Stadium Blitzer rebuild

[juicedcoupe]

I picked up this Stadium Blitzer on Ebay recently. Due to me not paying close enough attention to the pictures, I didn't notice just how many new parts it would need. So it goes without saying that I definitely overpaid for it.

No point in crying about it. So I hit up Nitro Master on Ebay for some new parts.

I could have refused the tub but I wanted the receiver mount plate and I plan on using the Am-Pro braces.

And just like my other Blitzer, I needed small parts from several trees. So I ended up with lots of extra parts.

At this point, there are so many re-re parts that calling it an original is sketchy.

[juicedcoupe]

Got started rebuilding the transmission. The diff from my old Blitzer (its got a new one) was in better condition, so I cleaned and greased it. I reused the counter gear, along with a new shaft and bearings. I also shimmed the counter gear, as it would litely touch the case every now and then. I used Penn marine grease (thick and waterproof) in the diff and Abu Precision grease on the gears.

I didn't notice that the transmission was missing an outdrive in the original pictures, so it got some new ones as well.

I assembled the transmission with all new hardware. Since I had gotten new arms on one of the parts trees that I needed, I decided to use them as well.

[juicedcoupe]

Got the chassis assembled, again with all new hardware.

I had a new set of steering arms laying around, so I decided to use them as well. I also drilled a new hole in the battery post to allow the clip to be placed at 90°.

I got more parts on order, so that'll have to wait. I have some new shock bodies and old springs, so I'll use them with parts from these shocks to build a nice set in the meantime.

[BattleTrak]

Looking great! I know what you mean about the original vs Rere, originality thing.. I stopped worrying about it especially with chassis parts. The body, decal/copyright stuff is a different argument though..

[juicedcoupe]

Looking great! I know what you mean about the original vs Rere, originality thing.. I stopped worrying about it especially with chassis parts. The body, decal/copyright stuff is a different story though..

I already have an extra body from TBG (long story) and I'll have MCI make me some decals.

I was going to build a monster buggy a while back but changed my mind, so I have a new set of Blitzer Beetle (orange) wheels here. So I'm thinking about doing an orange body and having MCI change the decal colors to suit, I considered black but couldn't come up with a color scheme that I liked. I already have a white Stadium Blitzer, no point in having two.

[RC10th]

Good job, I love the stadium blitzer. The bump steer is atrocious though (but fixable )

Is this one going to be a runner?

[juicedcoupe]

Good job, I love the stadium blitzer. The bump steer is atrocious though (but fixable )

Is this one going to be a runner?

It's hard not to like them. They seem to have more character than most other stadium trucks.

I've already flipped the steering blocks. That's about as good as the steering will get.

Considering the number of new parts, there's no point in it not being a runner. That's why I'm going to use the Am-Pro braces and some good rear tires. I'm also using newer electronics instead of ones that are more period correct.

[juicedcoupe]

While I'm waiting for parts, I went ahead and built the shocks. I reused the shafts and pistons that came with the truck, the springs are takeoffs from my other truck, and the bodies and plastics are all new stuff from my parts box. I used good red o rings and new red and green Tamiya bladders, with 30 weight Losi oil.

All done. Other than the springs being a little dull, they are as good as new.

[juicedcoupe]

While mounting up the shocks and adding braces, I noticed some cracks that I didn't see before.

Cracks in the rear tower, no real surprise there. Time for more new parts.

[juicedcoupe]

Before spending $30 for a parts tree to get another crack prone piece, I did a little experimenting.

I removed the unsupported (crack prone) section of the tower with a belt sander. I then drilled and through tapped it to M3. I then moved the brace to the inside of the shocks and attached everything with 25mm long screws. The tower has almost no flex now.

The brace is set with a slight bit of preload.

[juicedcoupe]

Got some parts and hardware in, so I was able to do a little.

Final revision of the rear tower. Ran 40mm long screws through the front and secured the rear with Tamiya 5mm ball connectors (female thread). Those same connectors are used at all shock ends and camber links.

I had planned to use CVD's on this truck but,.......... I forgot to order them. Anyways, I had received new axles with the outdrives and had the dogbones from my other truck. I used Traxxas blue seal bearings at the wheels as well as Traxxas hexes.

Replaced the factory camber links with Traxxas turnbuckles and Tamiya low friction ball cups.

Put the tires and wheels on. Blitzer Beetle wheels with factory fronts and Schumacher Vee-2 rears. I like that the Vee-2's look very similar to the factory rears, except that they don't suck.

Its starting to look like a Blitzer now.

[juicedcoupe]

I had three Trinity Speed Spec motors sitting around, so I decided to try one. 21T, 12° should be decent for a Blitzer. I also went with a 15 tooth GM Racing steel pinion instead of the 13 tooth pot metal factory one.

Got it mounted up, everything looks at home.

[juicedcoupe]

And got the body rough cut.

At least it actually looks like something with potential, instead of a pile of junk.

[juicedcoupe]

Made a esc shelf from some aluminum flat bar.

And got it all wired up. The wiring actually looks cleaner in person, there just didn't seem to be a good picture angle.

[XLR8]

Before seeing your build thread, I was completely unaware this truck existed. I've just taken a look at the finished truck online and they look frickin AWESOME!
As you know, I just bought a (junker) Kyosho Outlaw Ultima. I thought it was the absolute best looking vintage ST ever but now I'm having second thoughts.
Oh well, I've already paid the man so it's done. I wonder how well the Stadium Blitzer body would fit the Ultima chassis? The SB body looks a bit narrower but that shouldn't be a problem. I just need to compare wheelbases I guess.
Anyway, your SB build is looking very good so far. The truck is going to be like new when it's finished.