Dan's Defender Build - lots of pics + video

[Dan_F350]

Hi Guys, I thought I would share my Defender build. I have been building this thing for close to 12 months..

This is basically where I am up to now:



Rewind the clock... ;)

It started off with a chinese Defender body and an XC chassis from a Touareg kit. The alloy stock on the rear mounts isn't permanent, when it comes time to install the interior that will all be tidied up



Lengthened the wheelbase by making some longer rear links, the Touareg drive shaft was just long enough to use without modification.





Wheels are modified Tamiya hummer items, originaly I painted them off-white but now they are sand yellow.







Chips/marks in the paint is deliborate to capture some of the black wash and give the rims some depth and weathering.



Next I started on the bullbar, I styled it using reference pics from an ARB bullbar. I love working with Brass so almost everything will done from using K&S brass stock.














A few more touches to the bull bar and then started on the roof rack and light bar/roll cage...



Stainless steel bash guard:







More work on the roof rack:





Then I did the rear bar:











Next came the ladder, which I am really happy with











Got some square mesh soldered into the roof rack:



On the weekend just past I finished the rear tire mount bracket and started on a high-lift jack mount.
Will post some pics in the next day or two

It's one of those builds that I get going on for a few weeks and then shelve for a little while, I stop working when I get stale on it so I don't cut corners. I recently ordered a set of RC4WD Dirt Grabbers which has renewed my interest in finishing this build, can't wait to get those on it
I am looking forward to paint but I think it is a long way off.....

If you are interested I have a put video on the tube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEE5r8MBvGc

[DonsATV]

That's one sweet truck!!! Love all the details, can't wait to see the finished product.

[Jester666]

damn thats some sick work. This is an awesome build. Keep it up

[iamnotthefather]

STUNNING!!! Cant wait to see it painted. what parts did you use to lengthen the rear? I've got mine on a cc-01 chassis and I'm tryin to figure it out. Thanks.

[seven.two]

damn, this thing inspires me everytime i look at it, makes me want to go build something right now.

i just cant wait to see it done.

[Dan_F350]

Thanks Guys, I seem to be going through a bit of a "time recession" right now..... I just can't get down to the workshop for long enough to do any work on it....

I will keep trying and post updates when I do

[dubfunk]

Wow!, looks great. Love the ladder!

[bassguitar]

That thing looks awesome.

I'm thinking of starting into working with brass. Do you just use a soldering iron/gun?

[Dan_F350]

Originally Posted by bassguitar

That thing looks awesome.

I'm thinking of starting into working with brass. Do you just use a soldering iron/gun?

Sorry, I forgot to reply when I saw this.

There is not enough heat in a soldering iron, mostly I use an oxy/acet torch with a small tip, on some smaller parts I use a small butane torch.

The trick with doing this kind of brasswork is being quick:
Get the heat in fast, apply solder, withdraw heat quickly
Even if you had a soldering iron with enough heat it would tranfer it slowly and heat up the whole thing and then all your other solder joints would melt, the same goes for most of the cheaper butane torches.

Hope this helps

[Daddy NS]

I'm speechless, Simply awesome build..

[rcjeepbuilder]

Dan you know how I feel about this build!!!!! I havent seen it in a while, so where have you been? tha kids must be keeping you busy!