Newbie Alert: 1991 4Runner (Aoshima 104 Surf)

[average_joe]

Please be gentle as this is my 1st Workbench build. ? O and I'm trying to learn how to use my camera properly.

Anyway, this is the Aoshima 104 Toyota Hilux Surf SSR, which I am building as a US-spec 1991 Toyota 4Runner. Exterior color is Duplicolor Toyota Red Mica over a black primer, which in retrospect may not have been the best choice as it's a bit dark. Interior will be "shades of grey."

I've spent way too much time on the chassis and am still not complete with it. The only modification is I cut off the molded-in plastic springs from the axle (which imho looked awful): I made the top spring isolators from some 1:10 scale rc parts, then found some plastic-covered silver wire. I wrapped this wire around a drill bit to form the springs. I'm going to mount the spare tire under the body, as was the custom w/ US models.

Really taking my time on this one to try and do it right and hone my techniques. Any suggestions, constructive criticism, mocking is welcome. And more later!

Edited October 5, 2019 by average_joe

[stitchdup]

Nice clean building mate

[Tankman]

Looks good Joe, Its coming around real nice.

[iamsuperdan]

Weathering is looking really good so far, the discolouration on the oilpan is very convincing.

It is a 4Runner though, so I have to ask...has it started rusting yet??

[kelson]

Really nice work on the chassis and the subtle weathering.

[Modlbldr]

I'm liking the work you've done on this so far. Good idea to replace the springs with real wire. The molded in blobs never look good. I like the Mica red. If the red on the chassis is over black then I don't think that it is too dark. Keep it up and let's see some updates.

Later-

[cobraman]

Looking good to me. Keep it up !

[average_joe]

Thank you all for the feedback and encouragement so far! I haven't made a great deal of progress as in the past 2 weeks I had to travel out of town for 2 funerals. But the body is painted, the chassis completed, and I'm working on the interior now. Hopefully I don't have to travel any more for a while and can get back at this one in earnest.