2wd Dakar Buggy Ala Schlesser

My latest project a lightweight 2wd Dakar buggy. Originally a M04L beetle it has been extended to 257mm with the addition of another spacer. None of the original suspension remains with the rear being from a TB01 with wide axles and spacers. Here I had to use TB02 drive shafts as the TL01/TB01 ones where too short and fell out all the time.

The front suspension is based on the TB01 lower arms with the MO4 C-hubs and knuckles, here I have used custom long tie rods to keep the same steering geometry as the original beetle suspension which due to having only 2 ball studs each side is very accurate and direct with next to no slope. The front has also needed a custom suspension mount in order to get the shocks at the correct angle as the stock MO4M mount mounts them almost horizontal not allowing any down travel which is no good off road. Front clearance is just under 30mm with rear travel sitting just a tad lower for handling and to get the slope of the sheet undergaurd at its optimum. Overall both front and rear suspension has about an inch of travel tho I need to source some softer springs as its still on the stiff stock touring ones.

I have also lightened the drive train with the carbon shafts and full ball bearings throughout in order to get the maximum out of the silver can which due to the machines lightweight and 7:1 gear ratio equips itself very well especially when things open up to maximum speed. The wheels and tyres are from Carson and available from both Fusion and Time tunnel in silver and black styles.

Finally I have modified a Hpi CLK GTR Bodyshell in order to achieve the Bodyshell as well as using a piece of extruded aluminium for the front shield rounded of with some foam that will help support the front of the Bodyshell. The rear wing is the top section of a Tamiya Impreza 2003 wing with the middle fins cut out and I have also added wing mirrors and a window wiper from my parts box. I have chosen an assortment of known sponsors from the Dakar and ensured of no product clashes so I have.

- Ford as engine supplier

- Hp as a title sponsor

- Red bull for energy drinks and as they sponsor everything these days

- Calsonic for all your car care needs and stereo :D

- O.Z racing for my wheels

- Michelin for my tyres

- Mobile 1 for my oils

- Magneti Marelli for my lights

The shell will be getting a radiator grill like set up where the rear window of the CLK GTR would be, this will cover up my error with body mounts as I needed to change mounts as they stock beetle ones didn’t go down low enough in mounting the shell (looked like it was on stilts). I also plan to add an Andi4x4 cockpit in time tho this will take much patience as there is very little space left between the chassis and the low lying Bodyshell added to that the situation of the radio gear and the shape of the shell it will need some thought to fit in realistically.
More details and pictures of exactly what I have used where can be found on this forum thread http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=40507&st=0&start=0
titled guess the project. Comments and questions as ever welcome, Thankyou for reading Ryck