The Franken12L

[Frankentruck]

How much can a RC12L really be changed from stock? It's like 2 front suspension arms with a motor pod on a pan chassis.
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Well, I guess step 1 is change out the front suspension arms. I already had this mini servo that just seems right for a 12L. So why not 'stick it where the servo don't go' and free up some space for receiver and ESC? I'll have to iterate one time on my front suspension to add in a servo wire tunnel under it. Oops.
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[Coelacanth]

How much can a RC12L really be changed from stock? It's like 2 front suspension arms with a motor pod on a pan chassis.

You'd be surprised...

https://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=35541&start=108

This is a 12L3 resto-modded to take brushless and 1S LiPo, but similar enough to a vanilla RC12L when it started out.

[Frankentruck]

Oooo! I like the GNX body!

[Coelacanth]

Thanks! Looking forward to your project updates.

[morrisey0]

How much can a RC12L really be changed from stock? It's like 2 front suspension arms with a motor pod on a pan chassis.

I am right there with you! I am in the middle of a Kyosho Alta and a RC12i, and part of me wants to create build threads for them, but they are truly so simple as take apart, replace what needs to be replaced, clean and lube the rest, and put back together.

You have a great rig there. I plan to re-refurnish my RC12l in the near future. It is about 4th-5th on the list right now.

[Frankentruck]

The front end is pretty much done other than making a bumper. I think this will be the right vehicle for my Novak receiver w/Dean's antenna. I won't be worried about range outdoors with this one.
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One step forward has brought along one step backward with it. While replacing a few rusty screws I found out why this was for sale. Got a broken graphite axle? Put in a dab of glue and sell the car on eBay.
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[Frankentruck]

I picked up some 1/4" aluminum rod, polished it to size, threaded one end, put some green loctite 638 on to lock the diff gear holder in place, and now I have an ok axle.
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It looks like RJ Speed might have something better that might be compatible, but this is good enough for a little around the kitchen trial, especially since my newly acquired Novak XRS showed up today. Put some connectors on the XRS, throw in a no label 15T double, and almost ready to go.
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Unfortunately my ESC operation was way too glitchy. It turns out it was the receiver. I might have to ditch the Dean's antenna and wire in a correct length antenna to see if that makes the old NER 2S usable. So the maiden voyage ended up getting a Futaba R162JE receiver thrown into the mix. Strap in a 6 cell stick pack (will be running 4 cells normally), and wow this thing is overpowered! There's no traction compound on the tires, but creeping around at minimum throttle is the only way to keep this mean little sucker from hooligan drifting all over the place. The wife is not impressed, but the son is.
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The XRS looks to be small enough to mount on the T-plate between the halves of the 4 cell pack. It should end up a tidy little package, not like what was cobbled together for the trial run.
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[GeneralZod]

Looking good! Wiring and electronic layout on 1/12 scale pan cars can be the most challenging part of the build.

[Frankentruck]

A new antenna wire made the difference. Now I just need to come up with an antenna mount. I have a fiberglass anti-tip antenna mast that I think I may use.
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[juicedcoupe]

Now I just need to come up with an antenna mount. I have a fiberglass anti-tip antenna mast that I think I may use.

What kind are you looking for?

I regularly use these:

https://www.amainhobbies.com/schumacher-universal-antenna-mount-schu1042/p-qqqzqatqgb2xactz

Or 3D printed versions of the RC10 mount are pretty common.


This is the old Parma mount. Its pretty easy to copy.

I recently made this one from scrap 3/16 aluminum tubing. Its tapped on one end and the other end is drilled to 1/8", then it has a hole drilled in the side to pass the wire into.

[Frankentruck]

I mostly just need to decide how I want to do the antenna mount. The fiberglass mast will need a solid base. I appreciate the options you posted. It gets the thought processes going.

[Frankentruck]

The antenna mount seems to have worked out ok, although I won't really know for sure until after a few racing tip overs. I do like the AE 4510 fiberglass mast rod and antenna wrap setup. I remember the fast guys used to have this setup so they didn't have to wait for track marshals to flip their cars back over.
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I made a standard 12L style front bumper and it's basically done... at least the initial version is done.
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[Frankentruck]

After thoroughly wearing out the tires on my TC3, I started thinking about it's next set of tires, which got me thinking about how to keep this 12L stocked with tires. It's dual compound foams will only last so long.

Today my RJ Speed axle arrived. The diff gear offset isn't a good match for the 12L.
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But since the diff gear carrier is only pinned in place, it just took a little drilling to relocate it.
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[Frankentruck]

So a thought came to me. Touring car 12mm hex wheels are readily available. Why not fit some to this car? It's still a work in progress, but I think it will turn out well. I may need to add some clearance to the back edge of the front bumper.
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[Faux4x4]

If those wheels are too big you might try some Tamiya m-chassis size wheels. They are a little smaller but also 12mm hex.