1/16 1986 Jeep CJ7

[Jordan White]

For a while now I've had a Revell 1/16 Jeep Golden Hawk CJ7 kit in my stash, and so I've finally decided what I want to do with it.

The kit is meant to be a 1979 (based on the copyright date), but will be built into a 1985 version. There are really only minor differences between the years, with the main things being lack of rear sidemarker lenses (attached to the taillights on later models), different seats and a dash pad, and lack of V8 on the newer model. Besides not using the kit decals, I'm going to be scratchbuilding different bumpers, filling in the sunroof holes in the hardtop, making a factory-style spare tire carrier, giving it a bit of a suspension lift, 3D printing some different wheels, and giving it a different engine.

The engine and transmission I'll be using is a Chevy TPI 350 and T10 4-speed out of one of the 1/16 Camaro kits, which will be connected to the stock transfer case and axles.

Edited November 3, 2018 by Jordan White

[hjracing]

Sounds like a cool project! Keep it coming!

[Atmobil]

Cool project, looking forward to updates

[Jordan White]

Yes I know it has been about a month since I started this post, but work has been busy lately and I've finally had time to post my progress.

First up is the body itself. I filled the holes in the firewall where the kit hinges would go, since I'm going to try and make something closer to the 1:1 vehicle. I also filled in the gaps on the rear for the tailgate hinges, filled in the kit spare-carrier holes, shaved the rear sidemarkers (since the '85 had them on the taillights), and filled in a major sinkmark that followed all around the rear wheel arches. Additionally, I filled some holes in the floor, and added some material to the inside walls, since they seemed too thin compared to the 1:1.

Next is the rollbar. I used part of the kit rollbar (which is meant to be a late 70's style converted to a full cage) and added a piece in the middle to get it to the correct width. I have it clamped to the body to figure out the rear supports.

The chassis had the pockets filled in where the kit leaf springs would mount, and I attached the skidplate and fuel tank.

The rear axle had the tubes replaced with styrene tubing, and I created the brake backing plates (will create some drums a bit later).

Finally, I filled in some holes on the engine (starter mounting holes and a mounting nub on the oil pan) and painted it gloss black. The transmission will be painted silver. I also drilled holes in the valve covers for the oil fill cap and pcv hoses, along with reamed out the valleys for where the mounting bolts would be.

Edited November 3, 2018 by Jordan White

[Jordan White]

Bringing this one back up to the bench. I also restored the existing pictures after the whole Photobucket fiasco. I've decided to change my direction slightly. I still plan on running the Chevy 350 TPI, but it will be more of a stock build of a CJ-7 Renegade with a few upgrades (engine, bumpers). Here is the paint scheme that I would like to go for:

[Casey]

How are the BFG tires in your kit?

[Mooneyzs]

Very cool Build, this is going to be fun to watch come together.

[Jordan White]

@Casey The tires are all intact and seem to not have any issues.

[Casey]

1 hour ago, Jordan White said:

@Casey The tires are all intact and seem to not have any issues.

Good to hear. They seem to be one of the few Revell 'rubber' tires from that era which fare better than the others.

[Jordan White]

I also have one of the 1/16 Chevy Truck kits and luckily the tires for that kit don't have any issues either.