on the eBay auction. Raking in over $37,000 for the California Trail Users Coalition (www.ctuc.info), it was a great win for all parties involved. The California Trail Users Coalition is dedicated to keeping California Trails open and provides a forum where off-road enthusiasts can learn and participate in OHV land-use issues affecting California.

129 1302 04 The Ebay Jeepster Feature Rig Atlas 2 Transfer Case

Behind the Ram Jet 350ci sits a three-speed TH350 transmission. A TCI 1,200 rpm stall converter helps deliver power, while the Flex-a-lite auxiliary cooler keeps fluid temps in check. Adding to the versatility of the rig is a two-speed Atlas II transfer case from Advance Adapters. The gear-driven T-case is fitted with a 3.0:1 low range ratio, which offers plenty of low-end grunt to crawl in the rocks, and enough wheel-speed potential to make it perform in the sand or mud. J.E. Reel 1350 driveshafts connect the T-case to the axles.

Behind the Ram Jet 350ci sits a three-speed TH350 transmission. A TCI 1,200 rpm stall conv

When asked why Off Road Evolution owner Mel Wade picked the California Trail Users Coalition he replied “For guys like me, off-roading isn’t a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. My family spends our weekends and holidays doing this, but more and more trails are closing. Organizations like the California Trail Users Coalition are working to save the trails, making it possible to do what I love.” Ultimately, we enjoyed being part of such a great experience and can’t say enough about the guys at Off Road Evolution and the great companies that participated with eBay to make the Jeepster become a reality.

Since virtually everything from the tub down was ditched (including the original frame) a new axle set was on the eBay purchase list. Taking care of the front axle needs is a Dynatrac ProRock 60, which is packed with a Detroit Locker and reverse rotation 5.13:1 gearset from Sierra Gear. To help steer the heavy-duty axle, a PSC hydraulic-assist steering setup was installed, along with custom steering links from EVO MFG.
Since virtually everything from the tub down was ditched (including the original frame) a
Under the rear rests a full-float Dynatrac Pro Series 60. Like the front, the rear axle received a Detroit Locker and Sierra Gear 5.13:1 gearset. To control the rear axle, an EVO MFG DD long-arm set was used in conjunction with an EVO-Lever suspension system. The EVO-Lever is a cantilever-style rear suspension, which in this case, uses King coilovers and bypass shocks to allow for 14 inches of wheeltravel. Using the mechanical advantage of the cantilever and adjustment ports of the bypass shocks, the crew at Off Road Evolution was able to finely tune the suspension so it would be smooth enough for the street, but robust enough to take those big hits off-road.
Under the rear rests a full-float Dynatrac Pro Series 60. Like the front, the rear axle re
The interior of the Jeepster is pretty Spartan, which we very much like. Occupant comfort is provided by a set of MasterCraft Safety seats and the spray-in liner from Al’s Liner makes cleaning up after a long trail ride an easy task. The TH350 gated shifter comes from Art Carr, while the twin sticks in the foreground are for the Atlas transfer case.
The interior of the Jeepster is pretty Spartan, which we very much like. Occupant comfort

The ultimate off-road vehicle has to be versatile. This means it needs to excel in more than one off-road arena. To help create the jack-of-all-trades Jeepster Off Road Evolution started with a ’12 Wrangler Unlimited frame and fitted it with an EVO MFG Double ThrowDown front suspension kit. This long-travel suspension system fits both sides of the front framerails with a King coilover and triple-bypass shock. Offering up 14 inches of vertical wheeltravel, the Jeepster can easily stretch its legs and absorb virtually all types of terrain.
The ultimate off-road vehicle has to be versatile. This means it needs to excel in more th
The look and stance of the Jeepster may be pretty radical, and a far departure from the original Commando, but we really dig it. Using parts sourced entirely from eBay, it is pretty amazing to see what type of vehicle you can create. We hope the winning bidder enjoys his new ride and are especially excited to see such a large chunk of change going to the great people at California Trail Users Coalition.
The look and stance of the Jeepster may be pretty radical, and a far departure from the or
The 116-inch Jeep Wrangler Unlimited wheelbase is a big jump from the Jeepster’s original 101-inch wheelbase. To compensate for this, Off Road Evolution crafted a custom set of side panels to finish out the stretched portion of the body. Tucked neatly behind the fullsize spare is a 20-gallon aluminum fuel cell. To finish out the look and function of the Jeepster a 2-inch DOM rollcage was fabricated.
The 116-inch Jeep Wrangler Unlimited wheelbase is a big jump from the Jeepster’s original

At A Glance
General
Owner: One Lucky eBay Bidder
Stomping grounds: Southern California
Vehicle: 1970 Jeepster Commando
Build time: 8 weeks

Drivetrain
Engine: GM Performance Ram Jet 350ci V-8, Hedman Hedders
Transmission: GM TH350, TCI 1,200 rpm stall converter, Flex-a-lite cooler
Transfer case(s): Advance Adapters Atlas II
Low range ratio(s): 3.0:1
Front axle/differential: Dynatrac ProRock 60, disc brakes, Detroit Locker, Dynalock hubs, Sierra Gear 5.13 gears and 1350 yoke
Rear axle/differential: Full-float Dynatrac Pro Series 60, disc brakes, Detroit Locker, Sierra Gear 5.13 gears and 1350 yoke

Suspension
Front suspension: EVO MFG Double ThrowDown long-arm, King coilovers and triple-bypass shocks
Rear suspension: EVO MFG DD long-arm, EVO-Lever rear with King coilovers and bypass shocks
Steering: EVO MFG custom steering links, PSC hydraulic-assist

Wheels/Tires
Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Mud Grappler
Wheels: 17x9 ATX Slab beadlock
Miscellaneous
Armor: EVO MFG front bumper and stinger, custom side panels
Cool stuff: ’12 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited frame, EVO MFG high-clearance hood and fenders, Optima YellowTop battery, Warn 9.5cti winch, Truck-Lite LED headlights, Al’s Liner spray liner, Adart custom graphics, aluminum radiator, Trans-Dapt motor mounts, 20-gal aluminum fuel cell, custom 2-in DOM rollcage, Art Carr shifter, J.E. Reel drivelines, MasterCraft Safety seats and harness