Jeep Wrangler expedition project

[Wyoming]

I have been busy on my road car projects of late but since MSD scale nationals is coming up in may I have to build a couple of new rigs to run.

Here I started out planning to build a Jeep Half cab often seen in custom shops or used by serious Jeep guys but after searching the google for jeep pics I came across a Earth Roamer and that led me to build an Expedition Jeep with a camper type box on the back, the real ones often fold out into tents or pop up to sleep up top.

I don't like to plan much I tend to just start cutting and building after a quick sketch

here is my start so far, I made a quick template and then cut the Tamiya Plastic card to make the side panels, I just sort of build slowy adding reinforcements to make the box strong as I decide what I want for a final shape.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02840.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02841.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02842.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02854.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02855.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02856.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02857.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02858.jpg

[OllllO]

Nice! Looking forward to this one ;) (do you have any build threads for your road cars? Btw, I like your Civic in the back ground :thumb: )

[Northwest 4x4]

sweet! the details will bring this to life, can't wait

[Wyoming]

Thanks guys, generally I don't do threads on my road cars (not enough time) but I do post finished and or action pictures of them in my Tamiyaclub showroom. That one is a FF03 Pro fully loaded with all the extra TRF stuff I could find and a full interior on the way.

As for the Jeep I think it will really start to come together when I get the box done and start doing all the stuff in my head lol!

[OldSchoolRC]

Me too - I've been working on cars all of a sudden lately....must be the warmer weather finally coming in. Really need to complete my FF03 as well.

Oh, and the jeep is off to a great start too!

[DRW-FJ40]

This one should be fun to watch. I googled "Earth Roamer". Wow! There is some material for the scratch builder. They are basically 1:1 scratch builds. Pretty cool, although $300K is a bit beyond my means but doesn't everyone need a HD flat screen in there truck?

[Wyoming]

Yeah they are crazy expensive which is not my style lol! I just liked the shape and concept so I'm building a more utility backwoods expedition that I might build in my garage from junkyard parts of multiple old trucks and such to drive for hunting which means its rugged but no frills basically just something to sleep in that grizzly bears can't tear into at night and that I wouldn't feel bad bumping into trees and such.

as for progress I have done a lot of building by just cutting little pieces to fit and make it very sturdy.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02864.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02865.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02866.jpg

I'm keeping the stock body mounts but now they will be hidden by the box

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02867.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02868.jpg

some styrene diamond plate from plastruct: http://www.rpphobby.com/product_p/pls91686.htm

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02869.jpg

I'll be using different mirrors so I filled holes and I removed the Euro/Japan spec signal lights on fenders since US Jeeps don't have them.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02870.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02871.jpg

[Wyoming]

The weak point of the Jeep body is the fact the front bumper is molded into it so when you hit something it is prone to cracking as the energy comes back through the body, so I usually try to cut the stock bumper off and make a chassis mounted bumper setup like the Landcruiser/Bronco Bumper which works great with the Jeep body, I will make a velcro body post to attach the front of the body later. I also trim the front of the chassis so the body can sit more easily and I can attach a radiator behind the grille for a scale look. The chassis bumper also makes functional winch mounting more secure

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02877.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02876.jpg

[Dakillswitch]

Seth,
Cool build man :thumb::thumb: looks like your on a
good project

Oh....why we don't see this on RCjeeps?:rolleyes:

;)

[Wyoming]

I should do it on RCjeeps also but I just have had so little time of late for being on forums

Here is a little more progress, I used an old clod buster bumper stripped of chrome flipped upside down and dremeled a bit, fit some RC4wd shackles I had in a junk drawer and put some diamond plate on top, seems to work well and is very sturdy using long 3mm bolts to go all the way through and attach tot he jeep body with a erector set plate.

The roof light is also underway using some Tamiya Tundra roll bar light parts.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02911.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02912.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02913.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02915.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02916.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02919.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02920.jpg

[Wyoming]

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02923.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02924.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02925.jpg

Wheel is a modded Hummer wheel and an Hpi Yokohama Geolander tire from the Mini Trophy Truck, this is the most scale looking Rc tire I've ever found, I did sand off the "HPI" logo for a more scale look

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC02927.jpg

[Wyoming]

Lots of little things done since last update, mostly little things like mounting the light bar, remving the fog light mounts from grille, and changing up the back a little as I change my mind on direction.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03008.jpg

Started to fill this in for cleaner look and fitted Tamiya 3mm LEDs in it.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03009.jpg

Moved the gas can mount and fitted a vent grille made from Tamiya 3mm plastic beams

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03011.jpg

Started collecting details from Scaleoffroad, RC4wd etc.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03013.jpg

trimmed an old newbright interior to fit, its from a new jeep for the custom look, will further paint and fine detail it.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03014.jpg

Removed stock grille fog light mounts, messed up one spot so I'll have to fill it lol!

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03015.jpg

Novak goat and a 21.5 motor I won from Rccaraction last year

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03017.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03018.jpg

rough look of back now, will get a tire carrier, new gas can rack, door details etc and I began making holes for the stock tailights to be set in.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03020.jpg

[DRW-FJ40]

This is coming together nicely. The Yokahamas look nice. Are your Jerry cans from scaleoffroad.com? I've had an eye on those as they are the most scale looking jerry cans I've seen but shipping from Germany is a high. I've noticed RC4WD is starting to sell Stephans emblems maybey they'll do some other stuff as well.

[Wyoming]

Thanks, the jerry cans are Proline with some extra paint and weathering started. Yeah I never ordered anything from scaleoffroad before as the site was confusing and a lot of it in German but as soon as rc4wd started to carry the stuff I bought it which is where I got most of these.

[DRW-FJ40]

The Proline cans look good although I wish you could buy them individually. I really like the photo etched emblems from scaleoffroad & his jerry cans have nice detail in the handles.

[Wyoming]

Yeah I loved the look of the emblems and will likely get some when they come into stock, here is afew more progress pics also.

started adding some body detail like faux tool box doors on sides and the mounts for the sand ladders. If anyone has a Tamiya Hummer turret for sale (h Parts) let me know

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03025.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03024.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03022.jpg

[Budhatrain]

looks good. not feeling the fence stuff with nuts sticking out. but looks real good, you probably have some great paint scheme planned.

[Wyoming]

Fence? I had to think about that one for a minute :) but Those are actually scale accurate sand ladders made by Scaleoffroad in Germany, I found some real ones on google that were spot on with the hooks on sides and everything, the nuts are temporary for mock-up and will likely be replaced with wing nuts so I can access the boards during compettion since they are functional. but they actually look very similar to this on real trucks when mounted. Just search for Sand Ladders on google and you'll see why I'm using them for a desert themed truck like this.

[Budhatrain]

ahh now I see. ignorance is very freeing you know

[Wyoming]

no prob, I had no clue what they were until I asked a guy who had some on his Xterra a few years back.

Here is an interior partition with faux sliding door made from scraps, hides the electronics area and add strength to body

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03026.jpg

A few details for the dash and interior

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03027.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03028.jpg

Bad lighting but heres the idea

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03030.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03032.jpg

[cydog510]

fantastic! i have seen this on tamiyaclub and love it. as always, great work. thanks for sharing, particular the detailed shots. the light pods are going to turn out

[Wyoming]

thank you, yeah I'm doing a little of this on Tamiyaclub but this thread will be much more complete.

Anyway I got some more work done and got the thing primed so I can see what else needs work and how it looks in color since the white styrene is hard to see details.

Painted bumper flat black and the Rpphobby tire carrier got mounted and painted also

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03063.jpg

and about 30 seconds of weathering with a rag and some Tamiya weathering kit gives a worn look, I will do more later but weathering is not difficult just rub the silver on the high spots and blow off the residue then hit it with flat clearcoat

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03067.jpg

some 1/8 copper for roof side bars

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03066.jpg

took the bumper off to paint

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03065.jpg

started to weather sand ladders

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03064.jpg

with primer I can see details and mistakes easier to rework before paint

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03062.jpg

I made some styrene diamond plate fender covers too

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03061.jpg

as it sits now in primer

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03060.jpg

[OllllO]

Can't wait until it finished! :thumb:

[Wyoming]

Well here is a little more progress, I laid down the paint I used Krylon Fusion "camoflage" ultra flat khaki from Wall Mart. then I added a few decals and started on the detail painting, it looks shiny because I used satin clearcoat for first layers to seal the decals but I will later hit it with ultra flat to get rid of shiny finish

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03104.jpg

Made some Branch lifters from picture wire and sewing loops

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03105.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03107.jpg

Added a Reign RC antenna for scale look

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03108.jpg

started working on scale detail weathering

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03109.jpg

Now I seal with ultra flat before I start doing the body weathering, note I also painted the fenders black so they are easier to touch up when scratched (I carry a black sharpie marker) and it will hide the white fender scratches quick to keep the scale look

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03110.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03111.jpg

[DRW-FJ40]

Branch lifters!! That's what those are for. I'd seen them on several rigs but wasn't quite sure what the purpose was. You would think it would be obvious, especially if you saw the windshield on my 1:1 which has a big crack from a branch that caught on the grill & built up some kinetic energy and then went THAWACK! threw my windshield as I plowed forward.

Paint scheme really fits that build. It looks awsome. Thanks for adding the info about how & why you did things.

[Sonic0620]

Awesome job!! I like how that rig came out.

[Northwest 4x4]

sweet ride love the detail, i hope to do the same some day with my biulds

[Wyoming]

Thanks guys,

I have now moved into the weathering and detailing stages, the most fun part for me but also the most time consuming, I have been using chalks and washes and some Tamiya weathering kits to slowly add layers. I also had to further trim the interior and make it a two piece for easier install.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03135.jpg

A reproduction Bruiser driver from jsourbeck on ebay after some cleaning and now ready to fit and paint.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03136.jpg

Here is how it sits now after many hours of chalks and washes and flat clear coats, still many small areas to address and add some rust but its coming along

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03137.jpg

I used various common scale accessories which I repainted or modified from Axial, Pro-line, and a Vern Simmons Snorkel all from Rpphobby.com The Jack is stock Tamiya with a flat green paint job, the Tamiya Hi-Lift Jack is more scale than the Pro-line version and also much tougher. But the Pro-line tools are quite nice with a little weathering

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03138.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03139.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03140.jpg

Still can't find a Hummer turret but I left an open area to add it and weather one in if I ever find it

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03141.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03142.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03145.jpg

[Dakillswitch]

As I sit here shaking my head, the words, " your talent is unreal" slips out my mouth as I look at your project.

Dude, seriously, top notch man.

X2 bud:thumb::thumb:
wish I had the time and patience that you have ...
as always Seth, It is a great pleasure to see your project unfolds:yourock:

[Wyoming]

thanks guys, very kind of you to say.

[Wyoming]

Thanks guys very nice of you to say.

[DRW-FJ40]

Holy cow. Have you ever thought of writing a book on weathering? I would love to just sit and watch you weather one of these trucks. P.S. love the can in the console.

[Wyoming]

I just kind of wing the weathering through trial and error and it seems I do it a little differently each time depending on the model, but the biggest thing is That I do it in small sections and slowly build up many layers

[RABIDFOX]

That is some amazing work. I love it.

[Wyoming]

The interior is very dark on this truck and hard to see in but I still want it to be somewhat detailed too for the occasional time when it gets viewed close up. I built a simple roll cage from Tamiya 5mm styrene rods and bolted into the inside if the cab, this is not a complete cage but it gives the impression of one when seen through front window.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03195.jpg

Painted Tamiya German gray

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03196.jpg

I also did a quick job on the driver

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03197.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03198.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03199.jpg

Cage installed

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03200.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03201.jpg

[Budhatrain]

turret... look at Halo reach vehicle. The halo warthog comes with a turret and then you can buy, coming soon, replacement turrets called Vehicle upgrade pack. these are made by McFarlane and come preweathered. I am doing one using some of this stuff.

[Northwest 4x4]

I have the warthog already and budhatrain is right it comes with one, I'm converting this to a crawler. But I think u should look into this as well

[Budhatrain]

http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/budhatrain/IMG00011-20110417-2100.jpg
http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/budhatrain/IMG00008-20110417-2059.jpg
http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/budhatrain/IMG00009-20110417-2059.jpg
http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/budhatrain/IMG00010-20110417-2100.jpg

[McFig]

Just to give you the information. The Tamiya Hummer turret is on the H tree parts. Part number 9005467

Unfortunetly I don't see if sale anywhere. Even TamiyaUSA is out of stock.

[Wyoming]

THanks guys, that is a crazy gun perfect for a pickup but might give me some clearance issues on my truck ;)

I did find a Turret after searching everywhere I could think of for the H tree, I ended up buying an old Hummer shell and some other parts on the ebay, I'll build a custom truck out of the Hummer later so nothing goes to waste.

[Wyoming]

and here is the updates on the Jeep. I fit the turret from the donor body and painted it to match.

Donor body from ebay will become future body project

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03240.jpg

fit the turret, still needs a little more weathering to blend it in

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03235.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03237.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03233-1.jpg

also masked the window wipers and hit it with a little flat clear spray for a slight dirty/cloudy glass look

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03238.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03234-1.jpg

[Wyoming]

Here are some outdoor pics of the first real test drive, i have more work to do yet but I wanted to drive it and see how everything works before I do final details and weathering.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03297.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03296.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03293.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03292.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03291.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03290.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03287.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03286.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03284.jpg

[teebeehex]

Wow! Wow! Wow!

You have created yet another masterpiece. Best of luck with it at the MSD Scale Nationals! :first:

[McFig]

Un-freaking real. Very impressed.

[Wyoming]

Thanks guys!

[Sonic0620]

That is just plain....Awesome. I wish I had the patience to attempt something like what you've done. Great job!!

[Wyoming]

Here is a pic of it at MSD scale Nats this last weekend up in Helena Montana. I also have been adding more subtle details and weathering, added a Grille guard, more real rust, some edge wear to paint and I added weight to the front bulkhead area in the form of 44 caliber lead musket balls held in with hot glue

The truck drove very very well in competition and nothing broke but I did time out on all 3 courses which were not really suited to a scale truck built mostly for scale looks but I had fun winching up rocks and running in a creek

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6160.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6162.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6164.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6165.jpg

This little guy also won some concourse awards courtesy of the votes of other drivers at the event (thanks guys), (Axial was the gracious title event sponsor this year, hence their logo on the awards)

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC03508.jpg

[teebeehex]

Congrats on the wins! :first: :Tamiya1:

Your truck looks absolutely fantastic out in the elements :thumb:

[DRW-FJ40]

X2 on the congrats. This is one of my favorite builds of all time. Was Bulu there shooting video? HOpe to be able to see some earth roaming action.

[backtomyroots]

You sir, are a Master Builder.

:first:

[Wyoming]

Thanks guys, yes Bulu was there shooting video but with 6 courses of class 1 and 3 being run on same day he had to be all over the hill and I don't think this truck was ever in the same place he was, but his videos are amazing I just watched the video from last year and wow. The video from this year will be available sometime in august I believe.

here is the thread on RCC with lots of pics and info about the event.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=145

[Northwest 4x4]

cool I love that u won congrades, hope that i can live up to ur skill

[Siggy]

Another of your Great Build, as always! Congratulations for the Win!:thumb:

[Wyoming]

Thanks guys, it is a really fun event and has something for everyone even guys like me who can't drive worth a darn but likes to build scale looking stuff

[Wyoming]

A little update for this one tooling around with Moondoggies Pajero

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6394.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6376.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6397.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6395.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6386.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6381.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6379.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6367.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6364.jpg

[DRW-FJ40]

Thanks for the update. Love seeing pics of that truck.

[OllllO]

Wow! It looks so nice, but i think it would look cooler if you got some warm-white led's in it :rockon:

[Wyoming]

Had the Jeep out today for some nice Fall driving, we had a foot of snow just a few days ago but it melted quick and except for back in the woods it was dry driving.
http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6941.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6940.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6936.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6934.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6932.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6929.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6922.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6921.jpg

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/IMGP6916.jpg

[Wyoming]

A little update, got my REC wheel nuts yesterday and added a little black wash so they match the truck better and I also got some better license plates made by minipl8s on ebay who made me some nice current Wyoming truck plates

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r416/wyomingrc/DSC05440.jpg

[HuskeyHilux]

Saw the Jeep in RCCA, congrats on winning the free swag! I friggin love this thing!

[Wyoming]

Thank you kindly, I think its my favorite model to date.