Super Brat Runner

My last update to this project was months ago, but it has been finished for a while and I have been perfecting it and running it all summer. This started as a simple re-re Brat, and evolved thanks to lots of helpful suggestions, input and parts from members of this site. Thanks to everyone! TRANNY UPGRADES: With the re-re kit as a start, I reinforced the rear diff using the 'old frogshot' method of drilling out and threading the diff cups. This has held all summer. I also added the upgraded Frog universals from Tamiya. And of course full bearings. CHASSIS: First, I sealed up the side holes of the ORV chassis with Carbon Fiber plate. Then I created a polystyrene skid plate to mount under the metal skid plate, and a baffle in the rear of the steering servo. I also added the top chassis pod/reinforcement from the Super Blackfoot. Then I bagged all the radio gear. It is very water resistant now, for running in all kinds of weather. Lastly, I created a rear bumper/antennae mount out of Kydex material. SUSPENSION: The stock suspension was a let down. The stock rear shocks were too stiff (it flipped a lot) and the front had no dampening. So I upgraded to Tamiya 50520 CVA black shocks in front and back. Back uses the stiff springs with the one hole plunger and the front uses the soft springs with the three hold plunger. I also added Team CRP spring collars and rear shock/chassis reinforcement. To make the front shocks fit, I fabbed up a custom front shock and body mount. I intended to use fiberglass, but the polystyrene sheet prototype has held up fine, so I painted it black and left it. I also added the top chassis reinforcer from the Super Blackfoot, which added a lot of necessary reinforcement to both the shock tower and the chassis. I got my hands on an original Parma rear anti-sway bar, but have not fitted it yet as it already handles like a dream. BODY: see the related link for details on the sandblasted matte finish of this body. I also made my own decals in blue and black that mimic the stock Brat decals (I was going for a Prodrive look). I then added the roll bar and front push bar from the polystyrene body to the lexan body - needed some slight modification. Lastly, I added a Tamiya TLU-01 light set, with custom polystyrene light buckets. DRIVER: I made my own mid plate out of polystyrene to mount the driver and black out the cockpit area. The driver's body was drilled/cut out from it's surround and then mounted to the mid plate. WHEELS: I have several sets of wheels for this runner. My favorite are the alloys from Rad - they ROCK! I also have a set of painted black plastic rims that impart a different but also cool look. RUNNING: This is one of my favorite RC kits of all time. With the new suspension, it corners brilliantly without flipping. Thanks for looking.