This build is just dragging on at this point. If there's something that makes my mind wander and causes me to get bored with a build it's when they drag on. Skankfully (yeah I like to make up my own words, yo) I can see zee light at zee end of the tunnel. Not
that light!
I'm using the stock, plastic drag link at this point. I got some #4-40 screws to try to thread into the aluminum servo horn and bellcrank. Apparently the Losi ball studs have #4-40 threads and the major diameter of this thread is .112" which just so happens to be equivalent to just under 3mm (2.8545mm to be exact). This would make sense why the ball studs starting threading into the servo horn and bellcrank, but quickly met resistance.
Since I am the builder not named Bob I have a sneak preview into where this build currently stands. But I will go back in time a few days to catch you guys up.
Here is the chassis assembled and in roller status.
And here's the rolling chassis with cage attached. I am going to have to remove this cage to play with the draglink. If you are guessing the answer is, yes, this cage is going to be a PITA to remove so you can get at the chassis for maintenance. In a brain dead engineering move you can't remove the cage without removing the front shocks and one shock tower. I found a way to do it with just removing the top bolts in the front shocks, spinning the cage sideways and stretching it over the shock hoops. Not idea at all.
Now you may be saying to yourself, "Jato, why are you using themz stock wheels and tars when you have themz sweet TSS Hutchinson wheels wrapped by Pitbull Rock Beasts?" Well, it's because SLW hubs suck! I've hated them from the beginning and now I hate them more than ever. The ID of the SLW hub won't accept the stock, 5mm flanged nut. I went to the hardware store and got 5mm Nyloc nuts without flanges. They fit just fine, but now I can't find a damn 8mm socket to fit inside the SLW hub. I even bought a Losi 4-way wrench and it's too large. I'm honestly at the point of ordering new wheels. I almost bought SSD Rock Racers last night, but they are out of stock.
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I forgot to show that I installed the T-Bone Racing Delrin skid plate for the chassis. It's nice, but not a perfect fit by any means. I decided to not use the two center holes, that were ironically the reason the why the first skid wouldn't fit. Oh well. I have that skid as an extra that I will soon use.
I'm pretending that it's not already chopped up while telling this story to you guys. :mrgreen:
Here is part of the first T-Bone skid hacked up into a front, mini skid. I'm not sure why T-Bone didn't include this little part into their skid.
You may be wondering, "Jato, why does it look like a meth addict going through withdrawal made this part?" Well that's because I don't have the correct tools for fabrication. I don't even have a countersink drill bit. Usually I just use a larger bit to create a countersink, but that didn't work so well in Delrin. Oh-freaking-well. This piece will look worse after the first trail run anyway.
One last issue I have is that the holes in the body don't lineup with the chassis. The side holes are perfect, but the holes in the hood and roof aren't even close. This is how far the hood holes are off. I contacted Horizon. We'll see what they say.
Oh and before I forget, what the heck are these parts for?! The black piece is shown with the light bar, but I don't see how it attaches or what it's for. And the white pieces...WTH?
I'm also confused if I have my light bar installed the correct way or if it's upside down. The manual doesn't match the photos on the box...
