Jeep Cj Scrambler Pickup Conversion

[Jpl3k]

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

[Darrell Gwinn]

I like the looks of this. I have that kit and I'm turning it into a crazy army drag jeep with a Hemi. ha, its such a short wheelbase stock and with big slicks on it and a big motor it looks kind of cute. haha, but yea I want to see how yours turns out.

[Clay]

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.

Now where would you get the suspension? Would you build it yourself?

[Jpl3k]

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!!

[kasteer]

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!!

Lookin good man! Where did you get those big, cool tires? I am tossing around the idea of a CJ model myself and want to put on some meaty tires, but have only been able to locate scale "road" tires, no off-road tires.

I have an '03 TJ myself that I use and abuse...

[Jpl3k]

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/

[rollinoldskoo]

RPP Hobbies on ebay also sells off road tires.... super swamper style...

[Wildrice]

Good start. Looks cool.

[kasteer]

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 for the info. I had never heard of aoshima. I need to get some of those tires.

Nice CJ! She's going to need more than a little work though. But she has the potential to look great. You ever take your JK to Raush Creek in Pa (http://www.rauschcreekoffroadpark.org/)?

[outsider]

77mgb? sweet! my pop an his brother both have 72 mg midgets. my uncles is all original while my pop has a turbo dohc 4g64 out of a mitsu galant in it. both are very fun cars

[Enzoenvy1]

Now make the front end a TJ conversion and this almost looks like the AEV Brute conversion for TJ's?! I do think on the bed that you will need to add fender wells as such a small wheelbase would need it to flex. But that is my thoughts. Looks great!

Edited February 11, 2008 by Enzoenvy1

[Nick F40]

That looks killer with those wheels and tires, it looks like it will come out nice, I'm interested.

Thanks for the info. I had never heard of aoshima. I need to get some of those tires.

Nice CJ! She's going to need more than a little work though. But she has the potential to look great. You ever take your JK to Raush Creek in Pa (http://www.rauschcreekoffroadpark.org/)?

Oh man, Aoshima has some of the best along with the wicked 4 Runners and pickups. I have been to Rausch Creek with my freind but I want to go up there once I get a truck, I heard and seen it's pretty sweet. The 4 wheeler/dirtbike tracks are sweet to.