build or buy, whats your opinion??

[BeerMonkeY]

So i want to build a scale jeep of my JK, now im looking at a either getting a rtr scx10 JK (about $375 at local hobby shop, chime in if vendors have it at a better price) or getting everything seperate and putting it together. i like the drive train setup from GCM, thinking of just getting a scx10 frame, tranny and some stock axles and using the GCM t-case and mounts. or even the canyon crawler setup from GCM and adding a stock axial axles and tranny. i also have a question on motor setups, im guessing a stock traxxas setup from a brushless slash is a bit to much for this? what do you guys suggest?

[Rastaman]

Well my couple of cents would be look through the classifieds and find something that's part or fully built depending what style you prefer.. I've found too much good stuff and have gotten some real cool rigs that I have either changed a little or left pretty much as I got them, and most of them where a great deal..in my opinion..
I have bought a few new kits as well cuz I love assembling stuff.. But for the stretch of a dollar, the classifieds is the way to go..

[TacoCrawler]

Tho' I might agree that a used completed rig
will probably save you some money in the long run...

You really need to know what you're getting before you buy.
Tho' it may look good... it could be a disaster.
If buying used... I'd look to purchase from a reputable owner.

I like new...
'cuz yer the only person operating/maintaining that.

It's the same theory I have with my 1:1
That is why I purchased that new... and still own it after 14 years.
I know exactly what has been done...
and that it was done right.
no mechanical failures or fubar'd bolts/nuts/wiring = No surprises.

I bought two of the Honcho RTR's
I feel the radio gear is up to the task...
And of an acceptable quality.

I have put mine to the test by fording thru water...
(* No deeper then the tops of the tires).
Primarily at crawl speeds to keep splash at a minimum.

I have done nothing to waterproof anything...
But so far... the ESC has held up admirably.

Everything else (incl. BEC) is in the radio box.
works fine for most splash up...
tho' I wouldn't submerge that without first water proofing.

IMO... an RTR is the way to go...
if you wanna play with it while you modify it as you go.
If you'd rather build it, you'll have to wait.

In the mean time... I'm having tons of fun.

[rcwolf]

If you know exactly what parts you want and how they will go together and have an excess of money burning a hole in your pocket and can afford all the pieces at once, then go piece by piece. Otherwise buy the rtr or kit and upgrade as you go and build the jeep you want.

Keep in mind that if you go piece by piece you won't have a running rig until you buy a bunch of pieces, where as if you by the rtr you can run it while your contemplating your next upgrade. Also, just buying the scx10 frame, axles and transmission is just about $200 and you will still need tires, wheels, shocks, steering, drive lines, etc,etc just to make it go.

[joe122]

Looks of great info here, personally new is great but you wind up upgrading almost immediately. Scratch is awesome, but can be costly, although you wind up with something you completely assembled and know every nut and bolt. Used can be everything from a huge bucket of crap to the most awesome deal. Hope this kind helps.

[93flareside]

If your wanting to replicate your 1:1 rig start with the Kit or Scratch build with what was said above of frame,axles, and tranny. You won't feel like you've wasted money on parts you immediately removed to make it represent your 1:1. If it's your first time building a kit, don't sweat it their fairly straightforward builds.