VS4-10 Phoenix/AD GroundFox Build

[Mud Daog]

Happy new year, citizens!

I started converting my Vanquish VS4-10 Phoenix into an Artful Dodgers Design GroundFox V2. First time ranking performance over scale appearance for a build, and I can't wait to get it done and go see what's up. Couldn't quite let go of scale appearance: Body choice right now is a Pro-Line Metric, I'm opting for a build that can be changed between Class 1 and Class 2 spec. There are no C1 comps around.. but I like smaller tires and will try to keep the portals as low as possible.

Here we go:




I went CF!

The kit was missing one M3x20 set screw for the rear links, but I luckily found the only one available in town.



Beautifully machined aluminum parts!


(panhard bar mounted wrong; should be behind the bracket)

Had a really good time building! Contemplating different stuff now; wheels and tires, body setup mostly. And the hardest of them all: color choices!

[Mud Daog]

I bought the Faif brass covers when this was a hardbodied Phoenix. Don't know if I'll actually gain any advantages from them here, but the body is a bit big compared to all the Powerwagons and Cliffhangers, so I'll try them out and see.


Everything is in place, but not tightened down completely yet.

These 1.7 RC4WD wheels (don't worry about the thread, just testing) are great and honestly I love the tire size - but thinking I'll at least go to 4.19" to not waste the opportunity to crawl over more stuff.

These 4.45 pitbulls are about as big as I'm willing to go with tires. Probably using the Phoenix cage

Looking like a damn Final Form Honcho in the making!Also considering 2.2 rims because it would let me run higher offset and tuck the portal covers inside the backspacing. ProBuilds would be the optimal choice.

Working on it, thanks for looking!

[indybama]

Thats lookin great man! The phoenix cage with the metric body works nicely together. Those brass portal cover will help keep the front end down, eventually im goina get the ones VP recently released. Kinda like those rc4wd wheels with the metric body, but those pro builds are a good choice too.

Definantly goina watch this build come together. Keep up the good work dagg

[Goro Majima]

Should look pretty badass once you're done!

[B-MOW71]

Cool build! I've been wanting to get the GroundFox chassis kit.

I do like the Rock Beast on the 2.2 ProBuilds. Looks great!

Following along to see more!

[Mud Daog]

Thanks you guys! I may have caused a little confusion with all these wheels.. hehe the 2.2 is a Gearhead wheel, and I stretched a class 1 Hyrax tire on it. I only have one of those rims. The Rock Beasts are sitting on 1.9 Vanquish Methods.. and the RC4WD Racelines are 1.7, with Baja Claws.

I had to repair one of the shocks, and then did some bobbing:

[Mud Daog]

Busy week, but got some tinkering done. Working on some slider tops, just black styrene. Also went and got some EVA foam, love that stuff for filling gaps under a body, might even make inner fenders. Luckily had a friend of mine, the great Tommy S; print some parts from Knight Customs for the body. Aiming at second gen Tacoma, 2011 style grille and light buckets.. sanding and puttying incoming. Meanwhile, color choices are impossible as usual. Have a good weekend, crawler peeps!

[Mud Daog]

Slow progress here, but pretty hyped on the 3D printed parts so far. The body can hopefully sit pretty low on the chassis, had to find a way to lower the front bumper. Dodger cab mount serves as a brace and lowering mount for now

[casco_bay_rc]

[Rb240]

I’m happy with my groundfox. Although I built mine before they offered the carbon rails or a 4-10 kit. So I have ar45 straights and a stealthX in mine.

[Elcap23]

I'd be interested in real-world performance of the Groundfox chassis with the Phoenix drivetrain. Is there a tangible benefit to the chassis? Comparison to the stock chassis?

Thanks!

[Mud Daog]

Originally Posted by Elcap23

I'd be interested in real-world performance of the Groundfox chassis with the Phoenix drivetrain. Is there a tangible benefit to the chassis? Comparison to the stock chassis?

Thanks!

I will report back as soon as I've tested it! The design does drop the transmission and motor a bit lower. But: With my body choice I won't quite get the ultra LCG like the comp cab builds, and also I haven't ran the Phoenix with a lexan bod to compare.. it was a heavy JKU until recently. But I'll report something, that's for sure.

[Mud Daog]

Update: slow cook on this one, but I've got some stuff done.
First: got the body painted. Translucent red over Bright Gun Metal, backed with black. Candypaint for rock crawling?! Yes, mom.

Made a floor/slider piece out of sheet styrene and a piece of a TRX-4 part. Then made some front inner fenders out of EVA foam.







The grille is just sanded. Aluminum tape is still a hero in this hobby.

Used Kyosho Micron tape for panel lines, it's really freakin good for that. Love these headlights!

Like I'm gonna afford a 5th wheel...

Peace!

[B-MOW71]

Nice progress! Color and details look great!

[DirtMerchant]

Looks like this is turning out real nice!

[Goro Majima]

Loving how this is coming together. I like that foam method for the fender liners!

[Mud Daog]

Originally Posted by Goro Majima

Loving how this is coming together. I like that foam method for the fender liners!

EVA foam is a treasure when you need something flexible and super light! i'm thinking about making seats from it.

Thanks for the encouragements, guys. Got kind of a busy weekend, but I'm constantly thinking about tuis little guy




More impossible choices... I really like both


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[Mud Daog]

Heeeeeello. Having some issues with some kinda noise/binding in the transmission - but I think I've done all I can for now.
Finished my homemade sliders and inner fenders, got the Phoenix interior painted up and paired with a LC70 dash.. hybrid moments.
My homie is printing a rear bumper and I'm still thinking about fender flares. Salut!

[durok]

That's a damn fine-looking rig ya got there, man!

Gorgeous red paint, killer wheel and tire selection on the last pic.

Grille and bumper are SO clean...

[Mud Daog]

Originally Posted by durok

That's a damn fine-looking rig ya got there, man!

Gorgeous red paint, killer wheel and tire selection on the last pic.

Grille and bumper are SO clean...

Thanks man! Hoping it'll be all sewed up this weekend