Jpl3k

This does look 'fairly' simple (term not used lightly) to scratchbuild; given that the hood has the largest curved elements to it, which could be accomplished by layering styrene and sanding. This may help you on your way to scratching it: http://m37.crwdesigns.com/favorite.htm Download and print the paper model to the accurate scale and use it as a template for cutting your styrene. I think you'll find once you begin to compile the basic shapes and see the truck coming together you'll be surprised at your progress. I know nothing about this truck, but I imagine you could use an older 1/25 pickup or Jeep for the basis of building the chassis. On the same page, here's photos of a full restoration of an M37 (tons of detailed photos). http://m37.crwdesigns.com/photo.htm Good luck, and if you do attempt this build, please keep us posted here. BTW: That AFV Club model is 1/35 scale, not 1/32.. I think my LHS has one, I've picked it up once or twice. Or you could go slightly more complex and restore the real thing in 1:1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/M37-DODGE-3...taryQ5fVehicles Personally I've dabbled in scratchbuilding here and there on many genres, and I find nothing more rewarding then designing a kit from the bottom up. My most complex scratchbuild yet: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpl3k/sets/72157609837020504/ -Jonathan

Jones: I would have to scratchbuild a longarm suspension. Kasteer: Those tires are manufactured by Aoshima. http://zodc.net/lab/2007/0909/aoshima-124-...tires-set-of-4/ You can a set of them in this kit, too (good deal, beautiful kit): http://cgi.ebay.com/Aoshima-Toyota-4-runne...1QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/Aoshima-Toyota-Long-Be...7QQcmdZViewItem I used to own a 2000 Sahara (which I loved), but about a year ago I traded it in for a 2007 JK [Ruby Red] Rubicon 6-spd! My 1:1 project Jeep is a 1946 CJ-2A (to be restored after my dad and I finish our 77 MGB (which I hear was recently bashed on these forums). So yeah, I'm a bit of a Jeep fan myself. CJ-2A photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpl3k/sets/72157602199655436/

Thanks Dirk; yeah the wheelbase on this thing is pretty short. The CJ7 makes it look like a toy, regardless of the scale. My other CJ5 project can partially be seen behind the pickup in the above photos.. I cut out most of the front and rear fenders to allow for 33" swampers and extreme suspension flexing, but it's been on hold for a while. Gotta keep the workbench rotating! I'll keep an eye out for your CJ-dragster.. sounds different!!

Hey all, Here's something I've been toying with for a while, and since I acquired a couple AMT/ERTL CJ5's I figured I'd get the project in motion. This is a CJ5 (incorrectly marked "Jeep CJ-7" on the box), modification is pretty straight-forward. I sectioned the rear 'bed' to start, then chopped down the clear plastic softtop included with the kit to begin the halfcab hardtop (the front fits well over the windshield so I'd like to take advantage of it). A little styrene easily filled in the rear wheel wells and the drop-down gate. With a little more measuring (or eyeballing) I cut out a rear panel for the hard top. A rear window was drawn on with a thin Sharpie marker and cut out with a ruler and exacto. I plan on adding full doors for a 'complete' look.. similar to the Gladiator concept. I'm not sure how far I want to take this project.. I could build it fairly stock, or take it further and add a skyjacker suspension and 33" super swampers, roof rack, winch, lights, etc. Also undecided on which way I want to go with the bed.. I could use an old Ford bed or simply stretch another CJ5 rear to look stock. I might widen the doors (like the CJ7) and relocate the gas tank to the rear (better weight distribution). Generally I like to add all the essential offroading accessories, but sometimes 'less is more', ya know? We'll see how it pans out, but I'm open to suggestions. More pictures can be found here in this set (newest photos ar at the bottom of the page): http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpl3k/sets/72157600871772527/ -Jonathan

Clint: Great, I'm watching with interest. Hope to see more pics soon. I completely credit you for giving me a reason to pull down that ridiculous TMNT monster truck and put some use to it! http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpl3k/2179741224/ I'm thinking about adapting the '99 Chevy Silverado engine, trans, etc to fit into it (if possible). Don't think I'll be using the monster gas tank for this; too dang big. -Jonathan

I hear ya.. Atleast you have the free territory to roam in, New Jersey is nothing but concrete, and every available plot of untouched land is being cleared out for new apartments, condos, houses, stores, mini-malls and offices! I hear it's a nice world out in CO, AZ, UT, NV! Hope I get to visit before it's too late. Anyway, without getting too OT, I'm blow away with the amount of work you've put into this machine. I was surprised you weren't getting more comments and compliments earlier on. When I clicked on to page three and saw your brass chassis I was like, 'Oh man, what's he gonna do next?' Yeah, you may need to put some compression into those shocks, that beast is gonna be heavy! I have a 1/25 CJ5 I started playing with a long time ago. I planned on lifting it, building a working suspension, and all the rollcage/roofrack/etc features.. Not so much a rock-crawler as a western roamer. (Probably because that's what I really want to do right now!) Jeep that's been in a box for a while: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpl3k/2177284466/ (The rockcrawler is new as of last night.) I always liked the custom matching trailers some aftermarket manufacturers made for Jeeps; where they take the back end of a Jeep and mod it into a trail-ready 'trunk' or fold-out tent. I imagine you've seen EarthRoamer's 2007 JK XV-JP: http://www.earthroamer.com/galleries/xv-jp...hotos/index.htm See also: http://www.earthroamer.com/galleries/xv-jpinaction/index.htm That would be one fun build! And honestly, there isn't that much to it once you have the basic Jeep; extend the chassis and tub, scratchbuild the 'sleeping quarters' (styrene), and add interior details from those old pickup truck trailer kits. You're doing all the hard work right now, suspension and all. The model could be presented with the top up (tent made of thin spandex-like material with aluminum rods supporting it) and a little LED to light it up inside, and you've got a contest winner! Of course a small offroad base would finish the diorama nicely.. Sadly, I think my creativity far exceeds my talent. Looking forward to more, Jonathan

Old post, I know.. but I'm curious what happened to this. Any more pics of build progress? Gave me the idea to pull down the 1/25 AMT/ERTL "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" 'Monster Jam' monster truck.. A couple quick clips of the roll-cage and it's already taking a rock-crawler form. Scroll through the other views/angles: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpl3k/2177284466/ -Jonathan

Hey Jon, You've captured my attention with this build enough to urge me register here to reply. Generally speaking, my modeling interest is not so much in cars as it is in the scifi universe of 'Maschinen Krieger', and 1/35 military stuff. (You can see more of my projects at my Flickr link below.) My dad [Peter_Lombardo on these forums] actually thought I might be interested in this and passed me the link. Your TJ model dilemma has struck me as well; I've written to Revell and Tamiya about releasing a 1997+ Wrangler over the years, but was never bold enough to take on scratchbuilding one. The things we strive for the most are usually not available for sale. Anyway, I'm watching with great interest, and wish you the best of luck. You seem to be rolling along fairly well, and with great accuracy and detail. Very impressive! Keep it up! -Jonathan Note: I've been a Wrangler fan since I was in junior high, and got my dream machine into college; a Stone White 2000 Sahara! A while after I passed 100k I was given a great offer on it, so I traded it in for a new one. My current Jeep is a 2007 Red Rock Rubicon (same as my avatar). I also have a 1946 CJ-2A in storage (picked up from a PA farm). After my dad and I complete the restoration of his 77' MGB I hope to get the 2A project started (barring any changes in future plans and, of course, adequate finances).