AOSHIMA LN107 Hilux WIP

[IMPALA SS 427]

It has been a long time since i was building models, i used to build them almost monthly then i moved on to working on full sized cars. With our area in lockdown from covid it has given me a chance to get back into them. I thought a great start would be replicating my 2003 Hilux. 

The closest kit available is the Aoshima LN107, i have in the past heavily modified cars to match the real thing ( doing 4 door conversions and reshaping roofs) . This time round i will be doing a very close replica, i won't be doing too much with the body on this, the front end is close enough. I will be making the bullbar, side steps, rear bar racks and conopy. 

My Hilux has a 2 inch suspention and 2 inch body lift. I have made platforms to lift the ride height and maintain steerable wheels and have altered the cv shaft angles to suit.

I would be interested to know what kits have 33 scale inch mud tires and 8 hole steel rims like mine. The kit tyres are 29 scale inches. 

Heres my Hilux and what i've started. 

 

Edited May 8, 2022 by IMPALA SS 427

[IMPALA SS 427]

Got a start on this one today, chassis almost done, interior parts painted. I have mocked it up to see the ride height and i'm happy, i have started weathering the chassis, added scratches to the bashplate and lower parts of the chassis. Still need to make it look dirty.

I need a set of bigger tyres and wheels to suit mine, I have worked out 34mm or 35mm diamiter should be the right size for scale 33 inch tyres. If anyone knows of a kit that has these rims or if they are available in resin? 

[djmcguire]

The Revell-ogram Jeep might have tires and wheels that would work for you and, oddly enough, the wheels have six lugs.

[IMPALA SS 427]

Those jeep wheels look pretty close, definatly an option. 

Interior is done, not a lot of detail to add. My car is the base model so it's basicly all grey.

Hopefully i can get started on the scratch building of the bullbar soon. 

[IMPALA SS 427]

I have made a start on the more time consuming parts of this build. 

I have made my roof rack. It's made of 25 pieces using sheet styrene, pieces of sprue and i used offcuts of metal fly screen for the mesh. This kit came with spotlights so that was good. 

I like to use my sprues and runners where i can and save the curved pieces and straight lengths as it comes in handy making this sort of thing. 

[dragcarz]

I really like this! Great work so far, can’t wait to see it completed.

[iamsuperdan]

Nice job so far!

[IMPALA SS 427]

Thanks ?

Got a splash of paint on the roof rack. Come up really nice, canopy or bullbar will be next.

[Zippi]

Nice work on the mods.  Looking good so far.  

[IMPALA SS 427]

Bit of an update. Made the bullbar out of sheet styrene and sprue/runners. Has the kit spotlights, a light bar i made on top and the winch control box and winch fairlead came from leftover tank parts. Still needs a little finishing and a couple more bits.

It's not quite in the right position where its mocked up for photos but you get the idea. Will fit a bit better when installed.

 

 

[espo]

You are doing a great job replicating your Hilux. I have been following along and enjoyed how you have created all of the details and off-road features. We did some Wheeling here with a Jeep Wrangler for many years so looking at some of your exterior equipment I sometimes wonder the whys and wherefores of how you mount some things. I notice the Antennas seem to be mounted on the front bumper or brush guard. They also seem somewhat larger in diameter than the CB style we usually use. My thought is these might be to also push back tree branches from the windshield on the trails.    

[Mattilacken]

Nice build! I like your scratch built things, a suggestion would be to use a 1,6mm or similar rod for the tubing, would make it look more to scale and you would on the pics take it for the real deal!  but really great work there! 

[IMPALA SS 427]

Thanks for the comments.

Espo- the UHF antennas are mounted on brackets that clamp on the hoops of the bullbar. They have a large spring at the base so when you hit things like branches the can move and spring back. 

Mattilacken- I will keep that in mind for the next one. 2mm for the bullbar and 2.4mm for the towbar would be right scale thickness for this. I used leftover sprue/runners which are 3mm. Admittedly they are noticibly thicker looking but for this build it will be close enough. I have a 4 Runner and Pajero to do after this so i will have a few more bullbars to make. 

[IMPALA SS 427]

Bullbar is finished, just needs the winch hook, number plate and antennas added. Roof rack just needs the awning to complete it.

Note: glue for the clear lenses is still wet, will be clear when its dry. 

 

Edited September 8, 2021 by IMPALA SS 427

[slusher]

Really nice work on your Toyota. Glad to see you back and building…

[Funkychiken]

Amazing mods, especially that front bumper, glad you are back at the bench! 

[IMPALA SS 427]

Thanks guys, 

Been a little while as I'm waiting on some parts and I accidently bought another 1:1 project car which i will need to make a model of later.

Got a start on the body, filled in the sunroof and primered. Was thinking of how to make the snorkel and have it fit the fender nicely so i used masking tape and a blob of car filler. Once set i can file it to shape and it will fit to the gaurd nicely (its ugly now but it will be heavily sanded down.  

Got the correct rims from fireball modelworks (excellent quality) , just waiting on tyres. 

If the weather is good hoping to have some colour on the body tomorrow ?

[afx]

Nice looking project.

[IMPALA SS 427]

Great weather today, painting going great. 

More to come. 

[slusher]

impressive work..

[IMPALA SS 427]

Thanks Slusher

Got the all panels painted and body together, the kit flares are too big so i'll have to modify them a bit. Theres still a fair way to go, the canopy hasn't been made yet and the brush rails require flares on to work out the right shape. 

Heres where i'm at:

More updates soon.

[Kool Kat]

Nice work.

[IMPALA SS 427]

Thanks kool kat.

Slowly getting there:

The flash makes the paint difference between tub and body more noticable. In person theres not a lot different.

[slusher]

Really looks great. Looking forward to more..

[mchook]

I really like all your scratch built parts. It's all coming together nicely, great work.