Project Rebuild: WD40BIKE MTDT

[turbodan13]

So I've had my MTDT for a few years now, and it's taken a pretty good thrashing. And, it's taken it in stride! Aside from a few teeth marks & tears in the body from the dog, nothing's broken!! And now the time has come for a rebuild.
It's mainly going to be little things/sensible upgrades & replacements first...stuff like metal pivot balls, hardened drive shafts & CVD's, etc. Along the way, there's some scale-ish modifications planned as well.
Once all the time consuming stuff has been finished, motor & electronics will be swapped out for something with a bit more kick.
The paint scheme will be a trophy truck, that is based on my work rig.
My Blitz is already done in the "company colors," but it's a simplified version, since I know it will get dinged up at the track.

Overall, the main focus of the (re)build, is to have a fun & quick truck, that will be eye catching & reliable.

Since my work requires a fair bit of travel, the MTDT will be hitting the road once it's completed, so I'll be trying to hit as many tracks & bash spots as time allows.

I'll be updating as things come along, and will try to get as many pics of the modifications as the build progresses.

[turbodan13]

First on the list, was addressing the tire rub/wobble issue. I opted to stay with HPI's 1.9 Yokohamas, but the softer compound version, mounted to Axial 8 hole 1.9 beadlocks. The Axials have a tad more offset, so they eliminate the tire rub issue, and give about a 4mm wider track. Unfortunately, they also bind against the hub carrier. A little reshaping with a file, and they clear perfectly!

[slash23]

What did you reshape for the axials??? Also can you give me a link to the cvd's? The cvd's will be on all 4 corners right?

[turbodan13]

To fit the Axials, I had to file down the upper & lower corners of all 4 hub carriers.

I'm still researching CVD's, but I will list anything I find that is cross compatible.

[turbodan13]

I'm trying to stick with as many HPI parts as possible, since they will be the best fit & part for the application.
CVD's/Universal joints: ::HPI RACING::
Steel pivot balls: ::HPI RACING::
Rear drive shaft: ::HPI RACING::
Front drive shaft: ::HPI RACING::
Alloy hex hubs: ::HPI RACING::

[turbodan13]

99% of the body work is finished. Decided to go with the HPI Ford body. It still needs the rear lights adapted/installed. I'm using the rear light pod from the Axial Exo, cut down to just the center 2 buckets, and possibly the RPM Slash tail lights.
Just installed a CC Sidewinder combo in the Blitz, so the stock ESC & motor will be transferred to the MTDT for the time being. Any suggestions on a motor/ESC combo for the Trophy? Not looking for warp speed, but a good match of speed/power/longevity.

[NikkoCharger]

That's one cool 'lookin truck...

[turbodan13]

Originally Posted by NikkoCharger

That's one cool 'lookin truck...

Thanks!! I wanted to make something that complimented my work rig, since it will be traveling with me around the country. There's a 3rd rig in the works as well... a VW Baja Bug, built on a vintage Tamiya Wild One chassis. Colors will be based on the Gulf Racing livery, which perfectly match a friend's bike shop colors.

[slash23]

IMO the roof lights are to high up... The body loooks amazing tho! I just ordered a set of those cvd's. have you tried the yet?

[turbodan13]

Originally Posted by slash23

IMO the roof lights are to high up... The body loooks amazing tho! I just ordered a set of those cvd's. have you tried the yet?

Thanks! I wanted a body that would look as pro as my work van & crew.

I've been looking at several shots of the 1:1's, and I've seen some low & some high mounted ones. I tried to go as far forward and low as possible, without overlapping the windscreen, but had to work within the confines of adapting the Axial parts & the shaping/curvature of the body shell. The rear support arms wound up being about 1.5mm too far back, so the buckets have a slight upward tilt, unfortunately.

CVDs are on the bench, along with the drive shafts & metal pivot balls. I've got another project that I'm tinkering with and 10 days of work travel coming up, so I'll install all the new parts when I get back.

[slash23]

You could get a 6 light bar and cut it down... Lots of people have done that... Maybe even an led bar?

[turbodan13]

Originally Posted by slash23

You could get a 6 light bar and cut it down... Lots of people have done that... Maybe even an led bar?

Maybe on the next one. Holes are drilled and lights are mounted, so...

[slash23]

Yeah i did the same thing on my buggy... Theres a bunch of random holes on the roof but i thought oh well once i get everything to where im happy with it ill buy new stuff and line it up perfectly using my old one

[turbodan13]

Mainly, the trucks are part of my "on the road" inventory of playthings...in addition to a full arsenal of mountain, cyclocross and road bikes, a full Dolby 5.1 surround system, espresso machine, and a full rolling work shop that is my "regular" job. There's a few other mechanics that have RCs stashed in their rigs, so I decided to take things up a notch.

[turbodan13]

Installed a pair of Novak 25mm fans on the back roll cage. Bored out holes through the Axial radiator, and bolted the fans in place. Lines up perfectly for good air flow to the ESC & motor.

[slash23]

Originally Posted by turbodan13

Installed a pair of Novak 25mm fans on the back roll cage. Bored out holes through the Axial radiator, and bolted the fans in place. Lines up perfectly for good air flow to the ESC & motor.

Would like to see some pics! Your truck body is still the best looking ive seen!

[turbodan13]

Originally Posted by slash23

Would like to see some pics! Your truck body is still the best looking ive seen!

Ask, and you shall receive!

[slash23]

Looks good are those the exo taillights? The full 4 dont fit in between the shock mounts huh? I was hoping it would cuz it would look badass with all 4

[turbodan13]

Originally Posted by slash23

Looks good are those the exo taillights? The full 4 dont fit in between the shock mounts huh? I was hoping it would cuz it would look badass with all 4

I had intended to integrate the EXO light pod into the roofline, but after test fitting to the original MTDT body, it was not as stable as I'd hoped. Fortunately, a clean cut just outside of the gussets of the 2 center lights, and it makes a nice neat little pod. As a bonus, I was able to CA glue the outer sections together, and now have a 2nd pod for another project I'm working on.

I've also added the RPM Slash tail lights to the rear bumper. A super small modification, and they sit just above the top bar, right next to the spare tire. Drilled a small hole, just above the lower one, and mounted the lights to the back side of the bumper, via the rear body mount screw, with a 2mm spacer between the RPM plate & backside of the body mount point. Turn them 90º inwards, towards the spare, and they sit flush with the upper bar of the bumper.

[turbodan13]

Well, the build is on a temporary hold. I'm on the road through mid September.