Body forming

[racerx]

Anyone here ever try there hand at vacuum forming a body, My uncle is getting ready to build a forming table and try to make a Jeepster Commando body using an old TONKA as the mold. What do ya think? Will it work? Is it a pain in the arse? Any info on the subject would be sweet! Thanks.

[Mad Scientist]

It's not too difficult - just be sure that whatever you are using as a form dosen't have any extreme undercuts, or you'll never get the shell off the form in one peice.

[BrandO]

You also need to make sure there are no openings. In other words all the windows and wheel wells need to be sealed off.

[KSchweikert]

What kind of Commando is it (regular Jeepster or Bullnose)? I've got a 73 Bullnose in the garage waiting for me to get the engine back in. If you have good luck making the body I might be interested in one just for the heck of it.

Kelly

[racerx]

The 1:1 he has is a 67 or 68 the Tonka version appears to be a newer model not sure about the year though. I knew we would have to cover any open areas and I was thinking if we mounted the mold to a flat board then it wouldn't get pulled under the bumper and get stuck. Also what should you put on the body as a "release compound"?

[racerx]

I just did a Google search and Tonka lit. says "based on 67 to 73" Commando. FYI...

[KSchweikert]

A bit of Jeep history here. Kaiser started building the Jeepster Commando in 67 and it continued unchanged until AMC purchased Jeep from Kaiser. AMC changed the front fenders and grill in 72 and dropped Jeepter from the name. These Commandos are commonly called Bullnoses because the front end is a bit "different". They actually look similar to early Broncos and Inernational Scouts. The Bullnose was only produced for 2 years. The Tonka Commandos that I found pictures of are the 67-71 version in case anyone cares.

Kelly

[microgoat]

for a release agent, try Stoner urethane spray. it's used in resin casting, and it's hella expensive (like $30 for a can) but nothing will stick to it. you can rinse it off with soap & water.

you could also try PAM if you wanna go cheap, but that might fawk it up. this is one instance where a Stoner actually gets something done.

[72commando]

just wanted to correct some info on the jeepesters and commandos. the kaiser jeepster commando was built from 66 to 71.5 and the amc commando was built from 71.5 to 73. the 68-71.5 jeepsters had larger turn signals on the front grill. also some of the 73 year jeeps had a mix of kaiser and amc body parts. oh ya i have a 72 sc2 commando and my dad has a 67 jeepster just so you dont think im crazy.

also might want to check out the build over at scale4x4rc.us the guy is building an xc commando from scratch.

let us know how the body works out

[DISTURBIN' tha PEACE]

this is one instance where a Stoner actually gets something done.
Hey, I get stuff done too. It just takes awhile to get off my arse. :lol:

[skipstr71]

I have never seen a body being formed but we have used vac tables and the set up at work a few times.. Concept is simple.. and I have even seen a 15 year old kid make a body online a few months ago.. I will find the thread if you want to see how he did it.. It was very crude.. he used him moms vacume at first, and when it blew up he used his dads shop vac.. LOL My point its that its easy.. and I am working on a mold of a 2nd generation toyota for my projects...

[racerx]

I'm with ya on the Yota!! I drive a 94 X-Tra cab myself and would love to have a lexan Toy body!!

[racerx]

Hey Skip, what are you using to build your mold? If it comes out good you better be prepared for the flood of P.M.s! LOL Alot of people want these.:mrgreen:

[skipstr71]

I'm with ya on the Yota!! I drive a 94 X-Tra cab myself and would love to have a lexan Toy body!!


Thats funny.. I have a 93' EXT cab that i am finishing up the SAS on.. Sick..!

Well I have got my clay artist buddy making me one out of clay. I know he can do it perfectly to the size I want (same scale as the HPI bronco body). and my old ladyies grandfather said he could do it out of wood.. as good as he is he had a few to many gin and tonics when were talking about it...

[racerx]

LMAO!! Yeah I got family members that can build, fix, or jump anything after enough beers!! Even got a cousin that thought he could take on the whole family at the dunes one night!! WAY to much Jose Quervo! LOL Anyway can't wait to see a new toy body.

[racerx]

I've been planning an SAS on mine for about 3 years now, Keep spending money on to much other crap!!

[thaclodking]

If you have any luck let us know. I have been trying to make some molds of existing bodies with no luck. Everything I have tried thus far has either shrunk or developed air bubbles. My ultimate goal would be an early Land Rover.

If anyone knows of anything that could be used for molds let me know. I have tried the self hardining clay but it distorts and shrinks as it cures.

[racerx]

Check out the "discountinued bodies" thread in General Crawler I think they had an abs plastic Rover body. Looked pretty good too! Anybody know what the big guys use? (proline, bolink, ect...)

[KSchweikert]

just wanted to correct some info on the jeepesters and commandos. the kaiser jeepster commando was built from 66 to 71.5 and the amc commando was built from 71.5 to 73. the 68-71.5 jeepsters had larger turn signals on the front grill.

That's right, I forgot about the turn signals. There were also some running changes to the steering (from Ross to Saginaw) and front springs pre 71.5. I'll admit to know more about the 72 and 73 models than the earlier ones. It's nice to know there's another Commando guy on here.
Kelly

[skipstr71]

Talked with my bosses at work today and found out more for my body forming project and it may help you out.. First off you need a master mold.. There are a few opptions but I will be using the red/brown clay that that sell at any arts and crafts store.. This is just your first step in many steps.. You want this mold to be good so all the rest of your molds will be good also.. Now you have opptions as far as a female mold of this master.. Some opptions are RTV type silicone, fiberglass type or any other relasing (but shape holding) materials.. Then from there you can make another male mold using plaster type, other high temp resin jellys.. I am obviously not there so I dont have the names of what to use.. and there is so many different ways to form things and most of them would work at this point..

I will be trying two different ways.. One will be an actuall lexan body vacume formed over a male mold of my body, and also a fiberglass jelly resin (and cloth) in a female mold of my original male mold...

Either way, mark my words, I will have a 2nd generation toyota truck body within 60 days.. Now its a struggle debating if its gonna be an extended cab short bed, or a standard cab long bed... OH and is the bed gonna be bobbed...? there is just so many opptions here..

[racerx]

TWO WORDS Carbon Fiber!! That would be the most killer body! Just get the sheets before they add the resin and work it into a female mold. Would also make cool wrap around panels for tubers! HMMMMMMMM?:roll:

[skipstr71]

Ok 2 hours in on an expected 50-100 hour project, and this is where I am at.. It actually looks better in a pic that real life but not to bad sence I have NO experience with clay. Also I am using the $3.99 starter kit from the art store. This is the clay the lady said that is used as I explained my project.. Plan is to get it as good as I can with hands, and make a silicone female mold, and then from that make a plaster male mold.. and go from there... Obviously plans may change as we learn more about different processes.. anyways you can thrash my attempt as I have to try something...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/154511416511.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/154518541484.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/158458184818.jpg

[racerx]

Your kidding me RIGHT?! That is F'N sweet! If they come out I WANT, I WANT!! I'm gonna send this link to my uncle right now!

[polyophio]

That's awesome. What wb is it giong to be? I would love to get a hold of one of those when your finished. Please let me know how everthing works out.

[skipstr71]

Right on guys.. I hope to god I dont runin the work with my first mold attempt.. I will take every precaution I can..


The thing will change a lot. and the wheel wells are set yet beasue I am unsure how I want to do the back.. and I may even put another layer on it so its a bit bigger.. Right now its the size of a stock savage body.. and if I were to do it now I would make it so the wheel wells would be at 11.5"-12"...

I'm sure if it comes out anything nice, I would have a bunch of people wanting one.. even the folks that wish I wasnt alive.... I'll remember.. hahahaha

[thaclodking]

What brand/type of clay is that and is it self hardening? The crap that I bought shrinks like no tommorrow. I believe it was marblex or something to that effect.

[shortbusjeep]

that is amazeing i would be so down if you sold them

[skipstr71]

What brand/type of clay is that and is it self hardening? The crap that I bought shrinks like no tommorrow. I believe it was marblex or something to that effect.


Its the sculpting clay that the art store said to use.. It can recive a female mold with the right materials. I am unsure what the name of that is, but I will know soon enough.. I actually think its only going to take around 40-60 hours at most.. I am close to haveing one side done.. I think the hard part will be to get the other side to be semetrical to the side I am working.. Then I have to make sure I have the gaps correct so the body lines and features show up in the mold that I am aiming for....

[thaclodking]

I have talked with a few people with some experience with scratch built vacuum formed models. They said the best way to get the details formed is by using a female mold. In various places such as cab corners and such drill very small holes to allow vacuum to pull through.

I am off to the craft store now. hopefully I will find something of use that will allow me to start on my rover.

[skipstr71]

My bosses have worked with this and my freind/boss has 35+ years of design experince in the areospace industry.. Your right that the female mold can be the easy way to get good detail, but a properly built vac forming table can do it to.. Also having a master mold, you can have either female or male molds and design the vac table to do both with some switching around..

We are going after this project full time.. I have a list going of what all is needed.. I even have a hook on a brand new vac pump that is WAY more than enough power.. Also have the tanks to use as the major velocity vacume pull, and have an old range to strip out the elements and temp controls..

[racerx]

Man am I glad I asked this question! I never thought that anyone was this interested in making bodies. Skip, keep up the good work. Maybe something else to try would be just a cab so people could build a Badger like truck but still have the rear wall of the cab.( not open) like bruiser/ mounty bodies. My Hilux body has a back wall thats what made me think of it.

[skipstr71]

Man am I glad I asked this question! I never thought that anyone was this interested in making bodies. Skip, keep up the good work. Maybe something else to try would be just a cab so people could build a Badger like truck but still have the rear wall of the cab.( not open) like bruiser/ mounty bodies. My Hilux body has a back wall thats what made me think of it.


Yes I am highly debating making two molds.. a cab and a bed.. but once I get to the point of making bodies, having another mold, or moddifying an existing mold for flatbeds wouldnt be that hard.. But for my project i am most likely going to use a truck with bed body.. Also I kinda made it so that the bed has a "bobed" look to it.. and thats a sweet look in my book.. More things to come in the future..!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/148414848484.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/1845154154184.jpg

[thaclodking]

Let me know what you find for a vacuum pump. I have one that I used for automotive A/C work. I plumbed it into an old air tank and it will remove quite a bit of air quickly. In your opinion would you make a rover with or without the top? I found this on Ebay. This is pretty much what I am shooting for.

[skipstr71]

Actually I have a real vacume pump that we were going to use for a vac table on a CNC.. So I have that coming to the house soon.

Personally I would do the top off, so I could make a roll cage.. Thats how I have my next project planned.. The suzuki SAMURI..! Thats if the yota goes well of course.. :)

Did you get your clay..?


EDIT: I think that the window would give you some serious issues if you were to do a top off form... Ouch, i really wanted to do that...

[onebadtrooper]

The suzuki SAMURI..!


That would be sweet!!!, I love that yota so far too!! You guy's might think I'm really dumb, but I might try this. But try to make a copy of my Trooper.

[shortbusjeep]

a SAMURI would be sic, no i would want one of those also. you could always build the rest of the roof with no details if you were planing to go topless just have it there to form the body

[skipstr71]

That would be sweet!!!, I love that yota so far too!! You guy's might think I'm really dumb, but I might try this. But try to make a copy of my Trooper.

Thanks.. and Yea I am a huge fan of both Toyota's and sami's.. I have 2 yota's and 1 sami...

Theres nothing dumb about setting your mind to a goal and completing it.. no matter what it is.. Just remeber that some bodies are in demand.. and some are not.. So yo may be doing a lot of work just so you can have one.. and thats alright.. I just know that when the yota comes out nice, the PM box is gonna get a work out.. :)

The clay sculptureing is VERY fun.. extremely tedious, but I sat down last night and did almost 5 hours worth...

[thaclodking]

Yep, some stuff by the name of roma plastilina, #2 medium. Looks like they had everything I would need for doing a female mold once I get the master done.

I also found a pic from my trip to Jamaica, this also looks like a good candidate for a body. The front end would be a little easier to duplicate on this model.

[onebadtrooper]

Yeah this would be just for me, I don't think anybody would want any even if
I did try to sell them:lol:
Its got pretty straight lines so it wouldn't be to hard, I don't think anyway...

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c317/onebadtrooper/Mineral%20wells%2011-26-05/Picture005.jpg

[shortbusjeep]

hey thaclodking dont know if your looking to make one for fun but they make a land rover like the one your looking at http://www.kamtec.co.uk/
http://www.kamtec.co.uk/images/products/89__.jpg

[thaclodking]

Yeah I saw that one, but it is made of abs plastic. Plus it just doesn't look "right", I think I will make mine closer to a 1/8 with TLT axles. Hell right now I am not sure I can even pull this off! I am off to the lab. . . .

[skipstr71]

I took in a lot of time to decide on size.. I wanted it to fit perfect.. after all I am spending a lot of time into this project..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/15415151511231.jpg

I have a few tricks that I realized helped quite a bit with the starting of this project. i would be more than happy to tell you them if your interested..

Have fun....!!

[onebadtrooper]

I have a few tricks that I realized helped quite a bit with the starting of this project. i would be more than happy to tell you them if your interested..



I know I'd be interested.....

[skipstr71]

Ok I iwll make it short and to the point. I iwll let questions (if any) bring out the real details of it...

I made my core out of wood ( u can use stirafoam, ect) and this is kinda imoprtant.. I took general measurments and made it smaller than what i want the truck to end up..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/154511416511.jpg

I then took my brick of clay and slabbed it down equaly.. This is also important.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/1545156154548.jpg

from here I used a dough roller and mashed them down to the same thicknesses.. I then put these slabs on each side, cutting it off along the body line.. make sence (sorry I have no pic of that).. Then what your doing is making it evenly thick (and shaped) around your wood core..

Then its a matter of working one side (this is how I been doing it) and everytime you take some off, or add, you do it to the other side.. but still I only work one side at a time..

Hope that helps some...

[onebadtrooper]

I think i'm going to make somthing like this for the forming part.....
http://www.halloweenfear.com/vacuumformintro.html

http://www.halloweenfear.com/vacuumformplans.html

[skipstr71]

Yea we looked at that page and if your gonna make more than one thats basicaly what it should look like.. Thats a lot like the one I am working on, but with some extruded frame rails so the top heating area (and specificaly the heated lexan) can just slide down ontop of the form..

[onebadtrooper]

Are lexan sheets pretty easy to come by???

[skipstr71]

Are lexan sheets pretty easy to come by???


Thats something I havent looked for yet.. but my local plastic shop can get anything in any thickness and size.. So I am gonna say yes.. Also a guy Crzysavuser built his own radio box cover out of plastic and he had a big sheet of it.. So I know its available..

[onebadtrooper]

Cool...I'm going to pick up some clay then:mrgreen:

[thaclodking]

Here is my progress so far. My wife was on the computer so I couldn't look at my pics. I did this much from memory, looks like I need to make the hood a bit wider, but not to bad considering I am no artist.

[Cole82]

Sweet that's a clod size body. That's awsome
Both of you guys trucks look great. If you guys finish these projects I would take one of each.
Cole

[BrandO]

Very interesting thread guys. I will give you a pat on the back for having the balls to try. Both clay models look great so far. I am sure a few could be sold around here.

I would like to see someone make a Toyota Landcruiser body. Or maybe someone can break in to Proline and get there old mold. They souldn't miss it since they don't use it anymore.

[madhatter]

how sad is it that you can actually use 2x4's to get the proper shape to a production body!:-P

Looks like a sweet start thaclodking :mrgreen:

[skipstr71]

Lookiing good clodking.! Your lines are very smooth so fast.. You must have that tecnique down.. I spend more time trying to smooth out than getting the shape. Also I have the opposite of a steady hand, so this isnt something I was born to do.. Also I keep havind these sudden teretes twitches and I'll nick a corner, making a ten minute fix out of it every time..

Keep up the good work bud... lets do this.. :)

[thaclodking]

Yeah I was up till about 5:30 this morning working on it. I thought doing the curves would be a pain but the flats are killing me. I've got to pick up some more clay today so we'll see how it goes.

[Turboduck01]

i highly respect the time and effort you guys are putting into this project. It's very sweet to see this being done. And even though I have 3rd Gen Yota, I wouldnt mind sporting a 2nd gen : ) A yota is a yota!

[skipstr71]

Yeah I was up till about 5:30 this morning working on it. I thought doing the curves would be a pain but the flats are killing me. I've got to pick up some more clay today so we'll see how it goes.


Yea, its funny.. The curves are the easyer part.. I would have though its the opposite..


i highly respect the time and effort you guys are putting into this project. It's very sweet to see this being done. And even though I have 3rd Gen Yota, I wouldnt mind sporting a 2nd gen : ) A yota is a yota!


Like I said in here somewhere, I have both 2nd and 3rd gens.. My love is a 93 ext cab with SAS.. and my new catch is a 85 ext cab.. I chose the 2nd gen cause its a little easyer to modle.. I think lol

If all goes well, this will not be my last and I would love to do a 3rd gen in a slightly larger scale than this one I am doing.. but let me see how this goes.. :)

[thaclodking]

8 hours. 8 long, long hours. Clay is great stuff but when you work with it for that long your arms feel like they did when you were 12 and found your dads stash of Hustler mags.

I got a good base coat of clay all around, the hood widened, the front end a little more refined, and the drivers side is almost as smooth as glass. You can actually see somewhat of a reflection in it. If I do any other bodies they will definitely have more curves.

I have been debating on whether or not to incorporate fender flares. The "series" Rovers didn't have any for the most part. Also not sure as to what style head lights to use, fender or grill mount?

The body is 9" wide so a set of TLT axles will still work (the land cruiser and scrambler bodies are a tick over 7") but Clod or TXT axles can also be used without too much "stick-out" and still look good. I am guessing at a rough 1/8 scale here, so 2.2 rims would be close to a 16" on the full size. Should look just about right.

[AdamF]

You rock! Sign me up for a Toyota PLEASE!

How about a 4Runner too? :)


Seriously, sign me up when you get to that point.

[skipstr71]

You rock! Sign me up for a Toyota PLEASE!

How about a 4Runner too? :)


Seriously, sign me up when you get to that point.


Hell yea.. Like I said I am a toyota lover.. I have a list of them I would like to do if this all works out.. and a runner is one of them..


Heres another 4 hours of smoothing and shaping.. mostly the other side.. Just dont have the lines in on the other side.. an few more hours and it my be a go..!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/2146516416464.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/1461646616126.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/15454165464164.jpg

[Turboduck01]

that yota is looking rediculously sweet! My 1:1 is a 89 extended cab.. and waiting for a 3rd member so i can put my axle in for the SAS swap. Most of the hardwork is done! I need to go wheelin!!

[AdamF]

Only thing I'm not diggin' is the grille. Are you going to change that? It doesnt look like the classic Toyota grille from the pics.

[TwistedCreations]

Only thing I'm not diggin' is the grille. Are you going to change that? It doesnt look like the classic Toyota grille from the pics.

so you wouldn't buy one due to the grill not being exact?

[slugzracing]

Only thing I'm not diggin' is the grille. Are you going to change that? It doesnt look like the classic Toyota grille from the pics.
I would not make the grille an exact repro if he plans on selling them; licensing and such.
I hope this works out well, heck it would inspire me to try it out

[AdamF]

so you wouldn't buy one due to the grill not being exact?


Who the hell ever said I wouldnt buy one because of this? It was just constructive critisism. :roll:

[TwistedCreations]

well in your post, it sounded as if you was saying it looked like **** and you didn't like it :flipoff:

[AdamF]

well in your post, it sounded as if you was saying it looked like **** and you didn't like it :flipoff:


Sheesh...you are the KING of post mis-reading. I swear. :roll: :flipoff:

[skipstr71]

About the grill.. I just threw up a "billit grill look"... Not sure how I am going to finish that off.. I know what the look like, as I have had a 85 (parents did) since 85... and I own one as well. Its the one I took a pic of the wood core on the hood.. Also I have done this to this point without a picture or anything.. all by memory.. I couldnt do that with any other truck, but the yota..

I am getting close. I am also working with my boss on a list of all the parts we need for the forming.. and there is still some time needed for the design of the forming machine.. but all in all its taken a lot less time to this point than I thought.. It still not as smooth as I want it and that may be taken car of on the next mold created from this.. I am unsure.. then I am still up in the air as to how to do the grill.. To do the stock one would be difficult.. but I DO want anybody to know without question what the body is.. So I may take the time and at least try..

Thanks for the kind words and encouragment...!~

[Reflection]

This is really cool,they are turning out real nice so far. I'm gonna keep watching this thread. So far I believe I could do it also. If you could go into detail about the forming and all I'd really appreciate it. I may try it myself,it'd make a good project for those days it's colder than a witch's titty and just feel like sittin around keepin warm in the house.

[onebadtrooper]

Another good body to build would be a jeep XJ. I'm sure they'd sell like crazy.....

[chambiec1]

Looking sweet... I want a '92-'96 Bronco body. I loooooove broncos!

[mike]

Make that an '80-'86 and it should be cool. :flipoff: or a '48 '49 willys pick up.
But seriously that’s some awesome work you guys have done. I wish I was that skilled. :lol:

[shortbusjeep]

how are you guys smoothing the clay? and how exacty dose the process go? im guessing you dont make the final body off clay? do you make a female mold and then a nother male? sorry if im asking to many questions but i think it would be really cool to try. thanks

[skipstr71]

how are you guys smoothing the clay? and how exacty dose the process go? im guessing you dont make the final body off clay? do you make a female mold and then a nother male? sorry if im asking to many questions but i think it would be really cool to try. thanks


I found a new trick tonight.. Out of my 3.99 starter kit came this thin sheet of springsteel (maybe).. Its different shapes and when you run it along the body with presure, its gets the smoothest I have got. Took along time to get the roof comepletly smooth, and the rest I am still working on. This trick only works with the smothest you can do with your fingers rubbing across it.. U have no quick tecnique and there may not be one..

[JakeTheAlligatorMan]

I found a new trick tonight.. Out of my 3.99 starter kit came this thin sheet of springsteel (maybe).. Its different shapes and when you run it along the body with presure, its gets the smoothest I have got. Took along time to get the roof comepletly smooth, and the rest I am still working on. This trick only works with the smothest you can do with your fingers rubbing across it.. U have no quick tecnique and there may not be one..

Wow Guys great stuff! Great Work!

Is there anyway you could just get it close, Dry it out, then sand it smooth? The bodys are looking great though! I'd buy'em as is :)



P.S.

Please make a huge"First Gen Yota" that would fit a "Super Unlimited" so I can make it a "Giant Scale Crawler" :lol:

[thaclodking]

In your kit did you get a small rubber spatula type smoother? I bought all my pieces separately and this is one of the things the guy at the art place suggested. Here is a pic of everything I am using, if you have anything I don't that might be helpful, let me know.

[skipstr71]

Looks pretty dam good bud..! I am getting closer, and hope to start the laytexing by the weekend..

These are the tools I have got in my kit.. They are super cheap and I should stop in there and pic up some nicer tools.. I could use some more shapes and really another flat sheet thingy.. That ome does the best so far..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/2154151515.jpg

I found that I use my figers a lot.. but thats because I have a lot of curves.. Fingers do nothing on the flat areas.. bed, hood, ect.. and you have a lot of flats..

[racerx]

Awesome work Clodking, and Skip!!! Have I said how glad I was that I started this thread! Somebody said dry it out and sand it smooth, but it looks like even after several days the clay still looks fairly moist, am I right? Some clay will never dry it just depend on what is in it. Again I can't believe the progress you've made in just a couple of days keep it up and when my uncle and I do the Jeepster bod you will be the first to see it!!

[skipstr71]

Yea this stuff doesnt dry out.. Its oilbased.. To get a mold off this you use a latex material and brush it on.. It takes many many layers and you back up the latex with a plaster type material called Hydrocal.. Then your actuall male mold you will make off the plaster mold is mde of the hydrocal.. I'm pretty sure thats what I read to do...

Tap plastcis has a web site that has some good tips in this area..

[racerx]

You got P.M. I thought so on the clay. I know it pottery class even if you covered it and sprayed it over the weekend it would dry out a bunch!

[shortbusjeep]

ok so you will make a female mold and the a male plaster mold, that sounds cool, you guys are doing great.

[1BadJeepBruiser]

Guys, this is coming out awesome! I love the "bobbed" bed look and I kinda like the "billet grill" . Keep up the great work.

Mike

[skipstr71]

Thanks man.. I am tossed between making it exact (as I can) and how I like to see yota's look.. So I kinda compermised.. I did a half "bobbed" look.. What would be like 6"-8" off the back of the bed.. The grill lines were just put there so it had something there.. otherwise it looks weird. helps with the overall picture when I am looking at it..

Over last night and into today, I put the project out in the garage.. This helped out a lot with smoothing it out.. In the house its nice and warm at 70-72 and the keeps the clay very soft.. So i had it in the garage and its around 60 (or less) in there.. Now its very easy to smooth out but not easy to work.. Might be something to try out for you.. Just know that I am in CA, and this may not be good if you have snow on the ground out side.. :)

[CronusTRD]

I cheated and won this on Ebay:

http://i7.ebayimg.com/04/i/05/ac/80/21_1.JPG

Not sure what I'm going to do with it. Had the idea of building a scale 4x4 baja truck.

[skipstr71]

I cheated and won this on Ebay:

http://i7.ebayimg.com/04/i/05/ac/80/21_1.JPG

Not sure what I'm going to do with it. Had the idea of building a scale 4x4 baja truck.


OMG, I am gonna shot ya..!

I am not sure if I ever seen that...?

One thing here is that there is nothing better in the world than saying " I made it" when people ask "where did you get that..?!"

[thaclodking]

I added a new tool to the arsenal. I was cutting the cheese with one of those wire type slicers and thought "why not" so I tried it. It works great for shaving down flat areas and leaves a pretty decent finish.

[CronusTRD]

OMG, I am gonna shot ya..!

I am not sure if I ever seen that...?

One thing here is that there is nothing better in the world than saying " I made it" when people ask "where did you get that..?!"


I'm not going to do anything with the body for a while, but I may try to make a mold from it. I wanted it for a scale trophy truck project

[thaclodking]

How are you coming along on your Yota? Finally got the basic shape done, check out the pics with the sanding bar and you'll see how arrow straight the flats are! All that is left to do is scribe the body lines (doors, windows, etc.) and and smooth any remaining spots and she'll be ready for the female mold.

[TwistedCreations]

I am jealous of you guys.. I can barely make stick people out of clay, let alone what you guys have done. Very nice work indeed ;-)

Skip- if all goes well on your mold, how long does it take to vacuum form a body? If you start to sell them, would the price still be in the range of a lexan body now?

I understand an increase with all the work you have done and seeing as noone makes that body..Any way to get just a cab or a bed( like you can with the bruiser) seems like it could be cheaper that way..That is, if you decide to make the bodies though.. :lol:

once again, very nice work to both of ya

[skipstr71]

Wow your model looks great clodking..! Thats outstanding work..

The last 2 nights I have been working on other projects and havent sat down to finish it up.. Most likely by the weekend..

I did however go starait to the source about vacume forming. I work with a lot of plastics in my products for other markets. And the shop that does my plastic machining, actually does 90 vac forming for big companys (like Colgate, MLB, and other huge names).. They have a guy there, John (He's quite a bit different) but really knows his sh!t.. He even has made his own body for slot cars.. and worked on some guys project that was a lexan mold of a 1/10th scale bus.. It was perfect. I got to see the mold and what it looked like and what the finished mold looked like.. They used .090" thick lexan.. Thats what I will be using.. It was way strong.!!

So I may skip the attemp of doing the vac forming here at the house, and go strait to them with a finished mold. They can pump out 30-50 a day easy and realitivly cheap.. With John there, his knowledge will make this happen very quickly, and with quality.. So he suggested this other stuff than the hydrocal that most people use as a plaster type mold... Its some crazy looking silver/chrome stuff.. actaully it uses powdered aluminium...

Either way, I have to get this body done.. I just want to do as much of it as I can, but leave the vac forming to the pros... Then I can have this body within my 60 day timer I put on my self...

[thaclodking]

Got any info on the availability of the stuff they use? If you can get any tips that may be of use let me know.

[skipstr71]

Got any info on the availability of the stuff they use? If you can get any tips that may be of use let me know.


When I talked with the vac forming manager there he has everything, or a # to call for anything.. I was on my lunch hour so I didnt have the time for small details.. Also we decided that I would get my clay mold done, and bring it in so he can give me the tips to make this work the first time.. Also it looks like I am gonna have these guys do the dirty work for me and so I need to adapt my mold to their vac forming machine.. So when I head down there again I will take notes and get all the info on the stuff to use and how to get it..

On a side note.. I saw a body there that they did in 3 different thicknesses. A .035", .060" and .090" thickness and the .090" was super strong and the smooth areas came out very nice.. The mold that this bus body came off of wasnt even as smooth as mine or yours and the use of the thicker lexan didnt show the imperfections nearly as much.. Thats another reason I am going with the .090" thick lexan..

[skipstr71]

I am jealous of you guys.. I can barely make stick people out of clay, let alone what you guys have done. Very nice work indeed ;-)

Skip- if all goes well on your mold, how long does it take to vacuum form a body? If you start to sell them, would the price still be in the range of a lexan body now?

I understand an increase with all the work you have done and seeing as noone makes that body..Any way to get just a cab or a bed( like you can with the bruiser) seems like it could be cheaper that way..That is, if you decide to make the bodies though.. :lol:

once again, very nice work to both of ya


Seriously I cant do anything with clay.. I never knew I could get this far.. I just tried. I do plan on selling the bodies.. I think there is a few people that would want them...

I really would like to make a bed and a body.. but then I am doing 2 molds and 2 vac formings.. Thats twice the cost.. So it may not be untill I do it myself that thats an opption..

Vendors are asked not to discuss price in threads not in the vendor area.. So if you want a WAG (Wild A$$ Guess) PM me and I will tell ya...

[racerx]

.090" will be sweet. I wish my garage was 60* in Dec! It's more like 25* out there right now. I have one of those propane heaters that sounds like a friggin jet but it makes me feel kinda funny when I use it! LOL;-)

Hey Casey you got P.M.

[racerx]

He must be out in his 60* garage, LUCKY!

[skipstr71]

I got no PM.. But I was out in the garage.. and I may have exagerated.. Its 55 degrees.. hahahaha

[racerx]

I must have been in my garage with the propane heater on to long! LOL! I thought I sent you one, Guess not. Oh well, any progress today? I over estemated also it was 15* for the HIGH today! Thats friggin COLD! I'm gonna try to talk my wife into letting me haul some rocks into the basement,(yeah right) I was thinking about the grill and was wondering if you think it will even turn out w/ the thicker material? Maybe just make it smooth and make up some stick on one's like most bodies have.

[racerx]

Any progress, or are you already hiding in the basement w/ a dozen clear "Yota" bodies! LOL! How about you Clod??:?

[wallaz]

thaclodking I think I may be about to upset you.

I have just read this post and I remembered an article on a UK site I get on now and again.

A UK firm has started doing Land Rover bodies but in 1:10 scale for T-maxx/Savage.

Anyhow they may be of interest to you.....I'm considering the pickup version on an NN chassis and 2.2 wheels.

Links here:-

LAND ROVER BODIES (http://www.somebodies.co.uk/)

Check out the Tmaxx/Revo & Staium Truck links.

[BrandO]

Ouch!:shock: That's a kick right in the jimmies. And they sell them right on Ebay. Get all the sharp objects out of reach.

That's OK, At least if you make them on your own. You will get the satisfaction of building it yourself from a clump of clay.

[thaclodking]

Yeah I saw those. The two good things about making my own are:

1. I can definitely say I made it.

2. Mine is actually closer to 1/8 scale.

With clod axles there will be about an inch of stickout on both sides with 2.2's and with TLT axles it should actually look truly "scale". Well, maybe.

[skipstr71]

My boss spilled the beans and told me what he got me for Xmas.. I have the complete kit to turn the clay mold into a plaster type mold.. He has been doing his reserch and found everything we need to complete this project.. I have the compreser moddified to pull vacume and just need some heating elements and temp controls.. Thats all if I wanna do it myself.. I may just send it to the plastis shop and let the pro's do it... Either way I am still on my 60 day target.. :)

Somebody was asking for a measurment.. here is one from a week or so ago..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/d0b9c5aa.jpg

[OIT_TLT]

clodking- that mold is looking great! i know youve been working on this one mold for countless hours, but are there any future plans for a halfcab mold?? either way, i would be all over buyin one for a crawler for my dad!


Scott

[4RnrRick]

Just read the post - VERY COOL GUYS! keep up the hard work! And I too am interested in the Toyota body when this becomes a reality!

[Turboduck01]

i am very excited : )

[thaclodking]

clodking- that mold is looking great! i know youve been working on this one mold for countless hours, but are there any future plans for a halfcab mold?? either way, i would be all over buyin one for a crawler for my dad!


Scott

It depends on how this one comes out. I was thinking about doing a couple different versions like a canvas top and no top. Haven't made alot of progress due to Christmas coming up.

[racerx]

Hey skipster! Where'd ya go? How's the body coming, just wondering if you made any more progress? Later

[racerx]

Anybody seen Skip? Just wondering if he got swept away in the flooding out there in Cali????

[racerx]

HELLOOOOOOOO! Is this thing on?!

[RandyatBBY]

Good projects guys I have been making molds for over 35 years the last 13 or 14 years molds for RC boats. I have been toying with the idea of making a 1950 jeep pick up. Hear is a picture of a mold I am working on.

http://img498.imageshack.us/img498/7982/mold2kz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
It is at the point of spraying PVA and tomorrow I will be spraying gelcote to make the FG female mold. My end product will be a CF/Kev. race boat.

[mike]

I have been toying with the idea of making a 1950 jeep pick up.

Oh yeah, Make it a '49 and I will be your friend. :mrgreen:

[RandyatBBY]

Oh yeah, Make it a '49 and I will be your friend. :mrgreen:

I think you have a pointI just did a bit of research and the grill in the 47-49 are more like what I want. Hear is a page that I enjoyed.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/Jeeps/1947JeepPickup.jpg&imgrefurl=http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/Jeeps/&h=241&w=318&sz=20&tbnid=HEyqtVEszQ8J:&tbnh=85&tbnw=113&hl=en&start=6&prev=/images%3Fq%3D1947%2BJeep%2Bpickup%26svnum%3D10%26h l%3Den%26lr%3D%26rls%3DGGLD,GGLD:2004-34,GGLD:en%26sa%3DG

[Stingrae71]

You know we could al use some hints from a pro...

[RandyatBBY]

You know we could al use some hints from a pro...

That is why I posted, fire away.

You guys have put a lot of work in to the projects, Continue on get those bucks as smooth as you can. after you are happy with what you are dooing the next step is to make a fiberglass femail mold. If you want more info just ask.

[skipstr71]

I just got back from a weeks vacation in New York city.. It was F'n crazy and I came down with a nasty cold.. but my first order of buisness it to use the stuff I got from my boss to complete my body and get a hard male mold.. I will get pics up of all the stuff I got once I unpack and get some theraflu in my system...

Hope ya'll had a great new years...

[mike]

I think you have a pointI just did a bit of research and the grill in the 47-49 are more like what I want. Hear is a page that I enjoyed.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/Jeeps/1947JeepPickup.jpg&imgrefurl=http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/Jeeps/&h=241&w=318&sz=20&tbnid=HEyqtVEszQ8J:&tbnh=85&tbnw=113&hl=en&start=6&prev=/images%3Fq%3D1947%2BJeep%2Bpickup%26svnum%3D10%26h l%3Den%26lr%3D%26rls%3DGGLD,GGLD:2004-34,GGLD:en%26sa%3DG

Yeah, if you want, the next time I'm up at my dads I can take some detailed pics of my '49, and send them to you.

[RandyatBBY]

Yeah, if you want, the next time I'm up at my dads I can take some detailed pics of my '49, and send them to you.

That would not hurt, But some measurements would help more. I just want to get the proportions right.

[thaclodking]

I do own a wagon, if you want picks of one of those.

[mike]

That would not hurt, But some measurements would help more. I just want to get the proportions right.

No problem. I will see what I can do. :)

[RandyatBBY]

I do own a wagon, if you want picks of one of those.

One project at a time. Thanks

[racerx]

Hey skip, ya feeling any better? Hurry up with my next body will ya!;-) :lol:

[quick5pnt0]

Those bodies rock! I've been wanting to do this for years but could never find the right type of clay, and then from that point on i had no idea how to go from clay to an actual mold that could be used for vacuforming. I definately have to get some of that clay and make this my next project. I'm not sure if it was mentioned before, but can any of you give me the brand names of the clay you're using and what type of clay it is?
I read earlier in the thread about using silicone to make the plug and then plaster to make the actual mold. Where can i get the silicone, and what is the product name?

I can't wait to see how these bodies come out! Nice work!

Mike

[skipstr71]

Hey skip, ya feeling any better? Hurry up with my next body will ya!;-) :lol:

No not really but I have been playing with my clay.. The problem is the more I get it to be "form ready" the less it looks like a toyota.. The body lines of a toy have a lot of undercut on the bottom half of the truck.. and thats not gonna work with a mold.. So I am struggling to make it work.. Its noty easy and I guess the perfectionist in me is slowing this down.. I have all the stuff to take it to a lexan shell.. but I wont do that untill I am sure people will see Toyota all over it...!

[thebigJAT]

if the clay is still pliable use a thin metal wire to cut the mold into three pieces. When your ready to remove the mold remove the center piece and then the outer pieces can be pulled in and removed.

If this is the course of action you went with it might be a good idea to make the cuts at angles that would prevent the mold from getting jammed. Also consider that you'd want to have a means of keeping the pieces in alignment with each other so that they don't wander and make the mold uneven.

Just my $.02

example: the thin lines would be the cut lines.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/Jeranta/Misc/3piecemold.jpg

[racerx]

The only problem with cutting it into 3 parts is the wood structure under the clay.:? Also, You must have had a REAL good time in N.Y. usually the "brown bottle flu" doesn't last this long! LOL!:mrgreen:

[shortbusjeep]

what is going on with these things? i want to see them in a finished state soon!

[CuriousGeorge]

What I'd give to find a fairly scale extended cab tacoma or tundra with a bobbed bed.

[thaclodking]

I am actually pretty close to being done with the clay form. Had to make a few mods here and there to facilitate easier forming. Then I have to find something to make the female from and we might be in business!

[BOSKIPPER]

mark me down for a yota

[CuriousGeorge]

mark me down for a yota


No lie....I was willing to pay for a body that was $80 and I was still going to cut the bed off b/c it was a stepside

[BOSKIPPER]

When are we going to see a subaru brat

[BOSKIPPER]

just for the record I know that isn't a BRAT

[skipstr71]

Sorry I havent been able to get this done yet.. It's absolutly a dream I will make reality some time in the near future.. I have been offered a page in RcDriver showing my nitro MT products, and not only do I have to be stocked up on parts, I need to have my show truck completed and perfect for the pics thats needed.. So I just havent spent time on the clay lately.. but I will be working my way to a finished product as soon as I can... I hope all you other forming guys are gettin her done...!

[thaclodking]

When are we going to see a subaru brat

Tamiya already made a Subaru Brat. It was the first car to use the "Frog" chassis, It came with a spooled rear end and a "380" motor. The same body was reissued on the "mudblaster" with the only major differences being tinted windshield and different decals. They can be found on Ebay regularly but be ready to fork out some good money for a mint set.

[RandyatBBY]

I am actually pretty close to being done with the clay form. Had to make a few mods here and there to facilitate easier forming. Then I have to find something to make the female from and we might be in business!

Make your femail mold from fiberglass. You will need yo spray on PVA first let it dry for 12 hours. then You are ready to apply Tooling jelcote. I use a gelcote gun but you can brush it on and not have to buy the expensive tool. Then make a puddy out of resin and cab-o-seal to fill in the corners. then wet down the fiberglass cloth and apply several layers to build the mold. If you do not havea vacume pump or if the clay id to soft to use hand dab with a drush to get the bubbles out. good luck!

[CuriousGeorge]

How much does getting the stuff to make bodies cost? It would be nice to be able to use bodies I like more than something that I can just live with.

[BOSKIPPER]

I am aware of the Tamiya Brat, however they are 1/12th scale. A good friend of mine has a 1:1 scale Brat with 8 inches of body lift and 30" TSL's and it wheels really hard. It's inspiring.

[Jamus]

8 inches of body lift

Isn't Connecticut a little too far north for this type of thing? :flipoff:

[thaclodking]

Isn't Connecticut a little too far north for this type of thing? :flipoff:

As a native southerner I have to agree with that. Randy, where do I get this stuff; the PVA, tooling jellcoat, etc? Are you favorable to a specific brand?

[RandyatBBY]

As a native southerner I have to agree with that. Randy, where do I get this stuff; the PVA, tooling jellcoat, etc? Are you favorable to a specific brand?

Any PVA works . I am not real happy with any tooling gell they all chip if there is too much under cut or too thick. If the puddy is too thick it will chip also. I surched the web and found USComposits.com for large amounts and still use them for resin. We have a plastic store that I get small amounts of FG and caboseal from. West marine and Tap plastics are good retail sources.

[BOSKIPPER]

Hey, there are dumb a$$es everywhere. I just happen to befriend the ones in CT.:flipoff: Oh yeah I still want YOTA bodies!!!!

[USMCDoc14]

wounldnt you NOT want to make the female mold out of PVA due to the undercuts ? (wheel wells and shat) I know they are not much but it still might be a PITA to pull out .

I have done vacuforming of lexan before and after making the clay mold I made a "box" out of it leaving the top open. sealing the living daylights out of all seams and corners with making tape on the outside and clay on the inside and then filling it with 3M silicone. (the pour type not the hardware store type but that WILL work it just takes a little longer to set)
and after its set you remove all the clay and use the silicon for making the plaster male molds for the vacuforming.
The silicon is plyable and allows you to "pop" out the plaster with no effort.

You can then fill any pinholes and bubles in the plaster mold with more plaster or bondo , fix any detail finishes or even totaly alter the mold.

I have also used Bondo for male molds as it is easy to shape and add to prior to vacuforming. Just mix a quart, pour it into the silicon, and "coat" the entire inside of the mold, keep rocking the mold around in your hands coating it more and more till it sets.
be carefull as it sets in like 5 min. :mrgreen:

[RandyatBBY]

USMCDoc14 Hi Interesting info. The PVA is mold release agent not a mold compound. It is a liquid that is sprayed on and water soluble. I have used LiquaCast a liquid molding rubber. It must be vacumed pumped in a belljar to remove the air from mixing. sorta expensive $60.00 a pint.
On the silicone mold compound does it hold up to pulling and streatching well? It sounds interesting do you have a link so I can read about it?
I have used bondo for molds a lot, It is best to seal with epoxy sealer primer before use. It gets soft with heat and is damaged easily when hoter than 180 degrees.

[USMCDoc14]

USMCDoc14 Hi Interesting info. The PVA is mold release agent not a mold compound. It is a liquid that is sprayed on and water soluble. I have used LiquaCast a liquid molding rubber. It must be vacumed pumped in a belljar to remove the air from mixing. sorta expensive $60.00 a pint.
On the silicone mold compound does it hold up to pulling and streatching well? It sounds interesting do you have a link so I can read about it?
I have used bondo for molds a lot, It is best to seal with epoxy sealer primer before use. It gets soft with heat and is damaged easily when hoter than 180 degrees.

sorry, i am CLUELESS when it come to fiberglass molds and thats what I thought you were talking about :lol:

depends on the viscosity and the type. the thinner viscosity like Dow Corning 3110 RTV is thin enough that it doesn't aerate much but it also has a lower tear resistance. some hardcore stuff like Dow Corning HSII (wont tear at all) you should vacuum. mind you some of these silicons you can cast metal in also :twisted: its usually sold by the pound containers here is links to a couple places
http://www.hobbyengineering.com/SectionBM.html

This place sells some NICE quick setting stuff
http://www.smooth-on.com/silicones.asp
I would do a rough measurement of the mold to get an exact amount needed and call them.

For our application I don't think vacuuming it is a necessity as we are using it to make a male vacuum forming mold anyway :mrgreen: and any pinholes we run into can be filled before vacuuming. The molds you want to keep near perfect are THOSE male molds

Now my cheap arse red-neck way was to make a close fitting box for the clay model and fill the ENTIRE container with like 3 tubes of silicon from Home Depot and let it sit for a week in the garage and deal with the air bubbles (if any) :flipoff:

[TwistedXT]

here is another link to a website that priveds 3 different types of vacume forming build and use instructions

Build your own Vacuum Form Table (http://www.tk560.com/vactable4.html)


:twisted:

or here is a website where you could make a silicone female mold and then a hard plastic posotive....

Hobby Cast.net (http://www.hobbycast.net/)

they have a bunch of videos... its pretty informative.. id check it out... I just might give this a shot.

[Fishmaxx]

I have Male Plaster mold of the discontinued CJ8, but I am have trouble finding the correct lexan to vacuum form copies.

I would grateful for any assistance, and would probably share one of the first successfully made bodies :mrgreen:

[skipstr71]

Are you looking for some Lexan...? If thats all then the plastic shop that does my machining will have it or can get some.. Vac forming is 90% of their buisness and is who I have spoke with regaurding making my yota body.. I suggest you call them and ask if they will ship the lexan sheet, and if they dont, I will ship it for you....

Mr. Plastics.. 510 895 0774

The new people up front dont know sh!t... and so if they give you any crap, LMK and I will get some when I am in there later this week...

[TwistedXT]

Heres what i got from doing a quick search for supplies:

Warm plastics (http://www.warmplastic.com/or.html)

Prairie Plastics (http://www.prairieplastics.com/)

:shock: check this out!!! :shock:
Pulsar Vacuum forming frame kit $89.99 (http://www.pulsar.gs/UNIVAC/)

Build-stuff.com (http://www.build-stuff.com/1002plans.htm)

[TwistedXT]

Old school how to articles for making rc bodies using vacuum forming

Ebay Link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4607139750&fromMakeTrack=true)

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/33/33493/vacuum-forming-14-01-24-04.jpg

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/33/33493/vacuum-forming-02-01-24-04.jpg

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/33/33493/vacuum-forming-03-01-24-04.jpg

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/33/33493/vacuum-forming-04-01-24-04.jpg

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/33/33493/vacuum-forming-05-01-24-04.jpg

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/33/33493/vacuum-forming-06-01-24-04.jpg

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/33/33493/vacuum-forming-07-01-24-04.jpg

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/33/33493/vacuum-forming-08-01-24-04.jpg

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/33/33493/vacuum-forming-09-01-24-04.jpg

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/33/33493/vacuum-forming-10-01-24-04.jpg

[RandyatBBY]

A lot of this is a refresher but some of the stuff is new to me cool info sense I am in to forming bodies or Hulls. It is a natural for me to continue my passion with hulls Ops, "Bodies" for Rock crawling and drag car bodies. Thanks to all for sharing. Oh Ya lets keep it going too.:-)

[Destroyer]

Fishy...do you actually have a vacuum forming machine? I have been thinking about making an XJ mold, but I would need someone to mold the body(s) for me. ;-)

-Destroyer

[skipstr71]

I would need someone to mold the body(s) for me. ;-)
-Destroyer


Thats the easy part.. the local shop here gave me a good price per body when doing 20+ at a time..

[armedtotheteeth]

hahahaha

I have that buggy body on page 95. Hahahaha.

[CuriousGeorge]

I have a double cab toyota tundra body that I want to turn into a larger scale than what it is and do some other mods to it to make it to what I want.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2123167&cp=2032062.2032402.2032406&pg=2&parentPage=family

That is the body, but I would love to make it an extended cab and have the bed bobbed. I don't know if it's possible to make it around a 1/10th scale body (it's more 1/18th than anything).

[BOSKIPPER]

Hey man, I"ve been real busy lately. What happened to me getting one of these extremeley sick yota bodies. I really want 2 of them so let me know.

[bandi]

Some Great Info... A word of thanks !!!

[DUIdirk]

Some good sites...

http://www.vacuumbagging.com/ (http://www.vacuumbagging.com/)

http://www.acp-composites.com/ (http://www.acp-composites.com/)

http://www.cstsales.com/ (http://www.cstsales.com/)

http://carb.com/ (http://carb.com/)

Randy you said your using a CF/kevlar reinforcment in your boat hull. What type of matrix are you going to use to keep that kevlar dry? Also, are you goin to use some type of hybrid fabric, or just layers? That is gonna be one sweet boat hull!

[AdamF]

T
Either way, mark my words, I will have a 2nd generation toyota truck body within 60 days..


Any progress with the Yota body?

[TwistedCreations]

He said he would have them selling by the end of March.. I hope so, Cause i need one bad right now. I would probably order a few ;-)

[SMR4RUNNER]

Impressive work Skip and Clock.
Put me down for a couple of Yota bodies.
Hats off to both of you.

Mike

[skipstr71]

Any progress with the Yota body?

If all I had on my plate was the body, I would have made my 60 day mark.. but I came out with a few other products in the mean time.. Also am about done with some others..

Now I am at the point where I could screw the whole thing up and loose all the time I have into it.. So its pretty harry for a first time gig..

I am hoping to meet up with Randy at BBY racing and get some help finishing this project off.. Belive me, I want them just as bead as you do.. but if I rush it none of us may want what it would end up looking like..

If me and Randy get togther soon, its very possible to have somthing by the end of the month..

[skipstr71]

To make things easyer and faster, I am gonna reproduce this body. I will make another one after I get this one out that is extended.. I'll have it mounted for size as soon as I get it in..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/sideveiw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/front.jpg

[SMR4RUNNER]

Skip. Who makes that body?

Mike

[chaotic_life]

I hate to say it, but isn't that copyright infringement?

[skipstr71]

I hate to say it, but isn't that copyright infringement?


I dont give a sh!t.. It hasnt been made for 15 years.. I call dibs on it.. I had a reserve of $500 for it and picked it up for $51.. I belive the guys has more so I am trying to make a deal with him now.. Ok I'll make it an extended cab only.. Then its not anything but mine.. :)

[chaotic_life]

Well, if thats how ya feel about it, go for it. No need to get snippy :-p

[skipstr71]

Oh sorry bud.. Didnt mean to come across that way... I am just jazzed about getting this thing... I have been waiting for it to go so I can just make a mold out of it and go strait to mass production after a little extra cab is added.. and maybe make the cab and the bed seperate..

Once again, sorry if it seemed like I was on the chip.. cuz I'm not at all..


and yes I know I cheated.. but there is still some work to be done in order to make it as cool as I have a vision for... :)

[KSchweikert]

To make things easyer and faster, I am gonna reproduce this body. I will make another one after I get this one out that is extended.. I'll have it mounted for size as soon as I get it in..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/skipstr71/body%20forming/sideveiw.jpg


That looks like a Kyosho Big Brute body to me. The wheelbase is around 10.5" so an extended cab version would make it just about right. Kyosho used a chromed plastic grille that screwed onto the front of the body. The lexan is also paper thin, definitely not the 0.060 stuff we're used to now.
Kelly

[AdamF]

Make a 4Runner cap for it!

[1BadJeepBruiser]

That looks like a Kyosho Big Brute body to me. The wheelbase is around 10.5" so an extended cab version would make it just about right. Kyosho used a chromed plastic grille that screwed onto the front of the body. The lexan is also paper thin, definitely not the 0.060 stuff we're used to now.
Kelly

second that, looks like a big brute body, what do you plan on doing for the grill? I would definitley like to see an extended cab version for sure.

Mike

[TwistedXT]

SWEET JOB MAN! :twisted:

[TwistedCreations]

cool deal.. I really like the idea of making the ext. cab and bed seperate. That gives it the more scale look and also for others, they can make a custom flatbed if they desire

[skipstr71]

Yea I plan to get a female mold out of it, and then of course a male mold.. then make it into an extended cab (bed seperate) version (so there is no doubt that its custom) and make a hundred of them.. Then if that goes well it will be a 4runner version.. and yes it is a big brute.. I almost bought a truck just for the body and then I found this..

[BOSKIPPER]

What ever happened to this thread and these bodies. I still want two.

[dotson]

excuse my language but that is F%CKING IMPRESSIVE RIGHT THERE PROPS TO YA

[quick5pnt0]

So am i right in assuming these projects are dead? I hope not, i was itching to see at least one of these guys get their body completed. Don't give up, these bodies can be awesome if completed. Hell send me whatever you have done with the Toyota body and i'll take over from there!

[skidooguymxz550]

did you guys just give up? If you did admit it and don't leave us hanging.

[TwistedXT]

kinda curious myself...... progress?

[thaclodking]

Mine is still in progress, even though there isn't a big call for early Rovers. Everything got interupted due to the unexpected move and getting other rigs ready for our comp.

[skidooguymxz550]

thank you for telling us whats going on

[Shaun (yota)]

Any Progess On The Toyota Bodys

[Destroyer]

Skipster hasn't been on since May 1st...

[clodstall]

i tend to get things done almost in time when i can quit eating the fridge. lol...:mrgreen:

[ON THE FARM]

Back in the early 90's i worked for PRO-LINE, they bought out MRP (they made boats) and on some of the molds they "DID" have some under cuts. the way they were taken off of the mods was with a blst of air just after cooling. this would kind of inflate the plastic and pop it off the mold. we also had a funny car body that had a scoop on the front hood, now that was a piece that came off of the mold and was taken out of the formed body by hand and then put back on the mold for the next pull.
use silicone for your female mold, if it is not prefict that is ok, use an aluminum epoxy for the actual mold that was poured into the silicone mold. after that you sand it the way you want it and drill your holes for the vacuum table.
just remember you can have removable body parts that come off with the pulled body, so that way you can make the toyota into a 4runner by haveing a removable shell.

sorry so long but i know about this stuff.;-)

[thaclodking]

use silicone for your female mold, if it is not prefict that is ok, use an aluminum epoxy for the actual mold that was poured into the silicone mold. after that you sand it the way you want it and drill your holes for the vacuum table.

Where do I get this stuff from? What kind of silicone? Where can I find this aluminum epoxy? I really want to get this thing done.

[ON THE FARM]

thacldking,

i think the stuff we use to use was made by dow-corning, it was a long time ago. but i did find this for ya.
the stuff was like $100 a gallon.

Aluminum epoxy

Tra-Con's Tra-Bond 2122 is an aluminum metal-filled epoxy formulation designed for industrial casting, bonding, and repair applications in which a strong aluminum-like adhesive is required. This two-part epoxy formulation is easily mixed at room temperature to form tough, durable bonds to aluminum and other nonferrous and ferrous materials, woods, ceramics, glass, concrete, and many plastics. It has low shrinkage and sets up quickly for fast repairs.

[TMXONR]

We have this stuff at work called Aluma-Lite or Aluma-Like, something like that. Anyway its for modlers to make molds to reproduce parts. It is real hard, and I was thinking that it could be used to make body molds. Since its like 30 bucks for a 28oz set of the stuff. You take a lexan body that you like and bob the bead and narrow the front and all of that other stuff you would do to get a body ready for a comp crawler. Then you could mix up the Aluma-Lite and let it partialy harden, then pour it all inside the body and move the body around to get every thing covered evenly. Then once it is fully hardened you can fill the inside of the mold you just made with plaster or some other hard substance like that. Now you have a perfect mold of what would be the perfect comp body, and best of all if you do this you dont have to worry about the 70% rule with the bodies because its just the way the body came off of the mold.

I think the Aluma-Lite has a release agent that you can buy. I know this is most likley possible because the Aluma-Lite lady mixed some up in a cup, sloshed it around to let it partialy harden and then began to pour it out and we now have a mold at work that looks like a small mixing cup pouring out a liquid, its sweet looking. This stuff also gives amazing detail.

[ON THE FARM]

TMXONR,

That would work great for the body mold!
If you do, do that to a body the best way would be to make a box that the body will fit in upside down with the roof on the bottom and the untrimmed edge at the top (assuming it is untrimmed). add some supports to the inside of the body, slowly add some sand to the outside of the body and the box, you are supporting the body so it will not bulge out in some spots. mix up some of the epoxy and epoxy the wooden supports in (it is ok if they stay because they will be coverd by the other layers of epoxy). be sure not to bump or avoid any vibration to the table you are working on or the sand will settle and cause the body to cave in.

[rockwerks]

We have this stuff at work called Aluma-Lite or Aluma-Like, something like that. Anyway its for modlers to make molds to reproduce parts. It is real hard, and I was thinking that it could be used to make body molds. Since its like 30 bucks for a 28oz set of the stuff. You take a lexan body that you like and bob the bead and narrow the front and all of that other stuff you would do to get a body ready for a comp crawler. Then you could mix up the Aluma-Lite and let it partialy harden, then pour it all inside the body and move the body around to get every thing covered evenly. Then once it is fully hardened you can fill the inside of the mold you just made with plaster or some other hard substance like that. Now you have a perfect mold of what would be the perfect comp body, and best of all if you do this you dont have to worry about the 70% rule with the bodies because its just the way the body came off of the mold.

I think the Aluma-Lite has a release agent that you can buy. I know this is most likley possible because the Aluma-Lite lady mixed some up in a cup, sloshed it around to let it partialy harden and then began to pour it out and we now have a mold at work that looks like a small mixing cup pouring out a liquid, its sweet looking. This stuff also gives amazing detail.

find out what it is actually called....... and I wll check into it for making a few bodies

[TMXONR]

Here is a link to the site, its actual name is Alumilite. I will get a part number when i get to work tomorrow.

http://www.alumilite.com/line.cfm

[TMXONR]

Ok, the part number for the Alumilite kit we carry is 10010, it is the 28oz kit. From what I was told you will probably have to get it directly from Alumilite, unless there is a hobby shop near you that carries it.

[ON THE FARM]

YES!!!!!!!!! thats what im talking about.

this is the way you would do the car body http://www.alumilite.com/howto.cfm?ID=4

then pour the epoxy into that.

[TMXONR]

If you just put the Alumilite into the body you will have better detail for the form, and it will save you one step. You would just have to get some sheet styrine and glue it over the tire cutouts and along the outside edge of the body, so there would be a molded in cutline.

[TMXONR]

Has anyone tried this yet with the Alumilite. I would try it, but I don't have access to a vaccum forming machine, or the time to make one.