RJ's Leafed Ascender Build

[rc2000]

Small update...still working on the body. Painting is not my thing but I'm giving it a shot. Put it this way, it will not be a shiny new ride. The wheels should give you a good example on my direction. The front wheel got more abuse advancement.

 

[Natedog]

I agree the stock TSL's look much better on there and nice job on the wheels.

 

[rc2000]

I really don't like painting but I gave it a shot.

 

[Generis]

I like that dirty chrome black grille idea! Looking nice and old sir!

 

[rc2000]

Getting Closer...The winch is getting the treatment now.

 

[rc2000]

The winch was a little tougher because the housing is aluminum. Layers of paint with scuffing and final coat of rust color paint. Believe it or not the winch is brand new never used.

 

[kournikova462]

Looks great!!!! How do you make the scale stickersn


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[rc2000]

Looks great!!!! How do you make the scale stickersn


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Not sure what your asking. The sticker on the RC4WD winch came like that.

 

[rc2000]

This was my recipe I used on the bumpers to get rust. Vinegar not in picture. I used distilled white vinegar.





1. Spray easy off on and let sit 5 minutes.

2. Scrub with soap and water. I used a kitchen brush. Gave my wife an excuse to buy a new brush.

3. Some spray with vinegar, i just added vinegar to the salt peroxide mixture.

4. Spray with salt, peroxide, vinegar mixture. Two tablespoons salt, two tablespoons vinegar, fill the rest of the bottle with peroxide.



.

 

[rc2000]

This was the best color match to the real rust I produced on the bumper. Looks different when applied, I was skeptical on the color. Will see how the acrylic holds up. Got it from Hobby Lobby for like a buck.

http://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-&-...ed-Pipe-2-ounces-Folk-Art-Acrylic-Paint/p/350

 

[kournikova462]

Referring to the small stickers on the back window, how did you make those


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[rc2000]

I didn't make them. They came from different companies; GCM, RC Addict, and RRW Crawlzone.


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[rc2000]

My next step before I can get some testing done is mounting the body.


Store | RC Addicts and Life Of An RC Addict

 

[rc2000]

I was finally at a point where I could get some actual testing done. My first test run only lasted about 10 minutes. I had some problems in the driveline. As you know from my previous posts I'm running the TSS adaptors which enables me to run aftermarket driveshafts that are appropriate length. The Junfac drive shafts were the source of my problem. The length of the stock out drive mated with the driveshafts did not fit correctly. They would not seat far enough on to the out drive to allow the set screw to fully engage with the flat spot. I reduced the stock out drive 2mm. Now everything fits correctly.

 

[rc2000]

Second test went much better. I actually like how the truck handles with the leafed suspension. To me the truck is more predictable. Does the truck flex as much as a stock Ascender, no not even close. Torque twist is gone, truck definitely has a lower center of gravity which helps in sidehilling and steep climbing. I did bend a leaf spring so I decided to try the RC4WD soft red leafs. I also added a helper spring. I added one lower and upper for added axle support. The spring that I bent was a Tamiya spring. I also ordered some Delrin leafs to try. We have a group meet up tomorrow so I will get to chance to hit the rocks some more.



Soft Leaf Springs
RC4WD Red Super Soft Flex Leaf Springs (4)

 

[jbarcia99]

How are the GPM parts? All the reviews I found are mixed.

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[juan r]

Man looks sweet

 

[rc2000]

How are the GPM parts? All the reviews I found are mixed.

I can compare them to the Vaterra aluminum knuckles and chubs and I don't see a huge difference. Just to my eye I like the Vaterra parts better but with very little wheel time on this rig I cannot attest to there durability, tolerances were good though. I had the GPM skid plate for the axle but I took it off because I thought it looked out of place and it got me hung up a few times.

Man looks sweet

Thank you sir...

 

[rc2000]

Got some really good testing done this weekend. I am impressed with the leafs a lot. My initial setup was the Tamiya High Lift springs. I've managed to bend a couple sets of those. Changed out to the RC4WD red springs with some cut Tamiya springs used as helpers. A world of difference, better flex and I went a whole day without destroying the leaf springs. Side hilling is excellent. My biggest complaint is the steel front and rear bumpers. They tend to get hung up and they don't slide nearly as well as the stock bumpers.

I ran the Mamba Max Micro X Esc all day long on 2s with a 21.5T 1855kv Track Star sensored brushless motor. It never missed a beat, never got warm, plenty of wheel speed. My one complaint is the drag break is week, motor not esc. I would feather reverse when needed. I have a HH Trailmaster that I plan on Trying eventually but right now I'm liking this setup. The Esc also has a auxiliary cable that can be programmed for various functions. I have it programmed to alternate the drag brake of/on. Very useful when going from crawling to trail running.



Holmes Hobbies LLC


Turnigy TrackStar 21.5T Sensored Brushless Motor 1855KV (ROAR approved)

 

[Natedog]

Thanks for comparing Vaterra and GPM aluminum parts, the axle skids have never been useful for crawling, better to keep good ground clearance and replace a housing occasionally when they wear a hole through.

Good info on springs and setup too! I bet the side-hilling is really good, could you do an angle board with protractor and post up how far you get before it rolls off the board? Do it with and without body, I'm interested to see how your leafed side-hilling compares to my linked and lowered with swaybar. 8)

Nice crawl spot, love the little channels in the rock! Good turn out for a crawl too. "thumbsup"