Slow 1/10th scale aluminum ZJ body build.

[Full Throttle Rob]

So, I've made 2 one-piece outer hatch skins in the last few days.
They both came out horrible...
So horrible that I didn't even take pics of them.
I think I'm going to try a two-piece hatch skin next, and see how that turns out...

After the hatch is done I need to form the body lines in the hood, curve and attach my fender flares, then prime, paint, and a shot of clear coat will finish this ol' girl up!

I can't wait!!!!!

[mr.rick]

Are you going to do anything to "finish" the edges of the doors or to sort of seal up the gaps where it meets the body? maybe find some really small rubber tubing and cut a slit in it to create weather seals for the doors? You have to do the cladding too!! Just like the 1:1. some small lexan from a blister pack would be good for the vent shades too

[Full Throttle Rob]

Originally Posted by mr.rick

Are you going to do anything to "finish" the edges of the doors or to sort of seal up the gaps where it meets the body? maybe find some really small rubber tubing and cut a slit in it to create weather seals for the doors? You have to do the cladding too!! Just like the 1:1. some small lexan from a blister pack would be good for the vent shades too

No, the edges of the doors will stay as they are.
The weather seals are farther away from the door edges, so they aren't necessary to me.
I will be doing the cladding and the grille out of styrene if I can't get them 3D printed for me.
Finding time is my biggest obstacle lately...

[Full Throttle Rob]

I managed to get a few odds and ends wrapped up this afternoon!!!

I made tabs to mount & align the windshield with.





I also mounted the hidden winch mount that I neglected to mention that I made up the other night.









Then I made a lower hatch skin that I was happy with and glued it on to the inner hatch skin.





Now I'm impatiently waiting for the shoe goo to dry....

[Full Throttle Rob]

I made some time and cut out an upper hatch skin.
It didn't come out too bad but I need to dig out my 5 minute epoxy putty to fill the gap between the two halves.
At the same time I'll fill the where the rear quarters meet the roof.
Then....
I can sand the epoxy and any other flaws, followed by some window masking and I'll be ready for primer!!!

[Full Throttle Rob]

So, my upper hatch didn't come out as well as I wanted, but it will work.



I got the flares mounted and cut the rear flares so the doors will open.











Then I finished off my hidden winch with a fairlead in the front bumper.



Aaaaaaaand took it out for some poser shots just because.

[Metal Masher]

Wow that looks a whole lot different out in the open with natural light and seeing the whole profile. Yes it's not and exact replica but you absolutely captured the essence of the truck. I'll bet it will wheel good once done. it looks to have a lot of the weight down low.

[Full Throttle Rob]

Originally Posted by Metal Masher

Wow that looks a whole lot different out in the open with natural light and seeing the whole profile. Yes it's not and exact replica but you absolutely captured the essence of the truck. I'll bet it will wheel good once done. it looks to have a lot of the weight down low.

Thanks Metal!
It does take on a better look in the daylight.
True, exact?
Nope, nor was it meant to be.

A close enough replica that you recognize it as a ZJ?
I think I got it pretty damn close and I'm truly pleased with my effort!

I think you're right on the money as far as a low c/g rig that wheels good!!!

The whole thing is lighter(by feel) than a stock SCX-10, even with over 1lb added in by the set of wheels.

It should climb like a beast and I'm chomping at the bit to test it out!!!!

[Kaler]

Looking really good rob!! I can't wait to see it out on the rocks!

[Full Throttle Rob]

Drivetrain & suspension removed, V8 radio box, headlight reflectors, esc, battery, and on/off switch masked with tape.
Window masking gel applied to windows, and waiting for said masking gel to dry.

Then it's time to put some primer on!!!

[Full Throttle Rob]

So here's a couple of "Before" pics with everything taped up.
The window mask is a transparent blue film, you wouldn't see it in any pics.





After 1 coat of primer inside and out.







After 2 coats of primer underneath & outside and 1 coat on door jambs and inside.

[Full Throttle Rob]

So, last night I sanded the first 2 coats of primer and smoothed a couple of rough areas over and then gave 1 more sorta heavy coat of primer.

Then today I broke out the color and let that fly!!!!

3 good coats of color outside and 1 inside.









Then I gave it coats of clear coat.

This is after one coat.





I just sprayed the 2nd coat of clear a few minutes ago, and I plan on probably 2 more after that!!

Stay tuned!!

[Kaler]

Man that color looks good!! Really want to see that outside in the daylight. Is that the hobby shop sign from the old hobby shop on front street in the background?

[Full Throttle Rob]

Originally Posted by Kaler

Man that color looks good!! Really want to see that outside in the daylight. Is that the hobby shop sign from the old hobby shop on front street in the background?

Thanks Brent!!!
I'm anxious to see it in the sunlight myself, it should be gorgeous!
Yes, that is the sign from the front window of "The Hobby Shoppe".....
I miss that place......

[Kaler]

That's awesome!! I miss it too, that's where I got my clodbuster back in '87. WOW I feel old hahaha.

[Full Throttle Rob]

Here's how it looks after 3 coats of clear!!!



Yes, it really is that shiny!



1 coat of color and 1 coat of clear on the inside.

[Full Throttle Rob]

So, last night I got a response from my friend with the 3D printer.
He's going to start drawing them up in CAD this week!!!
I hope he gets them done soon!!!!!!

I can't wait until this rig is ready to go do some crawling with!!!!!

[Full Throttle Rob]

My 3D printed grille and cladding should be in the mail this week!!!

Can't wait!!!

[Full Throttle Rob]

My stuff went in the mail today!
I'd imagine I'll see it Monday!!!!

To do list:
Reinstall running gear.
Make taillights & attach headlight lenses.
Remove window masking.
Bend & attach fender flares.

Photo shoot for "before" pics.
Bashing session.
Photo shoot for "after" pics.

I may end up having to sand the body down to bare metal, because the paint doesn't stick to the white coating on the aluminum very well and it scratches off super easy.

But I'll cross that bridge when I get there!


Stay tuned!!!

[JBcustoms]

Cannot wait to see it crawling!

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