The return of the Junkerlux...USTE2020 Build

[1BadJeepBruiser]

Many years ago, back in 2009, Scale 4x4 RC member Stongeage started building a 1990-91 model year Hilux. Not only was it a scratch built styrene cab, but Thomas also made custom molds for metal front fenders, hood, and bed sides. The build was one of my all time favorites and since this was just before the massive explosion of scale support the truck rocked OG scale parts such as a Tamiya Bruiser frame, SDI tires, and original RC4WD scale axles. At one point, the truck was offered to me to purchase. Needless to say it came with a price tag that reflected the 100s of hours that went into the build. Despite me wanting the build, I simply could not afford it at the time.

Fast forward to January 2018, I always thought about this build...I decided to reach out to Stoneage to see if he still had the build. He hadn't been logged in for some time but luckily he must have had his notifications on. I was able to strike a deal and after a couple months of a payment plan the ol'Junkerlux made its way from the UK to New York. Upon receiving it, I was in the middle of finishing up other builds so I had to put it on the back burner. With USTE 2020 approaching quickly I needed something rad for the GCM show and shine. I have been a winner for the past 3 years but with the builders and builds getting better and better each year I needed something to keep me from being benched.

Here is how the Junkerlux looked in one of its last forms



Here is how I received it



I wanted to Keep is period correct so the Bruiser frame is staying. The original chassis had link mounts brazed and I want to go leaf sprung so I pulled out another Bruiser chassis I had stashed away. It has scale hardware, chino skid, TF2 front shock mounts, RC4WD shocks, and Chino mil wrap springs front and rear. I ditched the modded 12mm Bruiser axles and went with some RC4WD Bruiseruptor spec axles. The front bumper is a custom brazed bumper by me with a 3racing winch mount.

Here is where I'm at with the mock up


I stole the tires and wheels from n00bs build off FJ, needed to put the CI foams in them anyways. I am thinking a 1.7/1.9 wheel combo with a similar height tire (probably RC4WD MTRs) will be what I am going with. Just undecided on wheels. Ive always been a fan of some of the wheels designs locked-up has done over the years, especially theyre TG beadlock rep they do.

Next on the agenda is to get the cab mounted, then I can figure out the scale driveline and the plan is for a MrcommaD 22reT scale motor, because I heart boost. The bed area I might cheat and use an old RE hilux bed kid. Ive also come to the realization that with a full dropped floor and scale engine bay that Im gonna need to do a tool box or the hide electronics and battery in the bed of the truck... its gonna be tricky to get it all to work together but I'm confident I can get it done.

Keep an eye out for updates!

-Mike

[crunky]

Wow, I remember those days. Can't wait to see the tricks you pull out of your hat. Resto-mods rock!!!

[durok]

Man, that metal body and the half-doors.... drool-worthy!

[spoo76]

Wow I remember this build. Definitely one of my favorites

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[1BadJeepBruiser]

Originally Posted by crunky

Wow, I remember those days. Can't wait to see the tricks you pull out of your hat. Resto-mods rock!!!

Originally Posted by durok

Man, that metal body and the half-doors.... drool-worthy!

Originally Posted by spoo76

Wow I remember this build. Definitely one of my favorites

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Thanks fellas


Probably doesn't look like a big update but the body is mounted and drop bed is built. Due to time constraints I cheated and busted out a Rogue Elements drop bed kit from what back in the day. Typically I use the bed kit from n00b but due to it being very 1st gen specific and being a thinner styrene I needed something with more support since the bed sides are aluminum. I had to chop and splice and cut the crap out of it but it fit back together nicely. I then made some custom cab mounts of angle aluminum. The body height is set and I can order up some tubing to start the hybrid exo cage. Also going to order some more aluminum and tools to make fenders, bed sides, and hoods thanks to the help from Blake/metalmasher. I stole my MrCommaD 22r out of my GCM "mini me" build which has been on the back burner for 2 years now I gotta order another scale drive line and thanks to Tim/Small Factory I now know that re re bruiser front trans mounts will work for supporting the front of the drive line. Ordered some RC4WD 1.7s MTRs and scale Aisin hubs this morning. I need an aggressive looking wheel, thinking something from Locked Up but I do have nice set of cnccustomwheels wagon wheels I scored a while back so maybe just tuff looking rings to go on those. Decisions decisions... Ultimate Scale Truck Expo 2020 will be here before I know it... hoping this will bring home the hardware for a 4th year in a row, competition gets better and better every year and its getting harder to keep up.

[rs10man]

that's a rad build. very cool having those mould pieces too...