Mud Blaster Restoration -- Looking For Input And Improvement Ideas

[bside]

Hi everyone! I'm a new member and I'm getting back into RC after almost 20 years.

I've got an SC truck coming this month and decided to finally take on rebuilding my 1991 mud blaster that's managed to stick around all these years.

The truck is in pretty good condition - all things considered. As far as I can remember and tell, it has a stripped rear dogbone (BIG surprise... : | ), the rear shock tower is broken (good old duct tape still holding strong 18 years later!) and the tires have cracked and need replacement.

I'm going to completely rebuild it using a new frog chassis (never really cared for the red plastic) and updated rear axles. I've also ordered a variety of steering parts and several screw bags. I'm hoping to use electronics from a traxxas slash since they are pretty affordable and waterproof. Picked up a new silver can motor for now ($5) and I'd like to order one of those sweet alum rear shock tower braces I've seen here in the forum.

All that leaves are shocks, tires and a body. And perhaps strengthening the front shock tower.

Anyway, that's the plan. I'm kind of a newb so I'd love to hear some of your ideas or suggestions and definitely feel free to post some pics.

One question I have is what shocks will fit. Thinking maybe I can use slash rears shocks.

Thanks!!

ps. will upload some before pics soon..

[bside]

Can anyone help me figure what's the best grease to use to repack the transmission?

I read somewhere about using automotive diff grease.

I'd like to find something a my local hardware store since our lhs is pretty slim on supplies at the moment..

Thanks!!

[mikea96]

Can anyone help me figure what's the best grease to use to repack the transmission?

I read somewhere about using automotive diff grease.

I'd like to find something a my local hardware store since our lhs is pretty slim on supplies at the moment..

Thanks!!

I have only ever used the tamiya grease but im sure automotive grease would work fine as long as it is not to thick.

[mooter]

just sent you a PM but forgot to add, if you want to strengthen the front tower get hold of a CRP chassis brace kit from fleabay - it sits up against the front shock tower and keeps it solid

[bside]

just sent you a PM but forgot to add, if you want to strengthen the front tower get hold of a CRP chassis brace kit from fleabay - it sits up against the front shock tower and keeps it solid

Thanks, Mooter. I'm watching one on ebay right now... doesn't seem to be too many full kits around which is why I have to wait till feb for the rear brace

Took most of the truck apart last night and it's looking pretty good. Don't think I'll need to replace any gears and it looks like the shocks are salvageable..

Anyone know a good way to remove the rust from the springs?

[bside]

Thanks, Mooter. I'm watching one on ebay right now... doesn't seem to be too many full kits around which is why I have to wait till feb for the rear brace

Took most of the truck apart last night and it's looking pretty good. Don't think I'll need to replace any gears and it looks like the shocks are salvageable..

Anyone know a good way to remove the rust from the springs?

lost the chassis kit on ebay unfortunately.. maybe I'll be ordering that rear brace sooner than planned Mooter..

anyone have a lead on a chassis kit? The rear shock mounts and front shock tower support seem easy to find but part #1624 Rear body support is nowhere to be seen.

[BillL130]

lost the chassis kit on ebay unfortunately.. maybe I'll be ordering that rear brace sooner than planned Mooter..

anyone have a lead on a chassis kit? The rear shock mounts and front shock tower support seem easy to find but part #1624 Rear body support is nowhere to be seen.

Check this store out and search #1624, they have some for sale.

good luck!

[bside]

Thanks for the heads up Bill. Decided to go with the front chassis supports and rear shock mounts only.. going to fabricate a bracket to connect the front supports to rear of the chassis.

For anyone looking for restoration ideas or parts, I'm just about done ordering my parts. Here's what's on the way:

New chassis parts tree (grey)

New rear axle set from frog/brat

New set of Tamiya Pin Spike Monster Tires

Full set of Yeah Racing blue teflon coated bearings

2 sets of Yeah Racing 80mm aluminum dampers (with extra steering components)

CRP reinforced rear shock mounts

CRP front shock tower support (missing 3rd piece to attach to rear shocks/mounts so decided to fabricated custom brackets to connect to frame)

Losi Sport adjustable steering rods 2.5" (to work with centered servo)

New original diff gears

New metal transmission bearings 850

New updated metal rear suspension holders (from Brat)

4 screw bags

New Tamiya 540 motor

Traxxas XL-5 waterproof ESC

Traxxas TQ transmitter and micro-receiver

Traxxas weaterproof receiver box

Only items left to purchase are:

Aluminum rear body mount brace

Body

Items to be re-used:

Most of the transmission assembly including metal gears, spacers, motor mount

Front and rear arms

front shock tower

Rear body mounts

Front bumper

Original Acoms Servo

Can't wait to put it all back together!!!

Thanks for everyone's input!