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B.A.R.K.
New Member
Laf
LA
USA
18 Posts |
 Posted - 11/24/2010 : 11:52:12
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Conversion: Barbie Jeep to Rock Crawler Jr.
Once the initial anxiety wore off after I found out I was having a son, I started researching what type of motorized toy I would eventually get for him. It didn’t take me long to find this site, and it all went downhill from there. I knew I was going to repaint whatever I got my hands on so my only requirement was a Jeep with black tires. After scouring CL for months and telling friends about my future plans, one my buddies recalled a Power Wheels that his niece and nephew had out grown and was sitting outside because of a dead battery. He said it was initially for a girl, so I figured it was your typical sun faded Barbie Jeep that I have seen restored on this site. I was very excited to find out it was a Barbie Jammin Jeep in great condition, visually.
Like most children’s toys, it was abused, overloaded, rode hard, and put up wet. I think the only reason the tires have any plastic left is because it was mostly used in the grass. There are many small things that separate this Power Wheels from a brand new unit, but in the world of “Free Toys” this thing is pristine. The camber is way off on the front tires. The tierod was broken and patched back together. The front end is toed out pretty bad. The windshield frame and supports are barely hanging on to the body. The front fog light support is broken. The body is almost camouflaged by white streaks as evidence of the plastic unibody being over stressed due to who knows what. All easily over come with a little elbow grease and ingenuity.
The reason I wanted to modify a Jeep: I have owned my 92 Wrangler for over 10 years and don’t plan on getting rid of it any time soon. I am looking forward to the day when my son is big enough for me to take him on trail rides (wheeling) and camping. For the time being, I am going to try to build a smaller replica of my rig that has evolved over the years. The plan is to cover up any of the pink, purple, or yellow; add simulated beadlock wheels/rings, LED head/fog lights, aftermarket battery(s), and if I can track them down, a lift and 4 eliminator rear tires. My Jeep has Swampers and the eliminator tires are the best replica of that I have seen. I don’t plan on modifying the electronics or drive train too much, mostly aesthetics for now .
Today my son is 12 weeks old, so he won’t be driving this one for a while. Yea, I know. Once I got the bug I couldn’t wait two years to start a project like this. I recently bought myself some extra time to work out a few more details before I start the complete tear down. I’ll explain the “extra time” later. For now I will just share a few photos of his new rig(s) before I get too deep into the build.
Without him knowing, I do have to give credit to the guy who gave me the bug to start this project. Artax and his Project Barbie Jeep Makeover (Man up!!). They say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. I hope to not insult his work as I try to somewhat duplicate it. I will try to document my build but I have been known to get lost in the work and forget I have a camera.
I have don’t quite a bit of searching and reading on this site, but I am sure that I will still have a few questions along the way. If you can give me an additional details about the Barbie Jammin Jeep I would appreciate it.
So…On with the pics.
The first picture I received. I was pretty pumped to find out what it was.
The night I picked it up.
I couldnt wait to take pictures in the daylight so I snapped a few before I went to work the next morning.
And this is what I meant by "extra time". While searching CL for other Power Wheels that I can scavenge parts off of, I ran across a deal that I couldn't pass up. I bought these two pristine Jeeps for $80, both running with chargers. Since these are running, dont need any desissifying, and are bitter fit for smaller kids, I have more time to work on the bigger Jeep as he grows out of the Blitz Hot Wheels Jeep. The plan is to give the extra one to a friend's little boy that was born around the same time as my son. I will start another thread on these.
This is a preview of how the Barbie Jammin Jeep currently sits. I need to nip this problem in the bud before it gets out of hand.
I had a hard time finding detailed pictures of both of these Power Wheel models so I will try to include key words for searching so that others can be led here.
Key words for searching:
Barbie Jammin Jeep
Barbie Jammin' Jeep
Barbie Jamming Jeep
Barbie Jeep
Barbie Power Wheels
Hot Wheels Jeep
Blitz Hot Weels <- Engrish? You will see why.
Blitz Hot Wheels
Blitz Hot Wheels Jeep |
Conversion: Barbie Jeep to Rock Crawler Jr.
Blitz Hot Wheels Jeep |
Edited by - B.A.R.K. on 11/24/2010 12:02:27 |
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B.A.R.K.
New Member
Laf
LA
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2010 : 13:51:57
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Here are a few more detailed pictures of the Barbie Jammin Jeep.
It wasn't that dirty but a little cleaning did wonders.
The LCD display doesn't work and neither does the FM radio, but the standard Barbie pep talk plays when you push in the "CD".
Model Number Tag
Battery Compartment
Stock Battery Info
The battery is showing 3V on the ole voltmeter but when the throttle switch is pressed, nothing happens. I plugged the charger in and I get 0Vs. That means the charger is fried. I will try to locate a new/used one and see if they old battery has any life left.
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Conversion: Barbie Jeep to Rock Crawler Jr.
Blitz Hot Wheels Jeep |
Edited by - B.A.R.K. on 11/24/2010 13:54:25 |
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B.A.R.K.
New Member
Laf
LA
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2010 : 14:08:04
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Here are a few photos of the steering and drive train.
See any thing abnormal.
These kids are rough I tell you.
The steering stops are a little busted up. Shouldn't be too bad after a little overhaul. Is the screw and nylock on the steering shaft a factory piece or was this added by the previous owner?
Gear boxes and motors
You can see some whitening of the plastic due to over stressing.
Shifter positions.
Weight limits and warnings.
Here are a few shots of the current damage to the body. Nothing that cant be overcome.
And this is how she sits right now. I read some great sticker removal advice this forum. I picked up a $20 1000W heat gun and it made incredible easy work of removing the stickers. They were just chipping off before and after a little heat the whole thing pulled right off and didn't leave any residue. That $20 was well spent.
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Conversion: Barbie Jeep to Rock Crawler Jr.
Blitz Hot Wheels Jeep |
Edited by - B.A.R.K. on 11/24/2010 14:14:27 |
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PW warehouse
Senior Modder
Central
IN
USA
1712 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2010 : 15:57:32
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| The bolt with the teflon lock nut on the lower end of the steering shaft is oem equipment. |
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hotrodtodd
Expert Modder
Delhi
OH
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2010 : 17:09:17
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Nice finds,I have a barbie jeep just like that one that I have been slowly de-barbie-fying for my boys.
On another note: Look at all that empty floor space you have in your garage,c'mon you can buy just a few more lol  |
 Lifted Metal Frame Jeep Kawasaki Adventure 4x4 w/trailer Power Drivers Trike Worksite GatorDriveway Racer Handy Manny 6v quad |
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SigEp
Journeyman Modder
San Ramon
CA
USA
100 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2010 : 19:45:43
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quote:
Today my son is 12 weeks old, so he won’t be driving this one for a while. Yea, I know. Once I got the bug I couldn’t wait two years to start a project like this.
My son is just over 5 months now (he just said "da da" today!) so I'm right there with you. By the time he can drive, he'll have a stable of sweet rides. I'm planning to start him off early with a "tot rod".
Welcome to the addiction!
P.S. Super sweet Wrangler! |
It's no longer a toy...
Kid Trax Fire Truck - Red
Kid Trax Fire Truck - Yellow
12v Police Tot Rod
Gaucho Grande |
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jparthum
Senior Modder
(77627) Nederland
Texas
USA
2272 Posts |
Posted - 11/25/2010 : 07:48:33
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Your story sounds like a repeat of mine! My son's 2 1/2 now, but I started collecting and modding these about a year ago.
My son is more interested in the doors than driving the vehicles , so that 12V Jeep may be a hit with yours, even before he can drive. Buttons/lights/sounds seem to also be favorites for toddlers. If you come across a quad or Harley, you might want to worth grab it too. Kids seem to take to steering with handlebars more easily at first.
Welcome! Can't wait to see the progress!  |
     
(pics link to threads)
Fast, Reliable, and Cheap... Pick any two.
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B.A.R.K.
New Member
Laf
LA
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 11/29/2010 : 13:42:32
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quote:
Originally posted by PW warehouse
The bolt with the teflon lock nut on the lower end of the steering shaft is oem equipment.
Thanks.
quote:
Originally posted by hotrodtodd
On another note: Look at all that empty floor space you have in your garage,c'mon you can buy just a few more lol
I work very hard to keep the garage and attic organized so that I can still park my truck in the garage. Once I'm done with the Barbie Jeep, I will be putting her in the attic until her times arrives.
quote:
Originally posted by SigEp
By the time he can drive, he'll have a stable of sweet rides. I'm planning to start him off early with a "tot rod".
Welcome to the addiction!
P.S. Super sweet Wrangler!
Link to a "tot rod" example?
You're right. This is an addiction. I'm not sure it is a healthy one or not.
Thanks. I will post some more pics of the full size Wrangler to give an example of what I am trying to replicate.
quote:
Originally posted by jparthum
My son is more interested in the doors than driving the vehicles, so that 12V Jeep may be a hit with yours, even before he can drive. Buttons/lights/sounds seem to also be favorites for toddlers.
If you come across a quad or Harley, you might want to worth grab it too. Kids seem to take to steering with handlebars more easily at first.
I do plan on installing a horn and switches with lights on them. The goal is to find switches that look like the are supposed to be there but with lights to add to the little mans experience.
I am debating on whether or not I even want to keep the doors on this Jeep. The "latch" is just the friction of the door and door jam. The paint on both surfaces will eventually rub off and expose the original purple underneath. I figured it would be easier for him to get in and out of also. If so, the plan is to fill the existing screw holes and erase any evidence of doors/hinges.
I am keeping an eye open for a cheap quad that he can learn on. Just waiting for the right price. |
Conversion: Barbie Jeep to Rock Crawler Jr.
Blitz Hot Wheels Jeep |
Edited by - B.A.R.K. on 11/29/2010 14:45:28 |
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B.A.R.K.
New Member
Laf
LA
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2010 : 12:05:15
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I dont have any recent pictures of my YJ, but for those of you that care, here are a few.
92YJ/2.5L/HD4:1D300/F&R D44/5:38/36"SX/99"WB
Most of these are from the Superlift ORV Park in Hot Springs, AR.
I'll have to grab a more recent driveway shot.
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Conversion: Barbie Jeep to Rock Crawler Jr.
Blitz Hot Wheels Jeep |
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B.A.R.K.
New Member
Laf
LA
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2010 : 06:43:35
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quote:
Originally posted by SigEp
Welcome to the addiction!
Good eye!
I was just looking for an cheap PW Jeep to scavenge parts from and I ran across this jewel. The stars aligned and now I have more than just a few parts.
Beach Ranger Jeep (now de-stickered)
Working charger (1st), battery doesn't hold a charge, and it was never shifted into high gear because the guy I bought it from never removed the lock out screw. No wonder his kids didn't like it.
More details later.
I didnt realize there was this big of a difference in height. Now I am really glad I have the Blitz for him to drive first.
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Conversion: Barbie Jeep to Rock Crawler Jr.
Blitz Hot Wheels Jeep |
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ms1120
Senior Modder
M-Town
Georgia
USA
1464 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2010 : 08:10:09
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| Man that beach ranger is CLEAN |
Fixing things that arent broken...and making them cool
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B.A.R.K.
New Member
Laf
LA
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2010 : 09:37:48
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quote:
Originally posted by ms1120
Man that beach ranger is CLEAN
For a used toy there is pretty much nothing wrong with it. Just missing items.
One screw was stripped on the mufflers under the door. I think the lights on top of the roll bar are missing. "Something" is missing from the passenger side of the dash. I think something is missing from the purple cradle on the driver side of the vehicle.
I didn't cycle the shifter during the initial inspection. Once I got it home and started digging in to it more, I noticed that there was no HIGH. I remember reading about a "Low Lock Out" somewhere. I pulled the screw that looked like it would inhibit motion, and voila! I guess that is why the tires are in such great condition.
Here is the dash to show what is missing. Maybe it is the same thing that goes in the exterior cradle?
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Conversion: Barbie Jeep to Rock Crawler Jr.
Blitz Hot Wheels Jeep |
Edited by - B.A.R.K. on 12/06/2010 09:42:53 |
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jparthum
Senior Modder
(77627) Nederland
Texas
USA
2272 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2010 : 11:57:41
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Living as close as you do, I bet you know this nut-job...
He's had a few different Jeeps over the years, but this is "his wife's" latest Jeep.
I know he's been rock climbing at Hot Springs a few times (in his green YJ), and has Jeep buddies in SW LA. |
(pics link to threads)
Fast, Reliable, and Cheap... Pick any two.
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Edited by - jparthum on 12/06/2010 12:03:06 |
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B.A.R.K.
New Member
Laf
LA
USA
18 Posts |
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jparthum
Senior Modder
(77627) Nederland
Texas
USA
2272 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2010 : 11:22:23
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No, he goes by "Owtcast". Here is his green Jeep...
And what he hauls it with...
We're both in Nederland, TX (between Beaumont and Port Arthur), so I though you may have run across him at some point. |
(pics link to threads)
Fast, Reliable, and Cheap... Pick any two.
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Conversion: Barbie Jeep to Rock Crawler Jr.
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