1:20 Scale Class 5 Baja Bug

[R.Billy Rob]

I've been working on boxing up the rear end lately. I've got most of it boxed in, and I not only have room for front seats, but all the electronics fit inside! I will still put a spare on the rear in order to fix the ugly open area in the back.

[Slambaam]

haha i hate you....

[R.Billy Rob]

Originally Posted by Slambaam

haha i hate you....

Well then, I'm sure you'll like this! here's a view of the rear. Everything fits so tight, my transmission output shaft is snug up against the rear wall. I even have a driveshaft tunnel! Just never mind all the sloppy glue, that's what files and Dremels are for.

[R.Billy Rob]

I'm trying to make everything as tight as possible so that I could run this thing in the sand on the beach. I want to keep as much sand and water out as possible! I do think I want to eventually make some paddles for the rear! I also wanted to show y'all the transmission hump I made for clearance. To make it I used a measuring spoon, heated a sheet of styrene, and pressed it over the spoon with my fingers.

[stopmojim]

Beautiful work! I love it.

I'd be cautious about that sand on the beach. It's full of salt. Unless it's a freshwater river or lake type beach. Salt is not good for metal parts or electronics.

[R.Billy Rob]

Originally Posted by stopmojim

Beautiful work! I love it.

I'd be cautious about that sand on the beach. It's full of salt. Unless it's a freshwater river or lake type beach. Salt is not good for metal parts or electronics.

Don't worry, this thing will mostly see dirt. But for that once, or twice a year that I get down to Santa Cruz, I plan to enclose everything very well. In fact, from the way I tend to over-plan things, I feel most everything will be easy to waterproof. I also don't really drive my micros in water, only near it. Most of the sand this thing will see is the playground at the local park!

[dubfreak]

nice project. but wy not using the rear end of the microt you would have an idependente rear suspesion

[R.Billy Rob]

Originally Posted by dubfreak

nice project. but wy not using the rear end of the microt you would have an idependente rear suspesion

With the losi tranny and redcat axle I will have far more torque. This thing will be tearing it up outside, and I will need the extra power and torque. The micro t rear end just won't hold up to that kind of abuse. Not pushing this much weight. Besides, the axle shafts are different, so I would not have the option of running the bigger wheels and tires.

[R.Billy Rob]

Tonight I finished up the rear cage that houses the motor and electronics. Now all the major fabrication is done, and I can now start on the fun stuff! I want to put a roll cage inside, as well as a spare tire rack, and possibly a roof rack. I also need a front bumper and lights.

[Slambaam]

How to u plan to mount the body?

[Hammer!]

i really like this rig! might have to make one myself

[R.Billy Rob]

Originally Posted by Slambaam

How to u plan to mount the body?

I actually plan to use Losi micro body pins. When I was mounting up the front, I thought of cutting off the body mount post on the micro-T front end, until I realized it would be a very easy way to mount the body. So now I have one body mount under the hood, and I plan to hide 2 more in the rear. Probably under the spare tire I plan to mount.

[old man 52]

This rig is really cool , Nice building skills.

[R.Billy Rob]

I put in the rear axle for mock-up purposes. That way I can check clearances as I'm building. Since I had the rear axle in I thought I should give you an obligatory flex shot! It's not a lot, but then again it's not a crawler!

[R.Billy Rob]

Tonight I put the interior in. Right hand drive! Pretty rare on a bug in the States.

[R.Billy Rob]

I also installed a radiator and some fans in the back window. I used a radiator from one Toyota kit, and the fans from both my Toyota kits. I think it looks the part. That's why you should always keep your unused parts! It also kinda hides the ugly cage that houses everything. I also made a tire rack for the rear, but I wasn't exactly happy with it. It was a little to big and bulky. Tomorrow I'll try round two.

[MGCrawler]

Man this is turning out awesome bud! I love the cut on that body great work

[R.Billy Rob]

Originally Posted by MGCrawler

Man this is turning out awesome bud! I love the cut on that body great work

Thanks Adam, that means a lot coming from you. this thing is coming along nicely, it should be ready for paint soon. I just have a little tube work to complete, and add some light buckets. I did get the spare tire mounted up tonight. I'm pretty happy with it!

On a side note, I am getting close to wiring this thing up, and I need some help. This is my first brushless setup, and I'm not sure how to wire up the motor. I'm tripped out by the three wires. I'm using a Losi Xcelorin motor, and a Castle Creations Sidewinder ESC. On the motor I have a black, white, and a blue wire. On the esc I have a black, a white, and a red. I'm wondering, does it go black-black, white-white, blue-red? Any help would greatly be appreciated!

[R.Billy Rob]

Originally Posted by microcrawlers

lets see a video man come on

I'll post one when she's done. So far, I've only done one test run. I quickly realized I need to work on the driveshaft angle, right now it's too extreme. I kept blowing out driveshafts! She's fast though, she'll make those Rok Lox grow to the size of Miclaws! I'll need to make an anti-sway bar for this one also, she twists up pretty bad on takeoff. She'll also lift the front end, and that was on hardwood floors! I can only imagine what will happen on a surface with traction!

[grandbolin]

I love the way this thing is turning out. Looks awesome. We need updates!