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FJ Cruiser Build I've always wanted to build a CC-01. Like many people, my first kit was a Tamiya, so it's partially a nostalgia thing. I couldn't resist picking one up when Tower was selling the FJ Cruiser kits for ridiculously low prices. This should be a nice companion to my SCX-10 for some light trail work. I intend to keep it mostly stock at first, utilizing some of the more well-known tips and tricks once I get a feel for what the truck can do. Should be fun! https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5738/...2fd0449b_b.jpgDSC05664 by johnny anguish, on Flickr OK. On to the inspiration pics. I'm going for a matching roof color with blacked-out trim look like these: https://postmediadriving.files.wordp...0&h=400&crop=1 https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3667/1...6d636f77_b.jpg http://www.japanesesportcars.com/pho...dition-004.jpg http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/gal...Edition+01.jpg |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Very nice! Im looking forward to seeing what you do with it. |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build OK. Like I said, this thing will be mostly stock at first, so there won't be a ton of build pics. I want to get a general feel for the truck before I go changing up too much. Here you can see a couple of the changes I did make out of the box:
Nothing earth-shattering here. Front diff is locked using the "extra gear" method. As for the motor, I knew I'd want to slow things down. After all, I'll be trailing this thing, not racing it. I figured I'd start with an inexpensive 55T and take it from there. Replacing all of the plastic bushings after-the-fact is a real pain, so I went with ball bearings from the start. https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5753/...f1848fd3_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm1.staticflickr.com/781/2...3fc521cb_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm1.staticflickr.com/686/2...4a241813_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Got the electronics in. I used a waterproof Savox servo that I originally planned on using for the Ford Courier build I did for my dad. It was slightly too tall. It just fits in the CC-01. It's powered by a Castle BEC. I ditched the Tamiya speed control in favor of a Castle Sidewinder 3. I want to be able to adjust the drag brake. Once I get the body finished and the lights installed I'll tidy up the wiring. https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5752/...fbeb25b9_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm1.staticflickr.com/730/2...5d452ce2_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build I de-chromed the stock wheels. Not really sure why, since I don't plan to run them. I guess I learned a new trick. My six year-old said he likes these wheels, though. I hope he's not disappointed when i swap them out. https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5720/...a41bd849_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Let's talk front bumper for a second. I knew I didn't want the stock CC-01 plastic bumper hanging out there, but I wasn't quite ready for a full-on brickectomy. I decided to give the JunFac front skid a try for now. It doesn't look totally out of place compared to the 1:1 skid plate. http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-d57o0b...0.1280.jpg?c=2 https://farm1.staticflickr.com/565/2...a8331dbd_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5717/...08349a0b_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Nice build but your photography is exceptional |
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Daykamp Music |
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Re: FJ Cruiser Build That color looks killer. Now you got me doubting the gunmetal i chose for mine! Cool build man. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk |
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Re: FJ Cruiser Build It's not done yet, but you can see where it's headed now. I got all the decals on. The body bits are painted and installed. It's shaping up. This is the body height from the instructions. I'll probably end up needing to raise it up one hole when I get the new wheels and tires on. Once I do that I'll be able to trim the body posts and take care of a few finishing touches. https://farm1.staticflickr.com/583/2...be3cc9e7_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm1.staticflickr.com/700/2...f3f87505_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5736/...8012e624_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build This looks great, man. If I didn't already have a Nikko FJ Cruiser body, I'd plan on getting this kit. As it stands, I think I'll plan on getting a Unimog 425 kit, next spring, maybe, if tax returns go well. I've got a small collection of short wheelbase, toy rc hard bodies that I considered working on, to make them fit a custom SCX10 chassis, but have decided it'll be easiest to go with a CC-01. Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk |
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Re: FJ Cruiser Build Very nice, This truck is on my list. |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Time to get some better wheels and tires on there. I went with 1.9 Dirt Grabbers with Deuces Wild foams mounted on black G Made steelies. The tires should grip much better and the extra weight of the wheels should help performance. I think it looks pretty good. I may try another set of wheels at some point, but this should do for now. Still a few details to take care of. The body posts are trimmed. I've got a roof rack to install. I'm gonna make up some license plates. Then it's trail time! https://farm1.staticflickr.com/726/2...70879c4f_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm1.staticflickr.com/640/2...f76700c6_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5718/...46c01ed1_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm1.staticflickr.com/577/2...8f689e0d_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build I love the black steelies. Looks great. |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build I finally got around to a couple of final details. https://farm1.staticflickr.com/567/2...0d2b3d06_b.jpg DSC06146 by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5665/...a033c229_b.jpg DSC06148 by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm1.staticflickr.com/650/2...40f8e574_b.jpg DSC06152 by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Nice. I have been toying with the idea of illuminating the license plate should be easy to do |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build I finally got to take advantage of the warm December we've been having in New England and got this guy out on the trails. First attempt didn't go so well. After a few uneventful backyard sessions, something got really glitchy with the throttle out on the trail. I didn't have much time, so I bagged the session. The next day I did some investigating and found that it's something to do with the light controller. I might have a loose connection or something. I just took it out for now so I could get back on the trails. The second attempt went much better... for a while. I started out thinking I'd just do a mile or so, but I was having so much fun I decided to do my two mile route. The truck definitely needs some help in the steering department (especially travel, although I suspect the tolerable-for-now slop will only get worse with age), but it's pretty capable. I never got hung up to the point that I got couldn't get unstuck. I did, however, drive the rear axle right off the truck. Apparently in my haste to get this thing going before the weather got too bad I neglected to take the extra precaution of applying Loctite to the rear ball nut thingies and one of the screws backed out. Oops. Only had to carry the truck home about 1/2 mile... All in all I'm liking the truck. I look forward to more adventures with it. https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5690/...0110d960_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm1.staticflickr.com/717/2...ef71278f_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm1.staticflickr.com/698/2...7e694a74_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5775/...7ed1163c_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5832/...cd9faeb1_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Great looking CC01! Looks just like a stock Trail Teams Edition FJC |
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Re: FJ Cruiser Build After getting the rear axle re-installed (with Loctite!), I got the FJ cruiser back on the trails. This location was far rockier with greater elevation changes. You definitely have to pick your lines, but this rig is surprisingly capable. I'd like a little more torque (I can see why folks opt for a GRU), but for trailing the speed is pretty good as is. It's a fun truck. https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5758/...c883fdef_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1448/...8a1160fe_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Mine is a blast. |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build With this little guy's steering deteriorating, I decided to give the GPM steering kit a go. Given the mixed reviews, I was pleasantly surprised to find tight tolerances and hex hardware. Things went together pretty easily (with Loctite!), though I did need to shim the lower ball studs and do a little trimming on the front skid plate (could probably use a little more). Overall, a much more responsive feel. I also ditched the servo saver. I'm not in love with the angle of the linkage now. I think I'll try a screw with some spacers to get that thing level again. Then I'll look for some rod ends with less play. I did notice that the chassis itself flexes quite a bit near the servo when steering now. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1663/...d6be277d_k.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Nice rig! Not sure how i missed this one. Hex hardware? wonder if they've given it an update. Interesting... Might I suggest drilling a small hole in the skid right over where the lower screw for the GPM kit bolts in? They have a habit of working loose - even with threadlock - and it's much easier to tighten down with a hole instead of taking off the entire skid. Speaking from experience... :) |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Great looking rig. Love the color choice. Is there any way you could measure the grill vertical and horizontal for me? I've been looking for demensions and can't find anything. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk |
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Re: FJ Cruiser Build Really nice simple setup. The pictures looks great out on the rails. |
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Re: FJ Cruiser Build Looks awesome, i too have picked up the FJ Cruiser body recently and i went with orange. It's a killer looking body with tons of detail. Question for you because i bought the GPM steering years ago when i built my CC01, is it holding up staying nice and tight? I had to do the RC Mojo mod for mine to snug it up because right after i installed the GPM and drove for 2 min it loosened right up. So, how is yours holding up thus far? Thanks! |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Glad to see the GPM steering seems better. Mine is in the mail, on the way, and I was concerned after reading a lot of posts (mostly older ones). I,ll takes pics and report on how it looks as soon as it arrives (On slow boat from China evidently). Nice rig. Color choice was good. IMO |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build That is a nice clean build! |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build Quick tip folks - When you put together the rear locker, use Locktite! Otherwise when your 10 year-old is throwing your truck between forward and reverse over and over again you'll open up the rear axle and find this. Since a FWD FJ Cruiser is no fun, I reassembled this guy with Locktite (a theme in this thread) and got it back out on the trail. https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7432/2...b294ec0d_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build I've been giving this rig a pretty good shakedown lately. Despite all of its shortcomings, I really enjoy driving this tiny truck. True to my word, I'm taking a slow path to customization on the FJ Cruiser. I'm really trying to learn more about it before making too many changes. That doesn't mean I don't want to make it better! Here's a list of things I'd like to address in a rough priority order: - Steering vagueness - Steering range - Rear link flex* - Chassis hang-ups - Lack of torque - Lack of wheel speed - The brick First up, steering vagueness! Despite my initial positive impressions of the GPM steering kit and its tight tolerances, a bunch of rugged trail miles have led to noticeable play at the upper horn. The metal is just too soft and the grooves just aren't deep enough to hold tight. As a quick fix I used some JB Weld on the upper horn. I doubt this will be a long term solution. My guess is the lower horn will be the next weak point. We shall see. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8676/2...de5df737_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr I'll give this fix a try out on the trails before making more changes. Wish me luck. Anyway, the FJ Cruiser is my least capable, least durable trail rig. I dig it. Here are some photos... https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8566/2...c370aee8_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8079/2...dea185e3_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8415/2...f39942fc_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8587/2...11baa65b_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8844/2...405fb7e1_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8074/2...25c61f1a_b.jpg Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr * Honestly, the more I drive this thing the more the rear links have the structural integrity of wet noodles. |
Re: FJ Cruiser Build I have the same GPM steering in mine and its sloppy as heck, I'll probably buy the Hot Racing steering soon if I can't get this junk tightened up. |
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