Imthatguy used to like JK's, now he likes FJ's

[imthatguy]

When I saw GCM's new Skeleton kit, I knew I had to test one out for myself. My kit should arrive from GCM in about a week or two.

The perfect match for this kit is the new-ish hard body Jeep Rubicon that's available on eBay. It comes in three flavours. Yellow, Red, and Bonus.




Nice details, moulded in rad and vents. Nice.




Brilliant full-floor interior. Pedals? Perfect.



I was disappointed to discover that this model doesn't feature the hilarious Goodyear "Wantable" tire that some do. Darn it. Plain, old, Wrangler tire.



I managed to get a Bonus, which comes with a decent looking roof rack with basic light bar, and LED lights.



I won't be using it on this build, but you know what? It doesn't look half bad on another truck of mine...



Jeeps are okay, I guess. But I feel like they've been done before, about one or ten times. I had to go for something a little bit different, so that said, I'll be doing this guy (in short wheelbase garb):



Some fun work ahead.

[Rckcrwlr]

Welcome to the Skeleton Club...Need to get back on mine here soon...

[Full_Throttle]

Nice score Mr Guy. Can't wait to see your Jerp!!

[HillbillyCrawler]

Hey Matt can you tell me how wide the grill and rear are? Need to know for bumpers. I have some of these bodies on the way and want to know if the BGR bumpers will work on it.

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by Rckcrwlr

Welcome to the Skeleton Club...Need to get back on mine here soon...

Yes you do! It'd be a shame if mine was done before yours!

Originally Posted by Full_Throttle

Nice score Mr Guy. Can't wait to see your Jerp!!

Thanks Mr. Guy.

Originally Posted by HillbillyCrawler

Hey Matt can you tell me how wide the grill and rear are? Need to know for bumpers. I have some of these bodies on the way and want to know if the BGR bumpers will work on it.

I'll get those measurements for you.

Originally Posted by kakachille

Nice

Thanks!

Jeeps are, you know, Jeepy. I have one, well sort of.

I got the axles today, and decided to mock up ride height.



Added some tiny bolts.

Looking Jeep-like.



Pretty excited to see the chassis kit.

[HillbillyCrawler]

Up dates?

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by HillbillyCrawler

Up dates?

Possibly tonight. And I haven't forgotten that I owe you some measurements.

[natskiboy]

Matt, what axles are those?

[imthatguy]

Discontinued D35's from RC4WD.

[imthatguy]

My Skeleton kit arrived last night. I had an hour to spare tonight and got it put together. It's a really nice kit, with a ton of adjustability built in. Nice and solid, with some very smart additions.

The kit comes packaged in GCM's usual organized packets.



Cool sticker! I wonder which talented dude made that...



The kit is all black anodized aluminum. Very trick. If you have any difficulty putting the kit together, I recommend watching GCM's Youtube videos. Really helps with assembly.



And here it is, all put together with the D35's underneath. Note: To use RC4WD axles, you will need to purchase the K44/D35/YotaII 4 link truss kits.





It's almost as if this kit was built with this body in mind. It's a perfect fit.



Once I do a little body trimming, it'll sit even lower.



More to come.

[HillbillyCrawler]

That is looking very nice Matthew.

[arny]

I'm scared with that motor so high

[Bananaclip]

Lovely

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by HillbillyCrawler

That is looking very nice Matthew.

Thank you. Here's the measurements you wanted:

Front grille 5.5"
Rear from edge to edge 7".

Originally Posted by arny

I'm scared with that motor so high

It's not really that high. Photograph is deceptive.

Originally Posted by Bananaclip

Lovely

Sure is!

I threw a few tires on it to check the stance. Obviously not the final tires and wheels, but I wanted to check out something larger than I plan on using.



Aussie Al popped in to check out the interior.



FLEXXXXXXXX.



Put all the driveshafts on and will figure out electronics shortly. Once the Iltis is done, I'll start the bodywork modifications.

[HillbillyCrawler]

Thanks for the measurements.


Can't wait to build mine.

[imthatguy]

Trimmed the front to resemble a real truck, tried out my wheel and tire combination.



I also started trimming out the roof to match the reference.



I'm looking forward to getting back on this. Body modifying is very fun.

[HillbillyCrawler]

What are you doing to the top?

JK/CJ 8

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by HillbillyCrawler

What are you doing to the top?

JK/CJ 8

Doesn't anybody read the OP? ;)

[imthatguy]

Progress made. New front bumper and (not pictured) wireless Warn winch fitted.



Rollbar made that resembles the full size truck, with threaded ends that will get bolted in place once painting is done.



Thingies on the cut roof all done. Sanded and trimmed and filled edges. Pretty much there in terms of add-ons. Few minor details to go.

[GREEDY GENIUS]

Doing a great job,I like this!

Good luck with it.