New to my RC garage: TC3

[Frankentruck]

I don't see much mention of the TC3 here in the vintage on-road section, so hopefully I don't get evicted for not being a pan car. Not sure where else it should go though.

For a few months, I've been rebuilding and re-rebuilding a freebee that was left in the neighbor's garage unused for way too many years. The electronics were as rusted as the screws in the photo, but the motor and gearbox were fine, and the battery tray holds a 6cell pack. All it really needed was an ESC, steering servo, and radio/receiver.

After my latest overstressing of the car lead to a realization that it was lucky to have survived this long and wasn't destined to be a long-term lunch time basher (zero OEM parts available), my typical RC10T3 parts search stumbled across a good deal on a TC3. Completely unfamiliar to me, but what have I got to lose? I could always resell it. Not that that ever happens, but it sounds plausible if the question ever comes up.

After dropping in a Tekin Rebel and grabbing the receiver from the tired Protoyo, the TC3 immediately showed itself to be a hoot to drive like a 'fast and furious' drifter on the worn foam tires.

Parts question: I see 3927 and 3928 motor heat sinks available for the TC3. Does anyone know the width difference? Do they both work ok with an open endbell brushed 540 motor?

[KidAgain]

Very nice TC3 bud................................

[RC10th]

Did you ever get your answer on the heatsinks?

I got mine out today..... not sure on part numbers but these are both genuine AE.

[Frankentruck]

I didn't find the difference, so I went ahead and bought a 3928 which was described as being 'long', since no one ever complains about having too much heat sink. Things have gotten busy though and I haven't had a chance to look it over yet.

[Faux4x4]

The long one will not work with the larger blue FT motor clamp that was posted earlier.

[Frankentruck]

That helps a lot and makes sense. Thanks.

[Frankentruck]

After first trial and seeing how fun the TC3 is to drift on pavement, my son claimed it as his own. The only real solution is that we need 2 TC3s... (or maybe more than 2...)

So this well cared for, Lotus bodied example arrived during lunch. I'm certain this will become the new claim and I'll get the first one back, which is ok with me.

[Frankentruck]

One more TC3 joined my garage. Probably the last one? One of the first tasks will be to replace all the blue aluminum screws with steel screws. A blue screw for a front shock tower mount tab was snapped off. It took some careful work to remove the screw stub and save the transmission cover.

[Frankentruck]

I had a composite/plastic CVD dogbone break at the u-joint pin. I ordered repair parts, but am considering converting to regular dogbones. I have this giant bottle of green loctite structural adhesive, so I made up a set by cutting and bonding with a brass sleeve. Not sure how durable they will be, but I'll have fun finding out.
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[Frankentruck]

I did add a 4th to the stable. My son claimed the one with all the blue FT parts, and the first one got rebodied and shared with my father in law.
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I ended up rehabbing the 4th which needed new bearings for each axle. I've been playing with the alignment and continue to see inner edge feathering on the rear wheels (have rotated rears to front so I have fresh victims to abuse). I'm starting to wonder if tire wear has more to do with my drifter-style driving than wheel alignment. Regardless, it's a hoot to come flying out of the driveway and chase down cars after they go past my home. My neighbor thinks it looks like a Chihuaua chasing a Pit Bull.
.

[Frankentruck]

This feels like something that should be done. I know there used to be a kit available. Just need some taller shock towers, longer shocks, wider suspension arms and longer/tougher CVDs or dogbones. Hmm....
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[klavy69]

This feels like something that should be done. I know there used to be a kit available. Just need some taller shock towers, longer shocks, wider suspension arms and longer/tougher CVDs or dogbones. Hmm....
.

yeah, the rally kit was awesome. I had one briefly but it was one of my many regrets of trading it off to support my slot car/rc addiction. Prices are too astronomical to pick one up nowadays but always on the lookout.

The 2nd picture will be burned into my mind like Farmer's pics...I'll never be able to unsee that.

Todd