Dragon Willys build
 

I think I bought this kit almost ten years ago, finally decided to do something with it. :mrgreen:

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...dd&oe=5CD13FBE

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ae&oe=5CD56BFC

I'm not aiming for a competition crawler of any sort, nor a period-correct scaler, just something like you might find out on the trails today. I imagined something like Mad Brit's jeep...

http://www.jeepingoffroad.com/_Media...b5_med_hr.jpeg

...with all the bits and pieces but with modern axles and decent sized tires.

Oh, and on leaf springs. 8)

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I decided to see if I can use the kit frame before making something so I filled it in with epoxy and mounted some Tamiya spring Bruiser hangers. Springs are Bruiser main leaf only for now.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...2f&oe=5C8B8150

Originally I was going to use SCX width axles but I didn't want to end up with limited steering so I robbed my Wraith of its axles and found these Chinese off-brand Bogger copies that seem to have the look I'm after. The leaf spring perches are printed from something I drew up in Fusion 360.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...94&oe=5CB96B23

As for the body I decided to try something with the paint. I first concocted an orangey/brown color that I brushed on. I was then going to brush on some water-based acrylic over top in the hopes that as it scratches off the orange base would show through as rust. While this would actually work I felt the acrylic paint was coming off too easy (I could scratch it off with my nail with minimal pressure) so I instead sprayed it with Ford blue and then with Tamiya AS-8 Navy Blue. The orange base is Tremclad and from past experience I knew that a heavy spray over top with automotive paint makes it lift and krinkle if you don't give it a week to dry and harden. This gave me some bubbling underlying rust effect and looks the part for 70+ year old Jeep. The Tamiya AS-8 is specifically aircraft paint and has a nice satin-to-matte finish that I also think looks right for an old Trail Flattie.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...86&oe=5CCEDFDC

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...5c&oe=5CD962D1

And that's how it sits as of now while I paint the bits and pieces and figure out the drivetrain.
Here it is with my Bomber. It's about the same track and width.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...c9&oe=5CD6CCBC

I had a set of fat Boggers (35x16-15LT) on my 1:1 Toyota 4Runner and I think these copies have the same look.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...fa&oe=5CD65091

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

So while the tire was perfect, the wheels were not.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...69&oe=5CC18287

But mounted to the AR60 axle they leave a lot of the axle thread exposed which allowed me to do this...

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...59&oe=5CC66C32

The outer wheel was actually something I found on Thingiverse (as part of an army trailer that you can see in the background of the first pic) and the hub I drew up in Fusion. I added some 2mm hardware and rust color to complete the look.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ca&oe=5CCB20D7

The hub threads onto the exposed axle threads and simply holds the "cap" in place.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...9f&oe=5CC59BB2

It looks a bit strange with all the lips but it's certainly more "Jeepish" than the original wheel. :mrgreen:

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

looking good.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Thanks. :mrgreen:

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Has anybody played with one of these yet?

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...af&oe=5CB47C62

It's just a two-stage planetary drive with a motor mount. The gears all look sintered but should hold up with a high-turn motor.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...b0&oe=5CB7A658

I have a 55 turn attached to it now and the advertised reduction is 5:1 so hopefully the motor doesn't get too hot. If it's no bueno I can probably run an 80 turn instead.

I printed up a 1/10 scale Chevy SB to slide over the 540 motor but it looks too small under the hood. I can try scaling it up and see what that gets me.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...62&oe=5CB431E7


https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...c4&oe=5CD79296

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

i have the same gear set just haven't installed it yet, haven't had the money to finish mine yet. let us know how it turns out. i like the motor cover...


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zc...=w1452-h856-no

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

For some reason I can't see your pic.

I didn't really want a Chevy V8 under the hood so if I can't find something better I might take a stab at designing my own. I'd prefer a stockish looking 4 banger so we'll see. Even a Ford Flathead V8 would't be too bad. :mrgreen:

I ordered one of those RC4WD "Disruptor" style divorced t-cases and I think it has a 2:1 gear ratio. That would put me at around 29:1 overall gear ratio which isn't as low as I would like. I am also thinking about an HG402 gearbox is the gearing is lower. That would kind of make it almost impossible to have a realistic motor under the hood though.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I'm interested in seeing how that planetary works out. I'm ordering one for a '56 International pickup I'm working on.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

try this dont know why it didn't show up? https://photos.app.goo.gl/JkomHri2WJUyqJbK7 for my pictures and build...


also have you seen this? I think you will like it. https://youtu.be/G26udLGgdkg

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Nice build! Can't wait to see how this turns out.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Awesome build! Love the rust and weathering. That mini is pretty sweet too. 8)

Thanks for the vid on that motor build. I subbed to the channel since it has all sorts of cool. "thumbsup"

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Have you guys checked some of the other builds in this section using the same Dragon Willy's?

Here's a link for some useful parts for the 1/6 Jeeps: https://rcpcrawlers.com/home.php?cat=51

And for the dash decals/stickers go here: http://patchesofpride.com/

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

saw those. I know the roll cage is for the hasbro and not sure if it will fit the Dragon as it is just a little bigger and he was not sure if it would.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I know his cage won't fit my Hasbro. They fit the later year Hasbro's, mine is the earlier '60's/70's, which is even bigger than the Dragon, yet still 1/6.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I did check out all the builds, mostly looking for leaf-spring builds. Not too many of them so I'm learning as I go.

Good to know I can get more decals if I mess mine up. Thanks. :mrgreen:

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I'm planning to make my own metal cage. I thought about printing one but it wouldn't look right without a ton of finishing.
When I fastbacked my Wraith I designed and printed some tubes with less than desirable results. Looks good from far but... :roll:

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...f2&oe=5CCB77E0

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

That's what I did with brakeline and silver solder, made my own, and the way it's fastened to the body, it can be carried by the cage

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

What size brake line? A 3" rollbar would be 12.7mm in 1/6th scale. That's kind of big. Even 2.5" pipe is big in scale at 10.6mm

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

It's smooth running and very quiet. It has a good solid feeling to it. I packed mine with some good grease as they come dry.

I thought about buying another one and stacking them for 25:1 gear reduction but that might be a wee bit TOO low. :twisted:

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Awesome! Good to know!

You know, they have a 3:1, and I think RC4WD has a 2:1.

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Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Looking forward to this build. I have one of these for a future build also.

How does the size compare to a the other 1/6 Willys?

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I checked my build thread, and it says 1/4 inch, but I think I used 3/16 brake line because it was easier to bend, I'll have to dig it out and check.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I know that building roll bars out of poopy pipe used to just be "the way", but you'd be hard pressed to find a modern build that used anything larger than 2" tube now when building a full cage (as opposed to just a roll bar.) Depending on the size/weight of the vehicle, 1 3/4" and 1 1/2" are even more common. All that said, 1/4" tube would be the same as 1 1/2" at 1/6 scale, and I think it would look appropriate for a small vehicle like a Willy's.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I've never had any of the other 1/6 Jeeps so I wouldn't know for sure. From looking at pictures I can see that some of the details look a bit different proportionally but overall the trucks are about the same size.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I did the cage on my 1/6th Willys from 3/16 hydraulic tubing. I always though that it looked slightly undersized but it's taken a beating over the years. I've wanted to rebuild it w/ 1/4 tubing, it's on the long list of maintenance/repairs that I want to do. I'll get around to it one day... :roll:

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I used 1/4 inch coated brakeline. Only problem with coated is you have to grind or sand the coating off before brazing, which isn't a problem with a dremel and a grinding wheel. When making perpendicular connections, you have to fishmouth the end of the connecting piece anyways...makes for a more rigid and solid braze.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Thanks guys. I scrounged around in the garage but only came up with some 3/16 inch tubing. I'm going to pick up some 1/4" (or 8mm) and give it a go. "thumbsup"

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Today I got this in the mail.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...18&oe=5CEFA87E

It looks solid enough for this build.
And it came with grease! :mrgreen:

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...b9&oe=5CF68639

I'm still waiting for some driveshafts but in the meantime I can start working on the mounts.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

is this the 2:1 or 3:1 reduction?

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

I counted 37/17= 2.18

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Where are you at on this build? any updates?

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Kind of got into a lull waiting on some parts. Shocks, driveshafts and something to use as spring bushings.

I should have some new progress on it soon.

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Came across this on the interweb and just had to throw it up here. It's a "Radio Flyer" wagon converted into a Willys Half Cab pickup. It matches the guys 1:1 CJ2A conversion.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7e/ae/8d/7...77289931f4.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4c/3e...4c8cf65286.jpg

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

Way cool!

That 1:1 is CHOICE!

Re: Dragon Willys build
 

That's super nice "thumbsup"