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-   -   My Rustler VXL FLM build -lots of pics! (https://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8442)

espeefan 11.04.2007 06:07 PM

My Rustler VXL FLM build -lots of pics!
 
Thought it would be cool to share some photos of my Rustler VXL. It started off stock, and was supposed to stay mostly stock. I needed a runner just to have fun with, but one thing lead to another and quickly my VXL ended up in pieces, just like all of my other RCs! It's almost done now, but not quite. I'm still waiting on a few key pieces before it's finished. Most of the upgrade goodies came from Mike at RC-Monster. I couldn't resist the FLM parts!

In the beginning there was the Traxxas Rustler VXL. Little did it, or I, for that matter, know what it's fate was soon to be.....

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...gravelpile.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...lerVXLside.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...ebrushless.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...tlerVXLnew.jpg

And then it started.....

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...thVXLgears.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...tyVXLgears.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...scasebeaut.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...ionandCVDs.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...sisrearend.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...srearangle.jpg

espeefan 11.04.2007 06:09 PM

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...eeringset-.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...ndsteering.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...upperplate.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...einchassis.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...atemounted.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...einstalled.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...s/FLMRusty.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../FLMRUsty5.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../FLMRusty4.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../FLMRusty3.jpg

espeefan 11.04.2007 06:09 PM

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../FLMRusty2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...Rustyabove.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...toelinks-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...ytoelinks2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...ytoelinks3.jpg

More to come as I progress.

MTBikerTim 11.04.2007 06:50 PM

Where did all the plastic go? OMG that is nice. One question though what are you doing with all the bit you took off it?

entjoles 11.04.2007 07:10 PM

very nice!! those pics are sweet

what camera are you using??

MTBikerTim 11.04.2007 07:23 PM

I was thinking the same thing. The pics of the txt-1 are also really nice. You seem to be pretty good with the camera.

jnev 11.04.2007 07:50 PM

Wow... shiny. :smile: I used to have an FLM Stampede, and I just couldn't stand to see all those nice shiny parts get scratched... so I sold it. And i am glad I did because the new owner polished it all up. :smile:

BlackedOutREVO 11.04.2007 09:44 PM

WOW

As I have said on traxxas

Makes me WANT ONE BAD

espeefan 11.05.2007 01:28 AM

Hey thanks guys. Yes, I have been posting on the Traxxas forum too, so without doubt that is why the truck might seem firmilar to some. I took all the photos with my Sony F-828. I also enjoy photography, though I'd consider myself 'still learning'. The stock pieces, well I am not sure what I will do with them. I could almost build another truck, but I don't think I will.

MTBikerTim 11.05.2007 01:33 AM

Ebay or sell them to me for cheap :yes:.

BlackedOutREVO 11.05.2007 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by espeefan (Post 127157)
Hey thanks guys. Yes, I have been posting on the Traxxas forum too, so without doubt that is why the truck might seem firmilar to some. I took all the photos with my Sony F-828. I also enjoy photography, though I'd consider myself 'still learning'. The stock pieces, well I am not sure what I will do with them. I could almost build another truck, but I don't think I will.

Well DARN you!!

I might just have to do another FLM pede, But ALL EXT, so it big, not just normal FLM:party:

snellemin 11.05.2007 11:32 PM

Very nice man. On my FLM rustler I upgraded the servo and servo saver. The stock servo saver did not last me too long with the additional weight.

espeefan 11.06.2007 02:53 AM

Yes, been thinking about that actually. The servo saver was barely capable of doing the job on a stock Rusty. It seems so sloopy. The servo seems pretty decent, but I have a few high torque HiTec servos lying around.

Front big bores should be here this week, so the chassis will finally be done, for the most part, but I am still lacking a good set of springs! Does anyone know what will fit the big bores? I was thinking of trying some Team Assocaited springs next. Help me out guys!

drkros3 11.06.2007 03:08 AM

that has to be the nicest rustler i have ever seen.

you should really switch out that servo with a nice metal gear servo. traxxas servos tend to glitch even with a nice radio. or it could just have been the 3 i had on my revo when i first got it lol.

snellemin 11.06.2007 09:11 AM

I use trinity Tmaxx springs in the rear http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHWJ7&P=ML. That tranny is pretty heavy and bottoms out quickly. My setup is about 5 lbs including batteries, Heavier with the beadlocks, so the stiffer springs are a must in the rear. The front has some green associated springs.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...r/DSCF1169.jpg
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...r/DSCF1128.jpg
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...r/DSCF1125.jpg

espeefan 11.06.2007 11:40 AM

Thanks! I saw those Trinity springs before. Wondered if they might work. Looks like they do! So your front springs are Team Assocaited. I was going to buy a pack and see if I couldn't find a good combo. Actually these packs -
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBVG0&P=7
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBVF9&P=7

Might add the Trinity springs to the list now too.

snellemin 11.06.2007 12:03 PM

A cheaper alternative for the trinity springs are the ones you find at the Sears hardware store. They are about the same stiffness. I have the Green, silver and black associated springs for the front. My LHS didn't have the combo packs back then, when I started messing with my Rusto. I love the FLM tranny. I just had to add an extra shim at the topgear. The only things that I have replaced so far, are the FLM bumper, Bulkhead and one rear A-arm. It takes alot to bend/break those FLM pieces. I did leave the bearing carries plastic. It's easier to take them out after a bad crash or wipeout (Bend pins).

espeefan 01.07.2008 02:18 PM

Small update! It's been a while since I touched my FLM Rustler, so during my time off during Christmas, I took the time to finally get the truck relatively complete. I had been waiting on some misc. parts that were back ordered on Tower Hobbies, which arrived just in time to get some wrench time in during the week of Christmas. So I've got some new pictures!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...s/RustyVXL.jpg

Completed (more less) with the original body mounted up.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../RustyVXL3.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../RustyVXL4.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../RustyVXL5.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../RustyVXL6.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../RustyVXL7.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12.../RustyVXL2.jpg

I am still up in the air about what to do with the underside. I would like to get a skid plate for the motor and trans, but also some lexan sheet to bolt to the underside of the entire chassis - to help keep dirt out and protect the chassis.

I also figured out a cool way to mount the ESC and pretty much in it's original loaction, to boot. I couldn't really see an easy way to mount the ESC to the side. There aren't any good holes that match the ESC's mount pattern, and because the chassis is so open, I didn't think double sided tape would do me much good.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...inposition.jpg

Because of the location, the ESC plate I made also doubles as a battery mount / strap of sorts, which works well for holding battery packs in. I installed a couple stand offs, drilled the ESC plate I made to match the stand offs, and now I can easily pull the ESC out of the way, just by pulling the cotter pins. A couple O-rings on the stand offs provide a little shock dampening. Here's a photo of the ESC plate taken off. I just need to stick a hunk of padded foam tape underneath to cushion the battery pack, and it'll be done.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...tterymount.jpg

I haven't decided on wheels or the motor pinion yet, but I have everything I need. Still thinking about what radio gear I'll be running, so I haven't mounted the radio RX yet either. I have a 2.4 Giga Hz. system, and also some nicer FM systems, so we'll see. I'd like to mount the RX in a good location too, but I am not sure where that is yet.

Believe it or not, now that the truck is pretty much done, I'm not sure I want to run it. I've enjoyed building it, but for some reason now that it is done, I am loosing interest in it. I have quite a few other projects on my to-do list, and I am almost thinking of putting the FLM Rustler up for sale. I'm not sure.

Well, anyway, what do you guys think? Not a bad looking machine, if I say so myself!

JerryF504 01.07.2008 02:52 PM

Your truck is GORGEOUS! I don't blame you for not wanting to run it.

Arct1k 01.07.2008 03:29 PM

Looks very nice - I'd use shorter screws on your esc mount so that it is flush and doesn't spike a battery...

snellemin 01.07.2008 08:58 PM

Looks very good man.

satttheman 01.15.2008 03:35 AM

Very Very Nice

JERRY2KONE 01.15.2008 06:09 AM

Wow!!!
 
Dude that is one nice machine. yeah I am sure that a lot of us can relate to your issue of not being able to help yourself when it comes to CNC upgrades. When you compair that truck to what you started with it is just an inevitable transformation. With everything that FLM and some of the other complanies hang out there like a carrot we just cannot help ourselves. That truck looks great and I am willing to bet it will run and handle pretty well to boot. Great work man.:lol:

_paralyzed_ 01.18.2008 03:06 AM

Sweet ride man! About the rear skidplate/motor cover- The e-bay wheelie bars (made by rc wheelie bars or something like that) act as a skid plate, covers the motor, is unfinished aluminum like the flm stuff, and, is a wheelie bar! They go for about $20 and are pretty tough. Nice work!

team3six 01.19.2008 06:56 PM

That looks great, But why in the world did you decide to keep the stock servo and not go with adjustable shocks!?
You should post that on rc411.com I know a bunch of Traxxas guys that would love to see that.

oneO 01.25.2008 12:51 AM

WOW! nice... i just booked marked this page for reference when i start putting mine together.

suicideneil 01.25.2008 09:28 PM

I wish people wouldnt post pictures like this, it makes my wallet get all nervous.

Something about an all metal vehicle that just looks so damn nice- excellent work my good man.

TIMOGmember 02.12.2008 10:50 AM

how much heavier than stock would you guess it would be?

JERRY2KONE 02.12.2008 10:57 AM

Relitive
 
Probably not quite as much as one might think. Most of these aluminum alloy & titanium hop-up parts are very close to the same as stock plastic or even less sometimes. :lol:

snellemin 02.12.2008 12:17 PM

The transmission is the heaviest part. Everything else is about the same as stock.

neweuser 02.14.2008 07:06 PM

I live the wheels, and the build, nice job. f the fan is still mounted in the rear of the motor, i would change that and the servo, otherwise, Very nice!

team3six 02.14.2008 08:18 PM

Hell, I would run it. what good is it just looking pretty. Nice build, I have been wanting to build this for awhile now. Just wondering how much was the chassis again? I have seen a fex Silver carbon fiber chassis on the net and was thinking maybe going that direction.
greta build though, if your ever looking for a shell to fit on their, give me a look www.team3sixrc.com, peace.

A RC Dude 02.15.2008 04:07 PM

Verry Nice!


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