Another Sand Rover makeover

[donut_v2]

Finally able to post again since I lost my original account when TC went down. Thought I'd share what I've been doing a little at a time to my rere Sand Rover.

Started out by trimming the shock towers since I'll be covering the holes on the hood.

I had to make a shock bracket to lower the damper mounting points for the extra DF03ra dampers I had.

I made a bracket for the back, too. I replaced the rear shock tower with 3Racing DT02 alloy rear shock tower

Installed.

[donut_v2]

I reduced the width and wheelbase using VTRSP1's great tutorial here, How to reduce the wide stance width of a HB2010. The only thing I did differently was use the E3 parts up front and shorten the screw pins in the rear so I wouldn't need to put holes in the chassis.

[donut_v2]

To cover the opening at the back, I made a mold using plastic sheet from a clear folder and some styrene strips.

Filled it up with epoxy resin from the rear.

When the epoxy hardened, I used Tamiya putty to complete the wheel wells.

Used silver as a base coat. Not perfect but acceptable.

[Tamiya1/10]

Good job in filling in those darn holes. Tamiya ruined a perfectly good body in order to fit the chassis. I seem another member used after market accessories to cover the rear cut out. Now I just have to buy the re re street rover and do some similar either as you have done or used scaled cooler. The 2 front holes are another issue.

[Gruntfuggly]

Why couldn't Tamiya have done this in the first place? - your shock mounts look really good...

[shenlonco]

^{Looking good!!!}

^{Hey if you make under chassis side plates so you can't see in under the body ...if you do it with templets you make could you copy em and send them out so others could use them to make side plates ..}

^{That would be great!}

^THANKS

^Shen

[Jonny Retro]

Top work on the brackets! :L

Maybe someone should email Tamiya a link to this thread, with "Duh!" as the subject

[donut_v2]

On 5/31/2012 at 8:11 AM, shenlonco said:

^{Looking good!!!}

^{Hey if you make under chassis side plates so you can't see in under the body ...if you do it with templets you make could you copy em and send them out so others could use them to make side plates ..}

^{That would be great!}

^THANKS

^Shen

Hi Shen,

Here's a picture of a mock up I made. I've already made the actual panels in styrene. I'll trace them and make it available for download. It may have to be modified for a stock SR though.

[isthisnametaken]

Wow... that's some nice work! Well done...

[shenlonco]

COOL thanks that would be great!!

Looks good!

Hi Shen,

Here's a picture of a mock up I made. I've already made the actual panels in styrene. I'll trace them and make it available for download. It may have to be modified for a stock SR though.

[mongoose1983]

Kudos on such a wonderful mod! Too bad this wasn't posted on the TC mainpage. It would have gone directly to my favorites for later reference. Again, your work is truly top-notch!!

[VTRSP1]

I reduced the width and wheelbase using VTRSP1's great tutorial here, How to reduce the wide stance width of a HB2010. The only thing I did differently was use the E3 parts up front and shorten the screw pins in the rear so I wouldn't need to put holes in the chassis.

Hi donut, thanks for remembering me, nice progress on your SR. I've completed my mod too, check it out if you are interested.

[VTRSP1]

mind if i post my mod for the side plate here too?

[shenlonco]

Hi that looks good also did you happen to trace out templets? If so do you have any you can send out I am looking to put side guards on mine thought it would be nice if somebody who already did it could help out some guy's by sending out a templet that guy's could use to make the side plates for there rovers easy.

THANKS

Shen

mind if i post my mod for the side plate here too?

[VTRSP1]

Hi that looks good also did you happen to trace out templets? If so do you have any you can send out I am looking to put side guards on mine thought it would be nice if somebody who already did it could help out some guy's by sending out a templet that guy's could use to make the side plates for there rovers easy.

THANKS

Shen

i should have the template kept somewhere in the room, need to search for it. will keep you updated on it.

[Tamiya1/10]

Why couldn't Tamiya have done this in the first place? - your shock mounts look really good...

I have to agree with you. But after thinking about it if Tamiya released the original, collectors would be upset and the problems of the original would remain. So they release a close to original with improvements where most RC modeller would have enough skills to make the necessary mod on the body or just leave it alone.

Future buyer/collect could either go for an original; a re-release or a nicely modified re-release version which fits the chassis nicely.

[WillyChang]

more like... if they meddle with DT02 chassis, it'll make it unfair for DT02 spec racing

[donut_v2]

Here's the template for the side panels. Make two and fold along the dotted lines.

SidePanel.pdf

[shenlonco]

Here's the template for the side panels. Make two and fold along the dotted lines.

THANKS

[donut_v2]

Here are a couple of pics showing how I intend to attach the panels.

[shenlonco]

Very nice probably can stick tape them on the sides of the chassis also i bet.

[billg4]

looks good Great job you've done on all the body work

[donut_v2]

Printed out some plaid on decal paper.

Buttons, pockets, belt buckle, and some shading to follow.

[VTRSP1]

Printed out some plaid on decal paper.

Buttons, pockets, belt buckle, and some shading to follow.

Superb donut!!!!

[mr crispy]

What a great idea. All he needs is a beard and you've got George Lucas!