EDIT: I've brought this build thread from another forum, so all the progress to date has been assembled into a few posts. Enjoy!
In doing the research on my Volvo build, I learned that the Volvo portal axle is nearly a bolt-on component for the Defender and Series III Land Rovers. Which, inevitably led to my thinking... Hey, I can do that!
There aren't a ton of these around, and I've only found one other r/c example. It's definitely unique and will (hopefully) be a very capable scale rig. I'm thinking of going with the Gelande chassis (not the kit, just the chassis) as it's built to handle the Defender bodies that are readily available and it would be a good scale starting point. Honestly, I'd prefer to go the 4Ten route.
I'm also thinking of going with the GMade portal axles from the R1, as they're all one piece and look pretty sturdy. I haven't found any dimensions on this stuff, so if you see a problem, let me know before I drop the coin.
Here's a pic of the essential layout that I'm going for:
I'd really like to do my best to retrofit the current D110 hardbody that's available to more closely resemble the older style Series III. In fact, yes, that's what I'm going to do!
This thing is so badass and I'm really psyched to get this started. A vintage rig would be so much fun. I'll probably start ordering the parts over the next couple of weeks, so as soon as I'm moved into my new workshop(!), I'll have a project to keep me busy in the spare minutes between the "honeydo" list for the new house.
BTW, here's a pic of my workshop in the new house. Where the magic happens. :welder:
Doesn't look like much right now... but I'm hoping to make it my little man cave!
In doing the research on my Volvo build, I learned that the Volvo portal axle is nearly a bolt-on component for the Defender and Series III Land Rovers. Which, inevitably led to my thinking... Hey, I can do that!
There aren't a ton of these around, and I've only found one other r/c example. It's definitely unique and will (hopefully) be a very capable scale rig. I'm thinking of going with the Gelande chassis (not the kit, just the chassis) as it's built to handle the Defender bodies that are readily available and it would be a good scale starting point. Honestly, I'd prefer to go the 4Ten route.
I'm also thinking of going with the GMade portal axles from the R1, as they're all one piece and look pretty sturdy. I haven't found any dimensions on this stuff, so if you see a problem, let me know before I drop the coin.
Here's a pic of the essential layout that I'm going for:
I'd really like to do my best to retrofit the current D110 hardbody that's available to more closely resemble the older style Series III. In fact, yes, that's what I'm going to do!
This thing is so badass and I'm really psyched to get this started. A vintage rig would be so much fun. I'll probably start ordering the parts over the next couple of weeks, so as soon as I'm moved into my new workshop(!), I'll have a project to keep me busy in the spare minutes between the "honeydo" list for the new house.
BTW, here's a pic of my workshop in the new house. Where the magic happens. :welder:
Doesn't look like much right now... but I'm hoping to make it my little man cave!
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