A Seriously Scale 1/24 Model to RC Crawler Conversion 🏁 Full Build and Test Drive

My first attempt at building a scale looking micro RC crawler without breaking the bank. Larger RC trucks with a great focus on scale realism and high levels of detail have been a staple of the hobby for years as prominently seen at events such as the Ultimate Scale Truck Expo. Can the same be done for this much tinier 1980 Dodge Ramcharger? Absolutely! With this combination of model kit and chassis, along with a little planning and a lot of cutting, I was able to achieve a great scale look for minimal cash and with 3D printing not required (though it can be handy for some scale accessories). Hopefully this project provides some ideas and inspiration for your own builds. Let me know if you want to see more small scale 4x4 builds in the future.
Intro: 00:00 - 01:07
Before We Begin: 01:08 - 03:13
The Chassis: 03:14 - 06:23
The Body: 06:24 - 08:25
Fitting The Body: 08:26 - 13:40
Painting and Final Assembly: 13:41 - 23:59
Reveal and Test Drive: 24:00 - 28:55
Final Thoughts: 28:56
STL Files for Interior Accessories: / seriously-scale-76010314
1/24 Scale RC4WD Trail Finder II full review: • Is This Really "The Wo...
Subscribe for more videos and follow us on social media for more frequent updates and extra content.
_________________________________________________________________
Make It RC Store: shop.makeitrc.com
Make It RC Merch: shop.makeitrc.com/collections...
Website: www.makeitrc.com
Patreon: / makeitrc
Facebook: / make-it-rc
Twitter: / make_it_rc
Instagram: / makeitrc
_________________________________________________________________
#RC #RCCrawler #ModelCar

[@MakeItRC]

Thanks for watching everyone! It looks like all the places I saw before that sold the TF2 for >$80USD have sold out so this video is already out of date 😆. This was a fun build for what I paid, but honestly if you need to spend more than double to do the same, I think you're better of just saving your money for something else. Up to you though of course, just a heads up. 👍 I might try this type of build again depending on the interest this video gets. I don't want to just slap a model body on a crawler and call it a day though. My goal is to really build something scale looking with at least somewhat realistic proportions, like what I've done with this Ramcharger.

[@Dr.Meola1980]

You should look up the 1/8 scale knight Rider kitt trans am. I believe it's from a company called fanhome. I have been looking into one to make into an RC. I don't have a KZbin channel so maybe you can do a video on it. From what I've heard the model kit is super high quality and being a 1/8 scale it's like 2 ft long.

[@paulmcnamara16]

Funny how it works! I fitted a 1/12 Clodbuster to a 1/12 Mn Models MN86K chassis and had a lot of interest it that I also paid about $80 for it RTR and very soon it had shot up to $130 and now seen it as much as $180 in less than a year! Was going to buy a second for my Blackfoot shell but can't afford too now!

[@paulmcnamara16]

@anthonymeola9312 that might be awkward as there nearly all metal and extremely heavy. I have the Back To The Future Delorean from Eaglemoss and had same thought till started building it and by time it's finished be looking at $1100 unless can get a fibre glass or lexan mold made using the metal shell as a buck!

[@jmocrawls]

Hello. I really enjoyed this. I am currently trying to make a power angle snow plow for my SCX24s. It is pretty sweet so far. I made a short about it if you want to see how it's going. 😁 I want it to be quick connect so I made a mounting plate on the front axle that uses the bottom two diff cover screws to secure it and two alligator clips on the plow to connect so far. The current snow plow offerings just aren't scale enough and don't angle so I figured let's give it a go. Lol

[@dirtshart]

Hobby lobby has these for $25

[@puntomk1uk64]

It's cool to see a build that's a little different, so definitely would like to see another build similar to this 🙂

[@fcukeround]

Love this! Totally awesome build. Please do more small builds.

[@hugobolzer9183]

I have been waiting for someone to mod a crawler like this

[@wayneneill62]

Sweet! Rig! Big Dodge fan. YES! Please! Do a update. This will be a future project. This looks Awesome! I owned an 85 Ram Charger, I loved it. Excited to do this build. Thank you!

[@ndirt2512]

This is wild...I own almost that exact truck. I have a white 89 Ramcharger with red interior with a 4 inch lift and 33 inch tires. Mine is a 360/ 4 speed with the trail package and factory installed roll bar. It's like you built my truck. Thank you for the cool videos.

[@1700AlmightyJosa]

Not many people talk about that truck I still luv to see it 🥶🎯💤

[@Vbluguitar]

Outstanding Job! That truck looks SOOO much nicer than the RC4WD body

[@flyerschris72]

It needs some whip antennas. Awesome build!!

[@screwit57]

Loving this build my friend and I cannot wait to see it at USTE

[@pile_of_trash]

“High school parking lot honda civic dark tint” I about died right there Edit: I decided to start building my own with a 1980s gmc truck and a axial scx24. Thanks for the idea!

[@stevevanness8274]

Great job! I wish more people did 1/18 1/24 scale builds.

[@crashandcynder]

I really hope you do a 1/25 semi truck. Maybe even an odd road semi truck

[@jeremyf.2706]

There is some 1/20th scale models that are available. I bought a 92 Toyota pickup in 1/20th scale from AMT. The kit number is : AMT1082 It works well on a scx 24 chassis. It's a tiny bit short on wheelbase but will work. They also have a GMC Sonoma in 1/20th scale. And. Lindberg has a few in 1/20th that fit these 1/24 scale crawlers pretty good.

[@Robert-ni6ut]

Nice viedo love the the ram charger great build idea using that chassy.

[@rc-huina8221]

Good job my friend 👍🤗😍

[@josephcervantes6872]

Great looking truck!

[@BrotherMud]

Impressive & inspirational!

[@jonjacob1962]

This thing is AWESOME. My dad had an 87 Ramcharger... I LOVED that truck so much... This brings me back...

[@TheBrodir]

Very cool build. I will try to build a 1/24 Suzuki Samurai RC in the future for my girlfriend. So I'm interested in some more 1/24 scale offroad content😄 But just after i finish the fwd chassis project.

[@FYRC15]

Absolutely I would love to see more of the newer 4x4 truck or SUV builds.

[@stevenbaker9327]

Have owned several of the real thing! They all had built in console coolers between the bucket seats!

[@hammerT2997]

Hell yeah man, this is f'n awesome man!!! Love the ram chargers, even more so than the k5 and I'm a straight GM guy lol. Those ramchargers are super mean looking

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Cool project and fun build, neat looking truck that, of course, is fully functional. Congrats! That being said, I was pretty disappointed with lack of attention you showed that beautiful body. A few imperfections are no big deal (desirable, actually) but using markers to add details and no effort to weather the truck, or its components, was a let down. Loved the build and thanks for putting together the video 👍

[@ripmax333]

oh hell yes, a 3d printed micro crawler designed by you would be great!

[@themetalmaiden7462]

Well done.

[@Mud-HoleRC24]

Nice work!!

[@johnnyb.bh86]

Man this is really a fantastic build!!🔥

[@shyonemami7388]

I would love to see a video like this usung the axial scx24! Subscribed!!

[@RCDriveChannel]

The amount of patience to put these together and then the skill to make them look so good. Thank you for this! Enjoyed every minute of it.

[@ramsay4804]

This is sweet, I got one of these model kits just sitting waiting for something like this. Off to Ebay to find the RC lol

[@diecast164andmore9]

Wow! Super Nice, very cool.

[@gameofdronesshow]

Good video, bro!

[@b-radfrommalibu]

That would look awesome painted a candy root beer color.

[@jerroldtaylor3047]

Looks awesome

[@paulmcnamara16]

Looks awesome love the older trucks

[@BadgerBishop]

Good stuff, love to see more.

[@ScaleModelCarBuilder]

Awesome build, I have been thinking about doing multiple bodies for the SCX24. I’ll be trying to find one of these RC4WD trucks as well to make that but I hope you do a build or seven for the SCX24.

[@traceysampley1120]

Great build, would definitely like to see another build similar to this one.

[@ramonesrock38]

This is awesome! I mounted a Revell Jeep J10 honcho to my mini tf2

[@christophercastilaw3157]

Looks awesome. You should do one on a scx24

[@RCBirds]

Such an inspiring video. Thanks for showing all the steps. Your rig looks great. Just subbed

[@dustinrossi9384]

I'm super interested! Love your channel, I have yet to build an rc out of a model but deff plan to, and your the inspiration :) love content stay true !

[@doinstuffwiththings]

Fujimi has quite a few cool 1/24 trucks. Like some range rovers (only the most reliable 4x4 ever!) And a few variations of yotas, including old school fjs. Check both Fujimi and aoshima for more options! This video made me want to look a lot closer at the RC section in my local hobby shop now!

[@rcjoe406]

Bravo 👏 Sir

[@wayneneill62]

Yes! On the scx24 build.

[@crawlerking98]

Love the build, gives me some great ideas to do on my next build as well.

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

So awesome!!! I want to build a stranger things k5 blazer 1/24

[@sammyboswelldirtybrc7580]

Awesome looking build nice job 🔥🔥🔥😎👍

[@nao_tomori]

if you end up doing a build in a SCX24, look into Lindburg kits. they offer a few 1/20 scale trucks that look really good on the SCX24 chassis. i painted a Jeep Grand Cherokee body for a friend and it fit almost perfectly. im building a GMC Jimmy body for my own rig but the body is a little too narrow to look as scale as i want it to

[@richardpiper5840]

I did the same thing with an axial scx24 I changed the bodies all the time it's a lot of fun

[@shawnthomas444]

Love it!

[@rcjono]

Superb build as always but I think this is the best so far with a ramcharger

[@talonted1990]

Definitely a good build, can't wait to see what's next.

[@AlphamenschRC]

That was a awesome build as always🤩I love to see something similar on the Awemi/Hobby Plus CR24 crawler chassis, they are way cheaper and i had this idea since a long time i even buy a Revell modelkit but it was 1/25 and the wheelbase doesn't fit😪

[@robc5296]

I recently found your channel. I would love to see more of these builds. I'm looking for model truck/SUV kits to put on the FMS FCX24 platform (tall order- I know). Also - would you consider creating low profile interiors for the FMS K5 and Power Wagon, for us to purchase from you? Enjoying your channel. It's amazing what you do to simple model kits.

[@AnthonySvt_]

This made me buy one and build something similar to it but with a 70s f100 body due to always wanting one and build a rock crawler out of one and going to make one out of it.

[@colossalbigfoot256]

1/20 Land Rover from same period is an awesome body to use. You can nab it 40% off if you know when/where to look.

[@nevinjacobs8577]

the reissued 78-79 bronco would be cool

[@cking4375]

Such an awesome build! Keep up the great work.

[@grantlawrence2629]

It turned out awesome 👌

[@matt_mifflin]

Awesome build! I've been looking for this kit myself at a decent price for about a year or more now, with no luck. The hunt continues.

[@EmilioCu]

Great build! Try one with the geko24 chassi from tiny4x4 it’s a bit pricy but you’ll be able to retain the full interior.

[@jorgeandrade1898]

For a 1/24 scale Chevy Blazer I got the 1/32 scale Orlandoo Hunter Chassis, even know the chassis is smaller scale , the proportion looks better.

[@jasonrawson5313]

Great video as usual. Would love to see what else you can do like this. Thanks for the great content. Happy Holidays.

[@carloshnunez]

Very nice job 🔵🔵🔵👍👍👍🙂🙂🙂🔵🔵🔵

[@vdel9036]

Cool scale car ! You said you're about to use a FCX24 chassis for your next project. That's exactly what i did on the project i've just finished 2 days ago. And i promise that's a very good choice. You'll get the flex that's missing on your Dodge, plus a true low speed for a comfortable and pleasant drive on the rocks. Choose an as short & narrow as possible body to prevent scratches, since the chassis performances will quickly lead you to difficult spots.😇

[@ryurc3033]

I've been hoping for a 1/24 scale "builder's kit". I have servos, and plenty of motor options, and something like 80 1/24-1/25 scale model cars. The losi 2wd mini buggy I bought was the perfect base for a 32 ford highboy, but with the wide tires, it looked like an old dirt track car. Thanks for the inspiration man!

[@ryurc3033]

Man clear coating decals......I've never had any luck doing that... Excellent work friend

[@capturetoday67]

Wow! What a spectacular build. I absolutely love this and cannot wait to see it at USTE23 😍 Thank you for sharing what you do. Hope to see you build out some SCX24’s.

[@gbresaleking]

Would love to see how to make an lowered rc from the nissan 720 minitruck model kit

[@419crawlers]

Awesome video new sub here

[@geraldanthony7324]

gteat build bro 💪 👌 🙌

[@Petequinn741]

Nice for sure..be great if some one was selling kits to convert models to rc...

[@joesrustshop4509]

That Ramcharger was originally a Monogram kit back around 79 ish. It's been issued in various boxes over the years. In both Monogram and Revell names

[@charliericker3124]

A few grams of stick on wheel weights go a long way with keeping the 1/24th scale crawlers on the ground and getting some suspension flex on the trail!

[@kennethwelty1190]

I used a Ford Bronco Monogram or Revell boat n trailer kit 1/24 put it on a ECX Temper.

[@Dr.Meola1980]

You should look into the 1/8 scale knight Rider kitt trans am. I believe it's made from a company called fan home. I heard the model kit is super quality and everything is metal and being a 1/8 scale things like 2 ft.

[@SwampersRC]

Very cool build! Check out @pronoob rc's videos on the 1/24 TF2 steering mod, it makes a difference. I think Furitek makes a motor that fits it and a much better ESC. I don't know if it will work with the stock ESC/receiver. I would definitely be interested in seeing more like this!

[@MakeItRC]

Thanks for the info. 👍

[@005connect9]

The FMS 1/24 scale FCX 24 would be a better base to start with with a $150 price point and much more capable out of the box.

[@therctrails]

Amazing video 📹 👏. What newer chassis would you prefer to use?

[@frankmaze1976]

WPL C-24 from Banggood for $45 + shipping. Same exact body as the Toyota.

[@ThatDamnFosterKid]

Excellent build! I love how the truck looks like a period correct eighties offroader. The TF2's 0.7" white wagon wheels make it look the part perfectly. I have a 1/24 TF2 that I bought on a whim. I agree that the performance is a little underwhelming coming from RC4WD. I may grab one of the repopped AMT '78 Broncos to build up with that chassis. I think it would be a cool tow rig (with a better motor upgrade) for my 81 Bronco I built years back out of the grand daddy of the micro crawlers, the Losi 1/24 Micro 4x4 Trail Trekker (what a mouthful of a name...).

[@MakeItRC]

Thank you and that sounds like a cool project. I think you'll need to shorten the wheelbase quite a bit to fit one of those AMT 2nd gen Bronco bodies but I'm sure it's doable. You may also want to check out the Orlandoo crawlers. They are marketed more like 1/35 scale but if you check out the dimensions they will fit some model kits and give a very scale appearance.

[@randallmccoy8581]

This is the best looking (for scale realism), 1/24 scale RC/STYRENE hybred conversion I have seen yet. I do RC/Styrene kit conversions as well and yours is very very well done. Congratulations. However, the usual typical DREADED KIDZY velcro for the body attachment just makes me cringe and is the only thing I would not have done. On my 4 units....I tore out the Velcro body attachments and threw them away IMMEDIATELY. ARGHHHH....Velcro is not acceptable for body mounts !! I use CA to glue in 4 tiny disc shaped magnets in strategic places on the underside of the body, front left and right, and rear left and right, and a thin piece of sheet steel glued to where the front and rear velcro strips were as a STICK point for the magnets. Way better setup to provide sure, secure body mounting as well as easy removal. No screws, bolts or cotter pins to loose, no screwdriver required, and no ugly holes and pegs sticking outta the hood and trunk that defy realism...and no ridiculous amounts of hard chassis twisting part bending hard prying to tear the body loose from it's velcro mounts. Velcro is cool stuff. But not here it isn't. Good god I hate Velcro body mounts. Velcro is fine to hold a big ol' RC airplane battery the size of your open hand in place when it's flying upside down but for tiny 1/24 scale plastic bodies that can be weighed in grams...velcro is all wrong, and, as far as I can see, it's simply provided a convenient way for the big manufacturers to AVOID proper thinking and proper designing and simply copy each others equally bad idea. Velcro is for pre schoolers and seniors who can't tie their shoes. when I spend $200 Canadian dollars on one of these units...I'm not looking for a cheap velcro toy. At a price point of roughly 150 to 200 bucks....I expect a FAR better design than the current crop of cheap ugly cringy kidzy Velcro body mounts, or ANY OTHER of the current crop of lousy body attachment setups that function even worse than Velcro. Body mounts is a huge sore spot for most of the manufacturers...like it's an afterthought or something, and few manage to get it even marginally right. I really like AXIAL SCX24 "V2" 1/24 scale crawlers and have several. Overall design and quality is excellent and slightly better than most other comparable units, but AXIAL is also guilty of using these cringy Velcro body mounts.

[@potatosurfing6779]

i did that a long time ago with the gmc wide body

[@Yourmomsplacefasuppa]

The traxxas trx4m absolutely beats tf out of this (in stock toy red form), and it's only $149. It's definitely cool to see model cars drive around, though.

[@Monolith-kb5um]

Have you seen the Kyosho Miniz 4x4 crawlers? They are very small 1/28. And very nice, and look amazing, although pricey at around 200 usd. Would love a review and see what you think of them. Kyosho mini z also makes tons of drift and race cars

[@coreymckenzie8945]

I built a cherokee on a scx24 and would love to get you to build me a body since your skill adding details far exceed mine.

[@bryanthompson2430]

I have a 2008 Dodge Durango SXT 4.7L. I would love to find a 1/18 scale diecast body like mine and build and full function crawler using TRX4M chassis. it shouldn't be that hard. What do you think ?

[@lesabre1972]

Did you build the towtruck that it needs?

[@radweld]

Looks like you need softer springs, should perform better then.

[@bmxguy73]

This thing turned out rad! I wonder if you could tweak the suspension or add weights to get the thing to drive more scale 🤔 also a scx24 build would be awesome as well!

[@stuartkorte1642]

Nice. I have both a 1st gen Blazer and Scout model kit that I can add this chassis. On performance, a stock Ramcharger (or other) would probably perform the same on real life course like yours. Heavy vehicles with low HP, 😢

[@cenreaper9127]

Non-creative people: Let's earn enough money to buy everything I need. Create people:I will buy everything I can't craft

[@Kink3chamilian]

Have you considered the wplc24 it is the same truck but you can get it really cheap and in kit form or rtr The upgrades are cheap as well You have really good content and give great advice to everyone , thank you very much makes me want to get into the crawler scene a bit more

[@mranthonymurden]

It's not the same truck unfortunately, the wpl is 1/16 scale (despite the name!) so much bigger although they're both hilux based.

[@Kink3chamilian]

@@mranthonymurden oooh ok ,thank you dude , I missed it was 1/16 not 1/24 Thank you I don't want to miss lead people I just thought of the wpl because of the hilux body and cheap price Thanks again and hope you have a good day my dude

[@nmrc7778]

Man I thought you were going to design your own chassis realistic axles and maybe even leaf springs to do this build like you do with all the car models that you usually do. I've already done this similar build with the GMC Sonoma with the model motor and full interior in it

[@85Stang331]

Look up the FMS FCX24 great 1/24 rc truck with 2speed trans

[@ryurc3033]

Yeah but then still got to buy smaller tires and wheels, and the fcx trucks really need a servo upgrade too. I understand the rc4wd for the scale look.

[@DrDiff952]

I have a SCX24 Bronco

[@gregdabrat]

What are the tires?

[@jackharold6547]

Another source of bodies is to just gut a toy car, I suggest motormax, jada toys, or maisto models, They fit on my scx24 pretty well although it is much more work and and I have destroyed plenty of my brothers cars, oops

[@AndreMartins-ul7xi]

Please try and do like a eBay second hand body