Willys Project M-38
 

Hey Guys, This ones been ongoing for the past few years off and on. I figure its time for a real build thread..! "thumbsup"

I've always wanted to build a scale version of my 1:1 1951 Willys Jeep ( how I got my screen name :ror: ) Heres a few pics of the real deal. When I bought it years ago it was pretty much stock, and with the help of family and friends I built it into this..

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM3253.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM3264.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM3137.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM3295.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM3261.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM3275.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...sGrillShot.jpg

And heres the start of the scale version. This is the Hasbro G.I.Joe Willys. I started off by making a new grille from styrene, and then modified the stock windshield frame and made it look like whats on the 1:1. Not sure what I'm going to run for axles just yet but this will be leafed and have 2.2" Swampers for sure..! "thumbsup"

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM4890.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM4891.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM4892.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM4893.jpg

Stay tuned, theres plenty more to come..! "thumbsup"

Re: Willys Project - M38
 

That a sharp lil willys you got there! Very nice. Once again the master of styrene is at it with another cool project!

Re: Willys Project - M38
 

"thumbsup""thumbsup" What type of bonding agent did you use to get the stryene to stick to the stock windshield frame? Great work on the grill as well. Your model is going to look great, I'll be sure to do an extra good job on the project for it!

Re: Willys Project - M38
 

That looks killer man. Haven't seen anyone change up the windshield yet. Looks nice. Axial axles wod probably get you close to scale width compared to the 1.1.

Re: Willys Project - M38
 

Thanks Man..! "thumbsup"

If memory serves me correctly I think I cut the top half of the stock windshield off, then drilled small holes down the verticle length of the two remaining outer side posts. Then once I had the new upper frame made I drilled another set of holes in the same places and then used some 1/16" steel rod and slid them down the holes in the stock lower piece and super glued them in. The top piece then was glued down onto the steel posts sticking up from the stock frame. I then went ahead with a much thinner sheet of styrene and made the full outer front piece with the recesses for the air vent and such. Theres actually like 4 seperate super glued styrene pieces making up the new windshield frame and some bondo thrown in for good measure..:ror: Should be plenty strong if this one ever rolls.


Thanks Man "thumbsup" I may end up running Axials, time will tell. I wish RC4WD made some stronger scale axles for these 1/6th scale jeeps.

Re: Willys Project - M38
 

I'm sure you've been told before, but the seatbelts on your jeep are mounted very dangerously. If you only use at low trail speeds, I guess it wouldn't matter though.

Re: Willys Project - M38
 

It's about time:roll:. ;-)

Looking good Chris, outstanding job on the gill and windshield. Looking forward to watching this one take shape.


How often do you uncap the exhaust dumps on the 1:1? :shock:

Re: Willys Project - M38
 

Thanks, well truth be told, these pics of the jeep are actually a few years old now. I have since added a crossbar to the cage right behind where your shoulders are positioned in the seats and have mounted the lower seatbelt anchor points to that instead of how its shown now in the pics.. Thanks for the heads up though, and good information to put out there. "thumbsup"

LOL- Thanks bud..! The jeep is mainly used for going to cruise nights and car shows, and never really gets much trail time at all.. ( thats what the 1:1 samurai and 4Runner are for..!) I sometimes open the cutouts at carshows either coming or leaving, its fun to be loud and abnoxious at times..! :mrgreen: They are operated by a simple switch in the dash.

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

..........and then;-).

Any pics of your 1:1 when you got it?

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

......And then I've been playing with a certian Orange Jeep TJ that I bought off a buddy at the moment :lmao:. I've still got some good things planned for this one though, so stay tuned. I'll have to check and see if I still have some pics of when I first got the 1:1.

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Gott get subscribed to this build! "thumbsup"
Your 1.1 is sick man!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Any chance of getting a pic from the back side of the windshield on the M38? ( drivers perspective) I'm getting ready to build a 3A style windshield, they look very close to the M38 style. "thumbsup"

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Wow, I haven't updated this thread in a while... :oops::oops:

Well, things have changed a lil bit from the original plan of exactly copying my 1:1 jeep, however when this build is completed, it will still be an M38 and hopefully will turn out as cool as the original plan..:ror: Heres where we are at as of now.

I'm basically going about building this one as many others have by using the stock existing plastic frame and I've also taken many ideas from the various "top" Willys build threads I've seen over the past few months. I've mounted the RC4WD Disruptor transfer case as many others have, except I've also added some lower styrene "feet" for it to sit on instead of seemingly "teetering" on the lower t-case hump. This just makes the whole thing feel much more stable to me. ( sorry about the crappy pics..:oops:)

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5162.jpg

Its mounted to the front part of the plastic lower crossmember by the four horizontal screws that hold the two halfs of the t-case together, but its ALSO mounted by the 4 lower screw holes in the t-case as well. Yep, this sucker isn't going anywhere now..!! :mrgreen:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5165.jpg

Heres "Big Brother" stopping by to check and see how the progress is coming along so far.. :ror:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...awler/crop.jpg

Side note - *** "Big Brother" is actually the first 1/6 Willys scaler I ever built back in 2002 when these Hasbro G.I Joe bodys first came out. Its setup using Clod axles with front and rear 4 link suspension. Back then there were no real "scale" wheels, tires and axles to choose from so I build it with what I had available to buy back then. Yep, this is one of the the OG vintage Willys scalers ;-).***


Back to the current build - I have also since added some 1/4" square aluminum stock to the lower portion of the inner chassis rails for strength, and have mounted up the 4 link suspension mounts. I've also just placed a "Mega" order with RPP for some super scale parts and accessories. When it all comes in, I will post up more progress pics - stay tuned. "thumbsup"

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Update on the ole' Willys...

Hey Guys - well my RPP parts order came in last week, and I finally got to work assembling things on the chassis. I purchased a set of Proline Swampers, and some 2.2" CAC EZ-Loc aluminum beadlocks ( I absolutely LOVE these wheels..! :mrgreen:). I also got some "Gear-Head" aluminum 4 link mounts, "GH Racing" aluminum servo mounts, Integy 45 turn lathe motor and 14 tooth pinion, Hitec HS-985MG coreless ultra torque servo, and some 10th scale aluminum diamond plate sheets.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5184.jpg

Not exactly rocket science, but heres chopping the hood off. :mrgreen:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5188.jpg

Then it was time to fab up an aluminum battery tray that will sit directly under the cowl.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5189.jpg

The hood was reassembled with some small brass hinges I had from past projects, and here it is with the batt tray installed.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5193.jpg

Heres the completed chassis setup ready to be stripped back down and painted black. I ended up using a full 4 link suspension setup instead of the 3 link with panhard bar.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5194.jpg

Heres the new sneakers - It will be a shame to get these all rock rashed up, but thats what this jeep is being built for..!

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5198.jpg

After what seemed like hours, I had the tranny hole cut into the lower portion of the body, and had dremeled away the stock plastic axle mounts for the new steering servo location. I also cut away the left portion of the "tranny hump" in the lower body to push the Axial tranny/motor setup back as far as possible.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5209.jpg

Heres a quick trial fit of the steering servo. As with many others on here, its mounted nice and low directly thru the side of the inner fender.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5203.jpg

I know its overkill, but I also went ahead and fabbed up this aluminum plate that mounts to the lower inner fender for the steering servo to mount against just for some added strength.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5210.jpg

Back when I was in the beginning stages of planning this build earlier this year I had contacted "BigSki" to see if he might be interested in building me a rollcage similar to the one he made for his first orange jeep, with just a few small changes..

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5199.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5200.jpg

Well, he hit a homerun out of the park for me, and this piece of art drops right into place and fits like a glove ( Thanks again Walter..!! "thumbsup" )

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5201.jpg

I also robbed a 1/6th scale Newbright TJ I have kicking around for its racing seats. These will look right at home in the Willys when its all said and done.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5207.jpg


And heres the moment of truth when the body finally met with the completed chassis. There were just a few small changes in link length and we then had a roller ( finally..!! :twisted: ).

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5213.jpg

The wheelbase is sitting exactly at 12.5"

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5216.jpg

And heres the mandatory first articulation shots. :mrgreen:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5214.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5215.jpg

I am REALLY happy with the way this jeep is turning out so far. Now its time to fill in some of the unwanted holes in the body, mount the grill, and get this sucker ready for paint. Stay tuned, theres more to come soon "thumbsup"

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Another great looking willy's build, I'm lookin forward to more updates on this.

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

It looks great as a roller! I love those wheels, they look just like OutLaw II's. Glad the cage arrived in one piece, I was more nervous about shipping it than anything else.:mrgreen:

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Looking awesome!
Sure is a long ways along since when I was there and seen it last.
Lovin' those wheels on there"thumbsup"






.

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Very nice I have always wanted to build one of these. I see you have spacer on the axles. Think Wraith's would fit good?

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Looks fantastic! I'm also a sucker for those CACs. I think Pro-Line had the 1/6 Willys Jeeps in mind when they made those tires! :ror:

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Very strong start to this one! Looking real good...

Subscribed...

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

I'm not sure how I missed this one but WOW, turning out great, your front grill looks perfect !

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

This build is really coming along nicely"thumbsup" Cants wait to see the detail you add using your 1:1 as inspiration.

Subscribed

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Thanks to everyone thats commented so far "thumbsup". Alot of you have been inspirational with your Willys builds and I've learned alot about them already by watching you guys..!

I can already tell by far that this ones going to be one of my Fav's and its not even complete yet..! I CAN'T wait to get it out on the trails..!! :twisted:

I didn't get as much done this weekend as I wanted to, but heres a small update.


This Jeep IS going to be getting a scale "M100" trailer to eventually tow behind it, so I wanted to reinforce the stock plastic frame with 1/4" styrene and re-build the rear bumper so It will be up to the task.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5218.jpg

Gone are the stock "bumperettes" and stock plastic pintle hook. (I already have an RC4WD pintle and lunette reciever ring in the mail headed this way as we speak "thumbsup").

Heres some reinforcement under the bumper

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5219.jpg

Next up was the addition of a small fan to keep the underhood electronics somewhat cool. So out came the styrene, and heres the start of a "radiator" :mrgreen:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5220.jpg

After about an hour or so I came up with this....

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5221.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5222.jpg

I went ahead and made some mounting tabs on the inside of the grill for it to so after it gets painted, its simply slides into place and will be held on with C.A.

And heres a trial checking for how it fits...

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5224.jpg

So far, so good. However I knew even once its painted flat black, you would still be able to see the fan blades, which is fine and all, but I wanted to see if I could try and hide them... Then I came up with this idea...:mrgreen:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5226.jpg

This worked PERFECT..!!!

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5228.jpg

Once the styrene and screw heads get painted black you won't be able to see it at all.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5230.jpg


Heres the completed frame (minus the pintle hook) back from paint, ready for re-assembly.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5232.jpg

And heres where we are at right now. Hopefully I can get more done over the week and have an update soon. Thanks for watching- stay tuned..!

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5234.jpg

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Cool build. That radiator/fan setup came out awesome! Great work"thumbsup"

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

It looks great so far, I'm jealous of your grill, it looks perfect. What did you use for the headlight lenses, the markings look very good.

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

very nice... love the mesh for the grill... may have to try something like it"thumbsup"

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

I would like to know more about the headlight lenses also. I am needing some for my 1.9 TJ scaler project. This build is very nice. You do some quality work "thumbsup" Also giving me lots of ideas for my Willys ;-)

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Thanks Guys-

The headlight lenses and inner chrome light buckets were actually a direct take-off from a 1/6th scale Newbright Jeep Wrangler TJ ( I've had a few of them over the years, and I've still got extra parts kicking around, so thats where I found them ) Also - the black "trim" that can be seen around the headlights are actually old plastic 35mm film canisters, that I trimmed down and then slid the buckets and lenses right into. So far they've worked perfectly.

I had some time to fill in the unwanted holes in the rear section of the body and on the front fender as well with some styrene.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5237.jpg

Then I got to thinking about something I'd seen "BigSki" do on the new Willys hes currently building. I thought the addition of the gas filler recess was such a cool idea I just had to add it to my rig as well. I also went ahead and filled in the indents for the shovel and ax on the drivers side.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5241.jpg

Out came the good ole' styrene again and I whipped these up ;-)

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5239.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5244.jpg

Once mounted I scuffed the side down and shot it with some primer to see where we're at. I've still got some finish work to do with some green spot putty, but so far so good.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5247.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5258.jpg

I know I mentioned it before but this ones been SO much fun to build..! I can't wait to finally drive it around..! More to come soon... "thumbsup"

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

The addition of the gas tank filler opening makes a huge visual difference on these bodies, you did a great job with yours. I'm loving those wheels more and more, I might have to turn loose my O.G. CAC Dune 6 wheels to buy a set of those!

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

You've made some great progress on it. The small details you are being sure to get are a massive difference. Do you have any plans to get rid of that big transmission tunnel and recreating it more to scale, or is the space needed underneath for the driveline?

Final color? Same as your 1:1?

If you're not careful with this one.... You might out-do Clampy:shock:

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Wow! The detail in this build are absolutely incredible! Really nice craftmanship!

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

I just love the grill, what did you use for the head lights in this?

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

this thing is going to rock. what am i saying, it already does! i think i'm starting to regret buying an xr10, i should have stuck the money into my 1/6 scale jeep. inspirational! thanks for sharing!

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Thanks Guys- for everyone thats asked about the headlight lenses, they were a direct take-off from a 1/6th scale Newbright TJ pictured below.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...ler/lights.jpg

And I believe the chrome buckets I used were from a few dollar store throw away flashlights.

Here is todays progress...

This is trying to figure out the best way to mount these new seats. I also cut out the stock rear seat mount and the gun mounting plate as well.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5263.jpg

Then I fabbed up a new lower ribbed floor pan

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5267.jpg

I also went ahead and took this next small detail straight out of the "BigSki Willys builder guide -101" :ror:. After seeing this detail on his Willys build, and then also seeing it up close on my 1:1 I knew I had to add it here as well.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5268.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5269.jpg

This thin piece of added styrene channel along the inside of the upper body line was a PITA to get right, but once complete, it was well worth the extra effort it took to add. Its funny how such a small detail like this makes a huge difference with the overall look. :twisted:


And instead of adding tube rock sliders along the sides of the body for protection, I went ahead and fabbed up the same kind of sliders that I added on my 1:1.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5273.jpg

Simple, effective and to the point. Heres how they're attatched.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5275.jpg

They should be able to withstand some pretty good trail abuse. More to come tomorrow.. "thumbsup"

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Thanks Joe, I am actually going to leave the tunnel alone, as I need the extra space for the transfer case underneath. I think the final color on this one will be a semi flat red with some black accents here and there. I don't think this one will be quite as detailed as Clampy, but I do know what lies ahead, so we shall see what happens.... :ror:

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Today I went ahead and got the front bumper situation all figured out.

I originally picked up an 1/8th scale 3Racing Warn winch for this build, but I knew I didn't want to run it with the supplied controller from 3Racing. I will be running a modded Traxxas TQ3 radio for this truck, and I already installed a 3 position switch in the radio on the 3rd channel. So after doing a quick search in the electronics section on here, I figured out how to turn an old servo into a winch control and presto, working winch from the radio..! ( one of the coolest things I've seen yet..! :ror:)

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5293.jpg

The original plan for the front bumper was going to basically re-use the stock plastic reinforced setup that came stock on the jeep. However I already know the kind of terrain thats in this Willys future, so I figured I'd better "overbuild" now vs. wishing I had done so when it does get buried up to the rockers in the mud. :mrgreen:

Heres what I came up with....

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5279.jpg

I made a full "U" shaped frame mounted single piece that extends back to under the front shocks from 1/2" aluminum angle, then I added the top winch platform, and the actual front 1/8" bumper itself, all from aluminum stock ( I still need to trim the ends down on an angle a little bit).

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5278.jpg

I know its WAYY overkill but I then went ahead and added an extra lower aluminum frame support thats attatched directly to the winch mounting plate and also screwed thru the middle of the inner motor area floor pan. If this winch ever does RIP off the front of the jeep, half the jeep will be going along with it..!! :lmao:. This piggys starting to get heavy now too..!!

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5281.jpg

I also got around to making a CB whip antenna for the rear.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5284.jpg

And heres a few with everything mocked up and sitting as a roller. Still have a few things to work on, then it will be time to tear it all down and hit the paint booth. Stay tuned.. "thumbsup"

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5285.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5282.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/HPIM5290.jpg

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

Damn, between you and Bigski - I'm thinking I should have spent a little more time on my Jeep body.

Looks excellent so far! "thumbsup"

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

WOW!!!

I love it.

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

These are amazing good scaling rigs ,I had alot of fun building mine ,Nice job so far ,,KMS

Re: Willys Project M-38
 

WOW. Looks awesome. The windshield looks perfect on there. You've done another outstanding job.

This one is headed towards the top of the list on these Willy's builds. I have to agree with Big Mike, my next one needs a lot more body work to even compare.