Clod diffs are even bigger!

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />





Check out this old ad for the hilux

http://www.vintagercweb.com/ads/hilux_ad1.jpg

how do you get the pic to appear in your post? I tried that previously but the post just had the url tag and stuff there instead.

just click the IMAGE button below the post box, enter the url of the pic, and then click the IMAGE button again.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
major props on that find, man that was the coolest/funniest thing ever. They had those trucks over every type of terrain! so awsome <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

sa-weet!!!!

what's cool is that tamiya is re-releasing some of their older stuff, like the FROG.

maybe they would re-release this one...

After seeing these I really want to get one. Although I see the pitfall of having as many modifyable options as the real truck I have. What is the best quality for not too much money?

I startd to build my new one <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />, I'm putting alittle more thought into this one. I'll try to get some pics later on tonight..... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Heres my new one so far. I learned alot from the first one! I was just messing around when I did the first one, I didn't really plan anything, and when I was done with it I didn't have anywhere to put the battery. So on this one that was the first thing I made(a spot for the battery). I still have some finishing work to do. I welded this whole thing. I tried to braze it but I went through to much gas from the torch. I still have to make the front 4link. I'm going to use savage shocks(longer) this time. My wheelbase is also alot longer.
Anyway here it is so far......

Man, that frame looks really great!

I know your just mocking it up, but you'll want to lower it, a lot. Try and get the links parallel to the ground, or as close as you can. This will keep the center of gravity low and make the rig much more stable. Keeep the battery as low as you can get it. Heck, strap it to the upper links if you can.

Also, make sure you have a nice smooth skidplate on the bottom of the chassis. It will let you slide over rocks instead of getting hung up on them. I use sheet metal, but I've even seen people use those thin cutting board sheets. Makes it nice and slick to slide right over the rocks!

Post more pics as you get more done!

Best bang for the buck would be one of the Nylint rock crawlers you can get at Wal Mart. The bigger one for $150 is the best, but the smaller one for $45 is still good.

Now if you want to build your own "hobby grade" RC crawler, and don't want to break the bank, you can build a TLT for a little cheaper. I won't go into great detail here, but you can PM me for more info on what you need if you really want to build one.

I'll give you a basic build sheet with costs. Keep in mind you can save a lot of money if you build things yourself, so I'll price what it would cost to build one yourself. This is assuming you don't have any of the parts needed below. This is a rough estimate but is close.


Clod (what I have)

Used set of axles------------------$85
Steel/Aluminum for chassis---------$50
Aluminum and ball ends for links---$20
Used Shocks------------------------$20
Wheels and tires-------------------$60
Electronic speed controller--------$80
Servos-----------------------------$80
Motors-----------------------------$50
Radio and Receiver-----------------$30
Batteries--------------------------$50
Charger----------------------------$50
Hardware (nuts and screws)---------$25

GRAND TOTAL-------------$600


TLT (smaller truck)

Axles------------------------------$80
Tranny-----------------------------$40
Drive shafts/hardware--------------$25
Wheels/tires-----------------------$50
Used Shocks------------------------$20
Electronic Speed Controller--------$80
Servo------------------------------$40
Radio and receiver-----------------$30
Gear reduction---------------------$15
Metal for chassis------------------$40
Link materials---------------------$20
Batteries--------------------------$50

Grand Total----------------$490



Ok so maybe the smaller one is not that much less. To build a serious rock crawler, plan on spending $500-$600.

But the Nylint ones are cool for just playing around in the yard every once and a while. The bigger one is better because it has preportional steering and throttle, unlike the smaller one. Makes it easier to control.