Scipunk's builds, mods and upgrades

[Scipunk]

Hey all, 

Ok so a good chunk of you know i just got back into this after a very long break and i figured instead of having 500 threads about my different cars and questions i would consolidate and put them here. Now at the moment i only have 2 Tamiya vehicles (and 2 others that i use for serious bashing and reckless fun) a RE-RE Lunchbox and the MF01X Rally Beetle and they are both built BUT i am going to modify them AND i have another chassis coming soon i hope  

So here are the 2 i do have
Lunch

Plans for the lunch are underway and include: 

FX10 mod, larger shocks, MB wheels, AMPRO trans brace, rear shock relocator, upper braces, lights, and a undisclosed paintjob  

Beetle

Plans for the beetle include:
TRF Shocks (installed), HPI Turbofan wheels, different tires, yeah racing aluminum long travel suspension, 13.5t motor, steel pinion, new ESC, sealed bearings (installed) aluminum drive shaft, custom paint  

I am waiting for Chris to set me up with a TCphoto account because i cannot get my flickr to work...lol. 

Future project will hopefully be a XV-01 Lancia and a Sand Scorcher. 

[Jason1145]

Nice plans that will be 4 sweet cars in total!

Will the HPI Turbofans work ok on the MF01x with it being a 1/12 and not a 1/10?

I only mention it as I have Turbofans on one of my Tamiya TL01's so I just assumed they would be too big on a smaller M chassis car etc... I could be wrong and you can always trim the shell to fit them?

[Scipunk]

8 minutes ago, Jason1145 said:

Nice plans that will be 4 sweet cars in total!

Will the HPI Turbofans work ok on the MF01x with it being a 1/12 and not a 1/10?

I only mention it as I have Turbofans on one of my Tamiya TL01's so I just assumed they would be too big on a smaller M chassis car etc... I could be wrong and you can always trim the shell to fit them?

Yeah i am excited. 

For your second question the Beetle is actually 1/10th according to the box, but it does seem small. I will have too look into it. Could you by change measure one of the wheels for me with the tire?

[TurnipJF]

A lot of people refer to the M chassis cars as 1/12 scale, because they are roughly the same size as GT12 cars, which are 1/12 scale.

However it all comes down to the body shells, for me at any rate. A GT12 shell is typically a smaller scale model of a bigger car, whereas an M chassis shell is typically a larger scale model of a smaller car.

Thus you end up with Tamiya minis having the same wheelbase as GT12 Porsche 911s for example.

I would therefore say that an M chassis car is typically a 1/10 scale model, however depicting a vehicle that would be smaller in full size than a touring car would be.

One should also remember that very few of our models are exactly 1/10 scale, as they are typically designed to fit standard chassis dimensions specified in race class rules.

As for the wheel and tire question, the chassis can take both 55D and 60D Mini size wheels and tyres as well as the usual touring car sizes. Your chosen body shell dictates which size is suitable for your car. For example the tiny little Suzuki Jimny uses full size touring car wheels and tyres, whereas the longer wheelbase Beetle is supplied with 60D mini size ones. However I gather that there is space under the Beetle wheel arches to put full-size touring car rubber on if you wish.

[Scipunk]

2 hours ago, TurnipJF said:

A lot of people refer to the M chassis cars as 1/12 scale, because they are roughly the same size as GT12 cars, which are 1/12 scale.

However it all comes down to the body shells, for me at any rate. A GT12 shell is typically a smaller scale model of a bigger car, whereas an M chassis shell is typically a larger scale model of a smaller car.

Thus you end up with Tamiya minis having the same wheelbase as GT12 Porsche 911s for example.

I would therefore say that an M chassis car is typically a 1/10 scale model, however depicting a vehicle that would be smaller in full size than a touring car would be.

One should also remember that very few of our models are exactly 1/10 scale, as they are typically designed to fit standard chassis dimensions specified in race class rules.

As for the wheel and tire question, the chassis can take both 55D and 60D Mini size wheels and tyres as well as the usual touring car sizes. Your chosen body shell dictates which size is suitable for your car. For example the tiny little Suzuki Jimny uses full size touring car wheels and tyres, whereas the longer wheelbase Beetle is supplied with 60D mini size ones. However I gather that there is space under the Beetle wheel arches to put full-size touring car rubber on if you wish.

Man you know a a lot about M chassis! Thanks again for the great info! It is funny how small the beetle is compared to say my Arrma Granite BLX . I think eventually i want to get into a on road chassis but i am not sure which one yet. For now you already know my game plan of learn on the MF then build the XV.

Size difference both 1/10 the scale lol by David Ashe, on Flickr

 

So in other news turns out the TRF shocks we ordered were iun fact for the XV so the rear shocks are held on currently by the original screws until i can locate longer ball ends OR wait for my YR kit and use the spacers provided there. @TurnipJF i forget did you install this kit on the MF and did you have to notch the gear cover inspection plate for the rear link to clear like Mateo? 

I am waiting on paint to be delivered then i will have both those shells started...lol

Thanks!

 

 

[TurnipJF]

1 hour ago, Scipunk said:

Man you know a a lot about M chassis! Thanks again for the great info! 

I wouldn't call myself an M chassis expert. I have been fortunate enough to add an M-03, M-04, M-05, M-06, M-07 and MF-01X to my fleet, as well as build, modify and restore some examples of the above belonging to friends and family. However I have yet to work on the two chassis that started it all, namely the M-01 and M-02. Perhaps one day!

 

1 hour ago, Scipunk said:

@TurnipJF i forget did you install this kit on the MF and did you have to notch the gear cover inspection plate for the rear link to clear like Mateo? 

My car uses a different solution, based on the approach taken in some of the early drift mods made when the MF-01X first came out.

It uses a pair of long ball links to move the rear outer upper control arm mounting points forward, so that the gear cover would not bind. This moves them into the path of the rear shock absorbers, so the shocks are also moved forward by removing the spacers that would normally be used at the upper attachment points, and using another pair of long ball links in place of the standard ones at the bottom attachment points.

 

[Scipunk]

2 minutes ago, TurnipJF said:

I wouldn't call myself an M chassis expert. I have been fortunate enough to add an M-03, M-04, M-05, M-06, M-07 and MF-01X to my fleet, as well as build, modify and restore some examples of the above belonging to friends and family. However I have yet to work on the two chassis that started it all, namely the M-01 and M-02. Perhaps one day!

 

My car uses a different solution, based on the approach taken in some of the early drift mods made when the MF-01X first came out.

It uses a pair of long ball links to move the rear outer upper control arm mounting points forward, so that the gear cover would not bind. This moves them into the path of the rear shock absorbers, so the shocks are also moved forward by removing the spacers that would normally be used at the upper attachment points, and using another pair of long ball links in place of the standard ones at the bottom attachment points.

 

Do you happen to have a pic of this setup? Also i hope you one day get to build one of the original 2

[TurnipJF]

49 minutes ago, Scipunk said:

Do you happen to have a pic of this setup?

Here you go. 

Not as pretty as the Yeah Racing alloy, but it works well. 

 

[Jason1145]

12 hours ago, Scipunk said:

Yeah i am excited. 

For your second question the Beetle is actually 1/10th according to the box, but it does seem small. I will have too look into it. Could you by change measure one of the wheels for me with the tire?

65mm with Tamiya slicks

[Scipunk]

Gonna be a fun week
2019-01-15_05-05-06 by David Ashe, on Flickr

[Scipunk]

Minor set back adverted and suspension is underway 

20190115_235622 by David Ashe, on Flickr

 

Quick question, is there a way to remove all the slop in the steering servo horn cause its really wobbly... I've tightened the screw down flush but it still has a lot of slack. Can i add a washer (besides the spacer)?

[Scipunk]

And one more, will these fit, i love the color!

https://www.amazon.com/hobbysoul-Aluminum-Alloy-Adjustable-Offset/dp/B07MQYWRYQ/ref=sr_1_44?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1547627412&sr=1-44&keywords=1%2F10+touring+car+wheels

[TurnipJF]

4 hours ago, Scipunk said:

Minor set back adverted and suspension is underway 

20190115_235622 by David Ashe, on Flickr

 

Quick question, is there a way to remove all the slop in the steering servo horn cause its really wobbly... I've tightened the screw down flush but it still has a lot of slack. Can i add a washer (besides the spacer)?

Could it be that the screw is a bit too long, bottoming out in the servo before fully clamping the servo saver?

A washer certainly wouldn't hurt. You could always remove it again should it prove ineffective.

It is also worth bearing in mind that the dark and light grey parts of the servo saver were molded in different processes and the moulds date from different times, so the tolerances aren't all that great. Small pieces of thin tape to take up the slack can give you less slop, however to be honest it doesn't really affect the handling all that much unless you are in a precision racing environment. 

[Scipunk]

50 minutes ago, TurnipJF said:

Could it be that the screw is a bit too long, bottoming out in the servo before fully clamping the servo saver?

A washer certainly wouldn't hurt. You could always remove it again should it prove ineffective.

It is also worth bearing in mind that the dark and light grey parts of the servo saver were molded in different processes and the moulds date from different times, so the tolerances aren't all that great. Small pieces of thin tape to take up the slack can give you less slop, however to be honest it doesn't really affect the handling all that much unless you are in a precision racing environment. 

I tried the screw that came with my savox and it made 0 difference, would the aluminum saver help at all? I'll give the tape trick a shot when i tear the car down today

Do you have a rally style tires you can recommend that would fit those turbofans i was looking at?

I really wish someone made a convincing VW wheel, the scorcher has them, maybe i could use 2 sets of front wheels? 

EDIT Completely forgot  they make a regular Beetle...lol 

 

[Scipunk]

So i got the rear done but the ball ends hit the inner lip of the rim, so i need taller wheels otherwise i have too much camber, i can either, get taller wheels, shave the ball end or remove the spacer they suggested using, ill try the spacer first:

2019-01-16_09-03-28 by David Ashe, on Flickr

 

[Juls1]

Can you move the ball one hole towards the car and shorten the upper arm? It’ll mess with the camber gain but at least it’ll work. I’d say they thought most people would be using 1.9” wheels like on the Jimny. 

[TurnipJF]

Are the Turbofans you are considering using 1.9" in size? If so, they should fit fine. The Yeah Racing setup is designed for use with standard touring car wheels, not the Mini size wheels offered with the beetle kit.

As for tyres, I have found Tamiya's rally blocks to work very well. There are other tyres that look more realistic but don't grip particularly well such a as treaded radials, as well as tyres that grip quite well but don't look at all realistic, such as minipins. However I think that the rally blocks offer a good compromise, looking reasonably realistic well also gripping nicely.

[Scipunk]

35 minutes ago, Juls1 said:

Can you move the ball one hole towards the car and shorten the upper arm? It’ll mess with the camber gain but at least it’ll work. I’d say they thought most people would be using 1.9” wheels like on the Jimny. 

I could do that i think i was supposed to chop 2mm off the ends but i may be losing it also...lol

27 minutes ago, TurnipJF said:

Are the Turbofans you are considering using 1.9" in size? If so, they should fit fine. The Yeah Racing setup is designed for use with standard touring car wheels, not the Mini size wheels offered with the beetle kit.

As for tyres, I have found Tamiya's rally blocks to work very well. There are other tyres that look more realistic but don't grip particularly well such a as treaded radials, as well as tyres that grip quite well but don't look at all realistic, such as minipins. However I think that the rally blocks offer a good compromise, looking reasonably realistic well also gripping nicely.

Sadly the Turbofans are 2.2 so i am not sure if they would fit and does Tamiya make the rally blocks in a 2.2?

[Juls1]

You should be able to make that work, those rear hubs are the same in the wide arm M05/M06 kit, which is designed for mini wheels only. My M06 kit works well. 

[Scipunk]

7 minutes ago, Juls1 said:

You should be able to make that work, those rear hubs are the same in the wide arm M05/M06 kit, which is designed for mini wheels only. My M06 kit works well. 

Juls1 do you mean the wheels or the ball end thing...lol? Would shaving the top of the ball end be a bad idea? I really don't want to weaken it but atm with the nuts tightened i can barely spin the wheels.

 

[Scipunk]

I think i found the wheels i want,

 HPI Fifteen52 Turbomac 26mm Wheels in Black

Diameter: 1.9" (48.2mm)

Width: 1.02" (26mm)

Hex Size: 12mm

Offset: 1/4" (6mm)

Uses 26mm tires, hopefully they should fit AND clear the rear turnbuckles

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HPI-114638-FIFTEEN52-TURBOMAC-Wheel-BLACK-26MM-2-pieces-/263610404144?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c1#viTabs_0

UPDATE: I was using the 2mm spacers, then i found the M05 bag with the correct 1mm spacer so now the wheels spin freely! Still gonna get new wheels but yay for reading! 

20190117_032941 by David Ashe, on Flickr

20190117_033829 by David Ashe, on Flickr

used the 2mm spacers for the top of my rear shocks so they sit more vertical

20190117_033841 by David Ashe, on Flickr

[Scipunk]

Got the front fitted and replaced the rear upper suspension balls studs with the threaded rod and screw on ball caps so there is more material in the plastic with the spacer

20190117_091541 by David Ashe, on Flickr

20190117_091625 by David Ashe, on Flickr

20190117_091640 by David Ashe, on Flickr

[Scipunk]

So while i wait for a couple things from @speedy_w_beans i decided to do a  mock up of how i am gonna paint this. 

It will be Gold and black using Tamiya paints, the wheels will be different but you get the idea. I might try it with the black being blue, to match the suspension but im trying to keep the rally theme. I may do my own version of the decals using vinyl from my shop. I might incorporate the blue there or possible red as a offset color.

I also want to de-chrome the bumpers/lights and black them out. More of a euro look as it were. I am gonna also source some better bumper lights as the kit ones are just too clunky to me. I assume easy off oven cleaner is the best way to de-chrome as it is with models? 

EDIT turns out there a lot of methods...lol bleach white. ammonia, brake fluid, caustic soda... well shouldn't be too hard to figure out something...lol

Thoughts?

 

[Scipunk]

@speedy_w_beans came through with a care package for the beetle and other stuff

2 flange tubes to replace the broken one

1.9 TC wheels

and a "small" contribution to my decal collection...lol

2019-01-19_06-59-40 by David Ashe, on Flickr

I'll fit the wheels tomorrow and check clearance

 

[Scipunk]

Lunchbox update!

So i ordered the brace and the lens kit from Ampro Engineering and i am impressed:

Brace
20190123_113921 by David Ashe, on Flickr

Rear shocks:

20190123_113210 by David Ashe, on Flickr

 

And progress on the tail lights:

Left side fitted with a dremel/file/xacto  the plastic sun on the dremel bit and melted the trim a little

Right side was done using my weller hot knife/file/xacto both methods are scary lol

Right fitted

I still have a lot of cleanup and such to do, but it's nice to know the toughest of them are done. Side markers are gonna be interesting

shoutout to @graemevw who wanted to see progress pics