Hybrid buggy build

[juicedcoupe]

This will be a buggy, built mostly with Blitzer Beetle parts. More or less, a Bear Hawk.

For this car, I'm using as many new parts as possible. So far, the only used parts are the red carriers and servo mounts (already had them). The electronics will be mostly vintage but in good condition.

As with all Blitzers, start with the transmission and rear suspension.

Then mounted the rear to the chassis, along with the shock tower. You can also see the Bear Hawk body mounts, which are extras on the Blitzer Beetle parts trees.

[juicedcoupe]

Moving to the front. I used a new Futaba S3003 with a Tamiya high torque servo saver.

I mocked up the front so that I could get the shocks built. I used yellow CVA's from a Vanquish. I used the lower spring seat for an Avante, as the correct seat isn't included on the yellow CVA tree.

Got the front bumper and radio tray installed.

The threaded rods will be replaced with turnbuckles but the early style ends are staying. Now I need to order more parts.

[juicedcoupe]

Found a steel pinion, so I was able to install the motor. It's not a real Wimpy, just a 27T TOP with a MCI decal.

Installed the CVA's (Tamiya 53791) and modified some AE hexes.

[juicedcoupe]

Got it wired up.

I originally intended to use a Futaba MC111B, but a bad potentiometer ended that. I don't think it would have cleared the body anyway, it sat very high in the chassis and close to the edge.

Digging through my electronics box, I test fitted nearly everything I had. I have some more modern esc's that fit easily but I wanted something a little older.

Then I seen this Duratrax Spike. It fits perfect in the slot, has the big switch (chassis has a slot), and the color is a dead match for the shocks. I made an aluminum bracket to drop it down some, while still keeping it attached to the radio tray.

Also made up the motor leads. Yeah, they are long, but so what.

[juicedcoupe]

Got some Grasshopper steering blocks in and dyed them red. Comparing dyed nylon and molded plastic, I think the match is pretty good.

I took the aluminum hexes off. The fitment wasn't very good and I ended up stripping the screw in one of them. I had some new Tamiya hexes on standby.


Pressed the axles back in and installed some 5mm ball studs.

Turnbuckles, black ball cups, wheels, and tires are on order.

[TokyoProf]

That is a nice build, clean, and I like the red touch on the steering blocks and vintage electronics! Chrome rims would be nice too

[juicedcoupe]

That is a nice build, clean, and I like the red touch on the steering blocks and vintage electronics! Chrome rims would be nice too

I'm going with these JC Racing wheels, except in yellow. They will have Schumacher Mini Spikes.

[juicedcoupe]

Got all the turnbuckles done.

I went with Traxxas turnbuckles because they have the vintage look. They also have extra long threads, so they are easy to cut to length. And being $2 a set, you don't even mind cutting them.

I also used these 4.8mm Kyosho ball cups on the steering. They are a good fit for the Tamiya 5mm (actually ~4.72-73mm) ball studs, whereas the Tamiya cups are a little sloppy. It also has a few length in the package, giving you some options.

[EvolutionRevolution]

I'm not sure the high-torque servo saver + S3003 servo is a good idea...that may lead to stripped servo gears (which are all plastic on the S3003) because the servo saver spring is too strong for a standard servo like the S3003.

[juicedcoupe]

I'm not sure the high-torque servo saver + S3003 servo is a good idea...that may lead to stripped servo gears (which are all plastic on the S3003) because the servo saver spring is too strong for a standard servo like the S3003.

Unless it falls off the shelf, there isn't much chance of damage. Only a few of my cars see any real run time.

And even if I were to strip a gear, I have extra parts. And if it got to that point, I'd likely upgrade.

I use the high-torque version because the standard one sucks and not much else clears (I've tried).

[R6cowboy]

This is a cool build, looking forward to see the end product. I gotta know the part # to those Traxxas turnbuckles...? (Edit: scratch that, found them). Will be FXT related when I get to them.

[juicedcoupe]

Finally got the wheels in. Paired them up with some Schumacher Mini Spikes, which are similar to the original Bear Hawk tires.

Also got some Bear Hawk decals ordered from MCI.

I need to make a TBG order. Unfortunately, I need four or five bodies. With their current prices and shipping, thats going to hurt a little.

[juicedcoupe]

Got the Falcon body rough fitted. The Bear Hawk rear mounts didn't work out but I have an alternative solution.

Even though they share the same tub, the rear shocks and towers are drastically different.

[1300GT]

That looks great with the Falcon body.

[juicedcoupe]

That looks great with the Falcon body.

It's hard to tell from that picture, but I had to get creative with the trimming.

The front wasn't too bad, only requiring a little more trimming. The rear was a completely different story.