Re: RC12L wheel/tire options? - (EDIT - My Solution)

[n20capri]

Just picked up a fiberglass RC12Lw in good shape. Tires are bad. Any alternatives that are known to fit?

[n20capri]

Well I ended up making my own hubs to work with modern wheels. Turned out awesome.

As you know the original setup used that set screw to hold the hub to the axle...mine uses the newer style clamp. Only thing I'm worried about is the weight of the nut and bolt on the one side causing imbalance...I guess we'll see!



Since new wheels are built differently I had to build the "hub" longer to keep the same width and also had to build the bearing into the hub - The wheel mounts with the 3 bolts just like the other side...The axle nut will now only be used to tighten the diff...wheel is mounted separately. Only potential issue here is the thin-ness of the "flange" the bearing sits in. Had to be that way in order to slip into the wheel...I think it will be fine though.



Left hub





Right hub









Wheels pictured are Xceed RC "Enneti" 1/12 wheels/tires but I'll assume all modern 3 bolt wheels will work. The Xceed front versions are a direct bolt on.

For the rear the stock bearings, tapered spacer, belleville washers and nut work fine. Left hub will just need a 4-40 bolt and small nut. Of course you'll also need 6 additional 4-40 nuts to mount the wheels to the hubs. Parts just came today and they fit perfectly. Just have to test it out...No electronics for the car yet though. (Hopefully santa is listening! ha)

I'm stoked and can't wait to try it out...

These are in my Shapeways store but for some reason they aren't showing up. Maybe the changes I made haven't propagated yet...idk.
(direct link - http://shpws.me/L7gk)

[limestang]

Nicely done!

Mark

[rraeford]

This is cool. Wonder how strong they'll be. I was always hoping someone with would try turning something like these out of aluminum but this is great!

[n20capri]

Thanks guys it was a fun project for sure!

I could offer it in stainless on shapeways but it'd be like $50!

[rraeford]

Question, I have just finished building my RC12LS. On this car, which uses basically the same diff as the 12LW, you do not screw the wheel to the diff spacer. There are no holes in the spacer to receive screws. The wheel is held in place by friction (I suppose). I have not tried to fit a modern wheel onto the diff spacer as it is, but based on your posts, I guess simply swapping them out won't work.

[n20capri]

Yes mine was like that too. As mentioned the new wheels forced me to build the extra thickness into that right hub along with having to mount the wheel to the hub with screws. The diff portion works the same with the exception of how the wheel mounts.

Hope that makes sense.

[rraeford]

After studying the diff as it is and rereading your post, it makes sense. I may do this on my 12l...which is my driveway basher.

[JOESGARAGE]

Thanks guys it was a fun project for sure!

I could offer it in stainless on shapeways but it'd be like $50!

Ill take a set!

[n20capri]

Thanks guys it was a fun project for sure!

I could offer it in stainless on shapeways but it'd be like $50!

Ill take a set!

I made it for sale in stainless but it's showing some thin walls. Not sure if they will let it go. You can certainly try it and if it fails you won't have to pay. It's in the bearing area...can't make it any thicker cause then it won't fit through the wheel. You'll also have to drill/tap the holes for the wheel screws. For the plastic I just drill and then use the screw to "tap" - works great.

For purchasing your own parts there is a "print it anyway" option that I use a lot - I tend to ignore the thin walls message - I don't think that's available when purchasing something from someone else. I believe they are overly cautious and I've never had a problem.

I think there is a beta option but I've not looked into that. Let me know what you want to do...I can work with you on making this happen.
Mike

[rraeford]

Well it took a while but I finally have my RC12LS runner ready to go. Just ordered a set for it. Now I can bash without ordering donuts.

[rraeford]

So here it is a week later and the package (which is listed on the USPS website as expected delivery on March 21st) has finally been updated to delayed. So I still don't have my runner, well, running.

[n20capri]

Ughh the usps sucks! Lol

[rraeford]

Finally here. They look good. Now if I can just find some time to install it!

[rraeford]

Drilled it and put it on. Straight bolt on and now my wheel and tire problem is solved. Thanks! Photos to come.