Comanche on Toledo Jeep Plant to Recieve Facelift

The yellow 1987 Jeep Comanche on top of the Toledo Jeep Plant is being temporarily removed in order to update its appearance.

The truck will be updated to look like a 1991 model "with black trim, a new grill, and new black fender flares above the wheels".

Additionally, the Comanche will be repainted white, since the yellow is "an old Renault color" from when Jeep was owned by AMC, and to make the vehicle more visible.

The Comanche has no engine and no interior, to make it lighter.

Source:
Toledo Blade - Jul 13, 1990
Page 19

Former Jeep Comanche Staff Manager becomes President of Kelpie Industries

Paul Cooper was Staff Manager for the release of the Jeep Comanche.  He worked at the Toledo Jeep plant from 1983 to 1988 as Staff Manager, then Facilities Manager.  He became the president of an independent truck company, Kelpie Industries U.S.A., in May 1989.

Source:
Toledo Blade - Jul 13, 1990
Page 19

National Council of Jeep/Eagle Dealers Requests Comanche be Discontinued

Due to lack of sales, the National Council of Jeep/Eagle dealers asked Chrysler to discontinue the Jeep Comanche, and allow them to sell a version of the Dodge Dakota pickup.

Jeep Yearly Sales Numbers - Comanche sales have been highlighted

Source:
Toledo Blade - Jul 2, 1990
Page 20, 21

Recall Issued for Catalytic Converters

Model Year: 1987
Make: Cherokee, Comanche, Wagoneer with 2.5L fuel-injected engine
Problem: Catalytic Converter can overheat and break down
Number vehicles affected: 11,056

Source:
Sarasota Herald-Tribune - May 22, 1990
3A

Jeep will offer four wheel drive Eliminator for 1990

Some analysts believe that 1990 may be a rough year for Jeep, including sales of Cherokee, Comanche, Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer.

Starting in 1990, Jeep will offer a four wheel drive version of the Comanche Eliminator, which was previously two wheel drive.

Source:
Toledo Blade - Sep 12, 1989
Page 24

Three Recalls Issued for Jeep Comanche

Today AMC issued recalls for three issues today.
1) Parking brake pedal could release on a loaded vehicle - 1986 Comanche, 41,073 trucks
2) Assemblies could cause the accelerator cable to disconnect during use - 1986 Comanche, Wagoneer, and Cherokee, 5,900 vehicles
3) A stud on top of the engine manifold could cause fuel hose chafing - 1987 Comanche, Wagoneer, Cherokee w/ 6 cyl Engine, 680 vehicles

Source:
The Free Lance Star - Feb 16, 1987
Page 30

New Smaller Version of Comanche Available for 1987

Two different size Comanches are available for 1987:
113 inch wheelbase with a 6 foot cargo box
119.6 inch wheelbase with a 7 foot cargo box

The V6 Engine is replaced with the I-6, an in-line 6 cylinder engine.

I-4 Specifications:
121 hp @ 5000 RPM
141 ft/lb torque @ 3500 RPM

I-6 Specifications:
173 hp @ 4500 RPM
220 ft/lb torque @ 2500 RPM

A new 4-speed automatic transmission with two modes is introduced:
Comfort mode - conservative and economical shifting
Power mode - Upshift at higher engine RPM, dowshift more rapidly, more sensitive to throttle position

Base model and and Pioneer model available in 6 or 7 foot bed versions.
Chief package for 6 foot bed version only.
Laredo  package for 7 foot bed version only.

Source:
Record-Journal - Feb 15, 1987
F-17