Shodog’s TFL Bronco build

[Shodog 1842]

This TFL bronco kit is really nice kit. CNC axles, transmission, wheels and a welded steel chassis. The chassis will bolt together in no time as many parts are prebuilt. 

I started on the body first because that usually takes the longest for me. From the start I knew I wanted to do a Bronco with the Olympia livery

The fiberglass body is really cool but doesn’t have a door which gives it very rock crawlerish.  I didn’t want to give up the ornate Olympia door logo Simensays created on his sticker set. I read where the HPI bronco body fits well but you have to trim quite a bit of the body away. 

With an Xacto and Dremel I finished trimming the body to fit around the cage chassis. I then and began taping for the black paint.

Then tape for the gold 

Finally spraying the white. 

The decals turned out great and I’m very happy with the result. Now I can turn my attention to the chassis.

 

[khyzersoze 268]

Very nice!  I've got one on the way as well.  You wouldn't happen to be SHOme on RCCrawler would you?

[Shodog 1842]

8 hours ago, khyzersoze said:

Very nice!  I've got one on the way as well.  You wouldn't happen to be SHOme on RCCrawler would you?

Nope not me. I did however find his thread which is helpful about shimming the axle mesh. 

[Super Clodbuster Junkie 26]

Is that roll cage real metal? Where can I get one?

[Super Clodbuster Junkie 26]

Want that cage.

[Shodog 1842]

Yes it’s made with steel rod and welded together.  Not sure if TFL sells them separately from the kit. 

[khyzersoze 268]

They sell the body shell separately, but not the cage.

[Shodog 1842]

36 minutes ago, khyzersoze said:

They sell the body shell separately, but not the cage.

It’s a lot of work and expensive to make a cage like this. I doubt they would produce very many more than what they needed for the kits they made. Originally these sold for around $900 but Banggood has been banging these out for around $600.

[Shodog 1842]

I’m waiting on parts to come so I took advantage of the nice weather we are having to spray the blue paint on the cage. First a primer coat 

Then sprayed the TS-50 mica blue paint.  

The color is beautiful and looks great under the Oly body. 

[Re-Bugged 11259]

Very nice job 👍🏻