Tribute to my Dad's 79 F100 featuring Banzai

[CODYBOY]

Carmine you don't have to own an ascender to go to the proline event and hang with us!

a co-worker has offered to loan me his 5 man pop up tent (and anything else i will need as he is a regular camper). i got room for 3 more to crash if needed!

*Ernie thanks for the response. i need to look into all these rules... just to know where it would put me IF i decide to comp this rig? huge disadvantage on the tiny dirt grabbers though. I'm actually eyeballing some 1.55 ground hawgs... or, maybe some traxxas bronco 1.9 with dirt grabbers?

** Ok yep looking at the SORRCA rules http://sorrca.com/rules/2018Rules.pdf and... i REALLY need that RC Nerds bumper to be legal in... ANY class. and i need rear leafs to get the body sitting level to the frame rails (my biggest pet peeve about the truck right now) and the wheels... if i get those CC Hand hex eliminators, i MIGHT be able to get into class 1. but those 1.55 dirt grabbers are seriously my achiles heel... IF i comp with this.
maybe i just get me a set of 1.9 for comp work, and switch back to the 1.55 for non-comp "fun runs" which would probably be 90% of the time anyway.
i just really hesitate to go with bigger tires as a 4.19 OD would rub like... everything, maybe even just driving on a flat driveway. so the 1.9 dirt grabbers at 3.85" OD are still better than 1.55 versions.

all depends on what offset the 1.9 wheels i run, if they stick out too far I'm back in class 2 territory.

hurmff...

why am i all concerned about comp? not sure until i find out at the proline's event if i'm actually any good. i surprised the heck out of myself last weekend in my backyard climbing some bridge style ramps i made. (its probably mostly the truck lol) even in 2nd gear and 1.55 itty bitty dirt grabbers, this thing is super capable.
oh and i still need to get a winch controller.

so i need a bumper, and i'd be like a class 1.5 lol CC hand wheel hub adapters would probably just barely squeeze me into class 1.
and leafs! i need rear leafs!!!
wonder if these will work with the GCS ascender kit...
just came out, says super soft flex but also described as increased payload with stiff springs?
https://store.rc4wd.com/Super-Soft-Flex-Leaf-Springs-for-TF2-4_p_5840.html
and what makes them different from these?
https://store.rc4wd.com/Soft-Steel-Leaf-Spring-for-Trail-Finder-2_p_347.html


thanks for the help!

You know Chris, my thoughts are that you shouldn't get to hung up on what class it might fit into. Once you get to the comp your going to forget all about classes and focus on just driving and having fun. If some one is concerned about how your truck looks, that is there problem. Just work on making it capable and Comp-able. JMO! "thumbsup"
Ernie

 

[rockhugger]

I agree with Ernie. I don't know anything about any rules, I just build what I want and drive it. I think the rules are there for those who want to keep track of points and actually compete.

 

[Browneye]

They would drop you in class 2, if that makes any difference.
Our local club keeps C2 as 'stock' class, and added 2.5 for modified rigs with wheel size up to 4.75". Larger than that goes into C3. Both are pretty wide open - run anything you want with any power.

Strict SORRCA ruling may be slightly different. I had to go with what they were doing locally.

Class 1, the 'scale class' is max wheel size 4.19", full width bumpers, windshield, and fenders must cover at least half of the tire tread. No shaved sides, boats, or pinches. Steel frame rails, 2s power.

 

[Shinchu]

Oh class 1 is only 2s power?! Pffffff hahaha well there goes that idea! I cant imagine anything else since i have only driven this on 3s and its great!

So yeah, i dunno i guess class 2 is it then. I think i was just curious and womdering where to go with the truck.

We shall see at the proline event!

 

[wyd]

Oh class 1 is only 2s power?! Pffffff hahaha well there goes that idea! I cant imagine anything else since i have only driven this on 3s and its great!

So yeah, i dunno i guess class 2 is it then. I think i was just curious and womdering where to go with the truck.

We shall see at the proline event!

Not like I crawl a lot but I have only ran 2s so far. I was thinking of getting a 3s to try with my setup. I'm using my Castle 2250kv motor with the Castle Mamba Micro X. Was going to ordered a pack to try.

 

[Itali83]

Found these on the 'bay.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/GCM-Vaterra-...054281&hash=item283b479fa8:g:Z~YAAOSwB9JZdqpH

Ready to ship.

Ben

 

[Shinchu]

:shock:
The bay of e! Gad...ZOOKS why didnt i think of that!?!! Thanks ben!!!

**nabbed it! Should be here by the 15th!
Now i need leafs and shocks... hmmm...

 

[CODYBOY]

:shock:
The bay of e! Gad...ZOOKS why didnt i think of that!?!! Thanks ben!!!

**nabbed it! Should be here by the 15th!
Now i need leafs and shocks... hmmm...

What length shocks do you need Chris, I can probably put something together for you.;-)
Ernie

 

[Shinchu]

Our friends to the north recommend 75-80mm iirc. Big bore.
Ehhh lemme just copy paste what they say aboot the dampers.
I was just going to get some scale ones but if big bore helps, maybe i should listen.

From GCM on the low mount shock relocator (same position as rear leaf kit):
"This kit requires a 70 or 75mm rear shock to fit well. We recommend a large bore spring for a solid and tunable ride in the rear of your ascender. The stock ascender shocks can not be used on this relocation kit.

**We recommend a 60 to 80 weight silicone shock oil in the rear shock for a nice smooth shock and stiff rear spring rates for rear suspension control.**"

I forgot what shocks they said they ike, i will need to rummage a bit more. Or... maybe just ask them on bookface?

***just noticed the quote above they said big bore SPRING. I could probably get away with some scale looking ones then. Or, whatever is cheaper lol i will worry about scale when i start a cmax!

Okay these look great just take off the boingers and perches, paint the caps black
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HSP-Racing...004975?hash=item2a2ecfecef:g:mtoAAOSwj0NUbaWX
I want to say gcm recommended hsp...? Price is nice!

 

[CODYBOY]

Our friends to the north recommend 75-80mm iirc. Big bore.
Ehhh lemme just copy paste what they say aboot the dampers.
I was just going to get some scale ones but if big bore helps, maybe i should listen.

From GCM on the low mount shock relocator (same position as rear leaf kit):
"This kit requires a 70 or 75mm rear shock to fit well. We recommend a large bore spring for a solid and tunable ride in the rear of your ascender. The stock ascender shocks can not be used on this relocation kit.

**We recommend a 60 to 80 weight silicone shock oil in the rear shock for a nice smooth shock and stiff rear spring rates for rear suspension control.**"

I forgot what shocks they said they ike, i will need to rummage a bit more. Or... maybe just ask them on bookface?

***just noticed the quote above they said big bore SPRING. I could probably get away with some scale looking ones then. Or, whatever is cheaper lol i will worry about scale when i start a cmax!

Okay these look great just take off the boingers and perches, paint the caps black
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HSP-Racing...004975?hash=item2a2ecfecef:g:mtoAAOSwj0NUbaWX
I want to say gcm recommended hsp...? Price is nice!

IMO buying shocks is like buying carpet, "you get what you pay for". ;-)
You need good quality shocks. I think I can do some big bores for you.
Ernie

Ok Chris, I have two pair of shocks headed your way. 1 pair is associated buggy fronts 75mm with Mini -T springs. (Probably work best for you). The others are twin hammer fronts 65mm. We will talk $$ when you see if they work.
You can always use a extra shocks!
Ernie

 

[Shinchu]

this on top of an unexpected failure of the traxxas shift servo during a backyard session
I'm broke again!
need to tear down the front end to remove the servo for inspection/replacement. not sure what happened, the ESC started spazzing out (erratic beeping, probably trouble codes) steering was going berserk, and no motor function at all.
yanked all connections on the RX one at a time until i got to the shift servo. everything was fine! plugged the shift servo in again, back to chaos.
*scratching head*
curious if there is a better waterproof micro servo out there... i don't want to go through these things like diapers.
warranty claim? not sure how good traxxas customer service is or if its even covered.

maybe i need a BEC to protect it since I'm running 3S? half tempted to just make it a single speed. ironically i drive it in high gear most the time, even with the 27T Tamiya can in there its still amazingly controllable.
hmm... just funny this decides to blow out RIGHT after ordering the leaf kit lol

Ernie, thank you for the shocks friend! always with the surprises haha
and since you included springs on them, i can just run those with the "shock relocation" part of the kit until i get the leafs from rc3wd.
time to go mow some lawns! lol

 

[CODYBOY]

this on top of an unexpected failure of the traxxas shift servo during a backyard session
I'm broke again!
need to tear down the front end to remove the servo for inspection/replacement. not sure what happened, the ESC started spazzing out (erratic beeping, probably trouble codes) steering was going berserk, and no motor function at all.
yanked all connections on the RX one at a time until i got to the shift servo. everything was fine! plugged the shift servo in again, back to chaos.
*scratching head*
curious if there is a better waterproof micro servo out there... i don't want to go through these things like diapers.
warranty claim? not sure how good traxxas customer service is or if its even covered.

maybe i need a BEC to protect it since I'm running 3S? half tempted to just make it a single speed. ironically i drive it in high gear most the time, even with the 27T Tamiya can in there its still amazingly controllable.
hmm... just funny this decides to blow out RIGHT after ordering the leaf kit lol

Ernie, thank you for the shocks friend! always with the surprises haha
and since you included springs on them, i can just run those with the "shock relocation" part of the kit until i get the leafs from rc3wd.
time to go mow some lawns! lol

Sorry to hear about the darn servo problem. One thing to consider is rigging up a manual shifter. I know with your design skills it would be easy for you!!
Hope the shocks work out for ya. "thumbsup"
Ernie

 

[Shinchu]

I might have to research that manual shifter.

Havent torn it down yet, maybe its salvageable if its only got a stripped gear i can flip it to the un damaged side.

*crossing fingers*

Oh and my leaf kit shipped! Looks like i need to get crackin on a styrene drop bed! And a manual shifter lol

 

[Shinchu]

CODYBOY mini care package received!
same day i got the GCM rear leaf kit!

need to spin some hex drivers this weekend! (and hopefully save the shift servo?)

*oh! annnd with the rear shock towers removed, i can start on a drop bed! WHERE TO FIND SOME STYRENE!?!? might pop in hobby lobby next to the Toys R Us we plan on going to for the last time ever (R.I.P. :*( )
***ANNNNNND just locked down a set of TRX4 bronco wheels!!!
stand by for phase 1.5 fellas!!! (just need to contact RC Nerds to shrink down their 79 stuff to fit the jconcepts body!)

 

[Shinchu]

What size/thread is the ascender hardware? I ran into a little hiccup installing the lower leaf spring/shock mounts on codyboy axles.
Ernie has wonderfully put one hex bolt at the forward facing side of the axle tube to hold the brass insert in place. However, the gcm kit uses the opposite, or rear facing hex screw to secure the mount to the axle tube.

In short, i need to drill/tap the brass tube on the back side to secure the shock brackets, but i dont know what thread pitch to use.
I have a 4-40 but its too coarse. Im guessing 3 something?

Its the only thing keeping me from finishing the installation and starting on my drop bed!
(Okay lack of local styrene source sucks too but hey im making progress!)

 

[durok]

I've just been re-using hardware taken from parts I've removed, and cutting bolts shorter when needed from hardware that came with upgrades... the absolute only hardware I ever bought was HPI cap head screws so I could outboard the shocks - it's M3 thread... HTH?

 

[Itali83]

M3x.5

 

[Shinchu]

sweet i'll pick up a new thread tap today on my way home. thank you gents!
now to find some styrene...

 

[CODYBOY]

sweet i'll pick up a new thread tap today on my way home. thank you gents!
now to find some styrene...

Better get a move on, I'm getting close!!!!!8)8)
Ernie

 

[Shinchu]

I'm contacting RC Nerds about downsizing the grill RIGHT. NOW. 8)

and google showed me a scale train shop near my house (8 miles or so), i will stop by later this week to check for styrene.