Brush fire Willy's

[MGCrawler]

Hey guys its been a while since i've had time to start a new project and since winter has really set in here in upper Michigan I guess its time. I sold the green Willy and I guess i'll do another one the same only different. I need some input though, should I do a brush fire truck with a little crawl ability or just a red willys? I'm going to put the chrome trim that runs from up the cowl and down the middle of the doors either way.

I won't ramble to much here, just get to the pics of what I got so far.

Been a while since I saw this box:crazy:


I dug through and found me some frame rails first off.


I soldered on some tabs for the trans and some cross braces/body mounts.




She fits pretty decent






Started adding bits of rust here and there.




And well I just like this picture of the gate


I'm thinkin' maybe these wheels if I go fire rig..


Here are the parts I would use to go with the fire truck.


Thats where it stands at the moment...
Let me know what way you guys think this should go.

[Madjones]

holy brass!!!!!!!!!! that's one hell of a stash

the willys is going to be sweet! I really like the rims, nice job!

[RootBreaker]

agreed.... speechless....

[cjgotch]

Now your talking a new MGCrawler build!!!

Love those old rigs
I think after seeing those wheels and all the cool fire truck parts you better go brush fire truck!!

Oh do you know anybody who has any extra brass??

[MGCrawler]

Thanks guys, that box-O-brass is just for the short stuff, Longer pieces and round tube is in a big cardboard tube. I think i've wiped out the local hardware's S&K stock a couple of times:rofl: It is a sickness..

[1tuffmj]

Willys brush truck would be sweet

[MikeChino]

I vote fire truck also. you do some fine work, i cant wait to see this one come together...

[RcLee]

Old brush Firetrucks around here are always step side chevys from the 60's.

[MGCrawler]

Thanks very much for the input guys! Sounds like a plan...The brush fire has been lit. I started painting some of the parts for the rig, I think the battery will fit nice inside the water tank I'm kinda feeling a leaf spring setup for this one.

RcLee, thanks for the heads up. In the thumb area there were quite a few 60's-70's Dodges used as well.

They also used Willy's pickups before that..

http://www.ewillys.com/wp-content/up...re-york-sc.jpg
http://offroadaction.ca/wp-content/u...ck-650x433.jpg

The chrome trim i'm going to add is like the one in the last pic there..

[MGCrawler]

Little update..


I made a decision on the suspension last minute since I haven't done a leaf sprung rig for a while. Sounded fun. Still gotta finish the front and make the rear mounts.




I think the front bumper/pump mount should work out.


Couldn't resist throwing the water tank and hose in the back.


That's all until the wife falls asleep.

[MGCrawler]

Well, I got the suspension all buttoned up for the most part.. Mounted up the front bumper and pump also

[MGCrawler]

A used and abused water pump..


Added the knobs, still have to "age" them.



Got the hose and reel painted and added some height to the water tank so its level with the bed rails.


I need to make more of these wheels to have a set though so no mounted pics. I may use these instead since they are smaller diameter.

Got these wheels too. Hot rod fire truck?


Ok thats it for now...Thanks again all! Enjoy!

[MikeChino]

looking amazing and im digging it with the hub caps!!

[RootBreaker]

yooooooooo where did you get the ground hawgs????

I need a set!!!!!! I eventually want to do a 1:1

[MGCrawler]

Thanks alot Mike! I thought the hubcaps were kinda neat! I just need to figure out how people are chrome plating their resin/plastic parts now


RootBreaker, they are from ebay Paul that does the othr urethane tires for the micro. He doesn't have them listed but I sent him some model kit tires a while back and he made some squishy ones. I'll be making a mold to make some myself shortly. I already did up some nano sized super swampers that turned out good, now i'll try some bigger tires I guess..

Here is a link to Paul's unimog tires on ebay just ask him about the hawgs and he should hook you up..

Urethane Military Mogs 4ea Fit Custom Mini Z Xmods | eBay

[4door5speed]

That looks amazing. Your attention to detail is crazy. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[cjgotch]

Looking good
I like the suspension setup. How did you make the leaf springs??
My favorite is the front bumper and water pump though!! All the unique parts on this rig are cool!! You did great with the weathered paint on the pump and the rest of the truck, looks real

In my opinion the slot mags looked good!

[MGCrawler]

Originally Posted by 4door5speed

That looks amazing. Your attention to detail is crazy. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Thank you sir! Its getting close

Originally Posted by cjgotch

Looking good
I like the suspension setup. How did you make the leaf springs??
My favorite is the front bumper and water pump though!! All the unique parts on this rig are cool!! You did great with the weathered paint on the pump and the rest of the truck, looks real

In my opinion the slot mags looked good!

Thanks bud! The leafs are made from the clock spring out of a name tag retractable thingy. Some use nitro pull start springs, not sure if they are any different in size. I like the mags too but I'm gunna save those for my next project truck

Little update...

I got the body all mounted solid and been working on some other things.

Electronics tray.

Starting to figure out where things need to go. Room for all the necessary electronics and moving parts is always a challenge.


OK, starting with a burnt out bic pen spring (under the flint) I soldered a piece of piano wire into one end. Then clipped about and 1/8" under the soldered joint leaving a short piece of spring on the wire. Another shorter section of wire coming in from the side on the bottom of the spring for the mount. I added a 1.2mm nut for the base btw..



Now ya got a springy rollover proof CB antenna cause no fire truck would be right without a CB antenna



Also started on a worthy rear bumper.




Start to a headache rack

Added some brass screen and mounts. I'll get some better pics without the stuff in the way.


Last but not least... some flex

[MGCrawler]

Better pic of the rack.


Getting some other accessories ready for paint etc.


Water tank painted and "aged"


Rear bumper all done.


The first layer of crust on the underside of the body and axles.



Here's one with a bic lighter in the back for size reference

[MikeChino]

I have seen allot of weathering of body's, but man your taking it over the top with doing the undercarriage, and i love the tires all worn out ant the odd ball one on the front. just WOW!