Fixing a typical TA-02 problem
Status: How To Guide
Date: 7-May-2010
Comments: 19
Some of you know I am nowadays working on an off-road TA-02 chassis. Well, as I was testing it I happen to broke the front right shock mount.
At first I thought epoxy would keep the shock in its place, so I covered the mount with an epoxy donut, just to find out it was not strong enough to keep things in place (you can see that mess in the pictures below).
Frustrated, I was staring at the chassis and then I noticed an unused hole for what could be a third self tap screw in center of the front shock tower. Lightbulb! A three-hole aluminum plate would strenghten the whole suspension when holding it with longer screws and safe bolts.
So, as you can see in the pictures, an hour and a half of -relaxing- work ended up with some pretty nice (and strong) results.
I hope this simple idea will help some fellow Tamiya enthusiasts out there to save some hard-earned cash. :)
Comments
tamiyaonebay
Looks like Tamiya should take note. Cool solution and it looks better than the original.
mongoose1983
Thank you, tamiyaonebay!
Well, I like to keep things as original as possible, but I had to find a solution because the only way to get the broken part was buying the whole front gearbox which costs as much as my daily earning. I had no choice, but I am happy with the results. The front shock tower is now very strong and resistant.
jeekelemental
Fine solution, I prefer this upgrades to bling-blings
SMOKE-DOG
Nice fix, looks official.
Morgi74
Looks very professional... great job!
Tizer
the ones on my TA01/2's are broken too. I have fitted some GPM Carbonfibre shocktowers, and those are strong enough
And not even that expensive!
Tamiyamandan
WOW...Nice fix....Looks GREAT Too !!!!
Wyoming
Nice repair, I've also found unless you physically repair this plastic like you did no adhesive will hold it for long. Looks very factory when you're done, nice work!
Crash Cramer
I love the addition of the 'proper logo', it certainly beats the buy another approach. Keep up the great work Erich.
paulos29
good call matey,,,a sweet repair
scollins
nice job!!!!!!!!love ta-02 tweaks...this one is great
slimmy
nice work
mongoose1983
Thanks for the kind words, fellow TCers - I only hope this info will be of help to anyone having the same problem with this chassis.
tbone
Out of curiosity how thick is the aluminum plate and what type of cutter are you using on that dremmel/ mutli-tool. Have a similar project on which I would like to strengthen and lengthen a TL01 shock mount.
CASE1
great post, top work this idea. Nothing like a well used TA-02!
mongoose1983
@tbone: The aluminum plate I used here is 1.5 mm thick.
def4x4
Looks great that idea, very nice work. Thanks for sharing that!
sony-sonic
Nice tip! Now someone has to come up with something to cure the re-ocurring split on the steering knuckles (where the screws go) and I'll be happy!
actualday
Great idea, looks great with the logo on it!!
*note to self - get a dremmel!!!
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