Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

With the original build thread gone I'm missing sharing with y'all everything that I'm doing with Fiona. So, this isn't really a build thread. It's just a thread chronicling where she is now and what I'm doing with her from day to day. Aside from the parts list, nothing I'm posting here will be on my blog. I'll keep it pretty informal. :)


Build Specs: (alphabetical order by vendor)

• Axial
  • Heavy Duty Bevel Gear Set (43T/13T) Front and Rear
  • Heavy Duty Clamping Steering Servo Horn
• BGR Fabrications
  • Stinger Bumper
  • KOH Sport Cate
  • Shock Towers (F/R)
  • Sliders
• Billet Works Design
  • FOFF Motor Plate
• Blue Monkey RC
  • Ti Upper and Lower Linkage (Traxxas Jato/Revo Rod Ends)
  • Ti Steering Linkage (Traxxas Revo Rod Ends)
• Carter Fabrication
  • Rear Tray
  • Half Roof
• Castle Creations
  • BEC
  • Mamba Max Pro Sensored Electronic Speed Controller
• Crawl Space
  • Front Electronics Box/Tray
• Dynamic Concepts EB Bronco Body
• gMade
  • 123mm Diaphragm Shocks
• GCM Racing
  • AR60 Metal Head Axle Housings
  • Last Lockers
• Hitech
  • HS-7950TH Digital Ultra Torque HV Coreless Titanium Gear, Dual BB (486 OZ/IN / 0.13 SEC)
• Motowork Racing
  • 2.2 8 Spoke Limited Edition Beadlock Wheels (x5)
• Novak Electronics
  • Ballistic Crawler Brushless Motor 18.5 (timing set to 15)
• Pit Bull
  • 2.2 Rock Beast II Tires (x5)
• RC4WD
  • Poison Spyder Differential Covers
  • Rear Centered HD Axle Shafts
• RCBros
  • Windshield
• Robinson Racing
  • High Performance GEN3 Slipper Unit 88t/20t
  • Hardened Steel Idler Gear
  • One Piece Hardened Steel Outdrive/Differential Locker Gear
• Spektrum
  • DX4S
• Vanquish Products
  • cHubs
  • Knuckles
  • Heavy Duty VVD Axles

Re: Fiona
 

I took Fiona out to the 'Devils Backbone' trail in Loveland Colorado this past Sunday (03.14.2013). I found out the hard way that the brass bearings I'm using for the pinion may actually wear out faster than a bearing. They're sneaky about wearing out. With the bearing, it's an immediate and catastrophic failure. With the brass bushings, it's a gradual wallowing out that kills you. As a result, I shredded a brand new Axial Heavy Duty Bevel Gear Set (36T/14T) in the front axle. I'm thinking of having some stainless steel bushings produced... Not necessarily to sell, but just for me to use. I'm thinking that if I maintain the lube post to every run, that both the bushing and the pinion shaft would be safe. Granted, neither would last forever, but I might be able to milk more time out of both that way. We'll see.

In addition to the Bushing and Bevel Gear failure, the screws in my Axial Heavy Duty Clamping Steering Servo Horn vibrated loose (and out in one case - 1 of 3). I could have swore I used locktite on them, but that was not the case. I tightened them up, but that got me thinking.... I think I am going to create a 'pre flight inspection' list of sorts. Something to go over after each run when I am cleaning and maintaining my rigs, and to go over quickly before a run. That way nothing gets overlooked. I'd rather pay attention to everything than to inadvertently neglect something that I thought was 'good to go'.

I thought Buggy Nut recorded Fiona for a bit, but I ended up with bag footage. Oops... lol Oh well. Still, here's Buggy Nut getting busy for the first time on AR60's.

Re: Fiona
 

I just took measurements... The inner diameter of the internal brass pinion bushing was worn to 5.25mm, and the inner diameter of the external brass pinion bushing was worn to 5.05mm. Pinion shafts are 4.90mm in diameter. A new brass bushing has an internal diameter of 4.97mm, while a new Fast Eddy replacement bearing has an internal diameter of 4.95mm. That being said, there should be a 0.05mm 'tolerance' between the pinion shaft and pinion bearings and/or bushings. Traveling internal to external, the tolerance was 0.35. to 0.15mm. That may not sound like much, but it allowed for substantial movement. So much so that it allowed the pinion shaft to move enough to allow the pinion gear to skip over the ring gear. I think it's safe to assume that the skipping only served to wallow the bushings out further. That being said, the point of failure is lower than what I measured. Once the 'skipping' begins, the gears will begin to sheer. I noticed the issue and resolved it right away. Still, if it skips and sheers at all, the gears are compromised, and should be replaced.

So... lesson learned. Right? :) Post to any major trail run, pull the pinion bushings and measure the inner diameter. If the tolerance is more than 0.85, replace the bushing. That should be well within a safe tolerance to run. To figure the tolerance, subtract the internal diameter from the pinion shaft diameter. Which brings up another point. If you are going to use bushings, whether polymer, brass, or steel, be sure to monitor the diameter of the pinion shaft. If it is hardened steel, the other materials should wear faster, but the shaft itself will still be prone to wear over time. To increase the life of the pinion shafts, be sure to clean and grease them after every run. Dust mixed with grease will increase the viscosity of the grease and increase the heat/friction at the point of the bushing and the pinion shaft, there by decreasing the overall life of the pinion shaft.

I've decided to go ahead and produce some stainless steel bushings, which I will likely sell on my website. I'll wait to finalize that decision until I get a price on the production run. If the cost is acceptable, I'll try running them and see how they wear, see how the pinion shafts wear with them, etc. If all of that is good, I'll offer them up for sale. Stay tuned. :)

Re: Fiona
 

I shot an email off to Bill (BGR Fabrication) today. I've talked with him a couple of times about doing frame rails. His work is so awesome. I hope he has time to work on the rails, and that he's willing to do it. I'd like to have all of the stock frame pieces replaced with Bills versions.

So, here's what I am requesting from him for now:
This would consist of four pieces: Frame Rail (x2 & Extended to Eliminate Spacers for BGR Fabrication Stinger Bumper), Battery Brace, & Rear Frame Brace (sans vertical bars and upper horizontal bar)

And here is what I am requesting from him for later (one major request at a time, right???):
This would consist of three pieces: Frame Rail (x2), Front Frame Brace (sans thinner stock drop bar)
Pink Dots: Frame 'Webs'
Red Dots: Body Fastener Tabs (M2)

Lastly, I've requested that he produce a single unit that would replace the forward electronics tray and the upper bumper mounts. The bumper mounts would also be extended, which would eliminate the need for the spacers used with the BGR Fabrication Stinger Bumper. No picture of this, since it doesn't exist, but you can imagine what it would look like.

He may not have time or desire to do these parts, but I'm hoping that isn't the case. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would want them!!! "thumbsup" "thumbsup" "thumbsup" "thumbsup" "thumbsup"

Here's a few pics of Fiona with her dress off. :shock: I needed to take it off to paint now that I have it dialed in correctly and have the hinged hood working as I had planned. So there is no better time to snap some pictures of my BGR Fabrication upgrades.

Talked with Bill for a spell. He's pretty slammed right now, but he sounded like be was up for the work once things ease up for him. Hopefully that will be sooner than later; more for his sake than for my 'requests'. :)

I got a couple of the stainless steel bushings back today. The process used to manufacturer them isn't going to work out. The water jet leaves a taper that produces what I consider to be an unacceptable tolerance. To makes matters worse, the production cost would have been about two dollars per bushing.

So... I'm researching some other manufacturing processes. I'd pay two dollars a piece if there were no taper and the tolerances were less than a new Traxxas brass bushing.

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

The aluminum rails would be sick! I had been wondering why they aren't out.

Time mostly. If only we all had more of it. :)

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

I painted the Dynamic Concepts EB Bronco Body (I know, I know, that's a bit repetitive...) Last Night. I painted the exterior rather than the interior of the body so that I could have a true matte black. I have to say, the DC EB Bronco Body is the nicest body that Fiona's had thus far. The lexan feels thicker/stronger than the Proline Wraith EB Bronco Panels. There's a good reason for that though.

Lexan Guage (in mm)
Proline: 0.67mm
Dynamic Concepts: 1.11mm

I'm not really into Outkast, but after taking the pictures, I started humming "so fresh and so clean" to myself. DC's got a new number one fan... me. "thumbsup"

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

One with the lights:
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43817.jpg

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

This is one bad ass Wraith. Im a big fan of Ford Broncos. Please post more pictures in the near future.

Attachment 234900

Here's one with the Proline body.

Attachment 234901

Here's a render of the original build.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/18/2u7evudy.jpg

And a really old one...
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/18/4unepy6a.jpg

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

Without a doubt this is one of the best looking rigs on RCCrawler!

I'm going to fab some door handles for it, and a gas cap. My Krawler Konceptz plates are in the mail, as are some scale Ford and Bronco emblems.

Thanks!

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

The pros to manufacturing a body panel set are the options for better detail, especially undercuts, as well as thicker side panels.

The cons are there is more trimming for the consumer, as well as more design and machining time compared to a one-piece shell.

True. It is more work. But as anyone can see, the end result is well worth the effort. You did a great job on the bodies Kurt. Keep up the good work.

I almost forgot... I'm planning a custom interior too. I'm thinking that I will fabricate it from aluminum. It should look pretty slick. Same deal with inner fenders. I just need to find the time. :)

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

Well...here it is right under my nose!;) cool wraith and great EB! Keeping a close eye...

Trey

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

Hey Cephas, I just got my new Moto Worx 2.2's. Sick.
http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/...ps856cf0aa.jpg

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

Really a great look youve got going on there, if it handles half as good as it looks....... damn!

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

I really like the 8-Spoke SE's. I have the 10 Hole SE's too, but the 8-Spokes are my favorite.

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

I'll have to get some video. She handles amazingly well. I'd put her up against any crawler out there (scale). I don't know that I would put my skill up against anyone... but Fiona is (IMHO) is near the top. I've been building her for a while now, and I am really happy with how I have her setup. I'm finally to the point that I have ZERO performance enhancements planned. I'm just working on aesthetics... :)

Thank you all for the compliments. It's been fun building her.

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

Here's a bunch more. They're older, but I still like them. :) If y'all have any questions about anything on the build, let me know. I love to help out when and where I can. I'm more one of those 'check it out, what do you think, let me help' guys than one of those 'look at me, look at me, I'm too good for you' guys. ;)

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43853.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43852.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43851.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43850.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43849.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43848.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43847.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43846.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43845.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43844.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43798.jpg

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

I took a few more pics. I didn't feel like breaking out all of my lights, so they aren't the greatest, but they'll do. :)

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43854.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43855.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43856.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43857.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43858.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43859.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43860.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43861.jpg

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43862.jpg

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

These are the emblems that I ordered from RPP Hobby.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43863.jpg

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

For the door handles, I'm thinking I'm going to try out FLB's method.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43876.jpg http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43877.jpg http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...3249-43878.jpg

From FLB's post:
He did a great job, and they look so much like the old school Ford handles on a Bronco. I can't wait to give it a shot.

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

I did a little clean up work on the stock frame rail where I had cut out frame rails. Not sure why I hadn't done that sooner. I just hadn't... :) I also painted the rear tray black.


Next, I reinstalled the interior and my driver. I had to move the seat forward and I had to fabricate a longer steering column. I used a piece of honcho cage that I had cut off for my Fraxialstein project. The diameter matches the center of the steering wheel perfectly. I'm pleased with how it turned out. My driver looks comfortable now. Sadly, I completely forgot to install my shifters... I'll have to pull the interior again to do that. It's not that important, so it'll just have to wait. :)


She seems to be leaning to the left a bit. I think it's safe to assume that the shocks on that side have bled out a bit over time as the result of the motors torque. I had the same problem with my springs in my 1:1 TJ. That jeep was a ridiculous rock monster. :mrgreen: It was just a step away from being a full on trailer queen. :ror: I'll be rebuilding them soon to take care of that. Simple maintenance really... :)

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

things beast

Motor is fried... Pretty lame. I may try the pro 4 this time. It lasted longer than my brushed motor, but it wasn't long enough...

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

This thing is a thing of beauty man! It turned out awesome! Nice job!

Truck looks good man. I like the front bumper on it.

Thanks guys. I really appreciate that. :)

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

Rig looks good!! What tires do you have on it in post #24?? Very first pic. How well did the work for you??

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

Thanks. Those are RC4WD Rock Crushers. I've changed how I cut them since that set of tires. I'll cut one side just like they are cut in that picture. Now, I cut the other side with an opposing diagonal pattern. The end result is similar to a baja claw cut in half on each side. :) I'm putting together another set of them now for my 'Fraxialstein' project on Simon. I have two now. I'll have four more in the mail today.

As far as performance, they're great cut. They're not so great without the cut lugs... Just make sure you're rocking a good foam!

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

Very mean looking! I like it a lot.

Steve

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

Thanks

Re: Fiona (Pic/Tech Heavy)
 

I'd like to put my budget wraith up against Fiona just for fyn

Loving the rat rod look

I'd love to go wheeling with you brother. :) And I wouldn't be ashamed to admit defeat if it were eminent. ;)

After burning up my Novak Ballistic 18.5t bush less motor, I pinged Harley for some help. That motor should not have burned up... First off, I came up with an idea. I am going to install a fan on the interior to better ventilate the motor. That couldn't hurt anything...

Harley pointed out that my over/under drive gears could be part of the problem. So, I'm going to replace the overdrive gear with another underdrive gear.

I'm also considering getting a set of OMF's to she'd some weight. She's still under ten lbs, but it couldn't hurt to she'd a little weight. We'll see.

As for the motor, I'm thinking I will give the 21.5t Novak Ballistic a shot.

I may also swap out the 20t pinion for a smaller pinion. Jury is still out on that.