I have to tell you. A couple years ago I would have whipped this thing up in no time and not worried about the expense. But...I just got divorced about a year and a half ago and I can tell you it it totally knocked me off my feet. I actually am lucky enough to have a decent paying job but my debt from the divorce is unreal. I guess thats the reason I set Dragoncon for my date since it gives me about a year. I do own 4 samurais and 2 are running so I have a good base. I am planning to cut and mod the metal where needed and making some parts from foam and fiberglass. I AM going to add the missle rack in back BTW Hope that doesn't scare anyone...lol
You should do some type of a fundraiser to help out. I'm sure plenty of Tankers and even some of the costume groups I mess with would gladly contribute. The Samurai looks right (wheelbase and basic frame seem spot on).
Just got your message and sent a friend request to your facebook. I think I am going to keep the Stinger project to myself until I get close to finishing. I will tell you I am using a Suzuki Samurai with body mods. I dont know how close to accurate I will get but I dont want it to be just a stock vehicle with Cobra decals. I am a paint and body tech of 16 years so it wont be too big a stretch for me to get this done. I guess the expense maybe what slows my progress.
Hey - I'd love to hear about the Stinger you're building for next year's D-Con.
I'm the SAW Viper in the pic you posted. FYI, at the Joe costume meetup on Sunday at Dragon-Con, I think we had 40ish costumes there... so there were plenty of Joes around.
My facebook name is Joe Colton - friend me there and you can see all the Joe costumes we do.