Monogram first released its ‘77 Jeep CJ-7 in the late ‘70’s. It’s back, this time as the Revell 1/24 scale ‘77 Jeep CJ-7 2’n1 kit featuring new decal options for a Golden Eagle and a Renegade. It can be built as an up-top or off-road version, so I chose the off-road option.
The instructions are what you expect from Revell these days: booklet form with a brief background, parts index, color suggestions, and 29 line-drawing steps.
The assembly starts with a moderately detailed V8 engine and manual transmission. Split lengthwise, the seam runs through the oil pan. No lower radiator hose is supplied.
Next, the separate one-piece frame gets the front and rear suspensions and axles. Four shocks are included. Then, the single exhaust and transfer case skid plate mounts. Two differential skid plates are provided, but they are not called out in the instructions, so I didn’t use them. The steering box is fiddly to install, so I ended up pinning mine. The front bumper is shown as Part 23 but should be Part 57.
Attractive off-road vinyl tires mount to three-piece wheels with a chrome outer face. These mount positively to the axles. A matching spare tire and wheel are supplied for the rear carrier. Unlike many kits, this wheel has holes for the lug nuts and dust cover, which is a nice touch.
The radiator support and radiator mount next, but I left them off until after painting. You will want to mount the firewall here since this will be painted the body color.
I had issues building the windshield and surround, hood, cowl, and dashboard, especially aligning the hood and fenders. First, the lower edges of the hood were not flush, so I needed to add some plastic to finish them off. Then the sides would not clear the alignment ribs on the fenders. I thinned the sides but never got it to sit perfectly flat. Either I installed the parts incorrectly, or the hood latches aren’t long enough, you can decide if you build this kit. I lined up the rest of the parts and left the windshield assembly off until last.
The rest of the body is one piece, except for the tailgate. Watch for sneaky mold lines on the front fenders just above the flares. Also, there is a vertical seam line on the rear body. I sanded it flush and scribed the correct panel line on the body side.
The only other area where I did not follow the instructions was the roll cage. You’re told to build it up on the body, but I was afraid this would make it difficult to clean up. Instead, I assembled the roll cage up on the body and glued the joins but didn’t secure it to the floor. I removed it, cleaned up the joins, and treated this assembly as one part.
The seats, shift levers, steering wheel, and pedals mount as they should, and there is a decal for the gauges.
The decals are one of the kit’s high points. As stated earlier, there are options for two new schemes, plus one original is provided. They were in register and opaque. However, the decals I chose took a while to release from the backing, even using warm water. They tend to curl but were tough enough to let me uncurl them using a lot of water.
The CJ-7 has always been a popular kit, but the Revell 1/24 scale ’77 Jeep CJ-7 2'N1 plastic model kit has some areas that could frustrate a new builder. For this reason, I would recommend this kit to a builder with a few kits under their belt.