Well, this has been on the back burner for a long time. I have waited and waited for a damn model of a TJ (97-06) Jeep Wrangler, but no one has come through. All that seems to be out there is a lame @$$ Daisy Duke Jeep, and this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/JeepCJTJ005.jpg

So, I thought, what if I could make this into a TJ?! Any Jeep fans know that the basic body has been the same for many years. So, here is what I am after, and it is my 1:1. But, I have many more ideas in mind.

Here is mine currently:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Wheels-Bl-MML029.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Wheels-Bl-MML028.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Slaughter045-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Slaughter032.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Slaughter013-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Picture20061.jpg
She wasn't even close to rolling!!! But still puckers you up!

Now, my ideal Jeep will be mine with an Atlas transfer case, a Hemi, a Rubicon Express 5.5 lift with 4 inch springs, ARB's in both axles, Poison Spyder Rock flares, LoD bumpers, 37's and many more goodies. Since I can't afford that now (models sap all of my money) I will build mine.

So, what to do?

Well, as any Jeeper knows, the suspension is first and foremost, then comes the rest to make it work.

First off, the CJ has flares and sideskirts that look nothing like a TJ, those were hacked off:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/JeepCJTJ001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/JeepCJTJ003.jpg
Then the sides were filled with putty to fill in the saw cuts:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/JeepCJTJ006.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/JeepCJTJ008.jpg
Now, the frame has been the same for almost 35 years or so. I put the stock axles on it to see what I had:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/JeepCJTJ009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/JeepCJTJ011.jpg
I laughed at the degree of detail as these axles suck bad! I have a Dana 44 up front, and an AMC 20 in the rear. LOL The 44 is great, and will go in the rear. The other one gets the trash pile like a real one:

Last fall I got careless and decided to build my own lift, and it was a great idea at the time:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/JeepCJTJ015.jpg
So, I made some some makeshift arm attachments for the chassis to replace the leaf spring frame connections. I have a coiled suspension, so leafes weer out of the question.
I marked the chassis:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/JeepCJTJ017.jpg
Here is what I was thinking:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/JeepCJTJ018.jpg
That sucked because it is in no way reasonable. The arms need to connect to the skid plate under the transfer case/transmission. So, I thought more clearly.

This has to go by the way, completely inaccurate for my style Jeep:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-27.jpg

Here are the sides of the tub like I need, then I can add my own version of tube fenders for this beast:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-28.jpg

I want a RE lift, and it comes with a remade skid plate that comes in 5 pieces.

So, I went to the source and found what I needed to create one of the most, if not the most important part on a Jeep's suspension - the transfer case skid.

Rubicon Express makes one of the best lifts for Jeeps period. They are often copied and not easily duplicated. So, I looked at there 5.5 lift kit system:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/parts.jpg
Their skid is a 5-piece part:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Crossmember.jpg

I spent hours trying to figure out how to build this in scale and came up with these pieces. The Revell CJ skid plate is the reference:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-29.jpg

After 3 hours of playing with Tenax and styrene, I got this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-30.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-31.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-32.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-33.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-34.jpg

This has all of the correct angles for the arms/heim joints. And, it looks like the original and is great!

Now, all I need to do is scratch build a straight six, make these:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/LEDs014.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Flares2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Flares.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/LoD-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/LoD-18.jpg

I also have to convert the kits "d" window rims to Soft 8's like mine. The hardtop is far from modern, and the roll bar has to be scratch. There will be a custom exhaust as well. Wow, hope I covered it all. I probably didn't, but it all will come out sooner or later.

That and about 1000 other things to correct to get a modern Jeep out of this 77. Probably will be slow as the Ferraris are always taking my time. That damn F430 has drained me and this was a nice change.

Progress should be slow as I have a lot coming up. Hope you all like it.

Wow! This is a very ambitious project. I'll be following this with interest because my nephew has one lifted like yours!

I'll be following for sure! You are off to a good start and I'm looking forward to some serious scratch building. Keep us posted!

very impressive work!

i like what you're doing to it... it's gonna get messy!


also, check on the ebay if you can find a tammy jeep, it might contain some interesting pieces?

oli

Great job and research behind: bravo!!! I'm tuned for more. I'll like to see a model in a "realistic action sunpensions set-up" like in your photos. Dammn I need a place like those for my RC bigfoot LOL!!!

Pegasus Hobbies makes the Soft 8's I will have to look up the number for them as I have a set at home but I'm at work now.

i am going to have to pay attention to this!

Lookin good so far:)
Wasn't the metal body Tomb Raider jeep a TJ?
http://i6.ebayimg.com/02/i/07/9e/d6/ae_1_b.JPG
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a35/blubaja03/rubicon3.jpg

very impressive work!

i like what you're doing to it... it's gonna get messy!


also, check on the ebay if you can find a tammy jeep, it might contain some interesting pieces?

oli
I have seen that Jeep before, but it is again a leaf sprung YJ, like a CJ almost except for the headlights and some other do-dads. Might be easier, but I have already decided to suffer eith this one?!
Great job and research behind: bravo!!! I'm tuned for more. I'll like to see a model in a "realistic action sunpensions set-up" like in your photos. Dammn I need a place like those for my RC bigfoot LOL!!!
I will indeed make this Jeep flexed out in the end. With this lift in real life, a Jeep can get over almost anything!!!
I did the RC thing for 12 years, but Colorado Springs has fads that die after they come around. So, I have nowhere to really race competitively.
Pegasus Hobbies makes the Soft 8's I will have to look up the number for them as I have a set at home but I'm at work now.
WHAT?! That is great, if you have time to find the link I would REALLY appreciate it!
Lookin good so far:)
Wasn't the metal body Tomb Raider jeep a TJ?
http://i6.ebayimg.com/02/i/07/9e/d6/ae_1_b.JPG
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a35/blubaja03/rubicon3.jpg
Yes indeed it was, but this is more of a "I think I can build." I have not built much scratch, but I am excited to try!!! I will have a lot put into this so I figured I might as well be all plastic. Gluten for punishment I guess, lol.

Thanks for all of the kind words all. I know this might take a while, but I am ready!!! LOL

Looking good Jon. Looks like you got the Jeep mechanic interested. I was getting worried right off the bat, TJ's have coils but you mentioned that later on in the post. The Tamiya YJ is a YJ which had square headlights and the TJ went back to round like the CJ's. Nice looking ride you got there. The rock crawler I told you about looks sort of like that red one you posted, only a little more extreme. Keep up the great scratchbuilding.

Mike

Awesome work! :bigthumb:
One more guy that scratchbuild stuff to achieve a car that he likes a lot!! Welcome to teh team! :p

Looking good Jon. Looks like you got the Jeep mechanic interested. I was getting worried right off the bat, TJ's have coils but you mentioned that later on in the post. The Tamiya YJ is a YJ which had square headlights and the TJ went back to round like the CJ's. Nice looking ride you got there. The rock crawler I told you about looks sort of like that red one you posted, only a little more extreme. Keep up the great scratchbuilding.

Mike

Hey Mike. I may not be a certified Jeep mechanic, but I live, eat, sleep, and breath them! I used to have a list that went: Jeep, woman, hobbies. Now though it is Fiancee/Jeep, school, hobbies. My woman and I go wheeling all of the time. I can't get enough! I love Jeeps!

Don't worry, it will be coil sprung. No leafs for me ever!!! I have great plans! Wait until my update today, I have made huge progress on the body, and I mean huge for me!!!!

Awesome work! :bigthumb:
One more guy that scratchbuild stuff to achieve a car that he likes a lot!! Welcome to teh team! :p

Sorry, double post.

Thanks Rod, I have never really scratchbuilt, but this is fun as hell! I like it better than OOB with etch mods. This is what I needed to really make me happy again in this hobby.

Ok, for the first time in a long time I have had 2 nights in a row to work on a model?! So, I really got into the modding of this kit. First off, here are te really crappy axles from the kit. The Dana 44 is on the right side, the Dana 20 is on the left. I think I am going to have to buy another so that I get two Dana 44's on my rig:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-35.jpg
Here is the old CJ gas tank removed. The TJ's have a better fitting one and the exhaust routes to the right of the frame rails:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-36.jpg
I noticed after last night that my skid plate was too week and was warping, so I added reinforcements:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-38.jpg
Here is how it looks on the frame:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-37.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-39.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-40.jpg

So, I have a real dilemma: Yes I own a TJ, but in a scaled down version I don't have anything for reference. Wait, I do, a Die Cast 1:18 Rubicon I got years ago. So, I was thinking, if I used it for reference I should be ok. So, I took it apart and laid the opened hood on a piece of paper to get a reference for the angles of the 1:24th hood on mine:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-41.jpg
So I traced the outline and sawed the 1:24th down the middle. All I had to do was align the curves for each piece and I was set:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-42.jpg
Here are the two halves:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-44.jpg
Then I measured the total width of the stock hood (before I cut it :wink: ) and sized up the fill strip with Styrene:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-45.jpg
I glued it up and got an idea of what was forming:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-46.jpg
Wow, that is a lot of overhang:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-47.jpg
Without trimming on the backside of the hood:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-48.jpg

Just to make sure, I checked the angles with the 1:18th drawing, and it fit perfectly!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-49.jpg
Here it is compared to the Die Cast, and you can tell that the angles worked great!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-50.jpg
But here lies a huge challenge, the CJ grill is a lot smaller width wise and you can tell after I made a TJ hood for it:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-51.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-52.jpg
Look again at the comparison though, here is the modded hood on the 1:18th:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-53.jpg
Now, side by side:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-54.jpg
Then I noticed that the cowl on the CJ is longer than it's distant brother's. So I removed about an 1/8th of an inch off:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-55.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-56.jpg

Now, since the Cj's hood has a different raised area, I would need to remove it to make the TJ's design. But before I did this, I needed to reinforce the underside:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-57.jpg
Now you can see the thickness is there, and I can remove the top portion of the hood to make it new:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-58.jpg
While I was at it, I removed the fender extensions so that I can move them outward for the TJ:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-59.jpg
After removing the strip off of the cowl, I then added it back to the hood with more Styrene:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-60.jpg
Then, I sanded down the CJ's hood bump and found that I was getting really close to what I want! Here is what the hood looks like with the surface sanded smooth, and the layout of the TJ's hood bump:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-62.jpg
For fun, I put the transfer case skid on the frame and the body, Guess what, it is the exact height of a real TJ with the RE skid added to it!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-61.jpg

This is going great for me! I cannot believe how much I accomplished in one night?! But, it is fun as hell, and I hope to do more asap. This thing is going to look bad-@$$ when finished!!!

What do you all think so far?

OMG! Now I'm starting to understand the huge job you planned!!! Good luck! The start seem well though.

Awesome!!! Do you alredy got a plan of how do the grille? Styrene??

A little advice: Scratchbuilding may cause dependency...

Awesome!!! Do you alredy got a plan of how do the grille? Styrene??

A little advice: Scratchbuilding may cause dependency...

I may never build a kit again!!!! Well, not really. But this is too much fun. About the grille, well that may be harder than I think cause of the 7 openings in the grille. I am confident though. I will just scratch build it and use the housing for the CJ's lights. Should work fine.

Very impressive work !
I have build this CJ kit a few years ago...Actually, the completed model is somewhere in its box because the kit quality was bad (it's a re-issue of a 1977 mold).
I'll keep an eye on what you can do with this one for sure ! Good luck with all the scratch build !

Cool work.
Do you hang with the FRAM guys?

Excellent work on this build, yea once you start scratchbuilding stock parts just grow more and more inferior :grinyes:
the hood came out awesome cant wait for more progress!

Killer!!
You know, just an fyi.
Revell makes a 1/25 die cast rubicon with a bumper winch,seates and dash I think and bead lock wheels with 35 or so inch MT baja claws.
I have a few of them and will take one out of the box and see how it fits in size against the monogram cj.
If you like I could give you one minus wheels and tires?
DougR

Ok,
I just checked. There is a dash,steering wheel,seats,mirrors,rubicon flares..
Even has a snorkel.
The size is pretty close as well,where the parts would probably work great.
Doug R
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y104/shifty217/100335496f.jpg

Ok,
I just checked. There is a dash,steering wheel,seats,mirrors,rubicon flares..
Even has a snorkel.
The size is pretty close as well,where the parts would probably work great.
Doug R
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y104/shifty217/100335496f.jpg

Isn't that the Revell Rubicon? I am pretty sure it is a die cast. I think it is 1:25th though? I could be wrong, but if it is 1:24, I am in business. Thank you for posting this information, I appreciate your time! :smooch:

Well, I have had some luck in the model world lately, and that is time to work on a model. Finals are upon me, and I should be studying, but damn, this thing is fun!!!! Gotta love some quiet time with Floyd playing in the background.

So, tonight I made some more advances. When I left off I had acquired another kit as a donor kit. All I needed was the Dana axle, so I go that. Next, I removed all of the stock axle tube/crap on the axles. So, I had both housings, but the backs of them were not filled in. So, I made a template out of Styrene and filled them in:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-63.jpg
Now I was confused how to accurately add new axle tubes. I thought about a jig to make them perfectly symmetrical, but then I realized an easier way: I would drill out the housings and run a piece of Styrene through the housing. Then I could run the axle tubes over this and have a very secure axle when completed:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-64.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-65.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-66.jpg
And here is what I achieved. I have a secure mounting for both sides, and the inner axle tube will help make it stronger. Now that I think about it, it as is if there are real axle shafts in there now!!!!!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-67.jpg
But, before I can seal them up, I needed to add some putty to the housings. I want this to look real, so I will sand these up after they dry:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-68.jpg

Now, I have been thinking about how to convert the grille for quite sometime. Should I remake the CJ one, or cut it out and start fresh? Well, after a longtime thinking, I cut it out:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-69.jpg
Then I marked the fenders to see where the hood ended like a real TJ. The points of the hood are where the bends in the fenders meet. So, I cut back about a 1/4 inch and removed the material:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-70.jpg
After about an hour of thinning the parts and straightening them, I added them back to the fenders in their new place. They are straight and look every bit like what the TJ has:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-71.jpg
I then noticed that my hood still had a curve to it and that cannot be. The TJ has no curve except on the sides. So I added more Styrene under the top of the hood and sanded away the excess (again):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-72.jpg
I then added a support member that would structurally help out and also provide a flush mounting place for the new grille:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-73.jpg

Now, from the top, the hood and fenders are flush. I designed enough room to get a grille in there flush with the hood and fenders. Here is where it is at:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-74.jpg
Wow, it looks like it should!!!!!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-75.jpg
It is 2:30 AM here and I am about to pass out. But, before I do I wanted to try and make a simple grille and see how it fit. Good ol 40mm Tamiya tape did the job. i placed it on the front and then traced the outline:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-76.jpg
i then placed it on yet another piece of Styrene and then carefully cut it out. When all was said and done, I have a new grille sans headlights and slats:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/-77.jpg
This thing is definitely coming along nicely. I hope to continue more in the next few days. Funny thing is I keep hearing a noise under my desk, kind of like a Ferrari F430 Challenge needing to be completed. I ignore it as this is more fun, lol.

Hope you all like it!!!! :popcorn:

WOW....incredible scratchbuilding! This is coming along very good!

jeeps are more fun than Ferraris any way. this IS coming along nicely. you should consider letting one of the resin casters out there make a mold and give everyone a chance to have one. so far you work seems high enough quality to consider doing it.

keep it up! I can't wait to see it done.

jeeps are more fun than Ferraris any way. this IS coming along nicely. you should consider letting one of the resin casters out there make a mold and give everyone a chance to have one. so far you work seems high enough quality to consider doing it.

keep it up! I can't wait to see it done.

QFT!

That was a great idea on how to get the grill size!

jeeps are more fun than Ferraris any way. this IS coming along nicely. you should consider letting one of the resin casters out there make a mold and give everyone a chance to have one. so far you work seems high enough quality to consider doing it.

keep it up! I can't wait to see it done.

Wow, that is one hell of a compliment, thank you!!! I was thinking about that yesterday when I looked at how far I have already come. To my knowledge there are not any of these anywhere. I have yet to see anyone do a conversion for this. With that, I was thinking that if it were casted, would anyone buy it? Not too many Jeep fans on this site, or the other site I am on.

I would have thought all of the scratchbuilders out there would be more impressed. Different strokes I guess. :cwm27:

Isn't that the Revell Rubicon? I am pretty sure it is a die cast. I think it is 1:25th though? I could be wrong, but if it is 1:24, I am in business. Thank you for posting this information, I appreciate your time! :smooch:
Yes, it's the revel tomb raider 1/25.
I held it up next to the one you're building and the size is close.
An AMT 1/25 jeep is tiny.
I never really use their scales,only what looks right because the can vary so much with inaccuracies.
Any way,I only bought them for the wheels and tires.
You're doing great as it is. I just thought I would offer one up for parts.
Doug R

Yes, it's the revel tomb raider 1/25.
I held it up next to the one you're building and the size is close.
An AMT 1/25 jeep is tiny.
I never really use their scales,only what looks right because the can vary so much with inaccuracies.
Any way,I only bought them for the wheels and tires.
You're doing great as it is. I just thought I would offer one up for parts.
Doug R

I was about to buy the Tomb Raider one, but it was considerably smaller. The rims and tires would have looked even smaller than these in the CJ kit - kind of like Ghetto rims, lol.

didn't tamiya produce a later bodied "square" headlight variant? I'd think it would have had a more accurate chassis to start with, but I could be wrong.

didn't tamiya produce a later bodied "square" headlight variant? I'd think it would have had a more accurate chassis to start with, but I could be wrong.

Yes, they did. But the actual chassis is the same for the last 35 years or so. They made a few changes, but the traditional ladder frame always stayed nearly the same.

QFT!

What does that mean? I'm not up on all of the interweb abbreviations.

What does that mean? I'm not up on all of the interweb abbreviations.

It means Quoted For Truth. I only figured it out a few months ago, myself.

It means Quoted For Truth. I only figured it out a few months ago, myself.

LOL, I took it as Quite the F___ing truth, lol. Wow I was way off!

Great job you do, nice to see your progress. :)

wow this is going to look great!!

I thought about trying this but my skills are no where good enough to even attempt, i would end up with a hunk of plastic. Your doing an amazing job so far. You should work on it some more and finish this thing.

Well, as there are actually some 4-Wheeler builds this is great timing as I have been working like crazy on this Jeep. I took time off from the body and decided that I needed to tackle the suspension finally. So, I did, and it looks awesome!

Since I created my own axle tubes I also needed my own hangers for the suspension points. Lots of small pieces and lots of super glue take some time, but it worked out.

I added the rear points and then made a simple jig of where I wanted the final ride height to be. This will articulate so ride height is not really an issue. This is almost accurate though, I had to set the pinion angle and make sure that it will track through the suspension traveling.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2001-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2002-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2004-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2010-1.jpg
Here is what the rear axle looked like completed,.........until I remembered that I needed a track bar to center the axle. But, it was almost completed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2013-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2015-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2016-1.jpg
The track bar is the vertical piece from the axle to the chassis. It is not straight and you can see what I mean.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2019.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2020.jpg
Look at how straight the final product is. The track bar tucks up just like a real setup. I am so happy how this all came out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2023.jpg
And, it will indeed flex. These pictures show very little flex, but I got both axles to flex at about 35 degrees opposite of each others axis. For a clearer understanding, from behind the front and rear axles look like a big X from behind when flexed out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2022.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2021.jpg

Here is basically what made up the rear axle. This is the front before 6 hours of work, lol. The tabs explain themselves.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2017.jpg
This should give an idea of what is to come. Obviously the stock tires are really small. Actually they are about 28" tires I think. So, I broke down and bought a Blue Fin Toyota with the TSL Swampers. In real life I would never choose these tires as they are not the best. But then again, they would be better than what is on my Jeep now. Anyhow, they seem to measure out to about 35" (I am guessing here).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2008-1.jpg
Here is the front axle attached to the chassis. This one was much more tough as there are not 4 links rising to the frame. Rubicon Express uses smaller links that tie into the main arms up front. In real life they have Heim Joints that flex. I cannot make those, but the slack I engineered into the joints allows movement.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2002-2.jpg
Here she is!!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2001-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2003-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2004-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2005-1.jpg

Here is what the ride height should be (about).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2006-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2007-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2008-2.jpg
Remember the small tires, lol?!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2009-1.jpg
Here is the body and the hood. I am about 40% there, lol.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2010-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/Build2011-1.jpg
Well, I am all about this one right now. The 360 CS, and the new Mustang are kind of being built. I want to focus on this one. I have to build complete custom bumpers, a custom roll cage, and a custom interior with new seats. I also need to finish the grill which will be hard. Well, what do you all think?

Jon

The jeep looks awesome so far! great work on the suspension... I just purchased a blue fin model as well, and i thought of using the tires on my jeep... great minds think alike haha Do you know of an online retailer that sells the tubing you used? There are no local hobby shops within 100 miles of me.. thanks in advance!

The jeep looks awesome so far! great work on the suspension... I just purchased a blue fin model as well, and i thought of using the tires on my jeep... great minds think alike haha Do you know of an online retailer that sells the tubing you used? There are no local hobby shops within 100 miles of me.. thanks in advance!

I can imagine someone such as Tower Hobbies Sells the tubing. They are at Plastic-models.com I believe. That stinks you live so far away. I have tons of it and a LHS a block away (not bragging - just saying). If you have PayPal IM me, hint hint.

any progress?

Very cool! The construction going into this is awesome. I love that the suspension articulates. The conversion looks like it's going great, too, you're really headed on the right track and I love the attention you're paying to the little things. It shows a genuine passion for model building and for Jeeps, which is awesome. I can't wait to see this flesh out. This is modeling at its best!

This is modeling as scale engineering! How do you do the measuring of your tubes? If it's done through trial and error, you've probably done quite a lot of cutting!

There is a ton of progress actually. I am about to continue working on it and post updates tonight hopefully. I have had a lot of little problems like making the front hubs turn as the kit has nothing close. So I had to build my own knuckles and tie rods, and track bar, and steering setup, and I found a little surprise for it!!!! :evillol: :evillol: :evillol:

Hay man here's a friend that I have on anothere Forum this is his Photo album there's nothing in the main album so go to the Sub Album his work is some thing like your I have l learnded a lot from this type of work I love your work. "Your Tha Man" You know You mite be him for all I know any ways keep it up DUD!
http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f135/BigEd0601/

Hay man here's a friend that I have on anothere Forum this is his Photo album there's nothing in the main album so go to the Sub Album his work is some thing like your I have l learnded a lot from this type of work I love your work. "Your Tha Man" You know You mite be him for all I know any ways keep it up DUD!
http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f135/BigEd0601/

The album was empty. =( Maybe you can find it again for me? I would love to see it.

Anyhow, this has become such an undertaking that I was not even ready for. I got all excited and was trucking along when I realized that I am basically trying to replicate a real suspension. So along with that comes all of the real components. Lots of redoing and lots of broken axle pieces have found their way into the trash can. But, I am still at it. I know most of you will appreciate what I will show last!!!!!! :evillol:

The wheels were traditional "d" window steelies. I wanted 8-hole "soft 8's". I am not going to buy any so I decided to drill out the hubs and then the holes in each. Thankfully I had a drill bit that was perfect as they are now larger than what they look like in real life. Kind of like American Racing "Mohave" wheels. I want those some day as well. I also had to add a lip to the rims so that the tires could have something to secure to. I did this because the kit wheels simply glue to the backs of these awful looking hubs that would stick on the stock axles.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/010.jpg
Since I made these axles I needed a semi-realistic hub for each wheel. Well, the hubs are on the rims, lol.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/041-1.jpg

Well, I also needed some brakes. Since there were none in the kit(s) I had to bash a completely new kit of another unsaid vehicle that is also donating another important feature. Now the Jeep has 4 wheel disc brakes like a real Rubicon would.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/003.jpg

This thing has to turn as well, so that had to be designed as well. Like a real Jeep axle there are offset steering knuckles for the tie rod to attach to. This was a pain in the butt.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/022.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/025.jpg

So, here is the almost complete rolling chassis. At least here it is before I redid almost everything. I wanted to add shock hoops instead of using simple lift springs. Coil overs are the way to go in the sport and mine will be this was as well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/024.jpg
Shock hoops gotta have shocks. Once again I had to really think about this one. Based on various designs all I wanted was a body with a piston and some simple coil collars. So I came up with these:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/021.jpg
Here is how I "machined" the parts, lol. I have no lathe, but I have a hell of a lot of Styrene and a Dremel. So, here is how I made them
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/015.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/017.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/018.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/019.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/020.jpg
Here is a test coil added to the shock. Believe me, all of this took a long time to get even close to testing. I still need to find a metal that retains memory to use for the coils.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/007.jpg

not sure how you've done it but if those parts are really going tio move and flex, you might want to drill out and run some brass wires down through the middle of the styrene rods and especially across joints.

Then, I realized that none of this would work. The tires were too close to the shocks and would rub while flexing. So, I broke down the axles to the basic tubes again and lengthened them to make room. After that I had to cut the shock towers off and relocate them along the top of the frame. This is a pain!!!!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/026.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/030.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/031.jpg
Here she is with the hacked up body on the frame and all I can say is WOW!!! The ride height is exactly parallel to the ground, and the shocks function perfectly.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/037-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/038.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/039.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/040.jpg
Uh oh, what is that in the bay there?!?!?!?!?!!?!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/035-1.jpg
Any ideas?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/033.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/032.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/036-1.jpg
Well, this should help. I wanted a 5.9 Liter block, but couldn't source one. So, an SRT-8 Magnum gave up the power and the brakes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/042.jpg
Now I have started a new chapter of personal hell in getting this to fit in. But, so far it looks like it will clear with no problems. I guess the scale difference helps a little.

Well, tell me what you think?! I am loving this beast, and am close to starting all of the body armor and bumpers and 1,000 other things to boot. At least I have Jeep factory paint to match mine!!!!!

Thanks for looking guys and gals.

Jon

Very nice work so far. I read somewhere that you can use floral wire to make the working coils. I'll try to find the link for you.

The album was empty. =( Maybe you can find it again for me? I would love to see it.

Check the Sub-Albums on the left of the page, quite a bit there.
Original page (http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f135/BigEd0601/), Axle sub album (http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f135/BigEd0601/Axle/), Coil over sub album (http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f135/BigEd0601/Coil-overs/) and a bunch more... think these would help you a bit.
Jaw dropping work, keep up the good work.

Well, nothing was wrong with what I have done, but then I thought about the strength of this Jeep. It may be a model, but I want it too last. So I decided to scratch the styrene axles and make brass. Glad I had the styrene ones for a guide. Glad I learned that soldering is a pain in the butt at this scale. Glad that I tried it though. I bought all of the brass and a K&S Tube Cutter. Here is what I have done so far.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/001jpg-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/003jpg-3.jpg
Here is my kinda jig.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/004jpg-2.jpg
Result.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/006jpg-2.jpg
Old axle and new creation.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/009jpg-1.jpg
Old arms and new arms.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/010jpg-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/011jpg-1.jpg
Start of new axle after soldering.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/013jpg-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/014jpg-1.jpg

Here is the axle coming along.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/018jpg-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/019jpg-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/020jpg-1.jpg
Here is the new axle with brass arms.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/021jpg-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/022jpg.jpg
Added to the chassis.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/023jpg-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/024jpg-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/025jpg-1.jpg
Hope you all like it. Hope someone comments?!

Jon

Looks great Jon, just like the ones I see at work. Keep going, how's the body coming?

Mike

incredible work! soldering those 4-link axle tabs has got to be a pain in the arse

its coming along great though :thumbsup:

every time i see this it makes me want to convert my CJ to a TJ :)

This is my first post. this is one of the best project i have ever seen. do u have any website on how to scratch build suspension and stuff? i want to learn here.

This is my first post. this is one of the best project i have ever seen. do u have any website on how to scratch build suspension and stuff? i want to learn here.

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I am still trucking on this as we speak.

Wyetuck - My website is not up right now as I have to remake it. It was very basic and I think two people saw it, lol. When I graduate in May I will have more time. As for instruction, I guess you could follow the build. I doubt my accuracies, but it sure has been fun making this suspension flex. I would not recommend brass first though as this is a pain. But then again, it is fun in its own tedious ways.

Hopefully I can show more today.

Thx

Well, either no one likes this build or no one cares to comment?! Either way I am still progressing. Since I decided to build brass axles I also decided to build a brass chassis as well. Back to the LHS for some brass stock and away I was once again.

Here is the new skid plate made of .025 Brass and lots of patience:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/002jpg-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/003jpg-4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/004jpg-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/005jpg-3.jpg
Here are the new frame rails made with lots of cutting/swearing/patience/and time:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/001jpg-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/006jpg-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/010jpg-4.jpg
Here is the plastic one and my brass one side by side:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/009jpg-2.jpg
Here is the plastic one on top of the brass one - you can see that it is dead on:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/008jpg-1.jpg
Axles:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/007jpg.jpg
Test fit of rear axle to skid plate:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/012jpg-2.jpg

Here is the skid soldered to the chassis - fit perfectly!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/015jpg.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/014jpg-2.jpg
Real TJ's have a tubular front cross member. Many aftermarket companies use this as the point for a modified sway bar. I will be doing the same:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/016jpg-1.jpg
Here is the first test of the new chassis - guess what, it fits better than the plastic one ever did!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/017jpg-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bluej/018jpg-2.jpg

Jon

Nice, looks very good.

Looks great so far, can't wait to see it finished. Do you plan on making a roll cage from the brass?

Looks great so far, can't wait to see it finished. Do you plan on making a roll cage from the brass?

He he he, at this point the only thing that is not brass is the engine and body, lol. I have really chosen to punish myself with this one. BUt,........I am loving it.

Did you ever find out about the floral wire?

Anyone know of any wire that retains memory that I can use?!

Very interesting project you have going on here :thumbsup:

Keep at it! You are doing great :thumbsup:

Jon: you know you're nut uh?

Really amazing, you're having fun, it show that. Only a little note: did you use a liquid flux agent to seam? Seems me not, with a flux agent you'll have the solder just where you brushed the acid, so quite thin seams without needs of files... ;)

Ahhh,I'm loving it!
But I hate the fact that you changed the styrene to brass!! :frown:

I thought you were a simple styrene modeller like me! :crying:

Anyway,since everyone is changing from styrene to brass,I think I have to do so! :lol: :grinno:

Keep up the awesome work! ;)

Jon: you know you're nut uh?

Really amazing, you're having fun, it show that. Only a little note: did you use a liquid flux agent to seam? Seems me not, with a flux agent you'll have the solder just where you brushed the acid, so quite thin seams without needs of files... ;)

The flux is in the solder 60/40 mix. It is very thin electronic solder so it works just fine. Only problem is the boxed frame pieces have literally absorbed the whole roll of solder. It weighs more than a die cast already?!!?

My files are indeed ruined. I tried to be careful and remove the solder but it gums up the files. Any ideas on how to get it out? If not I will just buy another file set.

Gio - This is the most fun modelling I have ever had! All about what I want and no reference headaches.

Ahhh,I'm loving it!
But I hate the fact that you changed the styrene to brass!! :frown:

I thought you were a simple styrene modeller like me! :crying:

Anyway,since everyone is changing from styrene to brass,I think I have to do so! :lol: :grinno:

Keep up the awesome work! ;)

Well changing over was a serious decision. But I did have the plastic parts for reference. Sad that I spent about 45 hours making the plastic chassis. I did learn a lot about what I had done wrong though and was able to change it all in brass.

I know solder has flux paste inside. I'm talking of another thing: liquid flux allow you literaly to place solder just where you brushed it. So you'll have really clean and thin seams (this not meant that you done a crappy job: I said, you done a great job). The seaming tip is a bit diffenet than those that (I suppose) you're using: I guess you collect a bit of solder on the iron bit and place it in the junction. (Or if you're using a flame seamer you melt the solder on the juncton). With the flux things are a bit different and simple (& clean): flame seamer is better but you'll use iron (you must if you're doing it on white metal): brush a bit of liquid flux right in the junction between parts, place a little bit of solder (with a 0.5mm for 1mm diameter you'll seam togheter two materials for 1 cm long, so 1mm of solder every 2cm of seaming line), than you need just to warm up parts, with flame or touching them with the iron, and for magic the solder melt and "disappera" but you got a robust and invisible seam. ;)

Oh I completely understood there Gio. I thought about that technique, but the all in one is working fine. I am actually over soldering the pieces and then filing/sanding the remains away. When it is complete there are clean joints and whatnot. I also have so many parts per small area that the benefit of 1/16" solder with flux is kind of easy for me. I put the part in a jig or alligator clips and then use the iron to heat it then apply the solder. Since there is enough flux in the solder it melts right in there perfectly. That and this is all I have to work with right now, lol. I am sure there are better technique out there. I figure that if it works then leave it.

One last thing. You think I could pay you to machine a 1/24th Jeep TJ grille? lol That one is not going to be any fun.

j/k - Maybe?! lol

Looks great Jon. I don't think you're nuts, more like insane. How is the strength of the soldered joints? I've soldered copper together but never brass. Keep up the good work. Hopefully by the time this gets done you won't trade the TJ off on a new Wrangler.

Mike

hey any more pics?