Clodbuster rebuilt from a box of parts

[Scapelnz]

Hey Team

Yes I know its another Clodbuster restoration thread but Ive enjoyed this build so much I just had to share it with my Tamiya club family!

From the beginning I never intended this to be a stock build as almost every part has been bought individually from ebay or local trading sites. My best buddy was lucky enough to have an original clod when we were kids and I also remember being bitterly disappointed at its poor performance and handling. I watched with envy as he and his dad built it up over xmas and then thinking is that all it has we he gave it its first run.

So when I found a box of clod parts on a local trading site I thought heres my chance to build a clod I always wanted

I picked these parts up for a really good price and began sorting out what I could use and what needed replacing

I did extensive research on how to modify and improve a clod from stock, after weeks and weeks of home work I started hunting for and ordering parts for my build.

When the first parts starting arriving I realized that this wasn't going to be a cheap build

The first parts from CPE (love that company!! )arrived and then more came flooding in!

First job was to strip, clean and rebuild the axles, while they were i pieces I replaced a couple of worn gears and added some axle extensions and bash guards. Then the CPE rear steer lockout was fitted and also the axle mounted servo and steering system. Trimmed the wee plastic stops on the hubs and we now have full and controlled steering

The chassis was in great shape so after a quick wash and clean a chassis brace was fitted along with a four link system for a longer wheelbase and better articulation. I didnt want to run eight shocks so fitted a single shock conversion and four Gmade 90mm zeros.

Next with the help of Chris (backtomyroots) I brought a body and tires along with some wheel wideners. As soon as they arrived I couldn't resist fitting it to see what it looked like

The extra width and length looks fantastic!

Having just finished my blackfoot build I couldn't resist seeing the size difference

This clod will be run a lot so it will have a display body and also a lexan basher body. The next job was to start on the display body. I had a list of things I wanted to do to this shell and the first was to fit a 1/8 muscle machine motor. Ive seen a few of these on clods just screwed to the bonnet but that didn't spin my wheels so I ordered some plastic card and modded the body so the motor sits lower making it look better in my opinion. It was a little freaky taking a dremel to the body but it didn't turn out to bad

I wanted something a little than box art as this truck is far from standard so I went for a bright orange and creme. Added a few extras like wipers and mirrors and also painted the deck black to make it stand out a little more. Its far from a perfect paint job as painting isn't a strong point of mine but I'm pretty happy with how its looking at the moment

Thats all for now, next job is to wire up the titans and the EVX2, mod the battery tray for a 2s lipo and sort the lexan runner body.

Cheers Andy

[Terz1]

That is a beautiful clod you've got there . Mine is totally stock and I've heard many say it's best to keep them that way but how can you argue with this build. I think you've hit the sweet spot with the modifications. Some take them so far that the only original thing left are the clod axles. Is that really still a clod? This on the other hand is definately a clod an looks amazing.

I really like the single shock per corner and the articulation is amazing. The proportions look great being slightly longer and wider. Mine looks a bit squashed now.

I've got a vintage blackfoot and when I put it next to my clod I'm always surpised how small it is in comparison.

Great job. Looking forward to the next installment.

[backtomyroots]

Whoa ! I'd be proud to have that in my collection - great classic paintjob. Glad the parts arrived safely.

[markbt73]

Excellent work and I love the two-tone paint! These old Chevy trucks just don't look right all one color. So many of them were two-tone, and some odd combinations too.

In fact, on the way home just today today, I saw one in kelly green with cream inserts and a green stand-up bug visor on the front. Might keep that combo in mind for one of my Clods...

[berman]

That looks amazing Andy! I too love the paint job! Wheelbase is a smidge long for me but I'm just nitpicking and I certainly wouldn't kick it out of home! I would love to do a 'Tuned' Clod (i.e, stock chassis style with some tasty upgrades).

I bet with the titans and evx2 your clod would be just what you and your friend wanted as kids

I didn't know Chris shipped international...

[Scapelnz]

That is a beautiful clod you've got there . Mine is totally stock and I've heard many say it's best to keep them that way but how can you argue with this build. I think you've hit the sweet spot with the modifications. Some take them so far that the only original thing left are the clod axles. Is that really still a clod? This on the other hand is definately a clod an looks amazing.

I really like the single shock per corner and the articulation is amazing. The proportions look great being slightly longer and wider. Mine looks a bit squashed now.

I've got a vintage blackfoot and when I put it next to my clod I'm always surpised how small it is in comparison.

Great job. Looking forward to the next installment.

Thanks Terz1, If I had a complete and original clod I wouldn't mod it either. I'm always on the lookout for a tidy original but they don't come up for sale here very often. Thanks again for your kind words

[Scapelnz]

Whoa ! I'd be proud to have that in my collection - great classic paintjob. Glad the parts arrived safely.

Thanks Chris, the parts arrived ages ago but I always struggle to find time to work on my projects as life is pretty hectic at the moment

[Scapelnz]

Excellent work and I love the two-tone paint! These old Chevy trucks just don't look right all one color. So many of them were two-tone, and some odd combinations too.

In fact, on the way home just today today, I saw one in kelly green with cream inserts and a green stand-up bug visor on the front. Might keep that combo in mind for one of my Clods...

Cheers Mark, when I was deciding on the paint scheme I simply googled 80's Chevy pickup and was bombarded with two tone trucks, all I had to do was pick a color

[Scapelnz]

That looks amazing Andy! I too love the paint job! Wheelbase is a smidge long for me but I'm just nitpicking and I certainly wouldn't kick it out of home! I would love to do a 'Tuned' Clod (i.e, stock chassis style with some tasty upgrades).

I bet with the titans and evx2 your clod would be just what you and your friend wanted as kids

I didn't know Chris shipped international...

Thanks Neil. The whole idea of a tuned clod has always appealed to me but I would have never pulled apart an original to do it so this truck was the perfect opportunity.

I got Chris to send the parcel to Mr Crash Crammer and then he sent it on to me from Texas, I love the people on this site, everyone's always willing to help out including yourself

[lupogtiboy]

That looks great! Its nice that it has the mods but still looks like a Clod should look, and the paintjob is perfect too. I have a Super Clod but I have a Bowtie shell that I keep meaning to do for the shelf, one day I may get round to it!

[KEV THE REV]

Not just another Clod build !!, this is a fantastic truck , excellent colour choice and execution - stunning . I have a totally stock Clod but would love something like your truck , only the wallet prevents

[TWINSET]

Great looking truck and superb paintjob

Why does it have a GMC tailgate though?

[Sayer]

"Painting isn't a strong point of mine"

Liar.

[Scapelnz]

That looks great! Its nice that it has the mods but still looks like a Clod should look, and the paintjob is perfect too. I have a Super Clod but I have a Bowtie shell that I keep meaning to do for the shelf, one day I may get round to it!

Thanks lupogtiboy, the bow tie grill I scored of a local trading site for only $5 and it is in pretty good condition

[Scapelnz]

Not just another Clod build !!, this is a fantastic truck , excellent colour choice and execution - stunning . I have a totally stock Clod but would love something like your truck , only the wallet prevents

Yeah the cost of the mod clod builds is crazy, and I still have the stock chassis, would hate to think of the cost if I went for an after market chassis. Wouldn't really be a clod then so I'll stick with the tub :-)

[Scapelnz]

Great looking truck and superb paintjob

Why does it have a GMC tailgate though?

Thanks twinset, I was wondering when someone would mention that lol. I have a 4x4 x4 grill that I have modified to fit a custom billet grill that I'm waiting on for delivery which will have a GMC badge on it ;-)

[Scapelnz]

"Painting isn't a strong point of mine"

Liar.

Ha ha it's one of those looks great from a distance but up close there's a few flaws :-)

[whahooo]

Nice Clod!

I´m thinking abot getting a 4 link Suspension, but the stock suspension seems to work for my minimal offroading, hm... ....i`ll see.

I´m also thinking about the steering set, but i`ll try ti reinforce the tierods with brasstubes <- did anyone did that before? I´ve never seen a brasstube reinforced tierod on Pictures before. is there a reason why that should be a bad idea?

[Scapelnz]

Nice Clod!

I´m thinking abot getting a 4 link Suspension, but the stock suspension seems to work for my minimal offroading, hm... ....i`ll see.

I´m also thinking about the steering set, but i`ll try ti reinforce the tierods with brasstubes <- did anyone did that before? I´ve never seen a brasstube reinforced tierod on Pictures before. is there a reason why that should be a bad idea?

Don't see why it wouldn't work, the poor steering of the clod as resulted in a lot of aftermarket parts available for purchase. Stock steering is shocking compared to the setup on my clod now, I locked out the rear and mounted a servo on the axle, also trimmed the wee tabs on the hubs which gave a greater range of steering

[Novastar]

An awesome looking and well thought out functional project. I will definitely gather some inspiration from your build for improving my almost stock Super Clod. I don't usually modify my kits much but now you've really got me thinking about it and I have lots of work coming up so I can afford it in the near future. I think my wallet just started trembling with fear..

Also looking forward to updates here

[bunchlox]

Would you mind listing the parts you have used for the axles (particularly the link lengths and 4 link mounts etc), and which single shock conversion you have used? I wouldn't mind doing something similar with a Clod i have in bits.

Thanks

[matman]

I jumped onto CPE site & got lost . I'm not too sure what to get , so i gave up .

I did see the bottom chassis plate that the 4 link goes to , But not the axel links .

I may have another look !! . Great clodmod you have done Scapelnz .

Love the paint job , That i would not use . I would have it as shelf body ...

[matman]

Ok , i have got parts coming to build a scapelnz style clodbuster ..

I didn't want to spend money at the moment , but the above clod as made me want tooooooooo .. .

So thanks

[emory70]

That's a fine looking mild custom Clod.

[Scapelnz]

Would you mind listing the parts you have used for the axles (particularly the link lengths and 4 link mounts etc), and which single shock conversion you have used? I wouldn't mind doing something similar with a Clod i have in bits.

Thanks

So sorry for the delay in replying to your message, in the last few months Ive changed jobs, moved city's, brought a new house and all other family stuff in between. I haven't been on TC in ages but am back with vengeance now!

If you are still after that list bunchlox I will put it together shortly for you, Cheers