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-   -   TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco (http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/traxxas-trx-4/602450-trx-4-sport-build-1966-bronco.html)

MeanTT 09-23-2018 10:03 AM

TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
So I have a TRX-4 Defender that I absolutely love. You can see pics of it on the image section of this forum. It runs a Mamba X and the 2850 KV slate, as well as a host of other mods, sound system, winch etc.

I wanted to build something that was a little more simple. This build will be based on a TRX-4 sport. I have started working on it and should have taken some photos earlier. I envision that I will do most of the mods that affect the looks first, then hit the electronics and function matters (correcting the wheelbase is critical - it is driving me nuts).

Initial impression. The 1966 bronco is not a 12.3 wheelbase body. It’s about .5 inches too short. Additionally the receiver box interferes with the molded interior. Same with the battery tie down and the stock location of the ESC. My plan is to cover the missing pieces of lexan with cloth, a plaid of some sort to give it a 60’s feel. I’ve got a few driver figures coming as well, and if I can get Kratos in as a driver I will make it work. I will also relocate the Mamba X back on the driver's side under the seat. Since I had to ditch the sliders I will dremel off the screw receivers and attach it to the plastic. Since this model has no servos, there is tons of room! Note that I will also have to trim off the excess panels since I will need to shorten the wheelbase and in any event, they extend past the body and look silly anyhow!

Pics coming soon. Body is mostly taped, will be done today. Wheels and tires are changed too. Custom bumper on and more to come. Will need to cut off a lot of the TRX-4 frame rails to get the look I want in the rear.

Remember that the objective is to have a simple portal crawler that is highly maneuverable, stable, and powerful. This is my first foray into an “image first” rig.

Pics of a few other builds to show how they panned out. I am going to try to do a blue like the LOSI below, less silver more blue.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e09bae7453.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...515d905ecf.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2344f8fa6f.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...29d8a27276.pnghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...65d9f45c1a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2f234fa32a.jpg


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durok 09-23-2018 10:29 AM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
For an AWESOME silvery-metallic Blue - try the Tamiya polycarbonate-compatible spray "Sky Blue Anodized Aluminum" PS-49 - you could back it with regular light blue for more blue "pop" or with silver or black to keep it more as is:

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/pl8AA...xHZ/s-l300.jpghttps://www.tamiyaclub.com/tcimages/...10102019_1.jpg

MeanTT 09-23-2018 10:31 AM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Pics of status:

Flipped the front bumper crossmember upside down to raise the bumper.

Bumper is an SSD bumper that I cut shorter. It will get painted to cover the raw aluminum. Might also be a rear bumper. TBD.

Body is cut, one more side to mask. You can see the cut outs I needed to make it work. All will be covered.

The rear end will be moved forward. I will either make links or see if I have anything for an SCX that will work. Pretty sure I need to move it about 1/2 an inch but will see.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c036d89b42.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e5b8c06f73.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...397129acb8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...caa705d5d5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6bd9c641b5.jpg


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MeanTT 09-23-2018 10:31 AM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by durok (Post 5870742)
For an AWESOME silvery-metallic Blue - try the Tamiya polycarbonate-compatible spray "Sky Blue Anodized Aluminum" PS-49 - you could back it with regular light blue for more blue "pop" or with silver or black to keep it more as is:



https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/pl8AA...xHZ/s-l300.jpghttps://www.tamiyaclub.com/tcimages/...10102019_1.jpg



That’s the paint I’m using :-).


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MeanTT 09-23-2018 12:50 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Although I liked the red color on my red defender, it won’t go well on this rig. I ordered the Traxxas bronco diff covers and some lithium grease. While I usually use marine grease for the ring and pinion I thought this would work better in this application. First, this will be a higher speed rig and I want something a little softer in this application. Second, if I pack the diff with marine grease and use my 3800 kv motor I don’t want to generate heat based on the lube. Note that the rear diff had a decent amount of grease from the factory, but the front was a little dry.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...dd6516a124.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...13bdeacb4c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...24a07a4b1f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d7c8a4b7c8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...69747d9273.jpg

Action shots:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c8b77600b4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...999e62ab65.jpg


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MeanTT 09-23-2018 03:12 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Two coats of Tamiya PS-49 in the pics below together with the colors I am using for this body.

I used this for the losi, but by the time I got 2 coats of PS-49 and two coats of mirror chrome the tamiya blue didn’t pop through. Be advised that it is very hard to see PS-49 when you spray it. It only pops with the backing color. As you can tell, two coats is almost imperceptible on flat surfaces. I also noticed that this stuff seems to pour out of the canhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9c4046038e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b0face35a0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e9677f7571.jpg faster, almost like its under higher pressure or the contents are more easily converted to an aerosol.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...556eeff8db.jpg


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MeanTT 09-23-2018 03:42 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
3 coats of PS-49 with a light source in the back. It’s high humidity here in Dallas so I’m a little worried about how these translucent paints will work. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...79b4144e6f.jpg

This is 3 coats of PS-49 and one of Mirror Chrome.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fa36f3fda7.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a327ec7291.jpg


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MeanTT 09-23-2018 06:06 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Body is mostly done. Need some detailing work, the cage, cloth to cover up the holes, and a driver and the gauge cluster and steering wheel.

There are some imperfections but frankly, it’s a crawler so who cares :-).

The black is 2 coats on the outside, however the grill is painted from the inside. I don’t like how shiny it is. I will think about it.

Obviously need to trim the rails, and tweak the suspension to make it look right. Then to the power. This just might be a 1 week build.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5713c3f022.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8fa97e251f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d114fa1b45.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...51c070a55e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2c7df6f9d5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...25279ebd98.jpg

I do love the reflection of the blower in the mirror chrome. That's fun! I comes with the chrome finish all over, so I had to use a red and black paint pen to apply the realistic color.

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MeanTT 09-23-2018 09:35 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Update:

I have ordered new shock hoops (hate to drop the cash for them, but I digress) so that when i move the rear axle forward to match the body the shocks will not be angled the wrong way. The hoops I purchased also have multiple mounting locations. My hope is to mount the shocks higher so that I can lower the rig and reduce the gap between the body and the tires. I am not sure about the MTRs I have on it now. They seem too tall. I may be slapping on something else from my collection that is in the 4.3 to 4.5 size to look a little more realistic, provided that I can drop the stance a little bit. And no, I won't change shocks or put fuel tubing in to limit the travel. I would rather run droop before I did any of that.

I also ordered another front bumper cross member for the rear because it is smaller and will let me tuck a bumper right up against the rear of the body. I like that you can flip the cross members to raise or lower the bumper. Nice trick!

I have some scale exhaust pipes that I will see about throwing on, but I may also try to do something wild, TBD.

I have ordered some brass portal covers as well. They made a bid difference for the TRX-4 and with a shot of black paint they look fine. Since I have yet to drive this rig I don't know how top heavy it is as compared to the stock Defender (which was a little bit of a pig). I would love to throw on a spare tire to this thing but think that the weight may be ill advised. I also can't seem to find a swing arm rear bumper that is narrow enough. Finally, my brazing skills are pretty terrible so I don't have the skill that some on this forum have to create something that works.

I purchased a few sheets of plastic scale diamond plate that I will put along the inside and outside of the body along the door sills. This will be done because the body rubs the chassis (since it is a little narrower than the chassis) and I have seen more early brokers with diamond plate than with sliders anyway. The plate will also do in the driver's footwell since I painted the molded plate black. It should add a little flash of color and that stuff is easy to deal with with shoe goo or hot glue as the adhesive.

I think that once this is done this little guy may be my most capable crawler given that the approach and and departure angles will be over 70 degrees. I am looking forward to wrapping this one up soon and reporting on its performance!

MeanTT 09-24-2018 07:23 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
I was able to shorten the wheelbase. I used 112MM links top and bottom for the SCX10. I had to add two additional washers to the top links to keep the pinion angle right. Ultimately I may take out the washers on the bottom and one on the top to move the wheels a little further forward. It’s ALMOST perfect!

I also had to hack off a little bit of the plates on either side of the chassis.

I also need to reposition the rear shocks as they look stupid at this angle but at least it works.

Word of caution - there is a little bit of interference with the top links if the suspension is pressed down equally on both sides, maybe 1/3 of an inch on each shock. I think the dremel may need a little more work!

I also got some new shoes for the rig. The tires are 4.3 and too small. Note that these are rc4wd tires and the tires and stock foams are wayyyy too soft. They are the Fuel Gripper M/T. Perfectly scale and super sticky. If I can lower the suspension I will throw them on. I absolutely love the rims though. SSD makes them.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...070aa3bdcc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2625fbd6c7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5af9b8f33f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1b281ae307.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ad9fce2b6d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4cfffbe5f4.jpg


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MeanTT 09-24-2018 07:49 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Fixed. Washers out. I can live with this.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ff03b6dbcb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fda8382a0e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...429fdc5107.jpg


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MeanTT 09-24-2018 11:25 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Not sure what’s going on with the RC4wd wheels and tires. This is a pic of the 4.75 compass tires with stock foams. It is completely smashed and there is no battery in the rig. Tires are vented but this is simply not right. C’mon rc4wd! Use just a little higher quality foam. Can’t imagine what would happen if these get broken in. The rig is super light as is!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...08a94efa8a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b84144328e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...96f961669f.jpg


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4kids crawlin 09-25-2018 10:00 AM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Nice build.

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JatoTheRipper 09-25-2018 10:36 AM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Sweet looking rig.

As you found out, RC3WD foams are absolutely terrible. It's laughable that they still include that garbage.

MeanTT 09-25-2018 07:46 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
New shock hoops installed and it lowered the rig a lot. There is some interference at full compression if the front and rear are full depressed simultaneously, but not if a single wheel is depressed. I mounted the shocks at the medium height on the hoops which means I could lower it more if desired.

Here are some pics with the 4.75 tires and 4.3 on the other side. I like this look a lot better!!

I am thinking I need to move the rear axle even more forward but the shocks will look stupid in the rear unless I come up with something super creative and overly complicated.

Time to chop the frame rails!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2ca994f544.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3e6b7b76af.jpg


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durok 09-26-2018 05:49 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by MeanTT (Post 5871104)
Not sure what’s going on with the RC4wd wheels and tires. This is a pic of the 4.75 compass tires with stock foams. It is completely smashed and there is no battery in the rig. Tires are vented but this is simply not right. C’mon rc4wd! Use just a little higher quality foam. Can’t imagine what would happen if these get broken in. The rig is super light as is!

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper (Post 5871202)
Sweet looking rig.

As you found out, RC3WD foams are absolutely terrible. It's laughable that they still include that garbage.

Their newer foams (white, not grey - should be included inside those MT/Rs) for their newest rubber compound tires are MILES better...

My RC4WD 1.7 Goodyear MT/R's foam is excellent...

MeanTT 09-26-2018 05:57 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by durok (Post 5871654)
Their newer foams (white, not grey - should be included inside those MT/Rs) for their newest rubber compound tires are MILES better...

My RC4WD 1.7 Goodyear MT/R's foam is excellent...

I had to splurge on some foams, may work on the rig tonight and play with some tires. The MTR foams are pretty good, but I do think that they could benefit from some closed cell foam for lateral rigidity.

I may decide to hack some frame rails as well tonight!

MeanTT 09-26-2018 08:29 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Frame cut! I used a front cross member in the shortened rear to get the best mounting position. It’s not as close as I would like to the body but I can’t cut much more of the rails off and certainly can’t cut enough off to tuck the rear bumper in nice and tight.

I picked up an eBay bumper with two LEDs. I’m not sure if I like it. I do like that the width is exactly what I need and that the angle of the bumper will help it to push up and over things.

I will do the foams tomorrow and hopefully settle in on a send of tires. I have about 6 different ones to choose from.

Most recent pics...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3d2877a28a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ca37cc6325.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...92ba3441dd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fa446db001.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f986b9109f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2e5ab022ed.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f821d0c803.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...52a4f401fb.jpg


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niro750 09-26-2018 11:36 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Nice work, good paint job too

MeanTT 09-27-2018 09:42 PM

Re: TRX-4 sport build - 1966 Bronco
 
Most of the body is done. I need a steering wheel, driver and to cut and hot glue some cloth to cover up the holes in the body.

I also tried out a set of new shoes for the rig. These are 1.9 RC4WD Baja Claws on RC4WD deep dish wheels and crawler innovations 4.5 little nova foams with a medium outer. Let me know what you think! I’ve got a bunch more rims coming and I went crazy on knockoff tires, lots in the 4.5 inch height which might be perfect.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...298af666cb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...565abba2db.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4a5e8e7dfb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a4ab70a28f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2715596265.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...de84ccb0b0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...09c6f7a7d3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3ee43c684e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0c67f74152.jpg


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