Maxxmasher's scale Micro-T drift car build!

[MAXXMASHER]

I wasn't sure where to put this exactly, but this seems like the right spot. I have built a few micro scalers out of the micro crawlers and got hired with a Micro-T awhile back. I decided to turn it into a tow rig for my micro scalers by extending the chassis and throwing on a plastic model kit Hummer. After doing that, I have been into drift cars lately, so I had my eye out for a complete used Micro T for cheap to do another build. Anyways, I found one and a '65 Malibu model kit from my stash of models seems like it will work pretty well. Mainly, the biggest thing to this project is lengthening the chassis to the proper length and getting the model body on securely. I got the lengthening part out of the way. Now I just have to figure a way to mount it. Here's what I have done so far....

Got the stock micro, added threaded axles, bearings, and micro 22's from Losi.

The model kit I will be using.

Chassis apart.

Bottom extension cut and holes made.

Bolted to the rear end.

Bottom extension in place.

Nice and secure.

The width of this kit is what sealed the deal. Most are too narrow for these axles. Tires stick out just a bit.

Just the wheels holding the body up, so its not quite level.

Got the floor pan and interior cut to fit. That is where I stand for now.

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[krono7s]

That's pretty sweet so far

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

 

[MAXXMASHER]

Thanks! I got some of the bodywork primed up. Gonna wet sand each coat for a smooth, glossy finish. I also got my main paint color picked out.

A nice bright red should look good!

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[R.Billy Rob]

This thing is cool! I've been thinking of something similar. This should look great when your done. I would just be careful of that Testors paint. It doesn't sand very well. Might be cool if you cut out the trunk to hide the battery. Looks like you might have enough room.

 

[MAXXMASHER]

That's a pretty good idea! I think I will seriously consider doing that. I have some different batteries I want to try that won't fit it the enclosure underneath it. Usually I put it under the hood. No work for me tomorrow, so I will be getting some work done on the little road car. Should be pretty cool. You are correct about the Testor's paint.

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[R.Billy Rob]

I just switched to Tamiya spray paint. I heard it sands better. As soon as the weather clears up I'm going to try it. I will definitely be looking forward to seeing more on this one! It makes me almost wish I had got a micro t instead of another trekker last weekend! Very cool build!

 

[MAXXMASHER]

Yeah, I definitely like Tamiya paint better than Testor's for sure. Problem is, the nearest hobby shop that carries it is an hour and a half round trip for me. Sucks! If I really need something, I can get it online, but it's hard to find a good price and reasonable shipping. I never really worried about sanding too much before when doing model bodies; I just figured I'd give it a go. Yeah, it does seem to ball up a bit. My first coat seems ok. I don't have to work tonight, and it's much warmer than it has been, so I should get some more done. Is it better to wet sand or just do it dry?

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[MAXXMASHER]

It makes me almost wish I had got a micro t instead of another trekker last weekend! Very cool build!

Look around on ebay. There's a company that often sells Micro-T's as "new but with defects." The listing for mine said there was range problems and that it had a broken shock tower. I had extra towers on hand and figured I'd roll the dice. I ended up getting it boxed up just like a new one with everything included for $32! I have found zero range problems, so it was a pretty good deal. I had the Malibu model on hand so with the parts I've put into it, I have about fifty dollars total into the build.

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[R.Billy Rob]

I'm in the same boat with the hobby shop being so far away. It sucks! I just save up a list and go once a month. I'll keep checking ebay for killer deals like you got. 35$ is a total score!

 

[MAXXMASHER]

I got of paint on the little micro body earlier this evening. Got that sanded smooth with some 400 grit, and just put another coat of red on it. I hit that with a hair dryer, and then I'll do a little more sanding and painting later. Man, you were not kidding about the Testor's being a pain to sand! Just little balls of paint everywhere. That was after the first coat a few days ago. I switched to something different, and it seems much better. I actually gave some Krylon all-purpose and plastic bright red a try. I figured if it didn't work out, I could just sand it off. It goes on much smoother and is for sure easier to sand.

Got all the defects sanded off.

Fresh coat mostly dry and looking much better.

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[MAXXMASHER]

Another layer of paint! Exciting!! Looking a bit better each time. More layers to come. I may hit it with some sparkle overlay and then some cut-in clear coat for a shiny finish.

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[MAXXMASHER]

Starting to look like a car. I did a little more trimming to get it to sit the way I wanted it. Lots more to do. Working on an SCX project, too. This is kinda getting the backseat for the most part.

Body needs to be a hair further back.

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[R.Billy Rob]

How's this one coming along? I'd definitely love to see if there is any progress. This is such a cool build!

 

[MAXXMASHER]

This project is kind of on the back burner for a bit. I'm finishing up a flooring project in my kitchen and foyer, working on a body and an interior for my SCX, and I have to pack for three days of fishing. Leaving Friday morning for our cabin to chase some trout. Also I have a cabinet and sink to install that my wife wants in our main bathroom before family visits during Easter. Just not a lot of time for the micro right now....

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[MAXXMASHER]

I found a bit of time and got some of the final details wrapped up on my micro project. I was planning on doing a full interior and driver, but there wasn't much room for these details. I could have pulled it off, but the added weight was a factor. Speaking of weight, I also had to swap out the rear shocks for something a bit longer and play with some stiffer springs I had. I think I assembled them and took them apart and mounted them four times before I finally got it right. I decided to hide the internals by using some ultra thin lexan for the windows and giving them a coat of black on the inside along with the windshield. The final step was to add some length to the battery lead so I could relocate the pack up under the hood. I hate taking out those tiny screws to change packs! I got some one cell lipos that will fit better under there, anyways. Also if I intend to pull off some drifts, more weight up from will be better. The only thing left is to snap off the tabs that are intended to hold on side pipes. I was going to use them, but the headers get in the way of the larger front tires. Runs pretty good!

Found some micro crawler shocks in my stash that worked perfectly. I just had to put some washers at the bottom of the springs since they are a little larger in circumference.

I didn't like the hood scoop that came with the kit so I robbed a blower from another kit.

Nothing better than watching paint dry!

Windows installed. Ready to go!

Looks good.

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[R.Billy Rob]

That thing is awesome! I really like this idea. So much infact, that you inspired me to do the same! I really like the blower idea, it really screams muscle car! I chose a 1:20 scale '92 Camaro for my build. (All my other trucks are 1:20.) I might have to do another some time, these are fun!

 

[MAXXMASHER]

Lengthening the chassis to fit the wheel wells is pretty simple. The hard part was getting the car to sit level and not too high or too low. The added wheelbase makes it easier to control. I can almost get it to drift, but not quite. I think the next time I go to Lowe's, I'm going to take one of the wheels with me and find some heat shrink wrap that will fit around it. That should work to make the tires slippery enough to drift....maybe.

FLM BL E-Maxx - BL Slash - BL 4Tec - 1/16th Fiesta - Wraith - SCX-10 - Custom Axial 6WD - Custom Losi micro Monster Truck - Losi Micro-T Hummer - Custom Losi Micro Peterbilt Crawler - soon '65 Malibu Micro T Drifter

 

[tgh117]

you got too much time on yours hands!

 

[RootBreaker]

wow i just got a micro t (and 3 xmods which will remain as they are)... but was trying to think what to do with the T as I dont like the buggie look...
wow now i have to decide on a body for it!!!! this is soooo cool....

any progress? Month to the " T " ....

 

[RootBreaker]

The width of this kit is what sealed the deal. Most are too narrow for these axles. Tires stick out just a bit.

so the 1/20 fit the width of the axles best.. how far off would a 1/25 be? I would love to do this one... do you happen to have a car 1/25 in your pile you could throw on and snap a pic for me with no modding so I could see what id be up against?