Re: BlueBronco budget build Gotta be doing another mod to my Bronco!!! Those wheels look tight. |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Thanks!!! Looks like I got one more week to button a few things up and royally abuse the ole Bronco at Shanty Hollow in KY. I actually dont have much to do which is good cause I got ALOT of work figuring out whats wrong with the Mule which will be my much needed backup rig. Shanty has a way of killing rigs before the days fun is over. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Ready for Shanty Hollow!!! Wheels now actually hold the bead and dont let it slip (so far), new foams are in and I added a small piece to the faux-dana cover. Shanty Hollow isnt very forgiving, even to the taller tire rigs so this should be a great way to abuse test the new setup as well as see what it truely is capable of. Im interested to see what fails and what holds up in both the RC4WD parts and my own fabbed pieces. Ive already noticed that my panhard mount on the frame is bent so itll be swapped out with a steel piece if it gets worse. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps928283a3.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psda3e458c.jpg Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Bronco did more than I expected out at Shanty this weekend! It went everywhere everyone else did and I only had to pick it up in two spots and both spots had quite a few others doing the same so I wasnt too dissapointed! I couldnt finish the day tho cause the stupid servo that I just got done putting a new pin in broke the same pin again. I also managed to break the "diff cover" loose and even tho I found the main part and put it in my pocket, still cant seem to find it so I made another and its now epoxied on. Put a brand new Axial servo in and she's back up and runnin again. Lookin forward to LRC and gonna see if I cant get out a couple times before if I can. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psaf995a8d.jpg Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Just checking in to see what's going on with the Blue Bronco :) |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Quote:
Took the BlueBronco to LRC for the beat down of beatdowns hoping to see how the new setup would hold and anticipating failure like the last ride or two. I had a couple issues along the way including a burned up BRAND new Axial servo (nastiest smell Ive ever smelled and thats not an exageration), broke the aluminum panhard mount on the chassis and partially debeaded one of the rear tires on the inside. I also, like the last ride, lost the danged fake diff cover lol. A loaner servo and some zipties later and the little Bronco was back...and endured 6 batteries worth of crawlin!!! The panhard mount will be redesigned and made outta steel this time and I dunno what Im gonna do about the diff cover. On to the pics! Group shot of the small tire rigs! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps139a4401.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psad0472e0.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psf104a6a9.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps47c2308e.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...pse975190e.jpg STILL havnt lost a mirror yet...but the driver's side is now firmly smashed into the door! Im just gonna leave it for now. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps02b2fd9e.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psac07df0a.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psfe85a41d.jpg The biggest surprise to me was how balanced the new setup is! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps894b45e3.jpg At the tip top of LRC. Took two attempts (broke the panhard at the very bottom first try) but finally made it up http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psa2931a7f.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psbb558333.jpg Bronco Bridge http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps8e03e62e.jpg Gettin ready for the evening run http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psf9bb6c88.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps52a5be0f.jpg Once again, I cant say how pleased I am with the little Bronco. I thought for sure I killed the performance going with the shorter, skinnier tires and the skinnier axles with the same gear rations (no more over/stock gearing) buuuuut I was wrong. She does well, the tires are amazing and I already have more plans to continue down the road of making her a tad more realistic! More on that when the ideas start becoming a reality. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Thought ide snap a quick pic of the redneck fix that got the Bronco thru an entire day and 6 LiPos worth of crawlin!!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps03a45318.jpg ZipTies FTW!!! I put a couple around the panhard mount and the frame and then ran a couple zipties over to the oposite frame rail to keep the mount from moving out of position. Worked like a champ!!! Was really diggin the look with the mud and dust dried up from the run so I snapped these shots. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps16ce830b.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps92015604.jpg I noticed that the leafs were pretty bent up after the run so an antiwrap bar will be needed before the next ride. I had one on the SCX10 axle setup but never made one for this. Ill get on it while fixing the panhard mount. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build After LRC the Bronco needed a few issues addressed, and after how much fun it was I was more than happy to get to work on it. I fixed the rear tire bead issue and re-designed the panhard mount (still need to fab it and install). I had to set it aside and head to Florida for a wedding, but I took advantage of a bit of free time while I was at it! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps3d3f58cf.jpg Got home and started tackling somethin Ide been wantin to do for a while. Jmel and I tossed the original front bumper together in about 5 minutes shortly before the BlueBronco's first run just to protect the winch. It worked so well that I never touched it since but with a push to make things a little more "scale" and more importantly, a little more like I would have on a 1:1, I finally took it off and got to work on this: Early shots to make sure it lined up and see what needed to be done alignment wise. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps191b813d.jpg It made out of square tubing like the Mule's bumper. I cut it, bent it and brazed it back together to resemble somethin you would see on Bronco runnin around on the trails. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psf7d6d4f8.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps131577a0.jpg I had to go thru hell to get the mounting holes correct but I finally believe I got it. I also cut out a place for the winch line and added a spot for the winch hook or recovery strap. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps0144cc53.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...pse0c7e172.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps76fd44ce.jpg Tucks in really nice to the body. I was gonna pinch the lower corners like the Mule but decided that I liked this look ALOT better. Ill have to see how approach had been effected...I was shooting for making approach angle better but like the looks better so I may have to deal with it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps9d05569f.jpg As of last night Ive made the winch line hole smaller and have added some JB weld in spots to smooth things out. Im hoping to have it completely slicked out and painted tonight if possible. Then itll be on to the panhard mount, rear bumper and even more drastic changed to the drivetrain but that wont be for a while. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Got the bumper finished up and as clean as I could before paint. Out with the old, in with the new http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psace8ae9e.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psfd6c5e65.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps4cb7f587.jpg Painted it up with Satin Black and baked it for about 15 minutes to try and help the finish toughen up. Itll only last for so long but I think itll look better with abuse!!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps4aa3bfcb.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps593ad6f4.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps6e8cb343.jpg Didnt get any other work done, but Im hoping to get the rear started and finish the panhard. Im really thinkin about ways to re-do the rear mounting setup which is my only real holdup. That and whether or not I want to toss a spare on the back. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Rear Bumper time. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps9149a353.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psd707393a.jpg Rough early stages of my rear bumper. Ive put more design/cutting/brazing into this bumper than the front and Im not even close to done LOL. Im still up in the air on a spare mount but for now Im liking where this is goin. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build "thumbsup" Loving this build. One of the best non-'Yota uses of the 'yota axles, and that winch bumper looks great. I never thought about making one from square tubing, I might have to give it a try. |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Thanks man! I love the axles and once I figure out how to make the "diff cover" stay put it'll be better. The bumpers took some work but they are super strong so I'm happy. I got the rear mounted up tonight, I'll post pics tomorrow. Now I gotta figure out if I wanna do a spare tire mount or not. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Here are a couple shots of the rear mounted up as it sits. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps79029bdd.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...pse7b1f5f9.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps736eba75.jpg Im gonna rebuild the body along the bumper where it has been destroyed and then all thats left is smoothing out the bumper and painting it. Im gonna kick around the spare tire idea first tho. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Matt,had not seen this thread/build before,am completely LOVING it,nicely built,my friend :) |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Bar work looks good...fits in well with the paint job :-) |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Well...after a good "stare and think" session I decided to get back in the garage and put this together before calling the rear bumper done. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps18735044.jpg I set it up real simple so itll swing away and can easily be removed if needed on the trail. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psd78a67a1.jpg I cut a small piece of flat steel for the base and brazed some 3/16 solid rod to it. I then brazed an old spare spindle that I cut down and drilled out to fit the rod. Drilled a hole for the pivot point and then cut a "C" for the latch/release. I run a small screw into the bumper held on by a couple nuts. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psa54e8ad9.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psfbcee35e.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psb9e7d895.jpg Its not rocket science but it works and looks good to me so Ill take it!!! The tire rack is painted and drying as we speak and Im workin on smoothing out the bumper itself then itll be painted and tossed back on the frame. If I were to add anything else from here it would be a Jerry Can mount but that wont be for a while. For now Im happy! Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Got the rear bumper finished up last night and mounted...then I realized I forgot to add a recovery point :banghead: Oh well, I might toss one on later and repaint it, wouldnt take me too much extra work but for now, its painted and on the Bronco. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps7cc117fa.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psf3d81053.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...pse02c1b04.jpg I wanted to cut the "C" notch in the rack backwards so I would have to push it towards the body in order to release it but didnt feel I had enough room. I now wish I had done that, but I think Ill just keep the bolt holding it a little tighter and hopefully it wont swing loose every hard bump lol. I also want to level out the spare a tad, its leaning forward a tad at the top which I can fix easily. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Love this thing. |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Thanks!!! Its comin along nicely and there are really big changes in the near future...so long as I can convince myself that Im up to the task skill wise LOL. This rig is like the Courier, its earned a permanent place in my stash and its not goin anywhere except wherever I tell it too with my remote...or where gravity says but thats another story! Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build FINALLY got a chance to take the Bronco out and see how she does with the new bumpers. I was expecting to have to relearn a bit with the new weight, lack or approach and departure angles and the spare in the back but to tell the truth, she rock and rolled like nothin was changed. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps75092474.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psc535fd30.jpg Pitcher's ride in the background http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...pscb04e060.jpg Im extemely pleased at the moment and look forward to abusing it somemore out at Shanty Hollow this weekend!!! Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Got the Bronco cleaned up and ready for Shanty Hollow. Unfortunately a wire broke off the motor ending the day a bit early for her. Had fun while I could tho!!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psc16c5902.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps00bd8a1c.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psd78f25dd.jpg Simple solder fix and she will be back! Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build After the last couple motor issues (water related) I finally ran out of brushed motors and patience so I tossed the MMP from the Shop Truck in along with an old 17.5 I got from KingJames a while back. Took it out to test it and ended up havin a great time. Has roughly the same amount of speed and punch as the 20t Axial motor but the low end control is TONS better now. She wasnt fazed at all by the water either which was nice!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psbe1eefdc.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps7bd0019b.jpg We turned around and headed back for the parking area as some rain started our way. I had been noticing some nasty grinding noises in either the tranny or rear end around the time we turned around. That noise quickly turned into a failed rear gear and I was left with fwd only and the rear would kick in from time to time lol. Of course, I kept going and eventually noticed in a deep puddle that I was only kicking up water on one side up front. Busted a front dog bone leaving me with 1wd. I STILL tried to keep going but had to really lay in the throttle to barely move so I finally gave up knowing I was putting the motor in un-needed stress. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps90a7ab98.jpg Ive got some new gears and XVDs on order...I can only hope they show up before Sat!!! Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build looks like a good time! |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Been a bit...to catch everyone up, I replaced the broken front dog bone with XVDs and the stripped rear gear with some helicut gears from RC4wd. Next ride out about halfway down the trail the front gear stripped out DOH! Shoulda swapped em together but whatever lol. That lead to an axle tear down and in the down time waiting for the parts...I got a little bored. Oh boy...what have I done now?!?!?!? http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psea4d3b3b.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps3589a65a.jpg Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Went ahead and messed with the rear too. Again, these pics suck but its the best I can get at the moment. I really liked having the black axles with the clean looking "dif cover" but got to thinking maybe they were TOO nice for the BlueBronco. I did a little weathering while I had the axles apart and Im thinkin these look alot more at home now! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psc919421d.jpg Took the rear out and shaped it more like a 9". Its subtle but I shaved the pumpkin area and smoothed the ring gear bump to make it look a little more legit. If I didnt have to flip it upside down to run with the driver's side drop up front, it would nearly look 100% spot on with the bump in the right place but close enough! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps7c18ba6c.jpg I got some shots in natural light to try and show some detail. Still doesnt show how slick these look in person but who cares. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps3e6adf24.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps160dd780.jpg Im tryin some new techniques to attempt and keep the rust from rubbing off completely on the first run. I also tried some new techniques to get the rust to look a little less uniform and little more legit. Im liking where its goin so far, but they gotta pass the trail test before I call it a success. Oh...I painted them black, then baked em, rusted them then baked again and finally put some satin clear and baked a final time to try and seal it as best as possible. Heres to hoping it worked lol Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build And finally, here are some shots of it all back together and ready for some Trail action. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps7fd5421a.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps57a9094d.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps2718d1d4.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psdf6c0cb5.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps7c3ca6f9.jpg Pictures still dont do it any justice but thats ok, it looks good to me! Now I just need to find a danged free weekend to go out and get it dirty again! Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Those look great, most people wouldnt even notice the rear unless you pointed it out "thumbsup" |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Yeah I got excited about the Yota rear axle due to the fact that it was super close to a 9" and with the pumpkin bein so BIG it actually was pretty close. I just trimmed the extra off the top and bottom and smoothed it into the transitions to the axle tubes and it looks WAY more legit now (outside of the ring gear bump bein on the wrong side). They both look alot better in person, especially the rusted front with rusty diff cover. Noone will ever notice it out on the trail either but I dig it...oh and Im hoping the extra clearance will help a bit LOL Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Oh boy...now what? Poor Bronco http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psa7eaf668.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps9f4a2c85.jpg I did my usual hour of staring at the Bronco before taking it apart again and hitting up the drawing board for the millionth revision. Every time I do this I spend most of the time wondering if itll be worth it and if Im ruining it. Then I remember how, so far, everything Ive down has had positive results and I dove right in. Long and short of it all, Front mounted motor, transfer case, full interior modeled as CLOSELY to a 1:1 Bronco as possible considering the frame, tires and suspension arent quite to scale with the 1:1. So far so good, couple nasty hurdles coming tho... Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Truly great thread. If you ever decide to sell it, PLEASE pm me. Had a blue 71 1:1 long ago. Times are different now and the only way I'll have another EB is in 1:10 or the wife will kill me. Just throwing it out there. |
Re: BlueBronco budget build WOW!!!!!! Incredible, more than two years of building, modifying, and rebuilding. It is so much fun to read through your posts and see the progression of your Bronco |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Thanks guys! Sorry to say it but I dont see this sucker goin up for sale if I can help it! I love this thing and Ill build and beat on it every chance I can. I appreciate it tho! Its really crazy to look back at this thread myself and see where its been. I hope to keep it goin for some time! Got the trans mounted last night in a way that I think Ill be happy. Drilled 2 holes near the shock tower and added some spacers to get the trans output as straight as possible. I then hammered out a simple steel mount to go from the trans to the other side of the frame. Its not necessary but I like the added support just in case. Should make it more reliable and ready for abuse. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps784d9c52.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psc818ab73.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps1b668dab.jpg I think theres room under the trans to toss some electronics, whether it be the receiver or a small Lipo. Heres a shot of my nearly finished Transfer case mount. I was gonna try to attach it directly to the trans like on a 1:1 early Bronco but Ill have to live with a divorced setup for now. All I need to do is position it on the frame, drill holes and then I want to countersink the two screw holes for the case mount in order to tuck them out of the way a bit and smooth the skid out some. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps0f4f86f1.jpg Slowly but surely its comin alive! Ill have more time tonight to work on it hopefully. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Got a few things finished up in my free time this weekend. She's a roller and a tiny driveshaft away from being a runner! I got the 3 link figured out (for the most part) and made some brackets to mount the lower arms somewhat like a 1:1 Bronco with a long arm kit. No binding at the moment so all is well. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psa2ed8a7a.jpg I mounted the 3 link to the frame similar to what Ive seen on a couple other 1:1s as well but Im not 100% sure I like it. Its not causing issues at the moment but I might fab up a more centered mount near the skid if possible. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psdedf5bf3.jpg Since I took those pics Ive gotten the 3rd link adjusted getting my pinion angle in line and have adjusted the wheelbase and ride height up front. Its lookin good so far! I also got to work on the floorboard (sorry forgot to take pics) and have it really close to fitting like a glove. I have a TON of little things to do to make it how I want but the main form is there. I also got to work on another scale touch Ive been wanting to toss at it for a while. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps4e111927.jpg Aluminum sheet rolled and bolted together, the ends are JB welded and then cut and smoothed to fit. I then drilled the ends to allow the aluminum tubing to go thru. I need to make hangers, add some weathering/detailing and then attach it to the frame. The screws are on top so they wont be seen. Its gettin to be time to start on the little things which will take alot of time but Ide like to get this thing running enough that I can still hit the trails while Im building. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Got the exhaust all put together...not 100% happy with it as I had to crush a few spots for clearance but you can only see a few of em. I tried to mimick a 1:1 as closely as possibly but to tell the truth...the 1:1 exhausts arent that exciting so Im close lol. I had alot of fun comin up with some slip fit ends to connect pieces together in order to make tear down easier down the road for maintenance etc. I also made some simple hangers that should hold up nicely. Again, I wasnt quite satisfied so no pics as of yet but hopefully tonight Ill have it where I think its good enough. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build i've been following along with this and the shop truck since the beginning, it's nice to see threads like these with well described updates, changes and action shots"thumbsup". this bronco is one of my favorites, but i hope the shop truck didnt have to sacrifice itself so the bronco could live on:shock: love the trucks-keep it up! |
Sweet ride! |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Quote:
Got a little more done tonight, I'll post pics in the morning...gonna be a sloooow build but this new phase of the Broncos life should be pretty neat. Cant wait to see how it handles abuse. Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Exhaust is as good as its gonna get for now. Still gotta trim the exits but otherwise its where I want it. Couple things i would change but its under the truck so who cares. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psb87d4ed3.jpg Heres the top view. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psd16c4637.jpg I was laughing cause I HATE dual exhaust without a crossover (H or X) pipe but it was gonna be a pain in the butt to put one together and keep it outta the way. I noticed that most Early Broncos I found with duals online skipped this anyways so I moved on lol. Heres where Im at on the interior. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps7f23c32d.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps346f9292.jpg Im adding alot of support underneath to keep it strong as I do NOT plan on taking it easy on this rig. Its not 100% to 1:1 but its close enough to pass and still turnin out to be pretty cool. I still got a ton to do but itll all come together soon enough! Matt |
Re: BlueBronco budget build Got the bed floor and walls put together and finished up the wheel wells in the rear. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps233d5dc6.jpg Its coming together and miraculously it lines up pretty well with the batter beat and torn Bronco body. Gonna keep chippin away at it! Matt |
That's looking good Matt. Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk |
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