“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

[SHOme]

Following. I love Broncos.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[ccrawler]

Well, I was able to get a few hours of bending and brazing in this weekend. It's startin to look like something

[SHOme]

Originally Posted by ccrawler

Well, I was able to get a few hours of bending and brazing in this weekend. It's startin to look like something

Looking good.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[turbo_bird]

Looks like it's going to be pretty cool. I'm sort of in the same situation RC wise, sort of got out of the hobby about 10 years ago, but put everything in boxes and put it away. I always used to come to this site for the custom builds, and wanted to do one of my own. Maybe now that my kids are getting to an age where they can appreciate stuff like this I can build one too. I've got the same HPI bronco body even, one painted ratty one that the front is still in pretty decent shape, the other still new and not trimmed or painted.
Kristian

[ccrawler]

Originally Posted by turbo_bird

Looks like it's going to be pretty cool. I'm sort of in the same situation RC wise, sort of got out of the hobby about 10 years ago, but put everything in boxes and put it away. I always used to come to this site for the custom builds, and wanted to do one of my own. Maybe now that my kids are getting to an age where they can appreciate stuff like this I can build one too. I've got the same HPI bronco body even, one painted ratty one that the front is still in pretty decent shape, the other still new and not trimmed or painted.
Kristian

Hey, Thanks!
You should definitely do a build! I love the old broncos, you should bust out that new body and do something with it!

[turbo_bird]

I certainly should build something. Back in the day I wanted to build a 1/6 or so scale version of this thing, it's my brother's homebuilt bush toy. I even had figured out parts for some homebuilt axles, but never built them.

That'll probably never happen, but a smaller one with 2.2 tires could be doable. I wonder if these cheap axles are any good, the reviews seem ok.
https://m.banggood.com/2PCS-CNC-Alum...t_warehouse=CN
Kristian

[ccrawler]

Originally Posted by turbo_bird

I certainly should build something. Back in the day I wanted to build a 1/6 or so scale version of this thing, it's my brother's homebuilt bush toy. I even had figured out parts for some homebuilt axles, but never built them.

That'll probably never happen, but a smaller one with 2.2 tires could be doable. I wonder if these cheap axles are any good, the reviews seem ok.
https://m.banggood.com/2PCS-CNC-Alum...t_warehouse=CN
Kristian

That would be a cool build! I dont know about those axles...you might look on ebay as well, tons of axles out there now.

[ccrawler]

Well, I was able to get a little more done on the roof and back windows.







Also started laying out the bottom basket and making bends.

[ccrawler]

Started on the bottom pan.

I also had to redo the bottom part of the back end. I realized at that thickness, it would limit the up travel of the rear axle to much. So I moved it up.
I'm really loving the look so far.

Before:


After:

[ccrawler]

I got a few scale accessories in today. I'm pretty excited to work this into the rig.

[ccrawler]

I got some more work done on the bottom pan today. Also got a few link mounts on there. Cut out and shaped some Delrin for the skid plate. Set it all together with the AX2 in there to mock it up for mounting.

[ccrawler]

Got an update!

I mocked up my wheelbase at 12.5" set the chassis in there and started measuring for all the links. Building them out of M3 stainless steel all thread and will cover them with brake line when done.






I got a few more parts in. A gear guard for the AX2 tranny, and some bent rod ends.
Man! Do those bent rod ends make a huge difference! Soooo much easier to get good angles for your links.




Got the links in! 4 link in the back, 3 link with panhard and cms up front is the plan.

Just checking to make sure I don't have any binding.






I was able to measure for the drive shafts and got them ordered.

I also picked out the electronics for this beast and got them on the way.

Watch out for an update when they get here to see whats powering this bronco

[SHOme]

Looking good!


Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[ccrawler]

Driveshafts came in!

RPP is super!