The WACK JOB
 

For this one I'm using the new AX10 Scorpion to create a another 2.2 semi-scale crawler that will second as a Trail/Tow rig. A combination of Axial parts and my JKS 20" chassis will be used to achieve what I hope to be a high level of realism. Eventually a matching tandem trailer will be made to haul a few of my other vehicles.

I had a pretty clear vision of where I wanted to go with this one. I realy like the nostalgic look of the Toyota FJ series and even though allot of people are using them for their projects, I thought I could throw my own spin on it.

I started with what would end up as a full roll cage and a partial exo-cage. I used the Proline FJ40 lexan body as my guide and began to bend and braize a combo of 3/16" steel tube and 1/8"bar. A quick mock up of my frame rails, AX10 transmission & axles was used to calculate wheelbase (11.25") and mounting points for the cage.

Here's the build images so far:
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje...s/ax_stp_2.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje...s/ax_stp_3.jpg
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje...s/ax_stp_4.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje...s/ax_stp_5.jpg
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje...s/ax_stp_7.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje...s/ax_stp_8.jpg
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_11.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_12.jpg
Welded in some tow hooks, cross bars and a spot for future trailer hitch using 1/8" solid stock.
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_13.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje...ax_stp_13b.jpg

I used locked stock Scorpion AX10 axles, stainless (bottom) aluminum (top) links with Axial rod ends. I'm also using a bone stock AX10 transmission and skid plate. All JKS Frame Rails bold up directly to Axials skid/mounting plate. I'm using old faithful againl, the Integy 55t motor.
http://www.jowettskustom.com/project.../ax_stp_14.jpghttp://www.jowettskustom.com/project.../ax_stp_16.jpg

I used the 20" Full version of my rails, the advantage to this is that I have total control of my frame length. I wanted the frame to come about an inch past the front grill so I could mount my winch. In the back I intended for it to be flush with the body to make it easy to mount bumpers and provide support. The Hot Bodies shocks were mounted to the stock locations on the axles and aluminum tube and threaded rod were made for upper mounts.
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_17.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_18.jpg

Because I used the factory tramsmission mount from the AX10 kit the frame rails were the right distance appart to use the battery tray and mounts also.
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_19.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_20.jpg

The WACK JOB
 

Got my electronics in, hpi rec/radio combo is just temporary. Novak Rooster Crawler, Integy 55t motor and Hitec 625 servo. Then for hopefully the last time mounted the cage and bolted in the first of 2 styrene sheets for interior panels.
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_21.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_22.jpg

http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_27.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_24.jpg

Hobby Shop called this afternoon, the new RC4WD 2.2 Mud Slingers were in. I love these things!
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_25.jpg

After a serious airbrushing session last night, I'm around 90% complete.
After painting Willy, the second of 2 styrene interior plates was mounted to the cage.
I was hoping to do a full interior on this one but time wasn't on my side. Guess I'll get more detail in on the next one? I really want to get out crawling with this thing next weekend.

The images kinda speak for themselves, 10 layers of paint, a few decals and a couple of scale items (winch and gas can from a WW2 kit) The paint color looks a little off in the images because of the florescent lights, looks cool outside!
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_26.jpg

http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_28.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_29.jpg
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_30.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_31.jpg
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_32.jpg
I still have to build my roof rack and lighting project, more to come.

That thing came out amazing... That was one quick build too"thumbsup"

:shock:looks freakn killer, get some outside pics when u can"thumbsup"

:shock: great pictures, good fabrication and design. Very nice"thumbsup".

I'll take some outside pics at next weekends crawl. I still have to complete the roof rack and lights this week.

That is one great looking scaler. I really like the body great fab. work "thumbsup"

Great job. That looks awesome.

that color is sweet!! :shock:

looks great

Very nice use of AX-10 parts. I love the old FJ's myself. Looks Killer, let us know how she crawls.

x2
Totally feelin that color!!!
What is is???

Thanks guys
There are so many awesome trucks in here it's almost impossible to come up with a new color or original idea. I'm sure there will be someone thinking to themselves, I've made that color. My idea came to me while driving by the Jeep dealership.
Color's hand mixed right here in BC.
I call it Rancid Kiwi.

Ok, not sure how this part will work out. The other day we were in the dollar store and noticed these led lights. I remember seeing this on the forum and thought I'd give it a try. I'm going to run 4 of these and rewire them in a series with one switch/battery supply. I'll build some kind of battery storage container to sit up in the roof rack.

I started with a temporary styrene mount for mock up in order to get accurate measurements for the roof rack. I plan on the rack wrapping around the lights for protection, the plastic is really brittle (what do ya expect for a buck right?)
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_33.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_34.jpg

More to come when the paint dries.

A few more images, completed the roof rack, painted the lights and temporary mounts.
Still have to make a battery box for the LED's. Hope to have it finished for the weekend.
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_35.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_36.jpg
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_37.jpg

dude thats a awesome looking rig. let me know how that led setup works, i was in the dollar store the other day and saw some lights just like the ones your using.

Wow, that thing is awesome!
Sweet tube work."thumbsup"

And whats rancid about a kiwi !!!! :shock::shock::shock: LOL Nice looking rig, still waiting for my FJ to turn up :-(

Hey thanks, wanna put some scratches in it Sunday. I think I might actually be done by then.
Got the battery box made up and wired up the lights. All I have to say about the lights is $4 in material + 6 hours labor, do yourself a favor and by a $35 light kit from Ram and plug it in!!!!

Just have to work on a few scale pieces and decals and I'm done.
Took a few pics, sorry the night shots suck. Guess I'll work on the photography next?
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_38.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_39.jpg
http://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_40.jpghttp://www.crawlcanada.com/kjs_proje.../ax_stp_41.jpg