My Rustler VXL FLM build -lots of pics!

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]

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).

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!



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













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.



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.



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]

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

[Arct1k]

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

[snellemin]

Looks very good man.

[satttheman]

Very Very Nice

[JERRY2KONE]

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.

[_paralyzed_]

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]

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]

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

[suicideneil]

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]

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

[JERRY2KONE]

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.

[snellemin]

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