Composite Craft Predator Lynx re-build

[TravelinTravis]

….......and so it begins...finally!

I used to race bitd ('84-'90) and after discovering this great group and many other vintage R/C groups a couple years back, I've managed to build up a collection of my old racing gear. Many heartfelt thanks to members here, new and old friends re-connected with and all the other groups that keep this hobby/sport going and have helped me so much to this point. Looking forward to input/help on this thread as I just can't recall all the tricks I used/learned bitd and am certainly short of some hardware and tools too. But, I'm tired of waiting and guessing what else to buy...so, I broke down and started the tear down...and away we go...lol!
This will be my tear down and re-build thread for an original early build Composite Craft Predator Lynx. The same model that won the very first (and second) U.S. On-Road Nationals.
It's meant to be built as a runner with OG electrics. This is a used roller I picked up but I've also got an NIB Lynx (in the photos) that I'll build in a different thread...best to re-learn my lessons on the used roller before getting to the really good stuff I suppose. I apologize in advance, this thread won't move fast thanks to...well....life....but I hope you guys will help push me along and maybe enjoy some photos along the way as well too.

[TravelinTravis]

Front end tear down: Really...really need some new hardened turnbuckles and the old CRT (I think?) enclosed ball ends...ones with the upper and lower brass cones. Tie rods on this one are thinner than toothpicks! Wrong front wheels, mounted with no bearings, straight on the diameter of the hubs and pressed together with 5-8 washers...lol! I used to run RC-10 blocks and spindles...think that's what to do here...but have some old Bud's/TRC stuff+ bearings too....hmmm?

[TravelinTravis]

Angle is way too far off with the fat Futaba S-148 servo pushing the tie rods so far forward to the front beam...plus....they basically slotted one of the original servo mounting holes in the chassis. I think the new S-132h I've got for it should mount up fine....but the extra hole so close bugs me a bit...oh well... adds character...I guess!

[EvolutionRevolution]

The top of that chassis looks more worn than the bottom

And that front wheel mounting method Can't imagine that those wheels turned very smoothly and true.

Anyway, I'll be following this.

[TravelinTravis]

The top of that chassis looks more worn than the bottom

And that front wheel mounting method Can't imagine that those wheels turned very smoothly and true.

Anyway, I'll be following this.

Hadn't even realized how good the bottom of the chassis was...lol! The wheels and the steering blocks were practically welded...I'd be surprised if the servo still works!

[TravelinTravis]

Ok....here comes the full breakdown....

- Wow....never seen front springs more mismatched...and yes...all those washers were put in place of bearings...yikes!

[TravelinTravis]

Moving on to the rear....before.

[TravelinTravis]

Nice to see some old TRC rears after all these years....but, only 2 screws in each wheel and different length on the right rear?....and what is that on top of the bottom right link screw/nut? Solder?!

[TravelinTravis]

Also....if you take a peek back at the first pick in this thread...you might notice the ride height is almost high enough to run off-road oval ......It should be around 1/4'' for 1/10th on-road and 1/8th for 1/12th on-road, if I remember right...from the many pre/post race tech's bitd. Well....those lower aluminum square mounting blocks for the Delta shocks are mounted wrong.....the blocks should be mounted so the shock mount holes are low to the bottom brace and to the outside.

[TravelinTravis]

Rear tear down....

- Shocks off
- Restricted movement on upper links, notice the washer on the top left rear link and no washer on the top right rear ....should be brass cones all the way around top/bottom.
- Restricted movement on lower links too...same issue...but solder balled and over torqued on the lower right rear link.

[TravelinTravis]

Tear down done....time to start cleaning!

[GeneralZod]

That is the first time I have seen homemade ball bearings on the front axle

That car has a rear setup I haven't seen before. Very interesting! Also, I need one of those magnifying lense on yours desk nowadays as well

Looking forward to your progress!

[TravelinTravis]

That is the first time I have seen homemade ball bearings on the front axle

That car has a rear setup I haven't seen before. Very interesting! Also, I need one of those magnifying lense on yours desk nowadays as well

Looking forward to your progress!

Thanks Zod! Yeah...that's a 7x...when things get real small for me, I gotta break out the adjustable 10x with the reticle....used for welding inspection bitd.

[juicedcoupe]

I gotta break out the adjustable 10x with the reticle....used for welding inspection bitd.

You wouldn't need that to inspect any weld I've made. You can see that they are garbage from across the room.

[TravelinTravis]

I gotta break out the adjustable 10x with the reticle....used for welding inspection bitd.

You wouldn't need that to inspect any weld I've made. You can see that they are garbage from across the room.

Lol! Funny thing is...I've spent almost 30 years now in QA...and I've lost count on the number of welders that pushed back on a rejection I've made by saying, "the best inspectors are the worst welders"....and they're right every time...I weld like a child with a crayon on the first day of school...