36 replies to this topic

[cahilj]

No problem!   I do like flashy lights (I'm on ELB too), but I never put myself in the whacker category, since I've always had an actual use for them. Now that I don't......hmmm.....

 

 

Finished up the dash-

 

Quick guide coat. I was surprised there really wasn't a ton of filling involved. I just need to scribe some panel lines, add one vent and I can call it good-

 

I had been trying to figure out a way to widen the wheels, since the center of the tires is smooth. After hours and hours of measuring   I finally added a simple strip to the inside. Works perfect-

[cahilj]

I'll call this- "How to convert an NP205 transfer case to a NV231HD transfer case"

 

I don't think there are any kits out there that have a NV231 case, and all the aftermarket stuff I found was basically a copy of the NP205. I pulled this out of the Gone Fishin set-

 

 

A few cuts and a big tube I had for some reason-

 

Then I added a flange. Not sure if anyone has ever done it this way before, but I found it was the easiest. I cut almost all the way through with a hobby saw, then slipped a piece of .010 in there. Sanded it down, and it looks pretty good.

 

 

Not a perfect copy of the NV231, but it will do the job.

 

I'm taking the weekend off to do some work around the house. I pulled up the carpet in my basement mancave to paint some of that epoxy floor coating so that when I drop small pieces they don't disappear into the carpet.

[cahilj]

Has anyone ever used Tamiya plastic putty before? Hobby Lobby had some on sale so I grabbed a tube. It's like liquid plastic mixed with cement, so it actually bonds with styrene. Pretty good for filling, but takes forever to dry.

[hjracing]

Really good "tutorial" on the 231! In fact, I need a 231 for a jeep I have in my plans and I hope I'll have my hands on soon.

[cahilj]

I needed to add about 4-5 scale inches of lift to the suspension, and I couldn't find any decent rear springs in my parts box, so I built some. I also built some "shackles". Even though they don't look exactly like real shackles, they work-

 

 

I had to go a bit higher than the lift in the 1:1 truck, because the real tires are 35" and the scale ones come out to about 37" at 1/25. I may even end up changing the shape of the fender just to be a bit more visually appealing.

 

I got some measurements off the front suspension last weekend, but when I tried to scale it all out, something didn't add up, so I need to crawl back under there this weekend and see what the deal is.

[cahilj]

And...... I just realized that the bolts the hold the axle to the springs are upside-down. I'll be changing them

[DPink]

Has anyone ever used Tamiya plastic putty before? Hobby Lobby had some on sale so I grabbed a tube. It's like liquid plastic mixed with cement, so it actually bonds with styrene. Pretty good for filling, but takes forever to dry.

I have some and for me, it seems like it dries in about 30 seconds.

[DailyGrindCustoms]

Id like to see a update. This should be cool!

[hjracing]

Any updates?

[Platerpants]

Nice

[cahilj]

Sadly, nothing new to report. I was fully prepared to build the front axle, but after i reviewed my initial sketch of the measurements I had taken for it, something didn't add up, so I wanted to get back under it and measure again. Life got in the way. Between moving halfway across the country, a death in the family, the freak snow storms we've had recently, and the beginning of the autocross season (my other big passion) I haven't been able to get back at it. All the parts I had on order have arrived though.

 

The Torqflite 727 from M.A.D (Morgan Automotive Detail). A few little changes and it will suffice as a 46RE-

 

The excellent lightbar from Dave Panek-

 

I have to say that dealing with M.A.D and Dave were great experiences, and I highly recommend either of them for your aftermarket needs.

 

The weather is supposed to be clear this coming weekend, and I will try to get under the truck and measure it up. Hopefully I can get some progress made next week.

[hjracing]

Glad to read you!

[cahilj]

Finally something to report. I remeasured the front axle and worked it all out in scale. I had a few minutes today so i got a good start on it.

 

A straight rod through the Dana 44 from the Ramcharger-

 

 

Some parts box spindles to replicate the 4WD spindles-

 

Spring perches-

 

Control arm brackets-

 

Glued and drying-

 

Now I need to work out some springs and build some upper perches. I also got some basic measurements for the transmission skid plate and crossmember. More tomorrow.

[hjracing]

i really like how you are building this truck. Your scratch building skill are really good!

[cahilj]

i really like how you are building this truck. Your scratch building skill are really good!

 

Thanks!

 

I got a bit more done.

 

I pulled a set of shocks from a NASCAR truck. Surprisingly, all of them were perfect length. I snagged some more parts from a 1968 Corvette. After a bit of modifying, and some solder springs, the front axle is just about ready to get mounted-

 

 

I modified the 727 a bit. Longer tailshaft, and deeper trans pan. I also added some ribbing and grooves for a bit more depth. I think it will do the job-

[hjracing]

The truck come nicelly, I really liked! Good job man!

Edited by hjracing, 25 April 2013 - 01:18 AM.

[IMSANUT]

Very interesting build here. I've been considering a build of my 2001 Ram 2500 club cab for some time. You've given me some great information and detail ideas to work with. Good luck with your project.