M1tch gets P.A.C.K. ed

[M1tch]

Well I succumbed to the desire to own a different lesser known brand (in the UK anyway). So it turned up today. Looks nice quality, but I will strip it and see what I think. No plans yet for electrics or body. I have some stuff laying around that may/may not be used. Hope you like my carpet.

Pic of a box.

[Gula]

Dont be a Richard! We need more pics asap!

[M1tch]

Soon I promise. Got to figure out what body and electrics. The wheelbase might be shortened a bit. Also make up lower links in stainless. Going to strip it to see how it works and if lubed decently. Stuff like that.

[M1tch]

It's been a long time due to having some health issues last year. Nothing serious, but enough to stop me doing anything. I will add more as I go.

Motor is a Reedy Radon 2 Crawler 16T 5-Slot 1850Kv Brushed Motor.

ESC: The almost ubiquitous 1080 esc

Wheels are Boom Racing TE37X KRAIT™ 1.9 Aluminum Beadlock Wheels w/ XT606 Hubs (4) Gun Metal. But will change these out for some Gmade one I have which will suit the body style better.

[M1tch]

Inside. Im using a 2200mah battery which gives just enough room at the back of the tray to place the 108o esc. A small abs plate on the side holds the Receiver and also the switch, but forgot about that when this photo was taken.

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[Flamnpede1]

Nice build and glad you were able to see it through. Life can get in the way sometimes that's for sure.

[M1tch]

Thanks. I have to be at work this week, but am working on a decent write up. I took it for a short drive and it needs more wheelspeed, also some weight lower down as it rolls too easy.

[Flamnpede1]

I run 3s 3200mah in mine with Holmes Hobbies Trail Master 21t. I seem to be able to climb darn near everything and it's plenty fast on the trails. My son is running the RTR 17t motor with 1080 and 3s and it's plenty fast, but lacks the fine control that I have. I'm not sure what motors are available over there, but if you can't get a Holmes you might consider a Surpass 550 10t/12t.

[M1tch]

I have a Reedy 5 slot 16T in it with a 17T pinion. It needs more wheelspseed though. I am waiting on an 18t pinion, or if thats no good I have a couple of other motors I can try.

I have some Holmes motors. Usually get them from RCmart as buying from the USA I get hit for import tax.

[smog]

Looks great M1tch!

The sliders and paint job are standouts. Curious to hear how those stock shocks work for you.

[M1tch]

Thanks smog. The front shocks are stock. I haven't even changed the oil. They do seem soft, but will change the oil sometime. The rear shocks are Fastrax 75mm I had laying around. They have thick oil in them, and will deal with that also.

The stock sliders were too high to let the body sit how I wanted it. Sliders are 5mm stainless tube. I bent them into shape with a brake pipe bender to fit where the stock sliders go, then got a 3mm x 16mm grub screw in the end of the tube, crushing the tube to clamp the screws.. I then milled and drilled the delrin to fit the tube. A 3mm grub screw holds the plates in place.

i've only driven it once, and need to sort out the shock oil and gearing. It rolls a bit too easily atm, but plaenty of time to sort it out.

I also want to flatten the shine on the body as it would look better . Also might try 'denting' the panels a bit to look rough.

[Flamnpede1]

Originally Posted by M1tch

I have a Reedy 5 slot 16T in it with a 17T pinion. It needs more wheelspseed though. I am waiting on an 18t pinion, or if thats no good I have a couple of other motors I can try.

I have some Holmes motors. Usually get them from RCmart as buying fronm the USA I get hit for import tax.

I always thought going with a larger pinion was the way to go as well until I started digging into this whole volt up and gear down mantra. Granted I'm still running with a 17 tooth and the 21t, but if I had a 17t I would probably drop to a 15 tooth pinion with 3s. However, it sounded like you might be running 2200 2s?

[M1tch]

I'm running 3s. All I use these days. I find it just has a better speed range compared to 2s and the Reedy isn't the best of motors. A Holmes of similar specification would be better, but getting them can be either impossible or expensive. Imight try the 550 holmes I have instead just out of interest.

[M1tch]

Found some headlights in my 'Come In Handy' box. Not sure where they came from, but they are perfect.
they just need some painting and thats another bit done.

[M1tch]

Painted (in my usual lazy style) these Gmade VR01 wheels to hopefully look a bit used. The bolts are M3 with these stainless steel cap nuts I bought ages ago and never used. I might look to get some plain steel ones and let them rust.

[M1tch]

Did some work on the steering as it would drive in a straight line at all. First I took a panhard mount off a GPM Ascender front shock tower. I made up a piece of 3mm abs sheet (to be replaced by aluminium soon) To drop the mount a bit lower. Then put 5mm spacers under the drag link to raise it. Next I removed the tie rod and reused the ends with a 61mm suspension link from an Ascender. The new panhard bar is from the "come in handy box" The extra length of the panhard bar reduces the side movement of the axle and also helps reduce bump steer.

[M1tch]

Also done some damage to the body as well as matting the lexan body on the outside wih fine polishing paper.

[lurking4rcknowledge]

I read you didn’t prefer the wheel style for the body but how do you like the weight of the boom racing wheels?
The body damage is a nice touch. Looking like a farm truck.

[M1tch]

The Boom Racing wheels are nice quality and weigh 68 grams ( just under 2 1/2ounces). The inner beadlock ring is alumium so keeps the weght down compared to the Gmade wheels that have a steel ring. Also they have a 6 bolt hub and different width hubs are available.

Thanks for the comment about the truck. It's getting better every time I do some work on it. Now lock down has been eased up, I should be able to get out for a good run with it.

[Mike Flea]

Nice Dodge! I agree with lurking, the body damage is perfect for that truck, and the effect of clearcoat over the patina works!