Soze builds a Capra too!

[soze]

Here's my belated thread. I got my Capra shipped to me while I was out of town when it released, so I couldn't get started on it for another 3 weeks. By the time I got back, there were already many build threads out there, and I didn't have all the electronics to start yet. Anyway, my build actually started a couple of weeks ago, and I've been lagging on posting.

Like I usually do with my threads, I show each step (mainly for beginners/newcomers), but you experienced folks can just skip right through when I finally get to the upgrades/personalization.


Follow my Axial Capra build on YouTube

Many of the following links are to eBay where you can find the stuff I used. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase

Kit/RTR:

Axial Capra 1.9 Buggy Kit (eBay)


Parts:

Axial 25T Aluminum Servo Horn
Supershafty servo mount
Supershafty rear upper link riser
Brass portal covers (eBay)
1.9 Beadlock wheels (eBay)
Pro-Line 1.9 BFG Krawlers G8
Pro-Line Dual Stage Foam
Team Garage Hack Portal Overdrive Gears for Capra
SSD Servo Mount Kit


Electronics:

DS3235 35kg Servo (ebay)
Spektrum SX107 Servo (ebay)
Turnigy GT5 Radio (ebay)
Turnigy FS-BS6 Receiver (ebay)
Hobbywing AXE 540 2300KV ESC/Motor Combo (ebay)
HobbyStar 3S 3700mah LiPo battery (eBay)


Tools:

Versachem Brake Caliper Grease (eBay)
Permatex Anti Seize Lubricant (ebay) (eBay)
Associated 1656 FT 1/4 in Driver Handle (ebay)
Tamiya Side Cutter (eBay)
Protek RC Shock Pliers (eBay)
DEWALT DCF610S2R 12V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/4 in. Hex Chuck Screwdriver Kit (eBay)
MIP Metric Speed Tip Set MIP9512 (eBay)
MIP Metric Nut Driver Wrench Set MIP9503 (eBay)
Bob Smith Industries Blue Thread Locker (eBay)
Duratrax Shock stand (eBay)
Noleen SF3 Grease (on eBay)
Hakko FX-888D Soldering Station
Multistar Rubber R/C Work mat
IWISS Crimping Tool (eBay)
Universal Servo Cable Wire Connector Crimp Pin Kit (eBay)


Paint:

Tamiya PS-58 Pearl Clear
PS-19 Camel Yellow
PS-5 Black

 

[soze]

Part 1: Axles

The Axial Capra build is underway! We start off with the axles for the Capra which covers Steps A1-A4, and B1-B3.

For this part of the build, you’ll need bags “A” and “B”

For step A1 you’ll need the following

The completed step A1 should like this

For step A2, you’ll need the following parts

I didn’t use the included black grease from the kit. I used Versachem Brake Caliper Grease.

Step A2 completed

Step A3 parts

Greasing the portal gears. I might decide to change the type of grease later, but not sure. Going to run it a little to see how much it thins out.

Step A3 completed

The parts needed for step A4

Step A4 is completed and that completes the front axle

Parts for step B1

Step B1 completed

Parts for step B2

Grease those gears up!

Step B2 completed

Parts for step B3

Step B3 completed, which completes the rear axle

And that completes part 1 of this build. The axles.

 

[soze]

Part 2: Shocks

In this part we tackle the shocks for the Capra which covers Steps C1. These are one of the better shocks I've seen from Axial to date!

For this part of the build, you’ll need Bag “C”

Some of the tools I used for this part are the following:

ProTek Shock Pliers
Duratrax Shock Stand
MIP Metric Speed Tip Set
Noleen SF3 Grease


The Capra comes with 2 sets of springs. “Green” and “Red”. These are the following spring rates for the 2 springs.

• Green – 2.4 lbs/in.
• Red – 1.72 lbs/in.

They also offer a “Purple” at .72 lbs/in., but that doesn’t come with the kit. I opted to try out the “Red” springs for now.

I can't stress enough how much ProTek Shock Pliers have made building shocks easier. I don't know how I ever went without one in the past!

I use Noleen SF3 grease on the o-rings to help with sealing and prevent leaking oil.

And with the completion of Step C1, you should end up with these. They are the best shocks that I think that I have seen from Axial so far. Much better to put together. The key features on these shocks are the captured spring perches at the bottom, and the bleeder valve in the shock cap to help you get all the air out of the shocks! I also went with a low pressure setup, where I compressed the shock piston before screwing on the shock cap.

 

[soze]

Part 3: Links

We move onto the links and servo mount for the Capra which covers Steps D1-D6.

For this part of the series, you’ll need bag “D”.

You’ll also need a servo for this step. For the steering servo, I am going with the DS Servo DS3235 35kg Servo.

Here are the parts for the links in bag “D”.
You can see the different lengths of the links.

For step D1, you’ll need the following parts. Remember these links use counter rotating threads.

Step D1 complete.

You’ll need the following parts for step D2.

Step D2 complete. You’ll notice that I actually have the DS Servo DS3225 25kg servo mounted. My DS3235 35kg servo had not arrived yet while I was building this.

These are the parts for step D3

Step D3 complete

Parts for step D4

Step D4 completed

Parts for step D5

Step D5 complete.

These are the parts for step D6

Step 6 complete, and this part of the build is also complete.

 

[soze]

Part 4: Transmission

For this build, we move onto the transmission for the Capra which covers Steps E1-E4. For this part of the series you’ll need the parts from bag “E”

Step E1 is a very large step, and can probably be broken up into 3 steps. For the first part of step E1, you’ll need the following parts.

This is what the completed first part of E1 should look like

For the second part of E1, you’ll need the following parts

For the third part of E1, you’ll need the following parts

Unfortunately, I seem to have forgotten to take a picture of what the completed step for the second and third parts of E1 as well as the completed step E1.

I did however capture it on video and it will be available when published on YouTube. I will link it here later.

For now, we’ll move on to step E2 and these are the parts you will need.

After the above 2 sets of parts for E2 are assembled, you should have the following.

To finish up the rest of E2, you’ll need these parts

The finished product of step E2 all greased up and assembled should give you this

For step E3, you’ll also need a motor of your choice, a servo for the dig functionality, and the following parts.

For the motor, I had the choices of using the following:

Hobbywing Axe FOC 540 2300kv Brushless Motor/ESC combo

– or –

Hobbywing WP1080 Brushed ESC
Holmes Hobbies Crawlmaster Sport Brushed Motor in 13T or 16T

I ended up choosing the Hobbywing Axe 2300kv combo as I’ve always wanted to try it, and this rig is as good as any to put it in.

For the dig servo, I used the Horizon recommended Spektrum SX107.

At the end of step E3, you should have the following assembled.

Once again, I forgot to take a picture of the rest of E3 completed, but it’s basically just mounting the motor, putting on the pinion gear and putting the rest of the transmission cover on to close it up.

I did however capture it on video and it will be available when published on YouTube. I will link it here later.

For step E4 you’ll need the following parts.

After assembly the completed step E4 should look like this.

You’ll also need to buy or make a servo extension wire for the dig servo, as the wire is really short on the servo and it will not reach the receiver box as-is.

I ended up making my own with my IWISS Crimping Tool and Universal Servo Cable Wire Connector Crimp Pin Kit.

And this completes the transmission assembly and this part of the build series!

 

[soze]

Part 5: Driveshaft & Axle Installation


For this build, we move onto the driveshafts for the Capra which covers Steps F1-F2. You’ll need bag “F” for this part of the build.

For step F1 you’ll need the following parts.

I like using Permatex Anti-Sieze Lubricant for the cvd joints on the driveshafts.

When you finish step F1 you should have 2 sets of completed driveshafts and start mounting them onto the transmission.

For step F2, you’ll need the following parts.

At the end of step F2, you should have the axles mounted to the transmission/skid chassis.

And that’s it for this part of the build series!

 

[soze]

Part 6: Cage Assembly


This part of the series will cover steps G1-G5 from the manual. We’ll be painting up some parts and the Capra will begin to take shape.

You’ll need bag “G” and the bag that holds the sides of the Capra cage.

For step G1 you’ll need the following parts.

I added some detail to the fuel cell and mounted it up per step G1

The rest of step G1 involved adding the inner fenders to the cage sides.

For step G2, you’ll need the following parts.

Step G2 completed.

For step G3 you’ll need the following parts.

Step G3 completed.

For step G4 you’ll need the following parts.

You’ll notice I already pre-painted the pieces and applied the decals. I still have some more detailing to do though.

The instructions for step G4 call for the use of 2 counter-sunk screws, but this is an error. You need to use these screws instead to attach the heads to the bodies.

Here is the cockpit interior assembled.

The rest of step G4 completed.

For step G5, you’ll need the following parts.

The ESC is a tight fit, so make sure the wiring does not interfere with the dig servo.

When all is said and done at the end of step G5, you should have the base chassis completed. This step is really tricky because of the tight small space. You really need to be mindful of where you route the wires in order to not interfere with anything.

Mounted the power button between the drivers.

The HobbyStar 3S 3700mah LiPo battery fits perfectly!

You'll notice that the servo horn was replaced with the Axial aluminum 25T servo horn.

 

[soze]

Part 7: Body Panels, Wheels & Tires


We're finally getting to the end of the build as we tackle the Body Panels, Wheels/Tires.

This part of the build covers steps H1-H2, and I1. You'll need bags "H" and "I".

You'll need to start out with the following parts for H1.

You'll also need the hood. I've painted it with Tamiya PS-58 Pearl Clear, PS-19 Camel Yellow, and PS-5 Black.

Step H1 complete.

Now we move on to step H2, and you'll need the following parts.

Putting the Panels on.

Step H2 complete. You can't see it in the pictures, but there is a nice pearl effect going on with the yellow.

Step I1 is basically putting on the tires and wheels together and mounting them.

These are the parts that you would need for step I1 if you were planning to use the stock wheels.

These are the remaining parts for step I1 that you actually will use.

I've chosen to use the Pro-Line BFG Krawlers in G8 compound along with Pro-Line Dual Stage Foams.

Mounted up to the wheels.

It's done!

I put the power button for the ESC between the drivers.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Soze the hand model! :ror:

Great thread like always.

Great paint on the interior! Looking forward to seeing the truck completed.

I can’t believe that battery fits!

 

[soze]

Soze the hand model! :ror:

Great thread like always.

Great paint on the interior! Looking forward to seeing the truck completed.

I can’t believe that battery fits!

LOL, yeah... I really need a separate room for my builds. I'm doing all this at my computer desk in my master retreat. I've been thinking about it a lot lately since I'm doing more on YouTube now, and I need a more specific space so that I'm not cramped all the time.

Yes that battery fits! The same one I use in my small tray in the Enduro!

 

[B-MOW71]

Who needs a manual? We have Soze![emoji6]

Nice detailed write-up! I like what you did with the interior. Looks good![emoji106]

Now I need to get caught up on the YT videos!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Topher Builds]

Great write up so far. I like the detail work you’ve done as well. The drivers remind me of the kill-bill-paying-homage-to-bruce-lee outfit.

Glad to see you making progress on your projects and getting your goat going. Looking forward to seeing it done and on video "thumbsup"

 

[Mudsy]

You got a pretty hand. Very photogenic.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[soze]

Great write up so far. I like the detail work you’ve done as well. The drivers remind me of the kill-bill-paying-homage-to-bruce-lee outfit.

Glad to see you making progress on your projects and getting your goat going. Looking forward to seeing it done and on video "thumbsup"

I had to give the Yeti some company in the yellow dept. :ror: If I ever get around to building my Bomber kit, maybe I should make it a Tri-fecta. Oh wait... I forgot I have a Wraith Spawn kit too.... :shock:

You got a pretty hand. Very photogenic.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

errr... thank you? :lmao::shock:

 

[elementti]

After reading how good you find the shocks I just must give my completely opposite impression of them.

First of all they are small and look & feel cheap. Bottom caps, pistons and especially the o-rings were too tight.
Even with green slime the o-rings did it for me. Useless pieces of crap.

If these are one of the best Axial shocks then I can't imagine the others..
Went with superb Enduro kit dampers.

 

[soze]

After reading how good you find the shocks I just must give my completely opposite impression of them.

First of all they are small and look & feel cheap. Bottom caps, pistons and especially the o-rings were too tight.
Even with green slime the o-rings did it for me. Useless pieces of crap.

If these are one of the best Axial shocks then I can't imagine the others..
Went with superb Enduro kit dampers.

The Enduro kit dampers are better for sure. That's why I emphasized the better "Axial" shocks. I didn't find them too tight on my build though, which is a bit different from what you're experiencing. They seem pretty smooth on my build.

 

[soze]

Well it's done, and it sits high, but it's a stock build so far.

Onto driving and upgrading!

 

[B-MOW71]

It looks great Soze!"thumbsup"

I really like the goat decal on the side panel!

I fell behind on your YT vids again, so I need to get caught back up!

Can't wait to hear and see how she handles!

 

[soze]

It looks great Soze!"thumbsup"

I really like the goat decal on the side panel!

I fell behind on your YT vids again, so I need to get caught back up!

Can't wait to hear and see how she handles!

That was no goat decal lol. I printed out that picture, then traced it on a piece of tape, then used an exacto knife to cut the shape out. Then I painted it black.

It was a pain, but I like how it turned out.

 

[mewalsh100]

Have you had a chance to run it yet soze? I’m curious because I also picked up the Hobbywing AXE system for mine. Unfortunately, the wife is adamant that I can’t open the kit until Christmas.:roll: