Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Hi guys,

so it's been quite a few years since I've done a build, or done anything RC related for that matter, so I thought it was time to get back into it and challenge myself a little along the way.

I picked up a MST CMX roller and a Land Rover Defender D90 body.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psiaw2kkvo.jpg

The CMX has three wheel base lengths, with the longest being 267mm. The wheel base of the D90 is 282mm. So I have a little work to do to make it fit. Some longer drive shafts and rear links shouldn't be too hard to come across.

I wan't to create a fairly weathered look for the D90, something that looks used. Going to go with a sandy/ cream colour with a white roof. Similar to this:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psmomhscwx.jpg

I'd also like to have a go at brazing, I've done a bit of research and think I'm ready to give it a go. Would like to make a front bumper, sliders and bars around the sides, something similar to these:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psa9vlcsn6.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psn4lkgqxh.jpg

Some goodies I've already purchased, rear bumper:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psga1nrx1g.jpg

and some RC4WD 1.55 wheels and Mud Thrashers on the way:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psgg5wtbjx.jpg

Anyway, thought I better share my progress with you, hopefully someone will gain something out of it!

I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions for you all too.

Cheers

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Awesome! I'm interested to see this come together. Really digging that last red D90. Brazing (especially silver soldering) is really fun and easy once you get the feel for it.

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Yeah I can't wait to get into the brazing. I must say, the MST seems to be quite good quality. Wish I could say the same about the instructions - a bit vague sometimes. I've hit a wall though, ran out of spare bearings so have to wait for more to arrive. Refuse to build it with the provided bushings!

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Picked up some paint, Tamiya TS-3 Dark Yellow and TS-26 Pure white. Not 100% on the colour yet, but we'll get to that when the time comes.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psjci0lizm.jpg

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

I have a few parts likrle a roof rack and front bumper thatll fit if your interested. Mistake purchases for my TRC Defender. I also have the low profile front and rear bumper. If they sit around Ill end up buying the body for them.

I run my CMX pretty low-geared but on 4s, and those plastic lockers just keep holding up without noticeably more slop.

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Hey mate, could you send me a pm with pictures of the front bumper? Also I'm not sure I know what you're referring to with the plastic lockers?

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Got the chassis all finished today. Built it with the longest wheel base (267mm) just to see how far I would have to modify it. I sat the body on top and it didn't appear to be that far off. The wheelbase of the body is supposedly 280mm, according to RCMart's website. Measured it up, and it actually 275mm. Good for me, the closer the better.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psxav1bbjl.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psn2sjvjpq.jpg

Anyway, I made up some aluminium strips to attach to the out drives, with holes drilled at 275mm so I can get the new 4-links made to the right size

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...pstrkmqhtv.jpg

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Fitted the aluminium and now have the correct wheel base.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...pshjrqxzzc.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psikhkrkwm.jpg

Then had a go at making some new aluminium links. Fairly pleased with how the first one turned out!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psd4xttfh1.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...pslqe4wx9o.jpg

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Swapped the damper stays around to straighten the shocks up a bit
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psgmrqeyyq.jpg

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Looking good! You'll want to upgrade those driveshafts asap though.

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Thanks mate. I'm only going to be using it for lighter, scale trail runs so they should hold up fine for the time being. Once they start to give in, I'll replace them. Have you had bad experiences with CMX drive shafts?

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Very nice! I'll take a set now. Kthx :-)

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

My kit came with an extra extended shaft, I broke the original rear during my 3rd battery, replaced with the extended one and its now starting to twist even though there's very little spline showing. I keep a spare Axial WB shaft set in my backpack just in case. That's the only issue I've had besides stripping the 645mg servo gears

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

I had the rear shaft twist itself to death on my home course on its trial run. Fixed it with a spare non name I had laying around and hit the course only to have the front one fail! With tow no names in it it's been working well without issues.

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Ok cool. I have a few spare traxxas ones lying around that I'll put in once the stock ones give up. I had to put off finishing the links until I can get some other drill bits so I decided to test fit the rear bumper. Looking good!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps6zqgnavh.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps21dss0ae.jpg

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Finished making the rear links this arvo and am very pleased for my first attempt at making links. I suppose I could have been a little more careful to ensure that the holes were drilled in the exact centre, but I'm not too fussed!

Test fitted the body and it seems to be the right wheel base now. Next part is mounting it to the chassis and working out a good height for it to sit.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...pszjxz1ryt.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psq88s5lsd.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps2uqoazbg.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psy85t5ggt.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psnonxotq3.jpg

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Looks nice, but the front wheel looks like it needs a couple more mm forward, or is it the picture angle?

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Yeah it's the picture angle and the body is resting on top, not properly lined up yet

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Started to fabricate the body mounts using some aluminium angle. Still needs some minor adjustment but at happy with it so far.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psw00shwyf.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psek7fu2vg.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psdx4q5e36.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psa2mlu500.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psp4enh5zy.jpg

Re: Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build
 

Well done.

Progressing nicely.

Cheers
H2Micr0