Build Family Size Rat crawler

ridered3 said:
Man that thing looks sweet outside!
Click to expand...
Thanks! It’s definitely motivating to have it outside and get a good look at it from all angles. I should have it back in the shop this weekend to start some sheet metal work. Then doors and bed.
IMG_3710.jpeg
 
IMG_3959.jpeg
IMG_3963.jpeg
IMG_4171.jpeg
IMG_4167.jpeg
IMG_4162.jpeg
IMG_4210.jpeg

I have been working on the interior. PRP seats that hinge forward so I can access the factory storage boxes. I also got to use my bead roller. I have a lot to learn with sheetmetal shaping
but I am happy enough with the results to move forward on it.
 
Last edited:
I bought my switch panels off of Amazon— but I did have to swap out some of the switches because they fell apart on one of my panels, so just a heads up.
 
Any idea which brand it was? I was looking at the Auxbeam switch panels.
 
csutton7 said:
The 4 gang switch panel by Keing was the culprit.
IMG_5438.jpeg
Click to expand...
Those Carling style rocker switch comes with a switch body and a switch cover.

You can just replace the cover if the pivot on the body isn't damaged.
 
Yea, but my issue was the switches fell apart. Some had broken tabs and some tabs weren't set, so when I tried to snap the tabs into place they fell apart and the ones that were broken fell apart when I removed them to see if I could maybe JB-weld them or do something else to keep them from falling apart.
 
It either had rough shipping, or the switches are a cheap Chinese knock off.
 
I'm going with cheap Chinese knockoff or cheap assembly labor, as there's no way shipping broke those tabs or didn't click them into place. Lucky for me I had bought a bunch of Carli switches thinking early on I would build my own switch panels so I used those to replace the crappy ones.
 
ridered3 said:
Got any updates on the Rat Crawler?
Click to expand...
Nothing too exciting, but yeah, I finished the firewall, sealed and painted. I also got the body welded together and added a quick coat of primer to keep it from rusting. I got the trans shifter installed and hooked up but I think I will wait to get everything wired before I build the center console. I will order the wiring harness from PSI (I think) this week and I should have drivelines by next week. I am really pushing to have it driving by the end of the year or beginning of next year.
IMG_4357.jpeg
IMG_4485.jpeg
IMG_4401.jpeg
IMG_4518.jpeg
IMG_4524.jpeg
IMG_4783.jpeg
IMG_4784.jpeg
 
WiscoF100 said:
The sunlight shot looks great.

How wide are these cabs on the inside?
Click to expand...
Thanks!
They taper, so the front is narrower than the rear, and I widened the rear 4” to keep the taper going instead of pinching it off past the B pillar. So the front is about 50”~ across at the shoulder and the rear is 57ish”.
 
Home_brewd said:
Thanks!
They taper, so the front is narrower than the rear, and I widened the rear 4” to keep the taper going instead of pinching it off past the B pillar. So the front is about 50”~ across at the shoulder and the rear is 57ish”.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. Been awhile since I’ve been around one of these. Forgot how small they were until I saw one at the recent car show. Then watching the MCD1 “Duke” build just has me blown away how much is being packaged in these small bodies.

I ask because a lot of days I feel guilty about building my new chassis 54” inside the door bars. Needed a pick me up as I get back into my build that it will all work out and fit.
 
WiscoF100 said:
Thanks for the info. Been awhile since I’ve been around one of these. Forgot how small they were until I saw one at the recent car show. Then watching the MCD1 “Duke” build just has me blown away how much is being packaged in these small bodies.

I ask because a lot of days I feel guilty about building my new chassis 54” inside the door bars. Needed a pick me up as I get back into my build that it will all work out and fit.
Click to expand...
Yeah they have narrow cabs. I didn’t pay too much attention to it until I started mocking up the seats. I really wanted a mini fridge center console but there is no chance of that happening. 🤦‍♂️
 
Home_brewd said:
Yeah they have narrow cabs. I didn’t pay too much attention to it until I started mocking up the seats. I really wanted a mini fridge center console but there is no chance of that happening. 🤦‍♂️
Click to expand...
Not with that attitude, it's not.

LOL



Kidding. I can't believe I haven't seen this until now. I love the idea of a four door Willys pickup. Can't wait to see this thing moving around on its own. Great work!
 
IMG_4985.jpeg
IMG_5076.jpeg
IMG_5198.jpeg
IMG_5164.jpeg
IMG_5189.jpeg

I took the body off and seam sealed everything underneath and then hit it with some under coating. Cleaned up my fuel lines and ran my rear break line so hopefully that will be the last time I have to remove the body. I started trying to decide how I want to paint this thing.
 
This truck has tons of character on both halves of it. I had planned to paint it all one color until I accidentally unveiled some of the original wagon color and I really like it. So I decided to use the character of both and try my best to blend them. So this is what I came up with… I finally feel like it has an identity.
IMG_5255.jpeg
IMG_5258.jpeg
IMG_5253.jpeg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Threads

4600 - Chevy Trailblazer SS everyman
Replies
25
Views
1K
Big Dog Boogie
Big Dog Boogie
Build Grumman LLV Mail Truck
2
Replies
50
Views
3K
TxBxSx
FJ80/FZJ80 axle thread
2 3
Replies
80
Views
4K
nrspence
nrspence
Sequoia Family Crawler
6 7 8
Replies
218
Views
25K
TTMotorsports
Bible 99-04 Dana 60 & 50 Tech
13 14 15
Replies
423
Views
75K
'84 Bronco II
'84 Bronco II
Top Back Refresh