Greetings,
re-intgroducing myself as I had 6 years of break from the forum (but not from RCs).
So, long story short - I have started with CopterX 450 SE heli, kit. Bought everything for the kit, electronics, radio and stuff. Assembled, tried to learn to fly. After another serious crash, after mopnths of attempts I decided I want a ground RC. After some research I went after Traxxas Slash 4x4 1:10. Bought brand new, had fun for over 1.5 years. With time I used it less and less. Quality of roads where I live improved, I lost majority of tracks. What left was unsuitable for Slash. With time I realized that fast and agile SCT is not exactly what I want. So I sold Slash and started looking after trail truck.
Due to RC market in my country is not much developed I had very limited options. Traxxas SCTs, bashers, buggies and several Axial models, mostly Honcho and Wranglers. Nothing more. Honcho I dislike the moment I saw it - something in the body looks is off putting. Wrangler wasn't my favorite either but... Prices were bit high and I was really close to actually buying stock and basic Honcho (with immediate plan to change the body) when i found really nice second had offer.
One guy was selling SCX10 Wrangler Unlimited C/R edition. At the price of basic new Honcho. On a side note I sold my Slash, used, slightly above what I paid in the shop (found real bargain, sold at av. after market price which was higher than original price I paid, deal of the century) so i could afford another deal. So in the end I got Wrangler unlimited with all the light bars, additional LEDS and something like interior. On top of that I got scale small trailer (looks like 1:12 and hangs bit down compared to Jeep but hey - free trailer) with mud flaps and set of independent LED tail lights.
Although second hand it was in pristine state. Previous owner had it for fairs and indoor show use. No trails, no mudding, no everything. Few carpet runs under the roof and that's it. Tires clean, underside clean, axles clean, not even a scratch. One could say - brand new. All for the price of stock and barebones Honcho...
Been driving my Jeep ever since, pretty much stock. After few weeks I have replaced most of plastic links with DIY steel/alu ones. Due to lack of proper screws I left upper front Y bar 3-link plastic and replaced just lower pair with DIY ones, along with full rear 4-link upgrade. Apart from that I was running stock everything else. Lately I desired a change for my Wrangler and made several purchases toward it.
Right now my Jeep is totally disassembled - I have reduced it to pile of parts. Dirty parts as I wasn't doing much maintenance and cleaning over past few years. Surprisingly there was little damage, beside oiled sand in axles and dying transfer case plastic gear everythiong else was in really good condition. I spent several days disassembling whole rig and cleaning, dusting, brushing, oiling, greasing, eventhe smallest screws. So far I have re-assembled axles and shocks (which turned to went almost dry as they leaked all the oil in the meantime). Currently avaiting for parts to arrive.
Which will mark the rise of totally new rig. Previously I just wanted to perform general mainenance and cleaning. Went slightly over the board, ordered something extra. Part of that already came, part is arriving within days. With all pieces in place I decided to totally re-make my Wrangler into my own custom truck. And this made me reactivate forum account as I plan to share in near future my project.
Now all I need is to assemble wire cutter...
