Aluminum framed Willys build
 

I quit racing and producing on road CF parts 5 years ago. Before I quit, I picked up a GI Joe Willys and planned to build a crawler. The body has sat in the garage since. It's time to build it. This is what I'm starting with.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...503606_HDR.jpg

This first thing I did was cut off the front body extensions that hang down to meet the stock chassis.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...524677_HDR.jpg

I mounted the body in my mill and milled the area flat to accomodate the new frame.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...452068_HDR.jpg

The new frame is designed to snug up to the body and raise the front of the frame to just under the grill.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/..._204620959.jpg

Re: Aluminum framed Willys build
 

I got in a hurry to post a picture of the frame and didn't provide any real details...

The frame is machined from 3/8" flat bar and because of its length (17 7/8"), the left and right rails are two piece. The rails are joined together in the center using a half lap joint. I need to cut the screw bosses off the bottom of the body and then I'll post a picture of the body fit.

Doug

Re: Aluminum framed Willys build
 

Looking good man, I just started my willys but don't have the fancy equipment you do lol.

Re: Aluminum framed Willys build
 

Looks interesting, "thumbsup", have you looked at any of the other late model Hasbro builds?

Re: Aluminum framed Willys build
 

Yeah, I've looked and looked some more. There are some great builds out there.

Re: Aluminum framed Willys build
 

Here is the body fit to the frame. Now, it's back to body work and time to build a tubing bender.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/..._072748266.jpg

Re: Aluminum framed Willys build
 

This GI Joe Willys body and frame are now for sale on Ebay. Take a look if interested.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254410286603