Land Cruiser body

[RichardinNZ]

My build has progressed slowly! Everything finally complete apart from the body. A couple of questions!

1. The holes that Tamiya recommend for the body posts and mirrors etc seem large. Have other people reduced these; if yes how small can I go (never built a poly shell before so I'm not sure whether it will crack if things fit too tight)?
2. I'm not sure I've seen any CR-01s with an aerial; what do you all do with it?

Many thanks
Richard

[Arcocustom]

My build has progressed slowly! Everything finally complete apart from the body. A couple of questions!

1. The holes that Tamiya recommend for the body posts and mirrors etc seem large. Have other people reduced these; if yes how small can I go (never built a poly shell before so I'm not sure whether it will crack if things fit too tight)?
2. I'm not sure I've seen any CR-01s with an aerial; what do you all do with it?

Many thanks
Richard

Well, it helps to have the correct tools. This is what I use:link:http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJGU5&P=ML

Now, the holes only need to be big enough for whatever to pass through. As you ream each hole, test fit your post. Too tight and you will have difficulty getting the body on and off. The holes for the mirrors and turn signals are smaller than the body post holes, so pay close attention to the manual. These holes you will want them snug, but not too tight. You do not want to force them on.

http://www.tamiyacrawlers.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=120&pictureid=875

I like to run rubber O-rings on the body posts, under the body, to make for a snug fit.

http://www.tamiyacrawlers.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=120&pictureid=876

I also run an AM radio, so I just ran the antenna out trough the roof.

http://www.tamiyacrawlers.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=120&pictureid=883

If you don't like the look of the antenna coming through the roof, you can take a scrap peice of lexan and route it under the body like admin did.:) http://www.tamiyacrawlers.com/forum/album.php?albumid=3&pictureid=983

[RichardinNZ]

Many thanks for the advice. I think I'll try to do without an external aerial.

One last question; is it best to drill the holes before or after painting?
Thanks
Richard

[Arcocustom]

Many thanks for the advice. I think I'll try to do without an external aerial.

One last question; is it best to drill the holes before or after painting?
Thanks
Richard

I do them first. Most bodies don't come marked. Alot easier to mount it when it's clear. Be careful if you use a drill bit. It can snag and tear the lexan. I don't reccomend a drill bit. A tapered reamer works best. You can also use an X-acto knife and carefully twist it around and around. Don't push the blade in. Just twist it, scraping a hole.