Attention mini jeepers!

[tractor guy]

So ive decided my winter project this year will be a mini jeep. Did some lookin around the inter-web but havnt quite found the info I need. Was hopin any mini jeep builders and/or owners could post some pics and info on there builds. I have an old lawn tractor to build it on but would like to build my own body outta sheet metal and since my metal fab tools are limited to a welder, grinder, chop saw and a few hand files I need some tips on making the shapes nessisary for a decent replica.
If nothin else heres another chance to show off your build.
Thanks, Lou

 

[souperman000]

Do a search on the forum.

Here are the two that stick out in my mind. Other recent.

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=22171&highlight=mini+jeep
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18216&highlight=mini+jeep

 

[tractor guy]

I saw both of those. The first one is closer to what id like to build. Ive spent hours searching on the web and found some stuff that helps but I figured this would be a good way to get allotta info and picsin one place for not just me, but anyone lookin into a mini jeep build too. Thanks for the links man.

 

[tractor guy]

still diggin

Found these "blueprints" that ive found helpfull in picking a scale to go with. Ive decided on a 2/3 scale. That puts the width at about 38" and the total legnth about 80". That should do for two adults.

 

[tractor guy]

and diggin

So then the question is; what jeep do I build? Personaly I like flatfenders like the cj2a, cj2b, cj3a, cj3b, the willys mb and the ford gpw. But all of them have tubs that narrow at the front that suck up the footroom. I could go cj5 but I know my lack of experiance will be a problem with the front fenders. Then I found this pic. That would solve that problem.
Now can I make a four seater...

 

[tractor guy]

...and diggin...

So hoping I could build a four seater I read up on cj6s. The were cj5s with an extra 20"s added to the wheelbase. Wile sifting thru pics and info on these I found the flat fender pics here. The best info I found on them was this;
"It was a factory experimental developement from the M38 program which is a 1950-1952 jeep. It was shelved most likely because the M38A1 chassis and higher horse power engine worked out better. So the M170 won the production slot."
Thats awsome. Problem was a scaled down to 2/3 version would only be about 6-7"s longer. Not enough for an extra seat by my standards. But I figured id post all this anyway incase someone else likes the long jeep idea.

 

[tractor guy]

...and diggin

After all that I decide to stick with the flat fender since without tryin to pack in an extra seat I will have plenty of legroom. I like the willys mb the best with its smaller lights and split windsheild. Plus bein a true army jeep is just cool. I dont plan on makin it an exact scaled down replica or anything but I am gonna try to keep the appearance as best I can.

 

[tractor guy]

just some cool pics of flat fenders

Some cool pics I found wile diggin

 

[tractor guy]

a couple mini jeep pics

A couple mini jeep pics

 

[itsid]

And another one (one you can actually buy )



it's on ebay (#290823359308)

'sid

 

[tractor guy]

ready built mini jeeps

Ive seen quite a few of those and they are pretty cool, but the build is were the real funs at for me.

 

[tractor guy]

Found these here;
http://www.eastcoastminiclassics.com/MilitaryMBGPW1941-45.cfm
Think they quit sellin them though. Guess people didnt wanna pay $7000+ for a mini jeep.

 

[tractor guy]

Found this interesting too. Would go nice with the aftermarket fenders above.

 

[landuse]

Or you can build the military mule

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10181

 

[tractor guy]

military mule

I cant even come up with the words tk express how awesome that thing is. Dudes got some real tallent.
As for me, a rag top jeep is my dream car so buildin a mini jeep just makes sence. I expect its a lil outta my skill level but I figure buildin it like more of a jeep buggy will save some of the difficult sheetmetal work (like fenders) and as for the rest, the best way to learn is to get in there and do it.

 

[tractor guy]

the most helpfull

In all my endless searching, all over the web, for info and tips on mini jeep building, go figure the best I can find is right here on DIY Karts.
This guy built a mini CJ-7 that looks like it rolled off an assembly line. And he did it with a welder and grinder and some handtools! No bender or any of that fancy crap. Very impressive and inspiring build.
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11094
Another very note worthy build (also right here on DIY Karts) was pointed out by http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/member.php?u=11405 earlier on this thread. This guy made the most impressive grille ive seen and the rest of the build is just as cool.
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=22171&highlight=mini+jeep

 

[OzFab]

go figure the best I can find is right here on DIY Karts.

What does that tell you

There are one or two really impressive mini jeeps here; Bando's stands out due to the fact that (as you said) he used no specialised tools other than a welder...

 

[tractor guy]

collecting materials

Being a fan of fun on the cheap, I build everything from scrap, even my "shop" is an 8x10 plastic storage shed that was thrown out after being picked up and thrown over 100' by a wind storm, so my mini jeep build will be no diffrent.
The kart frame below was a scrap-yard rescue I picked up for $15. Its far from unrepairable but in over a year ive yet to find a use for it so im gonna cut it up and build the outsides of the jeep tub with it. It has 18 90%, 4 30%, 2 45%, 3 50%, and 2 75% bends in it. My plan is to *cring* buy some barstock to match the karts tubes and weld in the bends were I need them. Not the strongest way to do it but I wont be depending on the outsides of the tub to support any weight or steering or anything.
The stripped down tractor is a troy built bronco ive been parting out. The transaxle is a single speed forward, neutral, and reverse. Im still undecided on using it or the transaxle on my tradesman. Eather way im useing the 18hp briggs from it.

 

[Scout]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/general-4x4-discussion/633445-honda-powered-kid-buggy.html

 

[Bando]

I found this thread right now. Thank you tractor guy and fabroman for your comments. TG I'm happy to know that you decide to build a mini Jeep at 2/3 (.67) scale, mine is .70 scale. I'm available if you want to ask me a question. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need to know something about my build.