Got a GI Joe jeep and its smaller than I thought it would be

[Druxus]

Found a GI Joe jeep on ebay for 12$ When it showed up i was expecting it to be bigger. I mean its still good sized, but it doesnt seem that much bigger then a scx10.





I flipped it over and it doesn't have the frame that i see others have.



Here it is next to a im guessing a 1/6 tj build i did. The tires are J concepts scorpios which are just shy 6 inches.



It says hasbro on the bottom but seems different then the others i have seen here. Is this GI Joe jeep smaller then the others or does it look right for the size?

[kgb424]

I just got my 1/6 scale Dragon Jeep

And its wheel base is close to my Wriath, that I'm parting out for the Dragon

its has a 14'' wheelbase, depending on what rod ends you use

[Druxus]

Ok, finally got a chance to check out some of the jeep. Took a extra scx10 chassis that was a unlimited jk and the wheel base looks almost perfect. Dont mind it not sitting right on the body. Looking at the wheel placement.



That would put me at 12.3 right?

[Mike Flea]

Druxus, Look for my Hasbro Jeep build, it's the same one you have. It's on pg 2 of this section, titled "New Project (for me)".

It is 1/6, you can put a 12 inch G.I. Joe or Barbie in the front seat, you can't do that on your SCX-10 without cutting off some limbs. The model you purchased is one of the original series Hasbro jeeps from the late 60's to middle '70's. It doesn't have a chassis like the later year 2000 to 2003 Hasbro jeeps. 21st Century and Dragon also make 1/6 jeeps similar to the later year Hasbro's. These later year Hasbro's, 21st Century, and Dragon Jeeps are also slightly smaller than the original G.I. Joe 7000 jeep.

If you're going to build this, you will need to decide on a chassis, I used SCX-10 rails mated to a wraith skid, some other builders have made their own rails. My Jeep used a 14 3/4" wb on 2.2 Super Swampers, mounted on AR60 axles. This jeep is also wider than the later models, most of the other builders usually use SCX-10 axles.

Good luck on your build!

Top of pg 3 on 8/31/16.

[rustneversleeps]

Like this one 2003...and yes your is the older version battery operated
WB is 12.25 these ones are getting harder to find I was lucky enough to get this for 20 bucks from a drunk....lol ...I guess he needed more beer










Near mint to just missing the shovel and pick...sorry for the clutter...

[Druxus]

Mike, read that thread and never knew you didnt need a seperate t-case. I guess i was just expecting something closer to the tj i have.

Started making the frame for it.

[Druxus]

So i never intended to do a build thread, i am horrible at remembering to take pics. I am on what i think is version 4 of the frame. So it's more of just a update.

Version 3 had cms and 4 link. I can't begin to tell you how bad the bump steer was on it. If you picked it up and let the suspension drop the wheels would turn to the left. At ride height the wheels would settle to a straightish position. At times going over rocks would cause a total loss of steering in one direction.

I made version 4 with a 3 link and a panhard bar, wow what a difference.





My other issue is the light bucket, what have other people used for the headlight? I put a flashlight behind it and all i get for light is a pinpoint in the center.

[Mike Flea]

I used a couple of battery powered book lights epoxied to the back of the stock lights( post #40, page 2 of my build, and post #45, page 3), and you're right, you get a pin-point light, but in the dark, it illuminates well. Deeper into the Large Scale threads, there are a couple other G.I. Joe 7000 builds, that actually cut out the stock lights and use the light bezels from the mini Mag lights epoxied in and run off of batteries located elsewhere in or on the body.

[Druxus]

So i got some good run time on the jeep, it climbs amazing. The problem is going down. it is so front heavy with the motor, transmission, esc, and battery upfront that the back is to light it would seem. Multiple times i went down with only the front wheels touching. I would have to go full throttle just to keep from flipping. Now I'm guessing everyone with this setup has similar problems. Do you add weight to the back or just deal with it?

[Mike Flea]

I made a roll cage, had a steel rear bumper, bunch of accessories and the 2 dolls for weight, no problems going downhill. How steep of an incline are you going down?

My battery was able to fit on the inside above the dolls feet, crosswise on the frame, but my motor and trans were in the middle. You might make a box (maybe look like a footlocker or ammo box), and mount in the rear for your battery, to balance out the weight, since your motor and trans are up front.

[Druxus]

I have not made a roll cage for it yet, was excited about getting it done enough to drive. I have some area's i like too go with some of my other crawlers, so i took the jeep to those spots. Never had that issue before with my other ones, so i was surprised when it happened to this one.

How much weight do you think you added with your roll cage? What did you make the roll cage out of as well?

[Mike Flea]

I used 1/4 inch brakeline for the cage ( use the uncoated brakeline, I had accidently grabbed the green coated line, and the coating must be ground off before brazing. Pain-in-the-ass, took a little longer, but still turned out good and sturdy).

The weight of the cage, after brazing, was less than 14oz, so it's not top heavy at all. Some builders have used 3/16 or 1/4 inch solid rod, a bit heavier, comes down to personal choice, and whether you want to braze or weld.

To me, welding is easier, but I don't possess a welder, but I do have the equipment to braze: MAPP gas, silver rods, and Safety Silv flux.

[Druxus]

Haven't been able to make a roll cage yet due to the wife wanting to expand the horse pasture before winter. That equals allot of work for me.

I did however make a fake gas tank in the back (i know the real ones where under the seat). Was able to get 3 good sized wheel weights in it. Helped out balancing the jeep quite a bit.



It is zip tied in the picture, but have since made brackets that hold it without zip ties



In the spirit of Halloween the skeletons came out and went for a joy ride.

[Mike Flea]

That's cool, Where did you find the skeletons?, Did you illuminate the eyes, or is it just the way the light's hitting it?

[Druxus]

I got them locally at a store called meijer, kinda like a Walmart but not a national thing. They where 5$ each with the led eyes. They where 3 inches to tall so i took a inch out of the torso, upper leg and lower leg as well as the arms. Tied the pieces together with weld wire.

[JatoTheRipper]

Sweet work on the frame!

[Druxus]

So i have a bunch of time on my hands now due to the fact i rolled my tractor and fractured my sholder, and my sternum, crushed/bruised my heart, and sprained my left knee and right ankle. I have gone through all of the bearings on my rc and kids rc's and started thinking. I wonder if i can make my flat fender into a newer cj5. I have a 1978 cj5 that i love wheeling.



So i started mocking it up with a empty bisquick box and some duct tape. I have some experience with styrene i just hope I'm up to the task.

[rustneversleeps]

Sorry to hear about your accident,hope you have a speedy recovery.
Flat fender will look real coo...l

[Mike Flea]

Ditto Druxus on the recovery, and that's a pretty cool idea, looks like it will work

[Druxus]

Thanks for the well wishes

Started work on it. Its just in rough form yet but it is starting to take shape