“Old Blue”: A throwback Bronco tuber build

[ccrawler]

Hey all!
So this is going to be a bit of a unique build, as you will see. I’m calling this a throwback build for a couple reasons.

First, I don’t see nearly as many custom builds these days. There are so many kits and parts available now, it’s just not the same as the old days.

Second, this build literally started in 2007! Back in 07 I stumbled across this forum and was amazed at what guys were building! I decided to start my own build. Unfortunately I didn’t get to far before life just got in the way and all my stuff got put in a box.

Fast forward to 2019. I dug up this box of old R/C stuff and decided I just couldn’t let it sit around any longer! So, the re-start of the 2007 build is here!
This is going to be a bit unique because I’m going to start by jumping back in time to 2007 and show you all what I got done, then we will skip up to modern times and continue the build!

So back in 2007 I was inspired, like many others on here, by some really cool 1:1 rigs.

But I was also blown away by two rigs on here:
Guido, by Grizzly4x4
Guido: Scale TTC Bronco 2015 Scale Nats Updates

and

The EB Truggy, by War Pig
War Pig's EB Truggy

Some amazing building on those!!

Here are a couple of the 1:1 rigs I will get ideas from.





Over all, this is my favorite 1:1 and will be the one I try to capture the overall look from.


Got some parts in to start my build!
2.2 beadlocks from RC4WD
130mm working reservoir shocks from RC4WD
RC4WD 2.2 rock crusher tires
And some metal link ends





Got the tires mounted up on the wheels, I think they look pretty sweet! Should be pretty close to the 1:1


Got my Bronco body in! The only old style Bronco body available (In 2007)

HPI Bronco body:


Started doing some cutting on it.



Had to narrow it down for a more scale appearance.



Also got some Delrin sheet and a bunch of 3/16 brake tubing. Going to use the Delrin for skid plates and battery tray.


Ordered up a set of TLT axles and upgraded parts.
Full ball bearings
Rear strait axle lockout kit
Rear axle truss
Front aluminum C hubs
Front RCP aluminum knuckles
Front MIP CVD’s
Aluminum link/shock mounts.

I built the axles and locked out the diffs with JB weld. Trimmed the axle cases wherever I could on the bottom sides.


Had to modify the link mounts a little on the rear axle to clear the axle truss.




Going to have to run some wheel wideners to help with width.


Rear axle.


Front axle.


Mock up with the narrowed body.


Started working on the tube work! Drew up a few layouts.


Laying it out.


Got the main body started.


Making some bends for the front stinger and hood.





Starting to put some pieces together.

[Stray]

Love custom cages, looking forward to see what you do!

[ccrawler]

We are up to 2019. As mentioned at the start of this thread, I pulled out my old box of parts the other day and decided I had better actually do something with it.

First stop was here on this forum. All I can say is WOW I can’t believe how much has changed! Seems like you can get just about anything you want for scale builds now. There are sure some cool products available!

I quickly discovered TLT axles are a thing of the very ancient past!
But since mine are literally new, with zero runs on them, I have decided to proceed with them. Once this thing is done I will just run them till I blow them apart then I will figure out what modern axle I want to replace them with

So, back to building!
This is where I left off in 2007


Started out trying to get a few new pieces brazed in. Had some trouble getting back into brazing. Was having heck controlling the heat with my torch. I either couldn’t get it to flow right, or was burning it all up. So I stopped today and picked up this little guy, a jewelers torch. We’ll see what I can get done over the weekend with it.

[lonleycreeper]

I had a flashback to 2008, when I saw Guido for the first time on the cover of Rc Crawler special edition magazine. Guido was the pinnacle of crawlers at the time, Still is in my opinion.

Keep up the good work, and Old School ROCKS!

[ccrawler]

Originally Posted by lonleycreeper

I had a flashback to 2008, when I saw Guido for the first time on the cover of Rc Crawler special edition magazine. Guido was the pinnacle of crawlers at the time, Still is in my opinion.

Keep up the good work, and Old School ROCKS!

Thanks!
Yeah, old Guildo still makes me drool! There hasn't been any updates on his page for a couple years, I wonder what he's up to these days.





So I got a little work done this weekend. The jewelers torch is amazing! You have so much control on heat and you can really focus on a small spot.

[ccrawler]

Got this guy in the mail today. RC4WD AX2 2 speed transmission. Got the heavy duty output shaft as well, so I'll get that in from the start. Now I will be set to mock up the dimensions for the bottom pan and skid plate. Hopefully I’ll get some more brazing done this weekend