Growning tired of the Dingo bod

[05Fronty4x]

I'm looking for recommendations for a first scale-ish project. I'm just starting out with crawlers and not looking to go all out, but I have done gas, stick, mig and tig welding so I may give brazing a shot (which looks to be more like soldering). I don't think I'll try any chassis work on my first build attempt, but I may try things like bumpers, sliders, tire carrier, maybe a light bar and roof rack too.

Anywho, I don't want to get in over my head so I'm looking for a body that will be a good for an intro to scale building. I realize hardbodies are ideal, but I don't know if I'm ready to tackle any substantial amount of body work as of yet. My wheelbase is about 11.7", but I have some stainless tube and threaded rod on the way to make links so that won't be an issue.

For the builders out there, what was your first scale project, and what were your experiences with it?

[diesel kawboy]

Mine was a radioshack h2 hardbody scx. Not hard considering it's the same wb as dingo. I made brackets to use the h2 body mounts and not have body clips sticking out.

[2.slowduo]

I went from my trail honcho body to a Rastar lr3.
Had to make custom links to make the wheelbase correct. But I think it came out pretty good

[05Fronty4x]

I think I want to do a Hilux flatbed or truggy. Can anybody help me out with a list of everything I need (part trees, decals, etc.) for a complete cab. I'm trying to figure out if it's even worth going that route or if I should just get the complete Mojave body kit, and does that kit leave anything out?