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Post by Chuck Most on Sept 12, 2013 14:56:41 GMT -5
So, I bought another Wrangler Rubicon to build, and another for parts. After raiding kit #1 for parts, what to do with it? Well, part of it was cut up and spliced to stretch kit #2 ten scale inches into an Unlimited. Tires are Goodyears from the Lindberg Dodge Dakota, not sure if they'll stay or go yet. I'm planning on a hard 'pickup' cab for this, and I'm looking for a set of Tamiya Wrangler doors to modify for use with this.
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Post by randx0 on Sept 12, 2013 18:54:54 GMT -5
Interesting , very very interesting. Keep us posted.
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Post by jeffs396 on Sept 13, 2013 5:53:11 GMT -5
Very cool Chuck I've got an Unlimited started too. Don't forget about the stretch BEHIND the wheelwell also
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Post by Chuck Most on Sept 13, 2013 21:17:06 GMT -5
Very cool Chuck I've got an Unlimited started too. Don't forget about the stretch BEHIND the wheelwell also I would have it you hadn't pointed it out. Thanks!
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Post by jeffs396 on Sept 13, 2013 23:22:15 GMT -5
No problem, glad you haven't yet passed the point of no return Let me check my resin Scrambler full doors to see how they fit. I tinkered with both the Tamiya and Revell doors when I first picked up my Tomb Raider kit, can't remember which ones fit better? I'll send you a pair of resin doors if I think they'll work. Standby... Here's a pic of an LJ with an aftermarket half cab:
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Post by Chuck Most on Sept 14, 2013 9:21:50 GMT -5
Love that half cab! Kind of what I'm thinking for this one. Any idea how much longer the body is behind the wheels? Looks like the stretch was all done in the rear quarter panel endcaps, the gas filler is about the same distance behind the fender opening as it is on a regular TJ. Then again, the fender opening looks a bit longer...
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Post by jeffs396 on Sept 14, 2013 9:53:11 GMT -5
Yes, the filler opening is at the same location in relation to the wheel opening. The wheel opening is IDENTICAL to the TJ, its just the kit flares are 'aftermarket' pocket flare representations and look shorter across the top since they have a slight arc to them. Also they have more width and the shape is more rounded (and the obvious faux bolt pockets). I plan on redoing the flares to stock as I prefer their look. FYI, OEM Rubicon flares are a tad wider than the OEM NON-Rubicon model flares... Also, look carefully at the factory seam near the tub corner...the whole 'tailgate opening panel' is identical on both TJ & LJ. My plan is to cut the body off at the seam, the quarter panel receives the stretch ahead of the wheel opening (as you've done) and behind the fuel filler opening. Not exactly sure of the actual stretch length here, I was going to measure a good side photo and go from there since the forward stretch amount (as you said 10" is a known measurement) Then reattach the tailgate panel. I'm also returning the tailgate to stock (no diamondplate or JEEP logo). My extra kit will give up the hinges and handle, then transfer to a fabricated stock tailgate. The big aftermarket Jeep accessory company 4WD Hardware is less than ten minutes from my house and I think they have an LJ in the showroom. If its still there, I'll grab us a measurement I looked at the scale door situation too. R/M or Tamiya doors will require ALOT of work to fit this kit, and my resin CJ-8 doors only differ from the Revell/Monogram early CJ doors in that the lever door handle went away on later doors (like a Scrambler) and replaced by the paddle handles. I dug out the ESCI kit, and those doors are very close, wouldn't take much at all to use on this. The vent window post removal being the most obvious. Probably WON'T find the ECSI doors in the parts bins at swap meets though unfortunately I think the best fix for these Rubicons is to either add to the top of the provide half-doors, or fab up new doors if the plan is to have them separate/opening.
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Post by Chuck Most on Sept 17, 2013 11:10:22 GMT -5
I did a little digging- it appears that the body is stretched an additional five inches behind the rear wheel openings. The Unlimited tub is 15 inches longer overall than the standard Wrangler, so that's what I'm gonna try.
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Post by Chuck Most on Sept 17, 2013 12:51:46 GMT -5
Here's the second stretch...
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Post by jeffs396 on Sept 18, 2013 7:13:24 GMT -5
Yep, that looks just right! Looking forward to the completed build!
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Post by gray07 on Sept 19, 2013 23:16:24 GMT -5
Looks great so far, keep us updated.
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Post by Chuck Most on Sept 20, 2013 16:14:54 GMT -5
Bodywork is roughed in. I cut open a hole for one of the spare side door handles, so I can use it in the tailgate... that may change if I decide to go with a drop-down tailgate. We'll see.
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Post by rubicon on Sept 21, 2013 14:04:27 GMT -5
Looking good. I have a 1:1 scale one, let me know if you need any pictures.
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Post by Chuck Most on Sept 29, 2013 16:13:20 GMT -5
Looking good. I have a 1:1 scale one, let me know if you need any pictures. Thanks! I think I've got what I need, but I'll keep it in mind. I had a spare plow from a Revell '77 GMC laying around, and I thought it might look good on the Wrangler. So... here it is- I'll need to remove or replace the headlight brackets, but so far so good.
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Post by Chuck Most on Nov 12, 2013 7:19:10 GMT -5
Staring to look more like a coherent vehicle now...
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