PL Blazer Build

[OldSchoolRC]

I got a proline CGR blazer and bumper set in a trade a while ago and finally got around to doing something with it. Just a fun rig on the cheap, with 3 builds going, funds are getting hard to come by. :) So it's going to be an old-school build, no fancy SCX chassis, pre-made links, just whatever I can find in the shop to throw under the body (kinda like the old days of crawlers where nothing existed and you had to build everything from scratch)

So far the specs are:
1 beat up axial tranny
1 550 airplane motor
1 decent set of TLT axles
RC 4wd Tomahawks
lots of aluminim, delrin, and cutting time

Body and bumpers - these are cool...was skeptical on the trade, but really like the cage set-up. Kind of a cheater body, but not bad. Perfect for an on the cheap build.
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl001.jpg

First, need a plan: Designed the chassis especially for the body and cut out of 2mm aluminum. Used some left over delrin for the crossmembers and bumper mounts. Tried to set up the design so the links would be a 40/60 length so the rear can twist a little more. BTW, notice it's backwards from the drawing? Neither did I until after i cut out the first set of links and mounted the axles to the wrong ends - :oops: I was clearly distrated by the Mythbusters marathon this morning. :) You'll see later "F" and "R" clearly marked on the chassis, lol
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl014.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl002.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl003.jpg

Axles, axles, axles. Tried a few mounts, nothing really worked so made a template or two and fabbed up some trusses for the upper links. Axles were stuffed with bearings (I robbed some some shelf queens) and the rear is locked. I'm tying something different with the front axle - I stuffed it with a bunch of Tamiya AW grease and used a spring to keep tension on the spiders, it's a poor mans limited slip! Does have diff action, but it's pretty tight. Should still turn decent at slower speeds ilo crabbing, but have some grip as well as it won't "open diff" as easily.
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl004.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl007.jpg

More to come!

[OldSchoolRC]

more pics...

Links: used 4-40 allthread in the back, and dug in my box to find turnbuckles that fit for the front. Saved some time - I hate making links, especially twice! Checking the WB and mocked up with some Tomahawks from a previous build that I never used.

Before i realized I had the axles backwards
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl008.jpg

After spending an hour fixing links
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl010.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl011.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl012.jpg

And before I knocked off for the Eagles game, got the shocks mounted on. Not sure if I like these...may make some mounts and get 4" shocks on here. Stance is perfect though. (note the "F" ...FRONT!!!)
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl016.jpg

more to come, have to piece together some driveshafts and make a servo mount, and she's a roller.

[teebeehex]

Some great homebrew work here - looks rough but functional. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[OldSchoolRC]

It's very rough, when building I just remove the rough edges until I'm done sorting it out. That way i don't spend a lot of time finishing a part that i find out didn't work or needs more holes drilled, etc. All the aluminum will be eventually countersunk, filed, smoothed and painted. Got a ways to go!

[spencertrax]

Nice, I really like your trusses.

[Waterboy]

yes, it will look like its had some miles on it:)

[Wyoming]

Good looking build thus far. :D

[SF2000XJ]

Nice job on the chassis, but I am curious about the grey car in the background? Looks like a Mustang hardbody on a mini or HPI chassis.

[Arcocustom]

I looked at this thread a couple of times before noticing the title.

PL Bronco Build


I got a proline CGR blazer...


http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/pl012.jpg


:confused: Definitely a Chevy Blazer. Nice build though. :thumb:

[brunion]

Nice build cheord or not. do you know the colors yet?

[OldSchoolRC]

Nice job on the chassis, but I am curious about the grey car in the background? Looks like a Mustang hardbody on a mini or HPI chassis.

It is, '69 hardbody on a soon to be custom TA chassis. 1 of 3 builds going on in the man room right now (not on this forum, though may make an apparance in the background)


I looked at this thread a couple of times before noticing the title. PL Bronco Build



:frusty: DOH!!!!!!!!!!! Good call, no idea what I was thinking. Don't think I can edit that, maybe a gracious mod could edit that for me. :D


Nice build cheord or not. do you know the colors yet?

Probably blue and silver, have my mod clod painted the same way. Keeping it all in the family.
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/b28.jpg

[jeffro]

Thats beautiful Oldschool, thats the 1st 4X4X4 grill that I actually like. :)

Don't feel bad, I looked at it for several days without catching it. Anyway, I've been meaning to ask you, how do you cut your aluminum frame rails, what do you use ?

[Arcocustom]

Probably blue and silver, have my mod clod painted the same way. Keeping it all in the family.

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/b28.jpg


That there looks like a Wheely King I do believe.

[OldSchoolRC]

Thats beautiful Oldschool, thats the 1st 4X4X4 grill that I actually like. :)

Don't feel bad, I looked at it for several days without catching it. Anyway, I've been meaning to ask you, how do you cut your aluminum frame rails, what do you use ?

THanks - I just use a jigsaw to get the rough cuts, and files to straighten out any rough spots.


That there looks like a Wheely King I do believe.

it is....I decided that was a sin of some kind and have since disassembled it...and thank you for fixing my thread title!

[jeffro]

I just use a jigsaw to get the rough cuts, and files to straighten out any rough spots

Really, I have a small band saw, a scroll saw and a handheld jigsaw. Im assuming with aluminum you use the finer or more tooth per inch blade ?

I still use a hacksaw and files, and its a pain sometimes

[OldSchoolRC]

Thinking about picking up a bandsaw...would defintely help with staighter cuts. Jigsaw works fine, I use use either a fine or medium metal blade, throw down a little oil and take my time. My scroll saw...well, haven't really got the hang of that yet.

[Waterboy]

i read that also, it happens to the best of us. i put a cr-01 pulling me in the build threads!:D

[jeffro]

Thinking about picking up a bandsaw...would defintely help with staighter cuts. Jigsaw works fine, I use use either a fine or medium metal blade, throw down a little oil and take my time. My scroll saw...well, haven't really got the hang of that yet.

My bandsaw is nothing special, I believe its a Delta, I had planned on using it when I was into building planes, a few years back, so I am wondering about the blade on it now, if I need to look for a replacement or see what happens, (only on aluminum) if it don't work I won't be able to tell you guys, because my fingers will be cut off, and won't be able to type. :D

[OldSchoolRC]

My first born just started walking this week, so RC's been on the back burner. Snuck away and got a little work done tonight after she was in bed. :D

Got the steering and front bumper mounted. Have to redo some of the chassis braces as i didn't like the servo mount options with it in, but needed to re-do them anyway for a battery and body mount so no problem. Steering is pretty good, no bump steer really. Will eventually sleeve the links or do something to dress them up.

will be cutting out the molded bumper on the body too... :)

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/F150010.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/F150007.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/F150009.jpg

[OldSchoolRC]

now that the holidays are over, finally getting some time to get back into the man room.

I experimented a bit with the driveshaft - cut up a standard dogbone and pounded the ends into a piece of brake tubing - it's super solid, doubt it would fail strength-wise, but it just doesn't work with the suspension set-up. Too tight at full compression, and falls out at full droop. Oh well, live and learn - at least I know it can be done if needed. :) Broke down and got some sliders and metal yokes - the metal keeps me from having to drill and pin the TLT outputs as I would have to with the plastic. Have to do some splicing, but finally moving along again.

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01062010010.jpg

[Arcocustom]

Those steel yokes sure are expensive little suckers ain't they. :p They work good though.

[OldSchoolRC]

They are....but very much worth it. Last time I tried to pin the output I was way off center and drilled a nice hole in my thumb. These are a bolt and go solution - my thumbs are very happy! Find it interesting though they come in an almost gunmetal color now, they used to be chrome.

Got the driveshafts in, chassis braced up, need to get a battery holder and body mounts figured out yet.

[Arcocustom]

They are....but very much worth it. Last time I tried to pin the output I was way off center and drilled a nice hole in my thumb. These are a bolt and go solution - my thumbs are very happy! Find it interesting though they come in an almost gunmetal color now, they used to be chrome.

Got the driveshafts in, chassis braced up, need to get a battery holder and body mounts figured out yet.

A CR-01 pinion will fit a TLT-1 or a High-Lift and they have a hole machined from the factory. I have drilled the TLT-1 before though. Need a good sharp bit and it needs to be clamped in a vise. A drill press makes it easier too.

[OldSchoolRC]

I think we need to get a standard going....flat on one side, flat on both sides, some have holes, some don't. :willy_nilly:

Thanks for the tip....can you buy them seperate? Think you need the entire R&P set.

[Arcocustom]

^^^ I don't think they can be bought seperately. The ring and pinions are pretty cheap. The CR-01 ring gear is also the same as the TLT and High-Lift. No need to buy TLT ones. Just use the ring and pinions for a CR-01 in your TLT the next time. :) I used a couple of sets in my High-Lift axles on my Wreckluse because they were cheaper. ;)

[OldSchoolRC]

Almost a roller! Wheels and tires are on, and got the driveshafts in. Slow and steady!

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01114010002.jpg

[OldSchoolRC]

Complete change of gears!!! Mods, might need some help - this should be either moved to the CC/XC section, or I can close this and start a new one - whichever is easier!

I scored 2 XC rollers, and decided to check out this body on one. Defintely like it better on an XC (and I found a new body better suited to those TLT axles)

So, this build is changing up a bit and going on an XC!

Rolling chassis, stripped it down yesterday (while watching the Cowboys get whupped with great satisfaction I might add) checked it out - looks pretty good overall, and very little wear. Re-lubed the bearings, re-greased the gears and did the standard front suspension mods while I was at it. Both diffs were locked when I got it, it's ready to go!
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01115010002.jpg

Test fit....hmm...needs a WB stretch. Just a hair short. :)
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01115010003.jpg

Used some revo links and made some upper links and it's right there. Love the XC chassis, so easy to mod. Going to have to stretch out the back of the chassis a bit, shocks are floating in the air right now. Tires are a tight fit, debating on hacking the body a bit to fit, or going smaller. Really like the look though. Oh, and have to find a driveshaft about the length of Delaware.
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01115010007.jpg

Stance is perfect. Could get more tuck here if I want, using TA red knuckes which gives about 5mm more track width on either side. The cat sort of agrees, though really doesn't care and just wants to be fed.
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01115010008.jpg

Can see the difference from the front to the back in the track width. Not sure If I'm going to go narrower or not. Kinda like them sticking out a bit.
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01115010009.jpg

To get myself motivated, started laying some paint on the body also, should have some color by tomorrow. Not what I had planned, but another story for another post. Determined to get this done and off the workbench by next weekend!

....

Oh, and will be reusing the old chassis - well, parts of it. Came across this body - I'm a Ford guy, but this is one nice looking truck. This hardbody was the reason I picked up the XC's, but after test fitting a few things, I think the TLT's will look much better under here. Very happy with the switch!
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01115010004.jpg

[jeffro]

Hey OS RC, I think, I've run across you somewhere else, maybe one of those dead areas, :) My strength is coming back, I can use the keyboard again :D

It looks like you have your work cut out for ya. :bangin:

[OldSchoolRC]

Dead areas is right, used to be over "there" all the time until it got nasty. Seems all those people moved over to rccrawler though and it's might quiet lately. Kinda like the queiter sites though, easier to get to know people.

Glad you are feeling better!!!

[OldSchoolRC]

Painted...got some touch up to do, but you get the gist. I meant to paint it blue and silver like my clod, but grabbed the black by mistake. DOH!!!! Should have done the bottom white if I had thought about it for more than 3 seconds, but what's done is done. S'ok, think it'll look ok when it's all finished.

Painting never was, and will never be my strong suit. :(

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01116010001.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01116010002.jpg

Threw the cage on just to see how it was looking.
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01116010003.jpg

[jeffro]

but grabbed the black by mistake. DOH!!!!

I know I have done that. :(


Painting never was, and will never be my strong suit.



I feel the same way, like I said, I've got the camera. :) You should see my stuff up close :o

[Siggy]

Once you put them together and add more details, the shell will look just fine. Nice Work! :)

[OldSchoolRC]

plan to add a few details to the interior, but not too much. It is a lexan body, and only so much can be done without completely cutting it apart and going styrene - not looking for that with this build. Will be doing a little more painting and decaling tonight. Painting the body got me pumped up to get this finished! :)

[OldSchoolRC]

More progress!!

Extended out the chassis a bit, hollowed out the back of the chassis and made some new frame rails. These will be connected at the back and serve as a mount point for the rear bumper. Gives me some nice options for the shocks as well, 4" in the back are no problem now. Started work on the front bumper as well, just needs a little tweaking and messing with wheels and tires. WB still needs a bit of adjustment, and since I removed so much from the chassis, I'll have to do some bracing here and there to keep it solid.

New chassis rails:
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01120010002.jpg

Perfect bumper mount height:
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01120010004.jpg

Closer and closer... :)
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/dschlegel/PLProject/01120010001.jpg

[Northwest 4x4]

look great are you going to add pip's for exust

[OldSchoolRC]

Of course! Wouldn't be a nice ride without an exhaust poking out the back :)

Ordered some new rims with some better offset as well. Rear track is too narrow with 0 offset rims.

[jeffro]

I've got 2 CC-01's or whatever they are, and I had thought about finding a new home for them, but you are giving me ideas.

BTW, she's looking good, I like the stance.

[OldSchoolRC]

Deposited this project in the circular file....never really felt the build, the lexan body just does not scream scaler to me. Cool body though, just not into it and have plenty of ABS bodies for scaler use. Will be using the CC01 chassis elsewhere (Xterra build?) ....as far as this body, will finish detailing it and find a home for it somewhere.

[Arcocustom]

Dang. That's harsh. :frusty: :bangin: :deadhorse: :help:

[OldSchoolRC]

I did find a nice home for it though, it's proudly perched on my TXT - looks right at home there, far better than it did as a scaler. Got quite a bit of detailing done too, looks pretty cool. I'll put some pics in the gallery later.

Now, what to do with that CC chassis....? Hmmm.....