Tamiya Jeep Grand Cherokee
What a fine kit! Really excited for this one. The end result will be a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, well worn, but still full of optimism. And Baja Blast.
Mine had a reliable 4.0 L straight six, rather than the premium option 5.2 L V8. I'll be getting the engine from this Wrangler kit, also from Tamiya. The 46RH transmission from the V8 kit will be a close enough stand in for the 42RE from my truck, so prepare for some styrene grafts!
There she is, in all her glory.
Notice how I didn't show the passenger side in my for sale listing photos.
I feel like I kept it pretty clean for someone at that age.
Comparing the V8-Auto from the Grand Cherokee kit to the I6-Manual from the Wrangler.
Carefully separated at the bell housing.
Gaps filled in.
The mounts on the straight six had to be adjusted slightly to line up with the mounting points on the ZJ. I'll need to ensure that there is still enough clearance for the exhaust manifold during assembly.
Ready for primer. The belt drive was cut up and I added some brackets to the block to support things like the alternator and AC compressor. All the parts were sanded clean, then I added some putty to the oil pan and transmission pan to simulate the texture of several years of road grime.
Time to start on the interior parts
Very few ejector pin marks to fill, thank you Tamiya!
This panel line marking the edge of the wood trim wasn't present on my Laredo-trimmed example...
...and so it was filled in
Some yellow undershading for the plastic interior parts with the most sun exposure
Very subtle sun bleaching effect on the dashboard and center console armrest, as compared to the instrument panel and door cards that didn't receive the undershading
Silver flocking in place on the floorpan and door cards
Interior is really coming together now!
Dashboard assembled too. The decal from the kit was in rough shape. Applied some Microscale LDF over it before sliding it off the backing to stop it from shredding completely. Once it dried, I liberally applied X22 over it to both flatten it out and to simulate the clear plastic in front of the instrument cluster in the full scale truck.
The headliner fabric had separated from the foam backing in my Jeep, and drooped like a tent as a result. To simulate that, I draped a scrap of thin cotton over some toothpicks and coated it with some diluted white glue. This will get painted to match the interior fabric color next. Blue sun strip has also been airbrushed onto the interior glass.
Much masking later...
Exhaust pipe modified slightly to meet the header
Engine bay mocked up
Tamiya putty smeared all over the chassis parts to simulate rust texture.
Finished parts - flat black or metallic gray sprayed over a rusty base color.
Engine bay is in progress
Weathering well underway on the chassis
I'm gonna call that engine bay done... for now
This is about it for parting lines on the body shell.
Filled the holes for the foglight option, touched up some ejector pin marks, and scuffed all parts with 800 grit to prep them for primer.
First layer of paint on the body - flat black for inside the grill, now protected from the many colors to follow. Some blue tack on the hood to mask where some paint damage was on the real truck.
Gloss black basecoat (TS-14) applied all over. Between colors, I'm applying some weathering - here I'm drybrushing a lighter color onto this plastic trim on the D-pillar, which didn't hold onto its paint as well as the rest of the body. And yes, the front quarter panel is masked for a reason.
Same pale blue added to the roof and hood... the paint on the real thing was in pretty good shape, so I only need a subtle fading effect here
Metallic blue (TS-53) laid down over the black base, and a light blue pinstripe added over top. Didn't have the right color decals, so hand painting will have to do for the 4x4 badge. Not as much weathering shown through on the D-pillar trim as I hoped, so I'll have to revisit that after I finish the rest of the colors
TS-79 Semi Gloss over everything. Next I'll use some matte colors to detail all of the plastic trim and weather stripping.
Masking for all of the flat black trim... so much tape!
Alclad chrome over the grille and headlight buckets
Taillight buckets too
Pin wash to flesh out the trim panels a bit
Masks removed. The paint damage on the hood is deliberate - recreating some peeling on the real thing
At last, time for final assembly
Drilling out a hole for the antenna
Body, glass, interior tub, and chassis all mated together. Checking now to ensure the suspension is level (adjusted by screws on the underside).
Exterior parts affixed. Antenna ready to be clipped to length
Assembly complete, just a few touchups to the weathering and it'll be time for final pics!
Mystery paint damage on the hood matching the real truck (bird crap left too long perhaps?)
Mismatched quarter panel... I had a slight disagreement with a tree on a narrow dirt road. The salvage yard had a blue one at the time, but the mounting points were all rusted out. The front passenger window is also scratched from where the mirror had impacted the glass during the crash.
The trailer hitch was added due to a mandatory recall right before I sold the truck. Was supposed to make the vehicle less explodey in the event of a rear end collision.
Second place in the factory stock category... I'll take it!
Komentarzy
60 4 October 2022, 01:18
Brandon H
This will be a special one for me. Finally getting around to doing a replica of my first car. I can still remember every squeak and rattle, every old car smell, every oil leak stain on my girlfriend's parents' pristine driveway. Thrilled to death that not only does a kit exist, but it's a masterfully made Tamiya kit! So clean and detailed!
This will be a special one for me. Finally getting around to doing a replica of my first car. I can still remember every squeak and rattle, every old car smell, every oil leak stain on my girlfriend's parents' pristine driveway. Thrilled to death that not only does a kit exist, but it's a masterfully made Tamiya kit! So clean and detailed!
4 October 2022, 01:30
Bob Hall
Wish they made an 84 Ford Ranger, that was my first. Looking forward to your Jeeps B !
Wish they made an 84 Ford Ranger, that was my first. Looking forward to your Jeeps B !
4 October 2022, 23:32
Michael Kohl
Of course I will watch as well how Brandon will abuse this kit. I am sitting. Let's start. 😉
Of course I will watch as well how Brandon will abuse this kit. I am sitting. Let's start. 😉
7 October 2022, 17:24
Bozzer
And naturally, I'm in too. First car was an 850cc MK2 Mini. I've already got the kit in my stash.
@Nigel. I've seen a Clubman resin body, out there. I managed to pick up a mini van shell, in the states. It's waiting for me, when I get there.
And naturally, I'm in too. First car was an 850cc MK2 Mini. I've already got the kit in my stash.
@Nigel. I've seen a Clubman resin body, out there. I managed to pick up a mini van shell, in the states. It's waiting for me, when I get there.
8 October 2022, 07:29
Nigel Chapman
@Bozzer never thought of resin parts though I should not be surprised.
Brandon are you going to replicate all the dents Dings and stains?
@Bozzer never thought of resin parts though I should not be surprised.
Brandon are you going to replicate all the dents Dings and stains?
8 October 2022, 10:45
Brandon H
Made a start on the engine parts. Transmission swap seems to be going well so far.
Made a start on the engine parts. Transmission swap seems to be going well so far.
10 October 2022, 11:12
Brandon H
Engine parts prepped! I'll probably shoot paint onto them at the same time as the engines from my other project... less cleanup and all
Engine parts prepped! I'll probably shoot paint onto them at the same time as the engines from my other project... less cleanup and all
22 November 2022, 12:41
Dominik Weitzer
cool! always nice to see building a replica of the own car. keep it up 😉
cool! always nice to see building a replica of the own car. keep it up 😉
22 November 2022, 15:35
Brandon H
Tired old engine is finished! Next I'll begin prepping and weathering the underbody parts.
Tired old engine is finished! Next I'll begin prepping and weathering the underbody parts.
17 December 2022, 21:42
Spanjaard
beautiful used engine. looking forward the rest of this trip down the memory line 🙂
beautiful used engine. looking forward the rest of this trip down the memory line 🙂
17 December 2022, 22:53
Brandon H
Using some time off work to get a lot done for this build. Interior tub is nearing completion.
Using some time off work to get a lot done for this build. Interior tub is nearing completion.
30 December 2022, 03:00
Brandon H
Thanks István! Indeed it is. It's an eerily close match to the original carpet color in my Jeep!
Thanks István! Indeed it is. It's an eerily close match to the original carpet color in my Jeep!
2 January 2023, 21:07
Dominik Weitzer
That enginge looks superb, the interior is very well done. The yellow undershading is a good idea!
That enginge looks superb, the interior is very well done. The yellow undershading is a good idea!
3 January 2023, 14:26
Brandon H
Thanks István! At least I think it was oil... never did investigate too far
Thanks István! At least I think it was oil... never did investigate too far
13 January 2023, 20:13
Jarrett
Love the ice scrapper in the back, great and subtle touches which really make it and tell the story.
Love the ice scrapper in the back, great and subtle touches which really make it and tell the story.
17 January 2023, 00:35
Brandon H
Thanks Nigel! That contraption on the dash takes an input from an MP3 player and broadcasts it to the car's radio.
RIP, RadioShack...
Thanks Nigel! That contraption on the dash takes an input from an MP3 player and broadcasts it to the car's radio.
RIP, RadioShack...
17 January 2023, 12:39
Nigel Chapman
Radioshack wow, showing your age there!
I had a gadget which fit in the tape compartment so I could use a personal CD player in the car
Radioshack wow, showing your age there!
I had a gadget which fit in the tape compartment so I could use a personal CD player in the car
25 January 2023, 10:54
Brandon H
Making my way through the chassis build now. This is where most of the weathering will be.
Making my way through the chassis build now. This is where most of the weathering will be.
1 February 2023, 14:47
Brandon H
Chassis is coming to life now! Decals, more weathering, and suspension components still to come.
Chassis is coming to life now! Decals, more weathering, and suspension components still to come.
8 February 2023, 20:31
Brandon H
Thanks Nigel! Weathering is becoming one of my favorite steps, great for hiding things! 😉
Thanks Nigel! Weathering is becoming one of my favorite steps, great for hiding things! 😉
9 February 2023, 12:18
Michael Kohl
great looking engine bay. Just the perfect mixture of grime and wear. Spot on.
great looking engine bay. Just the perfect mixture of grime and wear. Spot on.
9 February 2023, 17:23
Brandon H
Thanks guys!
Undercarriage should be complete sometime next week, then it's on to the bodywork.
Thanks guys!
Undercarriage should be complete sometime next week, then it's on to the bodywork.
9 February 2023, 19:33
Brandon H
Thanks bmod!!
Wheels finally on! Inching ever towards the finish line.
Thanks bmod!!
Wheels finally on! Inching ever towards the finish line.
16 February 2023, 23:10
Brandon H
Parts for the bodywork are touched up and scuffed up, ready for paint.
Parts for the bodywork are touched up and scuffed up, ready for paint.
20 February 2023, 14:28
bmod
Are the flat spots on the tires to make them look sort of chronically underinflated? Or do you just want it to not roll off a shelf or something?
Are the flat spots on the tires to make them look sort of chronically underinflated? Or do you just want it to not roll off a shelf or something?
22 February 2023, 01:16
Brandon H
Work on the body is moving along nicely, only a few more colors to apply.
Work on the body is moving along nicely, only a few more colors to apply.
28 February 2023, 13:42
Brandon H
Final assembly and photoshoot finished! It's been a great project, full of nostalgia. The kit was an absolute dream to build, even after my modifications. Thanks everyone for following along!!
Final assembly and photoshoot finished! It's been a great project, full of nostalgia. The kit was an absolute dream to build, even after my modifications. Thanks everyone for following along!!
6 March 2023, 13:11
Bozzer
But Brandon....
Did you check the oil?
Excellent work buddy, love how she came out 😉
But Brandon....
Did you check the oil?
Excellent work buddy, love how she came out 😉
6 March 2023, 21:24
Brandon H
Indeed! Added Photo #91
Cheap novelty plate on the front, and standard issue White and Blue on the rear. I was careful to get the order and slight misalignment of the "tabs" (registration stickers) excatly correct, too!
Indeed! Added Photo #91
Cheap novelty plate on the front, and standard issue White and Blue on the rear. I was careful to get the order and slight misalignment of the "tabs" (registration stickers) excatly correct, too!
7 March 2023, 20:20
Christian W
@Nigel ... Ts ts ts. I never thought, you could ask that 😄 . I am shocked. Just joking, right?
On the other hand, I would have been thissssssss <=============> disappointed, when you, Brandon, didn't paid attention to such an important detail. 😉
@Nigel ... Ts ts ts. I never thought, you could ask that 😄 . I am shocked. Just joking, right?
On the other hand, I would have been thissssssss <=============> disappointed, when you, Brandon, didn't paid attention to such an important detail. 😉
7 March 2023, 23:22
Bozzer
@Bob. I'd run that plate, because something smells fishy? Looks too clean, for my liking! 😉
@Bob. I'd run that plate, because something smells fishy? Looks too clean, for my liking! 😉
8 March 2023, 17:42
Bob Hall
I was thinking the same thing, looks pretty good for being as old as it is. I thought y'all salt on the roads up there ?
I was thinking the same thing, looks pretty good for being as old as it is. I thought y'all salt on the roads up there ?
9 March 2023, 00:29
Brandon H
We sure do! But our plates are all aluminum these days anyway. This one now adorns the wall in my shop downstairs, so it got a scrub down with Dawn before hanging it up.
The truck itself spent most of its life in Virginia before coming up here, so it had less cosmetic rust than one would expect for a vehicle that old.
We sure do! But our plates are all aluminum these days anyway. This one now adorns the wall in my shop downstairs, so it got a scrub down with Dawn before hanging it up.
The truck itself spent most of its life in Virginia before coming up here, so it had less cosmetic rust than one would expect for a vehicle that old.
9 March 2023, 11:56
Bozzer
Virginia. I saw and heard some interesting conversations in a gas station, in Virginia. Kinda made me think about how things still are, over there? However, I have to say, the Blue Ridge Mountains are the prettiest thing I ever saw! I just wasn't prepared to pay, to drive through them. You guys definitely have some wonderful country!
Virginia. I saw and heard some interesting conversations in a gas station, in Virginia. Kinda made me think about how things still are, over there? However, I have to say, the Blue Ridge Mountains are the prettiest thing I ever saw! I just wasn't prepared to pay, to drive through them. You guys definitely have some wonderful country!
10 March 2023, 13:55
Brandon H
Not a bad showing at Autorama... 2nd in category for the ol' Jeep, with my Merkur coming in 3rd!
Not a bad showing at Autorama... 2nd in category for the ol' Jeep, with my Merkur coming in 3rd!
4 March, 12:53
Jv
Love your pallets
Fantastic work agen congratulations on you place in the competition
Well deserved
Love your pallets
Fantastic work agen congratulations on you place in the competition
Well deserved
4 March, 13:13
Drew Z
I remember the release of the Grand Cherokee and watching it come through the glass at Cobo center. beautifully done.
I remember the release of the Grand Cherokee and watching it come through the glass at Cobo center. beautifully done.
4 March, 15:44
Jonathon Herring
I love everyday drivers. Wish there were more. A 89 Nissan hardbody pickup, 86 ford F-100 (straight 6 please), Grand Marquis (police or not, I'm down), etc. Just saying, I've been good this year (I know there's still time to screw it up so…,. Now's the time to ask, right?🤪) Gotta say this is awesome 👏
I love everyday drivers. Wish there were more. A 89 Nissan hardbody pickup, 86 ford F-100 (straight 6 please), Grand Marquis (police or not, I'm down), etc. Just saying, I've been good this year (I know there's still time to screw it up so…,. Now's the time to ask, right?🤪) Gotta say this is awesome 👏
4 March, 15:52
Bozzer
He's got more bronze and silver, than the bloody Saxons, ever had!
Lol, congratulations buddy 100%
Chase your dreams, and make them become real 🙂
He's got more bronze and silver, than the bloody Saxons, ever had!
Lol, congratulations buddy 100%
Chase your dreams, and make them become real 🙂
4 March, 20:23
Brandon H
The Merkur? You might call it a Sierra haha...
Tamiya Merkur XR4Ti | Album by brahoff (1:24)
The Merkur? You might call it a Sierra haha...
Tamiya Merkur XR4Ti | Album by brahoff (1:24)
5 March, 16:39