ISO Help for my Micro Grand Cherokee build!

[DSchulten88]

Well, the time has come to do a micro. Nice part about a micro is that scale bodies are in abundance and reasonably priced. I've never done a hard plastic body before... I'm looking for all sorts of tips, glues/epoxies, painting methods.. And most importantly a CHASSIS selection.. I'm gonna be doing the Lindberg Grand Cherokee 1:20 scale body. Like I said, I haven't done a hard plastic body before, I think I may be in over my head, but I guess we'll see... How are you guys mounting the bodies, all the juicy secrets you can give me about doing any of this would be great! I'ma green horn!

Looking for any advice at all to get me started..

I also ordered a Tamiya 1:24 scale model that I'm not gonna use, if someone is interested in a possible trade, or would like to purchase it, send me a PM about it.

Both the bodies, the tires, and the wrong part of the gear cover came today(my fault). Soo I got a mean tease... But at least I found out which body I'm gonna be able to use for sure!

 

[ashman]

I am getting ready to do the same, except I have done a few hard bodies, but not in this 1/20 scale. First order some 2mm+ stock poly styrene sheet. I have been lurking and unless you use a crawlerx or customecuts.de chassis I assume you are using the Lindberg ZJ model chassis and adapting the losi parts to it. CA glue and even model glue should work since it is purposely made to bond like plastics. Use mini-t ball cups (losb1049) 2-56 all thread for links, if you want styling suspension links get the carbon fiber hollow tubing can't remember the exact size (might be in GetBent's blade thread) but midwest products and great planes both make it. I have seen all sorts of driveshafts haven't lengthened any myself as of yet but I have seen everything from BIC pen casings to aluminum tubing 1/4 inch, I think the actual inner diameter for the tubing should be 15/64 for a more snug fit. Thats all I got, I'll continue lurking this thread.

 

[Raguvian]

I'm about to do the same in the next week or two. I'm planning on using the Micro TrailTrekker chassis and just doing a body swap. I bought two sets of Losi Mini-T ball cups and two sets of Mini-T camber/steering link sets to make extended links.

This is how I'm going to extend the driveshaft:

Pics for those who need some more visual instruction!

Links- cut to whatever legnth you need to get the desired wheelbase:

Longer driveshaft- cut the plastic 'shaft in half, cut the aluminum tube to the desired legnth, superglue two halves into either end of the tube:

You can see the black plastic end just peeking out to the left:

Also haven't thought of a way of mounting the body yet, but I'm going to only attempt that after having all the parts at hand so I know what I'm dealing with. Also will be trying to keep the interior as well.

 

[ashman]

Yeah I am awaiting parts and the availability of another micro crawler or trekker, people keep sniping me on the E-bay. But I managed to get two 1/20 kits a ZJ and a sonoma for under $50. So I am proud of that. It's crazy how much micro crawlers are going for I bought my original RTR for $76 shipped. Guess I should have bought at least three more for my obsession. I am about ready to trade one of my SCX-10's for two micro crawlers, LOL. Any takers.....

 

[Raguvian]

I just got the trailtrekker yesterday and it's extremely top heavy. Plus the 350mah Zippy batteries don't really fit.

Once I get my 1/20 body I can see how to make a mount for the battery and stuff the electronics somewhere. I already defoamed the wheels and am going to wrap solder in them as well.

 

[ashman]

Still waiting on my ZJ model to show. I have already got my sonoma in a runner though and will soon be tearing it down for paint and detail. The majority of my time spent was probably dremeling away plastic and trying to find placement for the top suspension links. The front is the worst where the frame narrows around the engine, it really limits the upper arms length. I can see why people are taking the easy route and using leafs.

Found on another forum from chevy55 his old losi ZJ build thread.

http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=43465