Shape_Shifter Builds a Komodo

[Jeepiac]

I thought it was kind of strange that Gmade mounted the bumpers on the body. Even the Sawback had a chassis mounted bumper. They really dropped the ball on this one.

[Shape_Shifter]

Originally Posted by Jeepiac

I thought it was kind of strange that Gmade mounted the bumpers on the body. Even the Sawback had a chassis mounted bumper. They really dropped the ball on this one.

I agree. Especially if they want to compete with SCX10 for sales.

There is a tube front bumper upgrade available but nothing for the rear yet. I assume it is an up-sell tactic to get you to buy the upgrades.

[Shape_Shifter]

I was able to get out and actually put this thing through the paces today and I can say it performs very well the way I have it setup. Of course everyone has their own idea of what performance is and that is usually based on the type of terrain they like to run on. Me - I like micro rubicon style rocks sized for 1.9 wheels.

I wanted to test the body magnets on this type of terrain and I am actually really surprised how well they hold. I tipped and rolled a couple of times and I could hear the body very quickly separate from the mag mounts then immediately snap right back on. This is only possible with mag mounts because I mounted the bumpers to the frame (see below for comments on the other method).

The approach and departure angles suck on this truck and that is even with the lift I have. My cool scale red shackles get snagged often on approach and the rear bumper hangs too often. If you mount your bumpers on the body, you will probably have the same problem.

Also I have sort of changed my opinion on the bumpers-on-body. If you mount body on posts with clips like you're supposed to (not on magnets like me), you might actually be able to scrape past obstacles instead of wedging against them like the long overhang, rigid, frame mounted bumpers on mine. So dont be afraid to build this truck just because of the bumpers - the body is VERY strong and bashing the bumpers on obstacles wont hurt a thing, though it might wear the post holes after a while.






This is not a pose, the truck rolled and I snapped a pic of it where it landed. The mag mounts hold tight.

[Shape_Shifter]

Finally found a use for the ugly green winch (dont ask) by hiding it under the truck.

This way it spools off straight through the hawser.

[Shape_Shifter]

Thanks to moderators for moving this thread for me. I think it belongs over here on this forum with other 1.9 scalers.

[Shape_Shifter]

Got lights installed in the body. Still need to do the light bars...

Speaking of light bars, notice the center light in the bar on the roof. Looks different, don't it?

[Shape_Shifter]

The center light on the roof bar was replaced by the lens of a Mobuis camera. I stuffed the lens cap in to the light cage and it fits perfect. Completely by luck.

[Shape_Shifter]

A quick test video from roof rack cam.

[Shape_Shifter]

Enough lights already......

[TrailDawg362]

Nice! The stock bumper has 4 more led holes .

[Shape_Shifter]

Originally Posted by TrailDawg362

Nice! The stock bumper has 4 more led holes .

HAHA! I know, I know... The holes do fit 5mm and 3mm LEDs perfectly but there are no holder/bracket things included like all the other lights and the instructions dont show anything going in there. Maybe I'll put something in there eventually....

[Shape_Shifter]

I neglected to set my steering end points right and my zero ackerman outer knuckles ripped off my inner plastic knuckle by steering past its happy point.

I replaced it with beef and set my endpoints correctly this time.

[rc2000]

Nice build man. I found these that would help with ride height and give you a few more options. I couldn't deal with the bumpers on the body. I replace mine with a flar stinger stubby and a flat metal bumper in the back.

[Jeepiac]

Originally Posted by rc2000

Nice build man. I found these that would help with ride height and give you a few more options. I couldn't deal with the bumpers on the body. I replace mine with a flar stinger stubby and a flat metal bumper in the back.

Throw a picture like this up without a link so the rest of us can check them out?
That's dirty!

[rc2000]

Ok,ok, my bad...lol.

rcMart.com- GS01 Sawback 1/10 4WD Crawler Kit For Gmade Hopup Parts XS-59597| XS-59209| XS-59560| SW024-BK| SW160-R-BEBK| SW160-BK-BEBK| SW333R-GS| SW019-R|- rcMart! Best Choice Buying Radio Control Car Parts! GS01 Sawback 1/10 4WD

[Shape_Shifter]

Originally Posted by rc2000

Nice build man. I found these that would help with ride height and give you a few more options. I couldn't deal with the bumpers on the body. I replace mine with a flar stinger stubby and a flat metal bumper in the back.

Thanks,

How did you mount your rear bumper?

[rc2000]

Originally Posted by Shape_Shifter

Thanks,

How did you mount your rear bumper?

I used shock keys in the back, the front mounts right up to the rails. There both rc4wd Scx bumpers. They would mount right up if you had the longer universal mounts.

[Shape_Shifter]

Originally Posted by rc2000

I used shock keys in the back, the front mounts right up to the rails. There both rc4wd Scx bumpers. They would mount right up if you had the longer universal mounts.

Awesome idea!

Do you have a build thread posted somewhere?

[rc2000]

No, I'm horrible at the step by step stop take a pic thing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Shape_Shifter]

Originally Posted by rc2000

No, I'm horrible at the step by step stop take a pic thing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Heh. I hear you.

What shock keys are those?