4 dr Rubicon build-up

[sgtsteve]

Starting a new project, 4 dr Newbright Rubicon from Walmart $20....

- Custom chassis made from 1/2" square cold rolled steel tube (cold rolled is softer and less likely to break when bending).

- ESC: Tekin FXR (probably pro) as soon as I get my return.
- Transmitter: TQ3 - nothing special, still needs mod done.
- Receiver: TQ3 3ch
- Battery: 7 Cell 4200NimH (not sure of the brand)
- Motor: 35 or 45t Integy, at least I think thats what I will get.
- Servo: Cheapo, doesnt need to be special
- Winch servo eventually
- Tires: Rock crushers
- Wheels: HPI Stock car
- Axles: Axial
- GD600 and some form of transfer case, maybe a Axial, maybe not.
- Custom 4 link
- Shocks: Original RC10 Golds with the gold removed, or Highlift shocks, rear not sure yet.

The plan for this Jeep is a military theme, so the paint will most likely be desert tan or Olive drab. Eventually, maybe even a .50 Cal mounted up top or in the back. Most of the work will be done on the weekends and maybe a little at night. Please let know how you like it and what you think could be done differently. I plan on putting alot of time into this build in the hope of getting the best possible performance, scale and overall appearance. Now on to the pics:

Chassis is bent up and ready for cutting. Just prior to cutting I will go ahead and drill most of holes needed for mounting, as I have a tendancy to not align them right.


Chassis next to the body:


It has been cut in half. I bought a 4.5" angle grinder for $20 at Harbor Frieght and some metal cutting disks. It works really well and seems to me like it will last a long time. Not bad for $20 i think.


Rear axle and lower links done with tires to get an idea of how its gonna look:


Two pics of the body and chassis:



My new toy, really made bending the chassis 100 times easier. I put next to my old one which broke on the last chassis I made. Went from a 3" 10lb vise to this beast of 6" and 65lbs.


In order to get the best flex possible, I decided to get the upper links as parallel to the lowers as possible. In addition, the point on the chassis where they connect is almost almost equal to the lowers. To this, i notched out the chassis and drill two holes to mount the steel tab. Eventually I will braze it in and cut the bolts away for a flush look.


The end product:


Thats all for now, I might try and get the front axle done tonight.

[4x4mtb]

..............50 Cal mounted up top ...............nice!!!!!!!!!

[sgtsteve]

Thank you Farmkid4. Here is a an idea of what I am going for. The back end of a M1151 and the gun turret like below.

[gatesr120]

looks like its gonna be a nice rig so far!!

[pantablo]

cool start!

[Wild trial]

Off to a great start,,,,,chassis looks good.

[84bluetoyota]

great start! i like the whole army idea! i have a jeep in the mail and it will be my next build! i will be watching yours close!!!

[sgtsteve]

Little update, started the roof and got the hole cut for the turret. I made it so that the turret turns 360 deg. I have the base done, and will work on the shield and maybe the gun tomorrow. If anyone has an really good ref pics of the browning .50 cal that would be great. I have googled it and just cant find a close up and clear picture of one.

Still need to clean the base up and get a little bondo on it.


Here the top is just taped on, which makes it look a bit off, but it once its glued in it will actually sit flush.

[sgtsteve]

Oh, and thank you for the comments, it really helps motivate me, especially since my attention span is short and patience almost non-existant these days (damn 5yr olds).

[sgtsteve]

Small update::

Got the links done, just need to clean up the mounts a bit. Also decided to redo the rear and use the top that came with the truck. Im still doing a turret and .50 cal on top, just gonna keep the jeep looking more like a jeep (truth is, doing the rear the way i planned originally wasnt working out to well)









Also just ordered the straight axle adaptors and Tekin FXR, cant wait to check it out. Also decided to use a wheely king trans as the transfer case since I had one laying around. I hope to have it mounted along with the gd600 by the end of the weekend.