Starting a scale 4x4 Hilux...making progress

[Sporttracguy]

So after browsing scale4x4rc.org for years I finally decided to try my hand at a scale build. Im still working out some of the details but here is my start:






Ill throw some details in:
Leaf springs are spring steel from a small rc pull start
brass and silver solder for the chassis
brass bolts and nuts (My LHS ran out of nuts, im 15 short as of now)
Toyota Hilux model kit
tires are from model kit (good compound)
Axles are from the long lost SSMT...apparently they are going for good money on ebay

Tonight I'm attempting to fix the ride height issue.(as you can see in the mock up pic) The rear end is sagging like the real thing...So some larger shackles are in progress and I have since added a small spacer under the rear leaf springs. Ill move the rear shackles up front and replace the rears to get the right height. Its a slow process but moving along. I'm not sure on electronics as of yet, still trying to fit a micro servo directly on the front axle for optimal "steer to bind ratio" but we will see.

Colors are up in the air, im leaning towards a dark grey metalic or maybe even white?

STG

[45tr0]

I have that same kit here, waiting to be reborn out of the axles from my old land rover scaler.
(the servo tranny died and the plastic chassis from the model kit is cracked to all hell.)



I originally bought it just for those tyres... would love to know how you bent up the chassis?

[Sporttracguy]

I originally bought it just for those tyres... would love to know how you bent up the chassis?

I first tried just bending the tube frame and it just cracked. So my choices were to either heat up the metal and bend it or to cut and re-solder.

I ended up cutting the frame and soldering it back together in the correct shape. Its tricky work, ya heat one part up and the other gets too hot and warps or falls apart. Once you get the process fine tuned it goes very fast. After I had the shape I wanted I threw some cross braces in and away I went on the rest of the build.

I picked up one of these cheap-o micro circular saws from harborfreight. The motor isnt great but it does the job on the brass and you cant beat the price. Think if I had to cut it all with the dremel I would have given up.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=42307

STG

[PimpFloyd]

Fabulous build!

I just wanted to mention that I bought one of those chop saws last year and switched over to an abrasive disk for cutting brass - they work GREAT!

I bought em on eBay - not sure if these are the exact units but they will work based on the diameter and arbor size:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-MINI-CUT-OFF-SAW- ... 2a0320428e

Happy cutting

[Sporttracguy]

Fabulous build!

I just wanted to mention that I bought one of those chop saws last year and switched over to an abrasive disk for cutting brass - they work GREAT!

I bought em on eBay - not sure if these are the exact units but they will work based on the diameter and arbor size:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-MINI-CUT-OFF-SAW- ... 2a0320428e

Happy cutting

Thanks, Ill take a look at those.

STG

[sidewinder]

That's looking great so far. The ssmt axles really are bringing fortune on ebay, hopefully the new axles from the Losi micro will encourage another scale build fever like the ssmt did. Now if TRU would just carry them and clear them out latter like the ssmt...

[Sporttracguy]

Update:




Got the tranny and drive shafts in!
used some modified duratrax mini quake driveshafts in combination with some brass stock for the driveshafts.

Next: Steering. I need to flip the steering knuckles so everything is up front and then then mount the steering servo.

STG

[Sporttracguy]

Another Update
Started in on the interior...I cut out the gauge backing and mounted the decal on a clear piece of plastic. Ill back-light the gauges to add that extra little something.

Painted a two toned interior but I havent yet decided who I want to be inside driving Any ideas on scale figures? realistic or otherwise?



STG

[Sqwalerrr]

wow its lookin really nice...
oh and you should try and find a gumby! haha

[Sporttracguy]

http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=45514
Linking you pimps to scale4x4rc for the continued build...Im going to continue to update both sites but in case I miss something its in both places...also, throwing a plug out to scale4x4rc, check out their other stuff, its a great site

STG

[sidewinder]

There's really only one choice for a driver:

[Scorpion]

Wow that looks great I wish I had the skill to build somthing like that..

[Sporttracguy]

Been looking around for a driver but I cant seem to find the correct scale. GI Joe sized figures are too large...anyone have a source for drivers?

Thanks,

STG

[frizzen]

Preiser Miniatures. http://www.rocousa.com/preiser.asp (has link to PDF full catalog)
Check out their 1/25 and 1/22.5 (G gauge) I'd go with a girl in minimal clothing.

Detail shot of your Axle spring perches?

[Sporttracguy]

Detail shot of your Axle spring perches?

Also got the hardware so I mounted the servo in the rig


And I also started sculpting a tiny shiba inu...It no where near done but the basic shape is there. I tried hitting up the g scale figures but couldnt quite find what I wanted so ill just cast up this dog and do it myself.


STG