Mid-motor B1, B4, B6

[radioactivity]

I've been thinking on this for a while. Got a couple 6301 chassis when on sale as well as a few other parts.
I also picked a laydown housing to check for fit.

Chuck

[KidAgain]

Cool project what’s the plan

[radioactivity]

Hi KidAgain

The plan is to use as many of the Associated "sale" items that I purchased and other affordable/available parts to build a midmotor.
I had some of the pieces already from other builds.
I found a new B6.1 transmission for a very reasonable price on Ebay.
The cost of the last few 6gear and stealth transmissions I built was quite high, and the lack of available parts made me go this route.
The template was made from measurements off the bottom of the laydown.
When I was satisfied with the template fit I reprinted a longer template for better alignment.

B1, the chassis
B4, some of the available suspension parts
B6, the transmission

Chuck

[radioactivity]

Drilled and countersunk.
The "squarish" opening for the bottom of the trans is next.

Chuck

[radioactivity]

I got the opening for the protrusion on the bottom of the trans cut.
Drill,file,dremel, sand and repeat. Fits really nicely.
Countersunk the mounting screw holes for the trans and waterfall.
Got some chatter on the countersinks but they are dead on.
Preliminary cut on the chassis to get enough clearance to test mount the trans.
I'll be doing more trimming to clean up the sides and get better clearance to the slipper and spur.
I was somewhat worried about chassis integrity (flex) but with the waterfall and all the mounting screws attached it is more ridgid than any of my stock RC10s.

Chuck

[Chewbacca]

This looks VERY cool. Please keep feeding us pictures!!

[sandkil]

Cool build. Keep 'em coming

[radioactivity]

Thanks guys!
Another justification for this unorthodox build is the far superior build of the trans.
If after spending hours and hours "perfecting" a 6-gear you feel you are finally satisfied, I found these transmissions are like greased butter with no shims, mods or filing, sanding and polishing.

I used the laydown trans because the spur just clears the rear suspension mounts.
The pic above shows how close the spur is.

The CG will move forward but I have a thought to move it back if necessary.

Next, I want to move the rear shock forward to approximate the original tower position.
In terms of height the tall B6.1 tower looks good. Got a couple from an internet "recycler".
Started the spacer by cutting 3/16" diameter K&S tubing into 4 equal pieces a little more than 1/2" long.
I waxed the tower and the empty trans case liberally.
I had some JB Weld "Water Weld" epoxy putty. This putty hardens reasonably hard and not too fast so workability is pretty good.
I smooshed it into the area I wanted to make the spacer fill.
A couple hours with an exacto, dremel, sandpaper and black paint...


Chuck

[XLR8]

This is a very interesting build. Looking good so far Chuck.
That's a clever way to make a shock tower spacer. I'd probably tried to hack something out of aluminum - your way seems much better.
I guess it's early but have you given thought to which body you will use?

[radioactivity]

I also made some nose brace tubes, $3 vs $15-$18 online.
Cleaned and clear anodized.

Chuck

[radioactivity]

Hi Doug!

Most of the time I do have an idea of the body, but I don't have a clue right now.
I did order a Protech and a Parma Eagle from "across the pond" but then again I do like the style of the Viper.
The chassis is going to be cut along the sides and I think that can get some bodies a little lower/sleeker looking.
Once the towers/shocks are mounted and the chassis is cut I'll test fit some existing bodies.
I do plan to use a B6 style wing mount so I will bob-tail the body and chassis as well.
Black JCracing wheels are also on the way.
Maybe a black and blue theme???

Chuck

[radioactivity]

Built my on-sale shocks.
Fronts- .89 body .71 shaft
Rears- 1.18 body 1.02 shaft
New caps
Avid 12mm spring adapters.
B6.1 springs
I already had the lower B6 spring perches and eyelets.
About $40 all in

Chuck

[radioactivity]

I started trimming the chassis and getting a little more clearance.
I did need to trim about 1mm from the front outside of the right rear suspension mount to clear the spur.
Much better access to slipper removal. Much easier access to lower motor mount screw with sides cut as well.

Next assembling some suspension.

Chuck

[XLR8]

Looking good Chuck.

Does that right arm clear the big spur okay? It might just be due to the perspective in the photos but the gear appears to run very close to the pin barrel on the arm mount.
Anyway, looking forward to your next update.

[radioactivity]

Doug
You got me!!
Everything but the arms cleared when I tried the layback.
Really thought I had something there. Was too hopeful wanting to use either trans.
Definately jumped the gun.
Edited the previous post and deleted pictures of the "fit".
Layback will not fit . Back to the laydown trans

Chuck