RC10Talk - The Net's Largest Vintage R/C Community

Hi Everyone. I am picking up this project again after 7 years (one could argue it's been in progress for 17 years but that's another story!). This build has been through a lot of changes over the years but I think I am now close to a solid final (?) version. My goal is to get something as close to the "Just Released" Pit Stop ad shown here:
This is where things stand:
Here's the backstory: http://www.toybaron.com/MIPInv2016SRBCABLE.htm

There are two areas of concern I'm currently struggling with, and am being as cautious as possible to not do (more?) irreversible harm to rare parts! I'm seeking guidance and suggestions from the others who've done this before, and am open to any feedback that improves this build.

1/ I'd like to find the rollcage pictured here in Shodogs build. The Proline version I have currently in place would require drilling from the bottom to attach to the chassis, and the shock mount would have to be something custom, and even then connected to the plastic of this Proline version it may not be stable enough... 1a/ is to fabricate a good shock mount...1b/ Any thoughts about vintage shocks to try to find would be great. Current thought is the set of Tamiya 5193 which do seem period correct.
(courtesy Shodog)

2/ I have a great set of vintage electronics as seen, but I am so far unable to get the setup to "light up". I'm seeking some suggestions (probably doing something very dumb). Once I get the electronics working, I can properly test the steering geometry, which I want to get well sorted before adjusting the placement of the front transmission (and drilling into the chassis)
Thanks to all in advance!

It appears that your esc is plugged into the bat port. It should be in ch2. But the photo is fuzzy and it might be just fine. There may also be something wrong with any of the three pieces

By far the most common shock to see used was the Kyosho CB 88 and CB 89 shock, they were a large red shock used on the 1/8 scale buggies. I would recommend trying to find a pair of those.

As for that cage, I personally don't see it as a good fit with the way it would need to attach to the chassis. If you do decide to go forward with it, or find a proper cage, and need help creating a rear shock tower feel free to reach out and I'll get you set up. Ive used your amazing webpage enough that I owe you at this point! Haha.

jwscab thanks for the note...I have tried all the connection combos and no luck. Frustrated because I dont have any other equipment with G style old connectors.... so it's hard to isolate each component. I'll try some adapters just to test and see what happens.