vintage stock RC10

[markbt73]

Radio adapter plugs can be a little hard to come by these days, especially since almost everything is more or less universal now. I assume the Futaba plug you're talking about is the kind with 3 prongs sticking out of the plug at 90 degrees? You'll have a devil of a time finding an adapter for those. Futaba stopped using them in about 1986.

You might be better off upgrading to an inexpensive newer 2.4ghz radio. There is a Chinese-made one available for very cheap, like $25 (sold under the Flysky label) or you can get better-known brands for about $60-70. Any of them will have better range and less interference than your old Magnum, don't ever require a crystal, and they'll have the universal-style servo and ESC ports on the receiver. Something to think about.

[har_v]

Yes. 3 prongs at 90, Futaba G I think it's called.

Soldering it in place of the receiver plug on the vl5 esc I thought would be a simple fix.
Think the Futaba receiver is gonna have trouble with this esc?
I have an extra servo with the Futaba G for a donor.

Pull out my old speed control, put in the xl5, buy a new battery, and I'm down the road....maybe.

Wanted to make a short adapter so I didn't have to cut the esc...but it probably doesn't matter.

[Russ Winn]

I was just reading this thread, and see you were looking for charger options. I recently purchased this one, and have been pretty happy. It does Nicd, Nimh, Lipo, Life, and lead acid.

http://www.all-battery.com/tenergytb6b-charger-combo-90263.aspx

[har_v]

UPDATE:
Thanks for all the help guys!
Ended up spending abt $120 to get it on the road...but over half was on getting a charger which could be used for lipos in the future. (Onyx 235)
-went with Duratrax Mod ESC
-changed to 17T Reedy Radon
-and a NiMh battery for now.

It is definitely a bit faster than before. One problem with faster is that it makes it more obvious when it is not going straight.

Anyone have a trick for adjusting the steering? Using original RC10 setup. Seems that turning Left works fine, but upon release from Right turn the servo doesn't seem to bring the tires back to center all the way.
Servo seems to travel same distance both ways... I can't tell where the slop is.

[Russ Winn]

Try disconnecting the servo linkage from the bell crank, and check for any binding or contact. If you're using a straight servo arm, it could be flexing, or if you use a Kimbrough type saver, the spring could be worn. If everything is good, you could possibly have a servo problem. I had one with a weak motor once, and have broken gears several times before (easy fix). Most likely, it's only a bind in the linkage somewhere.

[RC104ever]

If you want better steering, start here and get the bell cranks kit with ball bearings:

http://vintageteamaandl.com/

Next, if you want to go FAST (assuming you have a stealth tranny), go here and order a set of JC Racing 5 spoke wheels:

http://www.jcracingproducts.co.uk/products/

Proline Caliber tires (good all purpose tire with reasonable wear)

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_26_2338_2339_213/products_id/169000/n/Pro-Line-Caliber-M3-22-Rear-Buggy-Tires-2

Get a Gens Ace Lipo:

http://www.hobbypartz.com/98p-65c-5000-2s2p-hardcase.html

Get this 2.4 Ghz radio and receiver:

http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-gt3b-carradio-lcd.html

Get the Sidewinder3 ESC + 4600 kv motor: (if you want to go silly fast, get a Mamba Max with the 5700kv motor)

http://castlecreations.com/products/sidewinder3.html


If you get all of the above, you will be ready to fly against the RTR stuff! If you need parts, here is one good place to try:

http://sabulatech.com/storefront/category.php?id_category=18

I also strongly recommend upgrading your shock towers once you start going faster as they WILL break easier:

http://rccarbonworks.com/store/index.php

I would also suggest these arms as upgrades to the stock ones:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGAF4&P=7

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEU95&P=7

Good luck! I made an RC10 for my son and did a bunch of these upgrades for him and he loves it. We raced a RTR car and absolutely CRUSHED it with the gold pan. When we told the kid it was over 20 years old that just made the kid even more upset, lol.

Now everyone wants to race us

[har_v]

Thanks for all the advice.
Spent some time with the steering and it is better until I can upgrade.

Tried a youtube trick I saw and stuck my Garmin inside the car, set for new trip and ran it down the street.
It registered 22mph as max speed for trip. I know this isn't stellar, but definitely much faster than I remember it running as a kid. Garmin probably adds a little weight to the car too.

What would be the top speed of a bone-stock RC10?. Mechanical speed control, stock motor, 6 gear...etc.
Anyone tried to strap a Garmin on one?