Don't know anybody in San Diego, at least not that I know of.
For top quality engine work, like rebuiding etc., the best of the best is Superior Automotive Engineering in Anaheim. His specialty is high performance stuff. He can do the conversion from auto to manual too, best way is you get the parts first, swing pedal, cable, etc. He's very pricey though, but the best. No body work, but he can probably recommend somewhere. He does not specialize in Jeeps, he just makes everything run right.
If you've followed Hot Rod, Drive, or MOPAR magazines very long, you've seen many articles about him, Joe Jill.
That's where I've been setting up his engine dyno - it's almost ready to rip.
Try www.superiorautomotive.com (714) 503-1880

Alternate choice would be Harvey's Complete Jeep in Huntington Beach. Ask for Milt, he doesn't know me by name, just by sight (hides when he sees me.) Pricey too. They aren't a machine shop though, mainly repair, can do the tranny swap no problem.

98% is Understanding it
"Don't Fix Unless Broke"

 

Try it yourself man! What do you have to lose? Buy a compressor and some inexpensive body tools. The mechanical stuff is just finding and changing out parts. Unless you get into internal motor and tranny stuff, it's just bolting on.
RQ

PROUD! member of the EASTERN CHAPTER!

 

Agreed totally.

Can't say it's yours unless you did it. Blood stains on the floor, bruises on the fingers give you the claiming right.

Anybody can pay someone to do it.

98% is Understanding it
"Don't Fix Unless Broke"

 

Boy I'll second...no wait...third that! I turn a wrench for a living and hate it because theres no challenge. Now this is a whole different story. I'm looking for a project now and will be on my way to air ride suspension 35-38.5 tires bobbed rear etc etc etc. the point being dont be afraid to mess with things unless its a daily driver. With all the possibilities take your time and have some fun. Jeepchick is all for it and looks forward to having fun with it...but no hurry...which means its better than BK I get it MY way......

GO FOR IT

Not new to wheeling but relatively new to Jeeps
It.s a Jeep thing, now I understand

 

RQ,

Interesting thought. I am doing the engine myself (with the exception of having it bored out. I have had it in my mind that the manual conversion was probably above my capabilities. I have been scared off by people talking about balancing etc. I am certainly not scared off by getting dirty or loosing some skin, I just don't want to end up with an unsafe Jeepster, or one that self destructs after a few thousand miles.

Is it really realistic for me to try to do the switch myself? The body stuff, I am probably much more willing to do myself, it's not a safety issue.

Rich, thanks for the contacts, not sure if I will use them or not.

Paul

 

Hey psaam I can get you in touch with a good body shop in Diego. They do good work.
The owner is a good friend of one of my friends. Ill get the number for ya. I would also
go for working on it yourself. If your doin a rebuild, you can do a tranny conversion.
Hardest part would be rounding up the parts.

71 Jeepster Commando Hardtop. 3" Alcans, add-a-leafs& shackles, Rancho 5000,
31x10.50x15s on 15x7s, 225,T-400

 

As far as the balancing goes, if you are taking the engine apart, get it all balanced together with the flywheel. Joe does it.

98% is Understanding it
"Don't Fix Unless Broke"

 

Man if you're doing the engine, you can do the rest. I've noticed guy on this board have done or thought of most of the conversions/additions/modifications there are. So when the question pops up...ask...You will most definitely get an answer, and from what I've noticed just lurking, you'll probably get a schematic too!!!/wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif

Not new to wheeling but relatively new to Jeeps
It.s a Jeep thing, now I understand