Project Rockstar

[CrawlinClodKiller]

This was a build called Elvis by it's previous owner. It eventually was built for me for trade of a savage. Here is the original build thread.
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83659&highlight=elvis

After I got it there were a few things that I wanted to change. A few turned into alot and now it is alot different. I call it project Rockstar.

How it was when I got it.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P1070015.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2030001.jpg

Then I hacked a bunch off to make some changes.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2030011.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2030012.jpg

Then I built a new bottom end for it.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2190004.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2190006.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2190010.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2190017.jpg

Next was mockup for the new shock and link locations. The front will be droop and the rear will be sprung.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2190022.jpg

That is how it sits right now. I have all the link mounts marked out and just have to cut and braze them on. Then the shock mounts. I have plans to mount the batts in a very different way that I think everyone will like. I will also be making rocksliders and bumpers for it. Eventually a new body is in order as well as painting the tubing. Last detail will be rock crusher tires once I get some more cash. Let me know what you all think.

[smcurry83]

Looks like you started with a pretty nice rig. Can't go anywhere but up from here. I'll be checking thread for sure...

[LST022752]

Looks like you started with a pretty nice rig. Can't go anywhere but up from here. I'll be checking thread for sure...

I agree.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Also I was gonna call this the Brute. If you read through the previous build someone said it looked like the aev brute conversion. I looked at the pics and decided it will be. I like the idea of a rubicon pickup. The bed will be a bit different than the brute but it will be similar.

[Mriswith]

Well you haven't changed up the design to much. I like how you did the trans mount. Now you got room for the new Axial trans dig unit. I'm curious to see how you run the links. Looks like triangluated lowers but how do you plan on doing the uppers? Gonna mount both bars on the outside axle mounts and run the uppers straight?

Get it running, you got three weeks then I want to see how it runs on my rock pile for comparision. Do you think the new config will perform better?

[rockeater]

Sweet chassis, I am for sure gonna watch this unfold. I really like the chassis

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Ok a little update. I will be leaving for a while on the 3rd so I may be back by the time you are mris. Anyway I am waiting for a chance to pick up some steel plate for my link mounts heh heh youll see, and some aluminum angle for somthing else. So I figured I would start on my fully functional tube doors. They are made with 1/8" solid rod. This is a pain to do since the bends are so tight and what not. They are not done yet and I will post more pics when they are, maybe one done later tonight. Anyway here are the pics so far.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2240005.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2240006.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2240008.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2240009.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2240010.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2240011.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2240012.jpg

Also here is the new body so you can see what it looks like with a virgin body. heh

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2230001.jpg

Sorry Mris I know you can't see the pics, I will send them to you again.

[Mriswith]

Sweet chassis, I am for sure gonna watch this unfold. I really like the chassis

I take a piece of the credit but that piece is getting smaller and smaller by the update. :-P I've got some inside info, keep watching, you'll like.

I'm liking where this is going. Your giving me a few idea's for a JK scaler.

How thick of steel you looking to use? I got 2 different thickness of plate. The thinner that I orignally put on the belly of this 7lb pound beast and some thicker I haven't used yet. The thicker stuff would work for the link mounts if I'm tracking you right. If you haven't gotten it by the time I get back let me know, I got a 16" square sheet of it.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Well I see you are on now. So I am looking to get 1/8" by 3/8 flat for the mounts. I will grind them to the shape of the down tubes so it is a smooth transition. Man I have to say tube doors are a pain in the butt by the way.

[Mriswith]

I've got an idea for some tube doors myself. Shoot me a pic when you can and I'll be better able to describe it. They'd be removable. The only part I don't have figured 100% is the latch because they'd fully functioning just like the 1:1. Maybe a samll button screw through the door into a 3mm nut brazed to the cage. What I've got pictured would be a lot easier than the coil buckets this rig started with. Those sucked.

I know what your thinking for mounts now but I can't remeber if I have any of that steel flat bar.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Mine tube doors are removable. I will show you the latch either when I get it done or when you get back. I have one door done except for the latch. I have an easyish idea for the latch.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Ok last update for tonight. I got one door done except for the latch. Check it out.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2240002.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250004.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250005.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250007.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250012.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250013.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250017.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250019.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250020.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250021.jpg

They are a pain to make, but it turned out like I wanted it. I will get more updates posted as I get more done. Later

[rockeater]

Thats really sweet, good job man "thumbsup""thumbsup"

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Hopefully more people comment on this. It was alot of work. Also I have not seen any other person do the tube door thing.

[smcurry83]

The doors are cool. What are gonna use to keep 'em shut?

[CrawlinClodKiller]

I am gonna braze a plate in between the two supports and use a spring loaded pin that I am making. It will engage a tube on the chassis to keep it closed. Hard to explain. When I do it I will post pics.

[clod freak]

Well in my about a year of lurking around RCC, I must say that I am REALLY impressed with the tube doors. They will be even cooler when you work out the spring loaded release that you were talking about earlier. Keep us updated. These are really cool!

[CrawlinClodKiller]

One more for today then I go to work.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250002.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250003.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250004-1.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2250005-1.jpg

Hopefully I will get to finish up the basic parts of the second door tonight. Then I can start on the latch mech.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Time for another update. It's got two doors now and the passenger one has a working latch. I just have to find another ink pen for a spring for the drivers door. Well here are the pics.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2270009.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2270012.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2270008.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2270005.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2270007.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2260004.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2270006.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2270013.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2270014.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P2270016.jpg

Enjoy and if anyone has questions or comments feel free. I should add that I have never done metal work to include brazing so this is all my first time. I love doing this stuff though so plan on alot more from me.

[run2jeepn]

Very nice work on those doors. Thats sweet. I need to learn how to braze better..:(

[crawler king 17]

nice i like your ink pen spring door retaner idea

[smcurry83]

The door "latch" is an awesome idea. Are you planning on putting panels on the doors? That'll look sick.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

More than likely yes. I was gonna put a small aluminum panel on each one to cover the latch mech.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

I am surprised there was not more of a responce to this. Oh well I guess I have to do something even more amazing then. Not sure what. Anybody got any ideas for me. Don't say paint it either, it is along way from that still.

[smcurry83]

PAINT IT!!!!





Just kidding. Don't get bummed if you don't get a lot of replies. I thought I had a kicka** thread and tons of folks were looking at it, but noone was posting anything.

I think you're on the right track. Keep coming up with unique parts (like the doors) and build a kicka** rig. And yeah, I can't wait to see it finished, with panels and paint.

[smcurry83]

What about a rear bumper with a swing out tire carrier. You could use the same style latch mechanism, just smaller.

[Issyt]

Looks like your hood already opens so try to do something with that. like get a jeep replica and tear the engine out of it and mount into your crawler. you could also do some interior work from the same replica if you go that rout. i just dont know how much a replica the size that you need would cost.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

I like the tire carrier idea I hadn't thought of that. For the hood it opens because that is where the batt and all the eletronics go. An engine would not fit, but I may be able to make something that works though, I will look into it. For the interior I am going to custom make the whole thing to replicate the real rubicon. I may even go as far as some functional interior items and lights, havent decided yet. At the rate I am going this thing will never be done cause I keep coming up with more ideas. heh heh What does everyone think for a front bumper. I am cutting off the whole grill and making one like stang killas. Mine may not be metal though. I was thinking a bumper like a warn with roller farlead and a simple brushguard instead of the usual stinger.

[TXmade]

I like the tire carrier idea I hadn't thought of that. For the hood it opens because that is where the batt and all the eletronics go. An engine would not fit, but I may be able to make something that works though, I will look into it. For the interior I am going to custom make the whole thing to replicate the real rubicon. I may even go as far as some functional interior items and lights, havent decided yet. At the rate I am going this thing will never be done cause I keep coming up with more ideas. heh heh What does everyone think for a front bumper. I am cutting off the whole grill and making one like stang killas. Mine may not be metal though. I was thinking a bumper like a warn with roller farlead and a simple brushguard instead of the usual stinger.

dude your rig is F@#%ING awesome!! as far as ideas for the front bumper, hit up 4wheelparts.com to look at real ones, there are so many parts for a real jeep that its endless!!

oh how bout some functional roof lights? maybe a lil audio system? just a few dumb lil thoughts.

[BoomDaddy]

It's a Jeep thing Most people don't understand.

Nice rig."thumbsup"

Give it some rock sliders aka. nurf bars, flat fenders, recessed tail lights.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Oh it will have have have steel rock sliders, real ones not tube steps. Also it will have flat fenders and I am making a It's A Jeep Thing decal for the windshield.

[poorboypulling]

cool looking jeep cant wait to see it done

[Mriswith]

I think I can officially say it's no longer mine. I'm really gonna have to dig deep to one up this one. I got a few ideas rolling around to give you a run for your money though. Although with your work on the doors I may have you do some of my more intricate work.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Thank you. Thank you. No applause just throw money. Heh just wait to you see what else I got planned.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Sort of an update. I had a visit from the metal fairy so hopefully I can get some stuff done this weekend. Here is what I got.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3010001.jpg

Left is aluminum middle is steel and right is steel.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Ok both doors are now functional. No pics since the drivers side looks just like the passenger side. I will add skin over the door mechanism later. I started working on the upper link mounts so hopfully I will get them done tomorrow. I will post some pics when I do.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Ok for all you pic hogs. heh heh Here is a pic update. I got the rear link mounts/shock mounts done. Just need to clean them up a bit still. They are 1/8 inch steel.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3040003.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3040004.jpg

Next comes the front ones then I just need to make some links and I got a roller again. Also I added the complete door pics just so you can all see how it sits right now.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3040001.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3040002.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3040003-1.jpg

Well I got to go to work so I will see if I can get more done tonight. Thanks for all the comments guys. You help me stay motivated to finish this thing.

[2JSC]

I really like the placement of the tranny. Far enough forward that you can make an interior and not have the spur sticking up. Nice doors as well. "thumbsup"

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Thanks that is the plan with the interior too. I will have to make a small sort of bell housing cover, but that's no big deal.

[clod & bruiser]

this is looking great! any idea on paint color of the chassis?

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Chassis will be semigloss black with red and silver accent. The body will be red with silver and black accent probably.

[crawler king 17]

dude thats fing killer

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Well had a couple of setbacks today. I smoked my dremel and broke my last drill bit. It will be a couple days till I can replace them. Hopefully I can get this thing together this weekend. I have the rear suspension figured out and just need to get the shock mounts made. The front I have to figure out the shock mounts still.

[rezotop]

normal that you broke your tool.............. you seem to work very hard"thumbsup" very nice work, can't wait to see what's next

[Mriswith]

How many Dremels is that for you now? I know I'm on my second. If you haven't gotten it running by this weekend, we can thrash on it with my tools whenever next week, I should be off.

[grob23]

wow! this is definantly the first time I've seen opening tube doors on a rig... I told my brother about a thread that I saw with tube doors that open, he told me all tube doors open... they're doors... then I told him I saw it on an RC and he about crapped

good job here... I'll definantly keep at least one of my eyes on the thread!

[mpre55]

It's looking great! Keep up the great work, I'm in it to the end.......I can't wait to see what you come up with next. Great job!"thumbsup"

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Well I got my old dremel going and I found some more drill bits. Now I just need some time. I got my front link mounts cut and my rear shock mounts cut and drilled. Hopefully I will get them mounted up tomorrow and get the front shock mounts figured out. Then I have to make up some links and it will be a roller, well more than a roller I can easily put everything in. I am working on a couple of ground breaking ideas, but don't want to give them away just yet. Want to make sure I can do them first. Hopefully my old dremel is up to the task.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Ok time for an update. I got alot done tonight. See pics and explainations.

I got the rear shock mounts done as well as the basic links. Still have to sleeve them but that will be later. It is 8/32 allthread. Anyway here are a few.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3150001.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3150002.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3150003.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3150004.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3150008.jpg

Then I made up the front link mounts and shock hoops. Once again see pics.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3150010.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3150009.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3160012.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3160013.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3160014.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3160015.jpg

All I got left to do is make some front links. I have the lowers done, just need the uppers. Then I can do a full assemble and try it out. The last thing I have to do really is bracing, but don't need to much. Then I get to the fun stuff like painting and stuff once it gets alittle warmer. Thanks for everyones comments you have all helped me keep going on this. Next update will be of it put together I imagine. Probably get a little vid on some rocks for you guys too. later

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Nother update. Got the suspension done and all mounted up. I still have to sleeve the links, but I'm not sure if I like the link setup yet. I have to run it and see before I sleeve them. Anyway here are the pics let me know what you think. Oh and just to let everyone know that tire it is flexing on is 6" tall.



http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3160001.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3160002.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3160003.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3160004.jpg

Here is the belly clearance.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3160005.jpg

Now I just need a set of 2.2 crushers and I will be good to go. Anyone have any they don't want?

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Well I got a set of 2.2 crushers coming so now I just have little stuff, sort of, left. I will have to get my new body work done soon. Right now I am running with the old body and it doesn't fully fit the the new design right anymore.

[adam]

cool build looks awaome

[CrawlinClodKiller]

At this point I am wondering why I posted this in the WK section. It really should be in the 2.2 section. The only part that is wk is the axles. I have plans to go very scale on this thing too.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Little update here. I got my rockcrushers on. I like them alot. This thing was built to use them, so it makes sense. Anyway now I just need to get some stuff to make my rock rings. Here are the pics.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3200029.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3200030.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3200031.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3200035.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3200032.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/P3200034.jpg

I have to work this weekend, so I am not sure if I will have a chance to work on this or not, but I will try. You will be the first to know if I get more done. thanks again

[CrawlinClodKiller]

Here is a little vid action on Mriswith's rockpile. The first part it still has the rock lizards on, then I goes to the stock full foam rock crushers. Enjoy.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/th_Rockstar1.jpg (http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x121/CrawlinClodKiller/Red%20Rocker/?action=view&current=Rockstar1.flv)

[CrawlinClodKiller]

This is the last update in the WK section. Someone named Bob has interest in this rig. See the 2.2 section for Bob's The Rocker build for more on this. Thanks.

[CrawlinClodKiller]

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111700

There is the new thread about this truck and its new builder heh heh.