Tamiya DT-02 Thread

[Royal Male]

Toonz .....you star, whooop.

[Royal Male]

Hi toonz, guys, :wave:

That link for the dt-02 race is ace.....what a track!! I would love to have access to a track like that instead of my staff car park!!

oh well it's inspired me to put my home made 'black body' on the gator together with two of my sand viper wheels......I'm quite suprised :eek: how good it looks..I'm not into sleak, mean...looking RC vehicles BUT that black and grey combo looks pretty cool>>>>>>what ya think??

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all.
Well my body has arrived..................... just kidding :D . But after looking at those pics (fifth from bottom on last page is the best of all the pics) I'm taking back everything I said in my last post, I love my Gator even had a run with it last night. Never fails to amaze me on how much of a beatin` it can take. Did some jumps, and every time it landed on the gearbox. I'm talkin` full vertical jumps at about two or so foot, it just keeps goin`
RM. Looks evil and nasty, just how they should look.

Body will be here next week, according to Mike. Should have it finished before he arrives next Friday 1st December.

GO THE DT-02 DESERT VIPER SAND GATOR :winner: :driving:

I'm pretty sure there will be a DT-03, just a feeling.

[toonz]

glad to hear that your passion remains del :)
once you're done with a new body, it will be a revival!

yeah i'm hoping to see a DT-03 and wish that it can be a combo between the astute and dynastorm. can you hear me tamiya? :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: toonz.
Just having an 'off day" I think :( :( . Yeah it will be a sweet ride.

DT-03 must be in the pipeline, look how many DF-03's they did in the space of a few months. I have to agree with you on that one, a combo of those two would be one wicked racer. Hope they give it a good lookin` body too. :cool: :cool:

[toonz]

went out to the beach yesterday with my frog and my girlfriend with her willy.

what a great fat bash and spin!

but the cleaning up was @*#%*$%*%^(*%)(*)....

haha....great fun after all!

[Nenzi]

New DT-03??

Here's what I'd like to see:

FRP chassis plate and shock towers (top force was very competitive)
turnbuckles
aluminium motor mount
ball diff as standard
df-03 hop-up shocks - very nice!
lots of gearing options
dyn storm/super astute front tyres
through bolts, not self tapers

optional slipper clutch

name?? forget the cheesy animal names, just call it the DT-03 PRO!

this would be a hot basher, and potentially a very competitive racer!

around the world 2wd is still by far the most run class in electric off-road, you listening tamiya??

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Finally after the long long long ever so long wait, almost 3 months. My "Des'D'Tute is finally finished. BIG thanks to Mike, u :winner:
I will, no doubt be taking s**t loads more pics of it over the coming weekend. Mike is arriving tomorrow for a weekend of R/C madness.
Let me know what you think, did it turn out like you all thought it would. There's still some things I ain't happy with, some of the decals aren't right but it's the best I could do. :D :D :cool: :D

[toonz]

I AM JEALOUS!

nice work del! :)

[Super Chump]

Sh*t Del, you fooled me for a second - I seriously thought that was a REAL Astute, lol! Looks awesome, and those proper wheels certainly topped the 'look' off.

Don't worry about the decals though, as you've probably already seen my Gatorade up close now you'd have noticed I did a pretty crap job putting those on. You don't notice when it's on the move :)

For the rest of you guys on here we'll stick up some photos for you to look at, hopefully the weather will hold off for us. It's the first day of summer here tomorrow and it seems like winter is back already... :confused: :(

Mike.

[toonz]

popcorn my shop here is having a x'mas sale.....so many kits...so many rtr....and i want to get something for myself.....so tempting!

i'm squash between a M03M Suzuki Swift and a Tamtech Mini Fox....

ahhhh......what should i do.........

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Well Mike arrived today, and we're off to shoot some pics and video later. Keep an eye out. Here's a pic of the two boyz with their toyz, Gatorade and DesDTute. Enjoy :cool: :cool: :D :D :winner:

[toonz]

can i join too..... :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all.
Yeah Toonz, you can join. (You'll have to fly to New Zealand, decide on wether you want to live in the North Island or the South Island, personally I'd choose the South, as that's where I live. Even Mike likes it more here than he does in the North Island more places to run R/C's where I am.) Bring your Gator and Mike and I will show you how to treat them really well. :D ;) :p

Here's an after pic of my "Des'D'Tute" Keep an eye out for the "Movie to end all R/C movies" Mike will be posting a link as soon as he can.

[toonz]

WWWWWaaaaaaaaa..........much dirt you've achieved! :) yeah i do hope that i can be there someday and we can run the DT02 :)

i brought my frog to the beach again last weekend and i will take my viper out for the first time to the track this weekend. (hope that the weather will be as good).

saw this site
http://www.tam.ne.jp/nic/dt-02/dt-02e.html

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hope to see you here one day Toonz.
I want one of those see-through trannies that the Super G has, they're cool.

[toonz]

yeah the transparent gearbox is nice and if only it's made of ABS resin. i'm having scratches on my gearbox already cos it wheelies too much at a steep angle after a little jump. got to order for a spare one day....heehee.....

just bought the DF02 spring set to match the DF02 damper. :)

[Super Chump]

What's up guys?

Been back from my 5 day break down south for a few hours where I bashed some cars with Del and did my own stuff in his home town, which I always enjoy visiting :D Thanks for another fun w/end of laughs and reckless driving :driving:

We've put together a short video that has some action with DT-02's, Blitzer Beetles and my old school Super Chump SRB Tamiya racer from 1979, lol. Besides from getting a bit sun burnt, and at other times freezing our butts off (NZ has funny weather this time of year!) we had a blast. Surprisingly nothing got too damaged, Del thought he'd stuffed his GT tuned, but a zap with an air compressor sorted that out as it had gotten full of dust at the BMX track we ran our cars on.

Check out the vid here: http://renco5012.rcmate.org/blog/media/video/index.one?a=view_gallery&gal_id=1 - hope that link works for ya.

Toonz, noticed you said that you'e been pulling wheelies with your buggy, the DT-02 does that pretty well, lol. I do them all the time with mine :D

Mike.

[toonz]

wow nice video! those beetles are cute! hohoho! Go the DT02!

yes it pulls up everytime it lands with a full throttle and if i happen to hit the right timing, it will go 45degrees up and scratch my gearbox!

[toonz]

i was having fun with my viper after putting in the df02 springs tonight and halfway through my fun time, the whole car stopped. i thought maybe the RZ is heating up the esc again though quite unlikely cos i've already ran it so many times. anyway i gave it a rest while i troubleshoot all wires including the motor. i disconnected it, ran a 3V and its NOT moving at all! even the wheels are NOT rotating no matter how i tried to turn it by hand. so i took out the motor, dissembled it only to find out that the copper coil BROKE! there goes the rz.... r.i.p..... :( no doubt i can still replace the rotor, but after giving some thought, i've decided not to. i will put back my GT Tuned and this time i'll put in my 19t pinion. runs just as fast and more playtime. this rz drains out my 3300 in 15mins! and i think i need to justify my battery usage. but then again, i will get the BZ in the future. the BZ is specially designed for buggies :)

[Royal Male]

Hey guys, nice video, makes me want to get a beetle!! and that track looks very good.

toonz, you took the words right out of my mouth regarding the super fighter G gear box...I nearly bought a super fighter g instead of my gator...the main reason being that see through gear box (must be the 80's in me) but I had a reality check and realised the gator was a far better buggy.....BUT will that gear box fit the Gator/ viper it looks identical?? I'm tempted!

By the way I think it's time you guys called me by my REAL name...

Cheers

Craig

[toonz]

the gator/viper is definately a better buggy because the gearbox is made of ABS resin, comes in lexan body and metal drive shafts (can be upgraded to df02 universal) with full bearings.

and speaking of beetles, since tamiya has reissued frog and will be putting out subaru brat, i won't be surprise to see monster beetle because the share the same chasis :)

royal male, when i see your name craig, i can't help but to think that you are daniel craig in casino royale :eek: are you two related? heehee just kidding :D

cheers
boong

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Just thought I'd throw a couple of pics up, for you all to see. :D :D :cool:

Cheers'
Del

[toonz]

is that a dynastorm??

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: toonz.
Just the answer I wanted. No it's not. Keep guessing. You'll never guess what it is, that's part of the game. :D :D :D

[toonz]

dynastorm+astute+top force???

ahhhhhh tell us the answer...show the inside :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

dynastorm+astute+top force???

No, none of those :D

[toonz]

associated B4+losi XXXCR

[TamiyaRacer69]

Ok, I'll put you out of your misery.
Just put this together last night, out of spares. Still needs radio gear installed, which will happen over the next night or two. Going to be my basher for sure. Chassis from a Kyosho (now very hacked up), wheels, tires and body from my Desert Gator before it became 'Des'D'Tute'

[toonz]

ahh...so this is a kyosho meets tamiya :) looking forward to your new project!

[toonz]

saturday afternoon bash!
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/3464/dscn0357sp3.jpg
http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/1193/dscn0358mw9.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9937/dscn0373my9.jpg
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9672/dscn0378ep5.jpg
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/9697/dscn0453nw8.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6436/dscn0454rb7.jpg
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2356/dscn0460wj2.jpg
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/9512/dscn0464bo2.jpg
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/6660/dscn0409th0.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3197/dscn0473fl7.jpg

loads of fun but the cleaning part was !@$##@^$&#^$&%^ hahaha!

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Great pics there toonz, got some good air time shots.



Lonely Sunday afternoon bash for me. Put the original wheels and tires on it, just to see what it'd look like. Looks okay. Also running a Sport Tuned in it now. The GT Tuned is no longer going, after the bash last weekend with Mike. Too much water and dust I think. Never mind, should have got the Dirt Tuned 540.
There's a movie on it's way too.

Cheers' all
Del

[toonz]

nice close-up shots del :) and still looking good with the original gator rims.

your GT tuned died? my RZ died too :( those pics that i posted i'm running with GT Tuned+19T pinion. not as vigorous but almost as fast yet more run time :)

i think its better that you use your Sport Tuned instead of a Dirt Tuned because the sport tune has a slightly higher RPM. but then again i've not used a dirt tuned before. if you are planning to use it and if its good, we will all follow you :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

Thanx toonz.
Not as great as I wanted them. :( Yeah the GT Tuned died, nevermind. It's not really meant for off road use. The Sport Tuned is okay, not as fast as the GT but a way longer run time, especially with the 3300mah. I was thinking of a Dirt Tuned, but they're only a 27turn motor. Might just go for another Sport Tuned. :D
Might be getting myself a TamTech Gear Gator for free, helping a guy out with some video editing for a promotional video. He offered me one of the cars we're doing the vid for. It's a 1/16th Nitro Monster Truck, I said "No" to that offer. I hate Nitros.
So fingers crossed. :D
Later,
Del

[toonz]

the GT make the buggy feels like a touring buggy heehee... 2-in-1
dirt tuned is a lightly tuned motor and i've no idea what tamiya meant by that and i've not seen any vids with dirt tune running either. it may look good in appearance, but the sport tuned will allow you to intall the DT02 heatsink in anodize blue :) ah all these cosmetics....

you are getting a free mini gator? good for you! :)

the screw holes that attach the oils shocks at the lower rear arms of my viper have come loose after a bash last week....time to replace new arms $@!%##^$&%&!!!!!

[g0202180]

Beautiful pictures dude...FW track ya? ;) :wave:

saturday afternoon bash!
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/3464/dscn0357sp3.jpg
http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/1193/dscn0358mw9.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9937/dscn0373my9.jpg
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9672/dscn0378ep5.jpg
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/9697/dscn0453nw8.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6436/dscn0454rb7.jpg
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2356/dscn0460wj2.jpg
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/9512/dscn0464bo2.jpg
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/6660/dscn0409th0.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3197/dscn0473fl7.jpg

loads of fun but the cleaning part was !@$##@^$&#^$&%^ hahaha!

[g0202180]

Hi work dude. :) Any interior pictures? :o

:wave: all.
Yeah Toonz, you can join. (You'll have to fly to New Zealand, decide on wether you want to live in the North Island or the South Island, personally I'd choose the South, as that's where I live. Even Mike likes it more here than he does in the North Island more places to run R/C's where I am.) Bring your Gator and Mike and I will show you how to treat them really well. :D ;) :p

Here's an after pic of my "Des'D'Tute" Keep an eye out for the "Movie to end all R/C movies" Mike will be posting a link as soon as he can.

[toonz]

hehehe...yup farmway track. you go there too? :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hi work dude. :) Any interior pictures? :o
g0202180. Here you go mate. Just standard, nothing special apart from the driver figure. :D Got him from Mike (aka Super Chump) can't remember what old skool Tamiya it's from. :confused:

Here's a link to one of my vids, staring my "Des'D'Tute" Hope it works.
http://beetleracer69.rcmate.org/blog/media/video/index.one?a=view_video&vid_id=897

[toonz]

interesting. we have been showing how our car look on the outside and i think its good to show the inside too. i'll post tonight :)

just purchase a set of 5x8mm aluminium ball connector and spacer set and will replace my rear suspension arm with new ones and will fix in the ball connectors. really HATE to screw in and out everytime i need to check the shocks or change the shock oil.

[TamiyaRacer69]

hey toonz, you're right. only the outside. But isn't that the best side, showing off our paint schemes and so on. I don't really care whats on the inside, as long as it all works.

[toonz]

i've a pleasant surprise when i came home after work tonight.

my girlfriend gave me a reissue HORNET, Futaba MJ 2PHK and Intellect 42000 SHV (super high voltage) for my Christmas present! :eek: :D :) :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hiya toonz,
You lucky guy. I've got to buy my own Xmas pressie's, at least that way I get what I really want. Not socks and undies. Hope to get enough money for Xmas to get me another DT-02. Fingers crossed.

Later mate :)
Del

[g0202180]

Heh, hi bro :wave: ...i did get around there once or twice..but these couple of days its raining...so didn't go down as its kinda far for me. I do rally...aka blueshark in RCTech forum. ;)

hehehe...yup farmway track. you go there too? :)

[g0202180]

Thanks mate! :) looks good too. looks like the shell did its work well keeping out the bigger pieces of stones. :p

g0202180. Here you go mate. Just standard, nothing special apart from the driver figure. :D Got him from Mike (aka Super Chump) can't remember what old skool Tamiya it's from. :confused:

Here's a link to one of my vids, staring my "Des'D'Tute" Hope it works.
http://beetleracer69.rcmate.org/blog/media/video/index.one?a=view_video&vid_id=897

[g0202180]

waaa...that sounds like a nice gift! ;) :P I'd not mind a lunchbox!! :D :wave:

i've a pleasant surprise when i came home after work tonight.

my girlfriend gave me a reissue HORNET, Futaba MJ 2PHK and Intellect 42000 SHV (super high voltage) for my Christmas present! :eek: :D :) :)

[Albertini]

Hello to everyone on here.

I've been reading this thread with interest as I picked up a Desert Gator on Ebay recently.
I ran it for the first time today( on a painted workshop floor )....UNDERSTEERS like mad, power slides galore...only to be expected as the floor was like ice really.
Tentatively thinking about giving racing a go but only for fun really, I think it needs a bit more ooomph and the suspenion sorting but its loads of fun. :)

Cheers
Chris
Norwich,UK

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f134/wanadoochris/picsfromnov06103.jpg

[toonz]

only been to farmway once so far and its fun. i'm toonz in rctech as well :)

[toonz]

del, you are getting another DT02? serious? :eek:

[toonz]

welcome albertini! the DT02 is a great car and i hope you'd enjoy hanging around this thread :) have fun and keep on bashing! :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

del, you are getting another DT02? serious?

Yeah toonz, thinking about it. But we'll see how much $$$$$$$$$$$ I get for XMas.

Albertini, welcome. :) Nice looking Gator, like the different colour you gave it. Better than the "proper" box art colour.
Good hard buggy to have, I've done some crazy things with mine and it hasn't let me down yet. Did have my first breakage last weekend, and it's slowly got worse over the last week, but I still keep 'bashing it'. Took it to a "meeting" yesterday and made the breakage a lot worse, but it's still going strong. It's where the front arms attach to the front bulkhead, bent pin and split lower arm. No dramas though, I'll get a new part soon. Taking my Gator away over the Xmas break, so it'll be fixed before then. :D

Later all.
Del

[toonz]

del.....what did you do to the dear DT02 :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

del.....what did you do to the dear DT02 :)
Hiya toonz. Hit something that didn't move, a cage surround for gas bottles. Did that when Mike was down. In fact, thanks toonz you reminded me to order another part. Still going though, just shot another video yesturday. Noit a major difference in the drive-ablity of the Gator.

[Super Chump]

Neat pics there Toonz. Looks like a cool place to bash cars around, though it looks more like a track for 1/8 scale gas buggies. Good to see you're thrashing the old DT-02 now - they love it ;)

Where you getting your parts from Del, it can't be Acorn if you say you're getting your car fixed before Xmas! How are my cars doing anyway? Kinda miss 'em. Gonna be a boring Christmas this year for me... I'm stuck at home :(

[toonz]

hi mike
yes its more like a 1/8 gp buggy track and if you look closely to the pics, there's one or two which you can see 1/8 buggies. you know what, i'm the only tamiya 1/10 EP running among 5-6 1/8 buggy truggy that day. kind of stressful initially but the good thing is that the guys are friendly drivers :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

Where you getting your parts from Del, it can't be Acorn if you say you're getting your car fixed before Xmas! How are my cars doing anyway? Kinda miss 'em. Gonna be a boring Christmas this year for me... I'm stuck at home :(
Hiya all,
Yeah Mike getting that part through Jun, won't be 'till next year though, so I might just nic it off your Gator. :D :D Nah just kidding. I'll just fix up the piece I've got and hope it holds out `till then. Or if I get enough $$$$$$$$ over Xmas I'll just buy another Gator. I'm gonna ring Acorn tomorrow just for a laugh. :D :p ;)
Jun is also going to be bringing in some aluminium bits for the DT-02 as well. You know the stuff, all the bling bling bitz.
Your cars are okay. Since you've been gone they've become.... well. SHELF QUEENS!!!!!!!!!!!!! :( ;) . lol :p :p You've still got the other 20 or so to bash about.

:wave: later all

[toonz]

aluminium parts for DT02??

oh which part?

[ntrudr_800]

Hello Everyone. I made a profile just for this thread. I realized I couldn't see all the vids and pics without... so HOOAH!

I ordered a Tamiya Sand Viper DT-02 on the 15th of this month, expecting to recieve it later today (it's early morn') today being December 19th.

I was unofficially out of r/c for a while. I still liked it just wasn't doing it as I have many interests. I own an Associated Nitro TC3 Team Kit with O.S. .18 (don't run it much, too pretty), a dismembered T-maxx 2.5 (was converting to 2wd when I realized I didn't want to do r/c for a while 'til now), a Stampede XL-1 (current runner) with an H2 SUT body I just painted Metallic Blue, and of course the Inevitable Sand Viper. ..Sooo looking forward to it as it's a great rewelcoming into the hobby. Just simple and tight-handling.

I was just rethinking whether or not I should have ordered a Rising Storm instead... when you people helped remind me that 2wd is simpler (duh the whole reason I chose the DT-02) and stated that you actually prefer it. And so now after reading your words I am not regretting my 'oops I may have made a boo-boo' choice. The Sand Viper is the perfect kit for me.

Pssst. I just bought (earlier today) my bro a new Stampede XL-5 with some bearings and RPM bumper for Christmas! He has NEVER been interested in r/c, we seem to have separate interests, until now! I am so excited to do r/c with him. Of course it's wrapped under the tree so I'll have to wait. I am hoping he'll stay in it and that he'll get a buggy with me so we can both run Stampedes AND buggies together. Heck, maybe he'll get a DT-02!

Oh, and your cars look great! Funny thing, I wanted to see a Sand Viper in Red and, Lo! Toonz has a perfect example.

Well I seem to have written a short story instead of a reply. The End, lol.

[toonz]

welcome ntrudr800
glad to know that you are back to rc and getting the DT02. it's a great buggy and you're going to have lots and lots of fun with it :) please do post some pics along with your other cars after building up the viper :)

have fun and do stay around here :)

[ntrudr_800]

Thank you very much Toonz! :)

I have 2 questions:

1) I cannot remember which settings I used to charge my batteries on (lol :teacher: ). I have a Super Brain 959 which charges in .5 amp increments. I am charging my batteries at 3 amps. I like to bash and drive for fun so I need a quick charge that'll NOT wear out my batteries (long life is important). Is 4 or 4.5 amps a bit too much? And what are the millivolts about? My charger has .5 millivolt settings. I think I used to adjust this to 45 millivolts but cannot remember :confused: .

2) I accidentlly discharged a (luckily cheap) battery pack (1500mah) to .45 volts :eek: . Is it dangerous to keep using them? What performance issues will I have? Should I just phrow 'em oot? Hohoho Thanks,

-n

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hi all, and welcome ntrudr_800 to the best thread.
Sorry ntrudr_800 I'm not too good with batteries, I just over charged two within a day. So it's no good asking me. Even though I over charged those batteries, I'm still using them. They'll peak-out soon and be completley useless. You can't go wrong with the DT-02. It's the hardest buggy I've ever owned, just ask the boys and girls on here if you have any doubts on it's bash-ability. You can also check out some of the links to my videos I've posted up in earlier posts in this thread, just so you know what it can handle.

Toonz. The part I've busted, is one of the "C" parts. Just one of those unfortunate things, all R/C's have a weak spot. But, when you take into account the amount of hard bashing I've put my Gator through, it's not all that bad. Just one part.

Later all
Del

[toonz]

C parts. ok those are important areas and i think you have to order these parts in soon :)

[toonz]

here's my reissue hornet. i only use 6 stickers with its name, driver's name and the two front headlights to make it look like a "special edition" version :D

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3412/dscn0568vr8.jpg
http://img347.imageshack.us/img347/2931/dscn0572mp4.jpg
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/6936/dscn0577tw2.jpg
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/8783/dscn0579pp8.jpg

one happy family
http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/3807/dscn0583qf9.jpg
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/8412/dscn0586kk7.jpg

[ntrudr_800]

:teacher: It's funny, y'know. Us DT-02'ers are all happy over stock-type motors. A 20-anything motor should be no less than 20 bucks, I think. [Insert cuss word] ESC. I do not like the ESC that came with my Sand Viper! Pitooey!

My nitro TC3 hits over 60mph.... My T-maxx 40 and my first r/c, an RC10GT (given away) hit 30mph or so. I'm used to speed.

I want to put in a 19 turn motor in my Sand Viper. 23 turns sounds ... ssssloooooow. 19 sounds a good start. I may buy an Associated ESC later. Others have said a 19 should be fine in the Sand Viper, and I may just keep that if it works and all.

AND 'HECK NO' WITH DT-03 BALL DIFF.! The whole reason I got rid of my RC10 was that stupid Ball Differential. Always rebuilding that b!^(#. My heart felt 'differential'! lol

We must understand that the DT-02 is not an RC10B4. Please don't trick it out so much you might as well have bought Associated... The right colors, some suspension tweaks, as well as a decent motor (,AND [decent] ESC!) should do the trick. Most any non-r/c'ers will be drawn to looks anyways, and you don't need a $600 machine, I know.

And once I figure out how to post pics of my Saleen S7(NTC3 runner), Impreza WRC(NTC3 show), and Hummer SUT (Stampede runner), you should understand. You can go to myspace/ntrudr_800.com to see a couple beforehand.

The point is we want a trick machine.
So I say get it in proper working order (make sure it handles appropriately for your driving). Then ponder how your machine should look according to your style, and adjust accordingly. Some paint cans, a body, and Sand Viper rims (lol at u Desert Gators) should do the trick. Oh -- and some Patience.

Most of the time the right color body with some stickers looks great!

And hey Toonz! Dye your white rims gray (DT-02)! lol

Oh -- and about gluing tires, my friend says he boils the rims/tires to unglue them. My hobby shop said to use paint thinner a while back but I would rather not. I haven't tried boiling them yet, but my friend builds cars then sells ebay so he should know what he's talking about.

I finished my chassis, awn to the body!
-n

[toonz]

glad to know that you've finished the chassis. this car is easy to build and once you're done with the chassis, the rest is pretty simple.

my viper was running in GT tuned 25T and after that a RZ 23T and i must say that the RZ is very comfortable to run with. unfortunately it died recently bcos the coil broke :( so now i'm back to my GT tuned running with 19T pinion.

if you are going to run the viper with a 19 turn motor, you will have to get an unlimited esc already. don't worry about the gearbox, its tough enough to handle it :)

oh i longer use the DI and gator white rims anymore. back to my original viper wheels running a pair of proline bold-tie at the rear. super grip! and i love it!

DT03 ball-diff? it should be the DT02 ball diff. i'm using this hop-up since the first day i built my car and only rebuild it once ever since. simple to build and adjust. you can get it if you want because it makes the car run so smooth. :)

have fun!

[ntrudr_800]

Sorry guys I know I talk a lot but I just have a lot to say. I may be repeating something but for anyone looking to get a DT-02...

Well I took the DT-02 Sand Viper Kit Chassis out for a run today (it was finally dry outside) and I must say the stock suspension setup is poopy. I have all the spacers on the shocks and it's not even close to acceptable. The springs are too soft!
Like a fellow rc/'er posted, running this on NEW tarmac will scratch the bottom! I am running Associated 40 shock oil.
The rear tires could use some foam inserts. I plan to get the df-02 damper set... They are 1/3rd of what I payed for this kit! Maybe I should've just got that RC10B4... NAH! The sad thing is I'm not trying to trick this kit out I'm just tryin' to make the suspension decent. :(

Well I wanted a Tamiya runner and now I got one... I wouldn't give it up for anything right now, I just wish they got the suspension right. It's a Lowrider buggy stock. Poopheads :mad:

[ntrudr_800]

Hey Toonz,
Do all Pro-Line tires fit the rear? How about the front (Viper Dish)? I run a lot of street. Sorry about your motor... that sucks... What coil was it that broke?

Your were using stock ESC with the RZ/GT? I cannot remember.

Someone was talking about what features they wanted on the DT-03 (if it were to come out) and they posted a ball diff. Have you had any trouble with that baller?

I built that chassis in a night! Haven't decided what color to paint it. Your Metallic Red is beautiful! I know the pics don't do it justice. I would do a metallic red but you have that. I have metallic blue paint but I also have two bodies in that color so I dunno...

Thanks! Go Sand Viper! lol

[Albertini]

Nice Hornet Toonz, used to have one myself many moons ago. It looks good in straight black, if it were me I'd be too carefull with it trying not to roll it, seemed to remember that happening alot.

Serious question now though, does anybody use the Tamiya spring upgrade and if so can you tell me about them. Are they the same length but just stiffer and if so do you use heavier damper oil???

I've not run mine on the rough stuff yet and ( you can tell I'm sure ) I'm getting a bit concerned about clearance. I want it to run as low as possible but don't want to damage it. I see other ( higher model ) buggys seem to be glued to the floor and run well, can this be achieved with a DT02?

Sorry for all the questions but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Chris

[ntrudr_800]

Albertini,

I am sure you can glue the DT-02 to the floor. It's a matter of the right springs/damping and the right tires.
The DT-02 looked like it was riding properly stock (drop it on all fours and the arms were up a tad past straight) but the shocks are set up too soft and it bottoms out a bit too much. Note: I am using Associated 40 shock oil.

Also, and most importantly, the DT-02 has a lot of play in its suspension compared to other kits I've owned besides my Stampede.
My Stampede has better shock setup but is a whole lot less stable (blame high center of gravity).

I may try the Tamiya spring upgrades before purchasing the DF-02 Damper Set. If the Hard springs in the upgrade kit work, I'll keep the plastic shocks. The soft springs in the kit are longer than the hard ones. But both fit the plastic shocks properly.
The DF-02 Damper Set rear aluminum shocks have 5mm more length. Front's the same.

Yes, use Hard oil with Hard springs and Soft oil with Soft. I believe it was Toonz who learned this the Hard way lol (and I learned from him).

Toonz says he pretty much got his DT-02 dialed how he liked with the DF-02 Aluminum Damper Set. I believe he's going for the most ground clearance for jumps though.

I don't believe you should need aluminum shocks to set up your buggy correctly so I think I may give the plasti's my all.

Yay! I get two paychecks today including some vacation pay from my last job. I plan to upgrade the electrical system in my DT-02 and tune it properly much sooner! If I figure out a good chassis setup I'll be sure to post it here.

By the way, I know what color I'll paint my Viper... hohoho

[Albertini]

Thanks for the reply.

I see what you mean about the free play in the suspension, especially at the front. I think I'll just double check the building instruction because the top front shock mount is....er....very loose.

I think my best choice of upgrade at the moment should just be to practice as I've been away from the sticks for years and probably the main thing that's holding this car back at the moment is me !! :)

I also think I might need to re-read the whole of this thread aswell and try to gain from other peoples set up follys ( and hopefully save myself a few headaches ).

Cheers, Chris

[toonz]

ok i will try my best to clear some questions here :)

the stock ESC 101-BK will run with GT/RZ/TZ/BZ.
if you are using GT, you can stick in a 19T pinion.
as for RZ/TZ/BZ, keep to 17T pinion if not your ESC will over heat and stop running.

most proline 1/10 rear tires measuring at 2.2" will fit into the viper/gator/dark impact rims. as for the front, i keep to the tamiya ones.

i've no problems with the DT02 ball diff so far, still running strong and good.

now for the CVA plastic oil shocks.
i bottom out a lot with the stock set up when i first started (no joke) and to prevent that from happening, this was what i did.

tamiya oil 1000, 2-hole piston
DT02 blue springs with preloads to achieve a good ride height (1 inch)

this set up improves a lot in not just the jump, it also helps in other areas like anti-squad, turning in and out, reduce body roll etc. the chasis will still touch the ground once in a while but it doesn't give you that loud smacking PIAK!

after a couple of months, i upgraged to the DF03 aluminium shocks and i must say that this is a much stiffer damper that the plastic ones.
my set up:

oil 300, sometimes i use 400 or 500 (max)
2-hole piston.
DT02 red spring for the rear
DT02 blue spring for the front
move the rear shocks to the inner hole of the rear suspension arm. or you can keep to the outer hole if you want.

please note that all these set up are tune to my preference, ultimately you will still have to experiment them on your own on the ground that you are running on. be it dirt ground, flat land, many tight turns, a few big turns, high jumps, low jumps etc.

as for the free play in the suspension (i hate it too hahaha) and i simply add in o-rings on the screws to stop them from shaking. alternatively, you can use 5mm ball-connector and viola! :)

hope all these helps in one way or another :)

a guide
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/terry.cresswell/covell.html

[ntrudr_800]

You're welcome Albertini :)
And thanks Toonz,

I wrote quite a bit and was wondering if anyone would go back and answer all our questions :rolleyes: I was surprised! Thanks a lot, man :cool: Good info.

Y'know, the more I look at that Hornet the more I like it. Looks cool with a person in there. Those rear tires make me wanna take it for a run.

Tomorrow, hopefully, I'll have time to stop by the shop and purchase some electrical system hop-ups -- kee-he he, hohoho, hoo-hee hoo-hee, hahaha, Merry Christmas Everyone!

[Royal Male]

HI guys,

I have been out of the loop for a while...work commitments etc.

Just wanted to wish all the regular and new DT-02 forum boys a happy Christmas and a good New Year :) , look forward to more chat when I'm back from vacation,.

Cheers guys

Craig (RM)

Ps....I have a confession.....erm I bought myself a Christmast present, Its a model, has four wheels BUT it don't run on batteries :eek: !!! thats all I'm saying. (sell out boy!!)

[Albertini]

Thanks for the info toonz, definately going to use some of your settings on mine .....spot on. Good link too.

Cheers and Merry Christmas

Chris

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all

I too would like to wish all you DT-02 owners a very merry Xmas and a safe and happy (R/C) new year.
Hope to be posting some pics of my Xmas pressie to myself (another DT-02 hopefully) after the big day, well that's if I get enough $$$$$$$ from Santa.
Here's my "Des'D'Tute" getting into the Xmas sprit...............


Cheers' and Merry Christmas to you and your families.
Del and family

[toonz]

merry christmas to all too and more bashing! :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: Hi all,
Hope you all had a good chrismas. I didn't get enough $$$$$$ to buy another Gator, silly Santa. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to wait `till the DT-03 comes out. If it ever does.

CATCH YA :D
Del

[ntrudr_800]

Aww man, that sucks...

Especially since I got my Sand Viper together and running (borrowing Stampede reciever for now -- I switch in between the two).

Definitely get another DT-02 man!

After running the finished product I must say I am quite surprised. It looks much better than I expected. The stock motor has enough punch to have fun with (poopy top end of course). Runs a long time, decent on a 1500mah.

I plan to buy some better electronics. I am borrowing some from my Stampede and using a high-torque servo w/Traxxas radio which has no end-point adjustment (bad combo). I'll buy some stuff at the shop today but most I have to order.

This car is a blast. I have crashed and flipped and gouged and it marches on. I would buy another one. I was mad at first that it bottomed out but after discovering TamiyaClub.com I realized it can take it.

It is a runner and a basher for me so I don't mind scratches and crap.

By the way the XL-5 Stampede with bushings is faster than my XL-1 with bearings! I bought my bro an RPM bumper and bearings for his XL-5 and he is about to run it again.

We ome in Peace.
We Leave in Pieces. :wave:

lol, -n

[TamiyaRacer69]

It's okay. :( I've got enough toys to keep me going, but I will be getting another DT-02 for sure. Best bashing buggy I've ever owned. Have to get one before Tamiya (in their infinate wisdom) discontinue it, which I'm sure they will do. Getting a Mini Desert Gator aswell, just for fun.
Tamiya Club is good for info and hints, I belong to the club.

Cheers
Del

[ntrudr_800]

I must say Wow :D

:teacher: All Hail the mighty DT-02.
Apparently the stock motor has been broken in and I must say my Sand Viper's fast enough to be a keeper! It has a lot of punch which I love! Not quite enough top end but the punch is satisfying. Add long runtime. Great for offroad.

I am not going to change it yet b/c I'm gonna save money 'til next paycheck (2 wks. away)(Miata needs shocks).

I bought a Hitec HS-325HB servo and 'Orange' Traxxas crystal set so we can run together until I get an FM reciever. The servo's a bit better and doesn't have too much throw (like the high-torque I had).

The Stock DT-02 takes off faster than my bro's XL-5 Stampede... though his has more top end. Thats a 12-turn stock 550. I'm sure it's not comparable to a normal 12 turn...

A friend said he has 2 skateboard ramps he'll give us... yay! It's a blast running with my bro! He really likes it too :)

I have some questions...
1) Since I put in the new servo, when I gas the Sand Viper or put it in reverse, the front wheels twitch and the car turns a tad. It is definitely the servo as I took it off the floor and watched it do so. I tried reprogramming the ESC.... dunno what it is... ???
I forget who but they mentioned this happeneng earlier in this thread. Their shop didn't seems to know what they were talking about... saying something like, "A 4wd wouldn't do this...." They made some mechanical adjustments but I am sure this is electrical... :huh:

2)How do I go about posting pics on this site? I took a bunch but am not sure if I am to upload to a different internet site or what...

3) The motor connections where the wires from the ESC on my Stampede is soldered... The solder keeps coming loose. Is '"44" Rosin Core Solder' the right solder to use? I found some info on how to solder properly... I just don't know if I have the correct solder--it's confusing.

Thanks a lot! :cool:
-n

[Albertini]

Hello ntrudr 800

I'm not sure if I can answer any of your questions but I'll give you my opinion (don't let this stop a higher mortal replying though ).

1..If its a new servo you've put in try with the/an old one. Is it just that the slop in the wheel is causing it in reverse as mine twitches all over the place going backwards.
2 I've only ever put one image on here but it seems the same as any other forum in that your image has to be hosted somewhere else first ( photobucket is my choice) and then inserted using the tool icon above with the mountain range in it. Have a go ,we'll soon tell you if it dosen't work.
3 I've had the same problem soldering before and besides the fact I'm rubbish at it , it didn't help everything was coverd in dirt so keep it clean. I also read somewhere that when soldering you need to heat the metal that you are soldering to and using that to melt your solder as opposed to just dropping a bit of wet metal on two other bits of cold metal and hoping it all sticks together.

Run my gator for the first time outside on tarmac yesterday and I have to say that I'm quite impressed with the handling,still a bit of understeer but let off the throttle and it turns in really well. I'm going to have to wait for the weather to brighten up a bit though before going offroad proper as its a bit damp here and wiil be for a couple of months yet.

I only have Hornet and Wild one experiance to judge it against ( limited or what) but it is nice to turn in to a corner not having to worry about it rolling.

On that note and on current experiance I can't see the need for stabilizers, does anybody have these fitted and were they really needed???

Happy new year

Chris

[TamiyaRacer69]

I only have Hornet and Wild one experiance to judge it against ( limited or what)Albertini I've got a lovely home for the Wild One if you wanna get rid of it. lol
I just put the stock 540 back in mine today, runs great. More run time off the beaten track, which is what it's all about. Next time he's on, ask toonz. He's got stabilizers front and rear I think.

ntrudr_800 How do I go about posting pics on this site? I took a bunch but am not sure if I am to upload to a different internet site or what...You should be able to upload them straight from your computer. All you have to do is make them smaller. I normally go for 500 x 400, I use Microsoft Office Picture Manager to edit and resize my pics. When it comes time to post them up on here, just go down the page where you post replies. It says Manage Attachments, click on that and follow the easy instructions. That should just about do it.

Mine twiches too, sometimes. There must be something interfering with it, try re-routing the wires (as best you can) away from the motor, esc, etc.

That's about all I can think of. Glad to hear that we're all happy with out DT-02s.
Cheers' all
Del

[toonz]

hihi to all :wave:
i don't use the DT02 stabilizers at all as you can see from all my pics :) actually i've no idea why tamiya made a stabilizer for the DT02 when its not really that essential for this car :confused:

if you want less roll on the road, you can run a thicker oil with a larger hole piston and the car will feel more balance :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

if you want less roll on the road,
What are you guys doing :driving: it on the road in the first place :D :D ;) IT'S AN OFF ROADER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :p
Found a set of DF-02 alloy shockies on my local trading site. Best thing about it, I know the seller personally and I'm heading up to see him next week. Might score myself a super cheap set for my Gator.
Replaced C3 today. I seem to recall someone on another R/C based web club telling all DT-02 owners to stock up on 'C parts'.
Taking my Gator and one of my Blitzer Beetles away with me when I go up and see that guy I mentioned, he's got a farm. YAHOO!! lots of running of the toyz to be had. Might start a new sport. Sheep Trials using R/C cars to `round `em up. :D

Later all :wave:
Del

[ntrudr_800]

Thanks for the help Albertini and TamiyaRacer69! My Stampede is running again :D

I added some picture attachments of my DT-02 Sand Viper :cool:
Also added a pic of my XL-1 Stampede. I left out some details in my (DT-02) paint job though:

1) I planned to make the windows clear...forgot, hohoho...
2) I planned to color the wing black/clear instead of orange/clear (was out of black, didn't care at the time).
3) I wanted to paint the front tip of the buggy white to help make out the front from the rear in the dark.

When I painted it was early 'morn. I will never paint that early again! It turned out nice though. You can't tell but the rear wing has taken a beating. I have bashed somewhat hard... lots of scratches on the bottom :p

Notice the blue hex adapters on the wheels in the later pics. They are for the Stampede--they seem to fit well and I will try them out the next run.

I am getting 40-minute run times with a 3000mah battery and stock electronics. This buggy is the most fun I've had in R/C in a long time :)
-n

[toonz]

nice viper :) i always feel that the viper body looks like a B4 :)

[ntrudr_800]

Thanks Toonz

It looks like a B4 or After? Keehee hee I made a funny. Shoot me. No-I didn't really mean it.

Okay, when I hit forward from stop or reverse from stop, the [steering] servo twitches, most worse in reverse (rhyming here), while in my house.

It is not mechanical, definitely the electronics as I have tested it off the ground in my hand...

Why!? Is there some wires that need to be isolated (besides reciever antenna)? Does the wire from the reciever to the ESC need to be isolated? Doesn't make sense to me :huh: This didn't happen until I changed servos... but this is a brand spankin' new Hitec servo! Yeah I said SPANKIN'!

I didn't really notice it outside while running on the ground... is it that I am too close to the buggy while in the house? Is there some sort of interference? Should I shave my back hair? Do I use Nair?

lol :roll2: Thanks,
-n

[toonz]

sunday afternoon bash :D
http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/934/viperok5.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4103/viperfh2.jpg

[Royal Male]

Hi Guys, been of the forum for a while so hope you all had a good Christmas and fun New Years Eve.

Made the mistake of taking my Gator out after a few beers onto tarmac with a knocked together ramp :confused: ........rolled it a few times and really shagged the plastic tops of my DF-02 shocks (are these available as spares) AND managed to snap my aerial tube.

I know I have gone on ;) about the quality of the plastic on new Tamiya kits before BUT my old Grasshopper aerial tube is still going after many, many years...tut tut.

Anyone suggest a more flexable alternative?

cheers

RM

[TamiyaRacer69]

shagged the plastic tops of my DF-02 shocks (are these available as spares) AND managed to snap my aerial tube.

Anyone suggest a more flexable alternative?

Hey RM. Here's an alternative.............."don't roll it" :p Nah really can't think of anything to use for the aerial. But I think you're right about Tamiya's quality these days.
As for the shock caps. Can't you just use the old DT-02 ones????????
Got some DF-02 shocks, and a ball-diff for my Gator (pics up later) Toonz. What disks are you using in you DF-03 shocks. 1 hole, 2 holes, or 3 holes?????

Later all
Del

[toonz]

the plastic DT02 shock caps will not go into the DF02 alu shocks, its a totally different design and locking system.

del, you got your ball diff already? the DT02 hop-up diff? as for my DF02 alu shocks, i use 2-hole piston all round :) and i'm also using DF02 red springs for all 4 shocks.

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: toonz
I wasn't sure if they would or not,as I haven't fitted my DF-02 shocks yet. Yeah mate, Ball Diff, Aluminium shocks, and blue anodised wheel nuts. :D :D Should all be fitted by tomorrow. How'd you get on with your Ball Diff when you installed it. Easy as, or pain in the a***?

Long live the King DT-02 :teacher: :teacher:

[toonz]

blue nuts! wooo maybe i should change too :)

setting up the ball diff is pretty easy as there aren't too many parts. just be careful not to loose any of those little bearings. no need to pack too much grease, just give it enough to spin and that's it. tighten and loosen to instruction and go. you will like how it turns later.

enjoy building!

[Royal Male]

Toonz,

Every time you put up shots of your Viper I get so jealous of that track you visit!!!! (you lucky man)

Is is a turn up and bash affair or proper races?? Also where in the world are you my friend??

Cheers

RM.

[Super Chump]

Flash looking shocks there, Del. Can I ask how much you got 'em for?

Hope everyone here had a good Christmas. I must post more, lol. Haven't been doing too much R/Cing lately as I've had to work much of the "Holiday Season." Wonder what's on the cards for Tamiya this year? Maybe a DT-03? The Super Gator? The Desert Racoon? Heh... ;) :p

[toonz]

rm, it's just a piece of bare land that we go to during weekends to bash or to race for fun. don't know when the government will take over to build houses so we just make full use of it now :) i'm from singapore.

yeah i'm hoping to see a DT03 too....sand spider....hahaha

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Mike. Got the shocks and Ball Diff for $100, plus two sets of wheel nuts for $10 (normally $10 each)
DT-03. Bring it on!!! How `bout "Dirt Digger" or "Shingle Shark" :eek:
Toonz. When/if the goverment decide to build on it, go and have yourself a protest. Tie yourself to something, and make up some type of chant.
"NO NO. I WONT GO. THIS IS WHERE I RUN MY 02" "NO NO.I WONT GO. THIS IS WHERE I RUN MY 02" :D :D

[toonz]

then the government will have me arrested hahahaa :)

how's your oil shocks and diff coming along? have you install them yet?

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all

They can't arrest you if you're tied to a tree. lol :D :D
Shocks are on, will do the diff tomorrow. Haven't run it yet, getting some interferance from somewhere. Unusual, considering I always run it `round home. Someone must have got an R/C for Xmas.
Anyways, here's some pix of my shiney new shockies and wheel nuts. Got the blue nuts on at the moment, I was thinking of putting the red set on to go with the paint, but all my other alloy bits are blue.
Looks sweet I reckon.

Later all :p

[toonz]

nice shocks! i think the blue nuts go better with the overcall car otherwise it will be too much red. you will realise that the ride height is higher now that you are using the DF02 shocks because they are longer :) oh you may also want to add one more 4mm spacer at the rear end to prevent it from bottoming out when the car takes a leap off a ramp. change to soft springs, these yellow ones are too stiff for the DT02 chassis and weight.

i need a big tree......

[TamiyaRacer69]

Cheers toonz. I'll just have a fiddle `round with my box of springs. Thinking about the ones that I had on ages ago. Orange up front, fluro yellow at rear. They came from a ex-offroad champs Team Losi XX Buggy. Should handle alot better with those. I'll let you know tomorrow.

[ntrudr_800]

Hey I saw your pics Del and I must say that's a lot more ground clearance than mine with stock shocks. Your buggy looks great. My nuts were blue before yours so, hah! :eek: And I have a ton of spacers on the rear shocks. Stock Springs.

My rear shock preload spacers are binding with the rear black rod things (I forget what they're called). I have no 'o' rings so I can't adjust the shocks to not touch them until I buy new ones.

Some friends and I made a movie with a high jump in it with my DT-02. It is long and I don't have a good video editor so it'll take a while before I have it up. I'll post it on my website: myspace.com/ntrudr_800, where I already have one but it's at night and hard to see. I think TamiyaClub.com wanted me to pay so I'll use Myspace.

I am putting together a price list on what to order for hop-ups. I am missing some money in the bank... must've made a calculatory mistake...hmmmm checked it all though... dunno... otherwise I'd have a new motor and all... :mad:

I have bashed my buggy hard. Has scratches all over. Wing is all bent up. Motor even came loose for who knows how long. Didn't eat up any gears! Dam thing yells for more during the day and whispers it in my ear at night :cool:

The only problems I have had with my DT-02:
1)Tape comes unstuck.
2)Some screws loosen a bit, but I bash hard.
3)Reciever antenna got spliced but I don't consider that a part of the kit technically.
4)Body getting trashed, but again I am rough with this kit.
5)Both motor connectors came undone once. My bad.
6)Stock shock setup sucks. Rear Shocks are binding with desired preload spacer setup. A rear black rod is bent due to this.
7)When you have 40 minute run times and jump it all over the place you should check it halfway in between :wave: .

Questions
1)If I get a 19 turn will I be changing brushes more frequently than an rz?
2)Toonz, if I get the spring upgrade for the stock shocks will I need to use a lot of preload spacers?..
3)Should I just get the aluminum DF-02 shocks instead?
4)You know of a good FREE Video Editor that's FAST and SIMPLE and FAST? I need something that'll allow me to delete parts of a video FAST.

thanks -n

[toonz]

2)Toonz, if I get the spring upgrade for the stock shocks will I need to use a lot of preload spacers?..

actually there is no straight answer to your questions. it all depends on what type of springs you are using from the DT02 spring set. too many preloads on a hard spring will make the car too stiff and may overturn if you drive pass bumpy areas because the springs aren't moving at all, but it's easier to drive on a flat land. too little preload on a soft spring will make the car squat a lot when you accelerate.

i will share from what i learn from RC books and my experiment.
i use oil and piston to control the car from bottoming out and soft springs with preloads to help the car to travel through bumpy surface and to make jumps. hard springs may give good jumps but it will not give good traction. soft springs with preloads will give better tractions. as for how much preload to put in, that will also depends on your ride height and weight transfer.

my current shocks set-up from the recent weekend bash:
oil---300
piston---2 holes
spring---soft red springs from DF02 set
preload---4mm front, 8mm rear.

only bottoms out a bit IF i jump hard but the springs return back quickly with the oil and piston that i use, apart from that it has been landing beautifully on all wheels.

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Well the Ball Diff is in,and I can't really see a difference. :confused: Mind you I'm still having problems with interferance, I think it might be the Sport Tuned motor, as it doesn't have a capasitor on it like the GT Tuned. I'm gonna put the GT Tuned (got another one) back in and see if that eliminates the problem. I'll keep you posted.
Toonz, I've set up the shockies as per the instructions, and as you've suggested. Had to keep the yellow springs, as the ones I was going to use don't sit right, 4mm spacer up front, 8mm spacers at rear. I'll see how it lands. "Thud or not to thud" that is the question.

[toonz]

sport tuned motor having interferance? how come?

del, i'm sure you are going to be happy with the shocks :)

[ntrudr_800]

Thanks Toonz.

Hey Del,
I have interference when I full-forward/reverse my car. Steering servo twitches, not good. I once ran into my bro's feet (he had shoes on) because of it.

It only started when I changed servos, or I only noticed then. I got to thinking and realized my stocker has no capacitors on it... I think that's why too! I don't believe I ever mentioned this earlier...

Tell me what happens when you switch motors! Thanks,
-n

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Seems to have changed when I changed motors. Still there a little bit, probaly due to the fact that there's underground wires all `round my place.

Intrudr. Mine did that too. Put it into reverse and it went off on it's own little mission. Made a discovery while running it tonight. Sounds like I've got some broken teeth in my steering servo, I'll have to find a metal toothed servo. Had one once in one of my Monster Trucks, and it worked wonders. So there's another little thing for you all to consider, metal toothed servo. :teacher: I'm gonna be looking for one on my local trading site.
Shot another video tonight. Fire jumpin Gator. :eek: :D will post a link later.

[Super Chump]

Hey Intrudr, where's the steering servo lead? If you've lumped the motor/servo/ESC and battery leads all together you'll get wicked interference and twitching like you've described. I usually wrap the servo leads around the servos themselves just so there enough to plug into the receiver. I had a lot of trouble in the past with this sorta thing, a simple wire re-route usually puts things right :)

Del I have the metal geared servo from your Mad Force, I'll post it to you if you wanna waver the cost of post my Gator back up to me ;) Still reckon you should grab some new brushes for your GT too.

Toonz, looks like you've been having some fun at that R/C track there :driving: How far do you have to travel to get there?

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all.
Might try that myself Mike. I'll waver the cost, if you send me either your Wild One or Super Astute ;) Yeah sweet mate, it might be worth putting that Metal gear in my Gator. Should be about the right size.
Toonz. yeah mate that looks like a sweet track, just right for bashing the DT-02.
Sorry all, can't put that link up, as the site is down at the moment.

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all.
Toonz, quick question for ya. How tight have you got your diff? I've got mine so it's almost locked, great for wheelies. Just wanna compare.

Del

[Super Chump]

Heh heh, fat chance of that buddy :p I'll measure up the servo if you like but I'm pretty sure it's the same size as a normal servo.

Toonz track there does look good, no potholes! :eek:

[toonz]

hihi all :)

mike, the dirt is a very fun place to run the car around and there's a mixture of 1/8 nitros buggy/truggy, electric buggy and trucks. all 2WD and 4WD running simultaneously. lots of fun and i saw gator and di and xxxcr there too!

it took me around 20 minutes to get there in a cab.

del, i tighten and loosen my diff as per instruction. fully tighten, half loosen. and this is how i test whether i've got it right:

put the car on the ground, grab the rear end tight (don't lift up the car or compress it) just grab tight, give a full throttle. if both wheels spin nice and smooth on the ground, that will be it. if the car jerks and screehes badly, that means its too loose. don't lock too tight because those tiny balls in there will be crying :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Toonz. Think I've got it just about right. Both wheels spin quite happily when on the ground.
Here's the latest vid http://beetleracer69.rcmate.org/blog/media/video/index.one?a=view_video&vid_id=1181
Enjoy

[toonz]

del, you really have a fetish with fire :D great vid!

another weekend bash at the same track. this time is my frog, and my girlfriend drove her willy!
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3108/dscn0779zk0.jpg
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/153/dscn0800xo2.jpg
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/5595/dscn0794ej7.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5340/dscn0791ii9.jpg

[nick f]

I'm in the market for a new 2wd buggy, mostly backyard bashing but in the future I might want to go to the track and play, nothing serious.

I'm lookin at the Tamiya Sand Viper and the Duratrax Exader BX.

Can anyone give the pros and cons of each and which one is an actually a better buggy.

Personally I preferr to put the kit together but for the you can beat the price of the Evader RTR from Tower.

I really dont care much about the included ESC's I have an aftermarket one that I plan on putting in at a later date.

I'm lookin for mostly durability, driveability, qulaity of the kit, and speed.

Thanks in adavnaced

Nick F

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hi Nick,
Welcome :wave: We pretty decent on here. We'll help you has much as we can :)

Well it's really up to you. Depending on avalibility of parts for each buggy. Of course all of us on here are going to tell you to get the Sand Viper, and as I've never had a Duratrax I couldn't compare the two.

The Sand Viper/Desert Gator chassis is a very simple design, and trust me, it can take a beating. One thing that lets the Viper/Gator down is the useless front tires, once you change those you've got yourself a pretty good buggy. It handles rather well, and once you change the shocks to DF-02 Aluminium ones it won't bottom out when landing from jumps. I've just put a Ball Diff in mine, and although it's not noticeable difference from excelaration, it turns alot better.

Even with the standard 540 motor in it, it's compeditive enough to run in a 'Stock' class at the local track. Basically it's an entry level buggy and with the right up-grades would move up the ladder to mix it with the big boys. :cool:

We love the DT-02 on here, and although most of us have other R/C's I'm sure that the DT-02 gets more bashing than the others. Well at least mine does :D :D

Del

[ntrudr_800]

Hey Nick F,
He's right. I have a Nitro TC3 Team Kit (4wd Race Car), a Traxxas T-Maxx 2.5 (MT), and a Traxxas Stampede(MT). I bash my Tamiya Sand Viper more than anything else. My Nitro TC3 is so nice I don't like to run it a lot.

I don't recommend something you will mind bashing. Get something somewhat inexpensive but that can take a beating. That's what you need.

Now the Duratraxx Evader BX has been around for a while and I believe it's parts are under their StressTech warranty. But I'd rather have my Sand Viper because I have bashed it ridiculously hard and it just keeps on going. Oh, and I built it to MY specifications.

You couldn't go wrong with either buggy. However, the Sand Viper could use the DF-03 Aluminum damper Hop-up which is not cheap as well as the before-mentioned front tire upgrade (I'm sure the Evader could use an upgrade too). I have niether upgrade yet and have survived much bashing.

Check out my new Video on myspace.com/ntrudr_800. Just scroll down for the video of my buggy.I bash it a bit as well as jump it backwards and even hit my friend in his puny-weak-poopy-little inconveniencing finger! HOO HEEE HOO HAAAH... oh... looks like I need to shave again... HOO HEEE HOO HAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.................sorry finger.

The two biggest drawbacks about the Sand Viper are the fact that there is no slipper clutch and no decent servo saver. I HAVE had problems with the servo -- if I crash the front wheels very hard it seems to reset the servo neutral position (I think it skips some teeth) and I have to take it out and readjust it. We all could probably use a much stronger servo--Metal Gear I'd say. 40 oz. inch of torque is enough, just stronger gears in the servo.

I went through the whole video on Myspace.com/ntrudr_800 (Called Sand Viper Jumps 2), which was actually a good 17 minutes (unedited) of bashing until I hit those front tires very hard and the steering was way off. Just a Simple adjustment and now it's fixed. I don't think anyone here bashes as hard as me. For instance, Toonz is afraid to scratch his DT-02. Lol. Hah! Lol@Toonz!

I just put in my Hitec FM reciever (in my Sand Viper) to use my Agressor FM radio and it is so much nicer than the Traxxas I was using (Traxxas radio cheap). However I do recommend the new Traxxas Stampede XL-5--it's beautiful as is out of the box. Good shock setup... But we all know that Buggies are the rough-off-road versions of road race cars. And so they handle sweetly.

I am adding some pics of my Nitro TC3 with HPI WRX Rally bod and Saleen S7R (runner) bod. Also included is a shot of my Hitec FM system from my NTC3 that I am now using in my Viper. My friend is going to hook me up with an after market stock motor this Sunday as well as help me fix my spliced Traxxas reciever antenna (happened during the movie I made).

Sorry my post is so long I've actually edited it down a bit... but hey I have a lot to say and show! That's what it's all about!
-n :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

I don't think anyone here bashes as hard as me. Intrudr you and me both. Got a BIG jump in mind, just gotta find time to set it all up. Sounds like we do bash them about the same. My front servo is stuffed, just as well I got another one to replace it `till my metal gear servo arrives. Can't go without bashing the DT-02. It's like taking alchol of an alcoholic. :eek:

Hey Nick. I agree with Intrudr. If you're not scared of bashing get a DT-02 Sand Viper/Desert Gator. In fact I'm in the process of selling one of my other R/C's in order to buy another DT-02. Now that's gotta say something about it. So now all you have to do is go out and buy one, keep us posted.

Del

[toonz]

del, how's the alu oil shocks coming along? have you put them together yet?

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all

Toonz, shocks are great. If you go back a couple of pages, you'll see them on the "DesDtute". You're right about the springs, they are a bit too hard for the DT-02. Have to find some softer ones.

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Well as we all know there's (fingers crossed) going to be a DT-03, but just to keep us on edge I found this. :eek:
As far as I can tell it looks like the model in between the DT-02 and 03, so I'm guessing it's a DT-2.5. :cool: Although it looks like it's been made up in some dudes garage out of bits and pieces, it is rather appealing. :confused:

Featues are, as I can see:
Same lay-out as DT-02.
Custom-made aluminium chassis.
Custom front shock tower.
Custom wing mount.
(Other brand) Front end, gearbox and rear shocks.
(Other brand) Rear shock tower.
Tamiya wheels, tires, and front shocks. (DT-02)
Sport Tuned motor.
Tamiya ESC.

Now I don't know an awful lot about the DT-2.5. :confused: I spoke to the guy who designed it, and he reckons it goes alright, but is let down a little by the handling. :( Front end needs a bit of tweakin`, and the gearbox is a little too screamy. A blob of grease should fix that. I took a photo to compare the DT-02 against the DT-2.5. Rear wing sits a little higher on the DT-2.5, help keep the rear on the dirt. Body is identicle to the DT-02, just a couple of differences ie; no windows, and cut dowm front nose.

Let's hope that the DT-03 is a better looking, better handling version than the DT-2.5.

Del :D

[toonz]

nice one!

but there is no news about DT03 yet, we are just making wild guess
hehehehe.....

[TamiyaRacer69]

Just goota strap the battery down, keeps jumping out after doin jumps.
Nah no sign of the DT-03 yet, I keep checking http://www.tamiyausa.com/index.php (coming soon items) I don't think we're wild guessing, there's a DF-02 & 03 so by law, (my law :D ) there should be a DT-03.

Later
Del

[toonz]

i'm still hoping that it will happen.....

anyway, some links to share here
Tamiya Fair (http://www.tamiya.com/english/tamiyafair/index.htm)

Another NEW hop-up DT02 on TC (http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=56544&id=16126)

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hey toonz,
Checked out that TC link, can't believe I did'nt find on there, as I'm a member. That'll be my next Hop-up, universals.
Wish I could read Japanese :(

[toonz]

yes, all i left for the viper is the universal. the manual says DF-02 assembly universal #53791. forget about the stabilizer hop-up though it may look nice as well :) besides providing anti-roll.

here's what i've done so far to my DT02 so far....
DT02 Ball Diff
DT02 Motor Heat Sink and Plate (using plate only)
DT02 Turnbuckles
Aluminium wheel hub
High Torque Servo Saver
DF03 oil shocks
DF03 springs
GT Tuned Motor+19T pinion
wheels-stock
tires-front stock, rear proline bow-tie (it does push the car!)

[Royal Male]

:wave: people.

Just wanted to say thats a good looking Gator from the TC link....interesting to see someone who isn't going with just the Tamiya hopups (unlike us) trouble is I don't know off alternative companys knocking out parts for the DT-02??

Weather here in the UK is terrible and its still gets dark at 4pm so I'm not running my cars much at all..boo...can't wait for the summer. The nearest thing I've done to bashing is sort out my shed so all my 4 cars are lined up on my work surface, better working space than my kitchen table ;) .

Whats your favoured way of cleaning down your DT-02's??

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
RM. The way I clean my DT-02, is I don't. I just let the mud and dirt set, then do some big jumps. :eek: :D No seriously, I normally strip it right down to just the chassis. I'll back myself up here `cause I know Mike's gonna get on here and say I never wash my R/C's. :D I have only cleaned the DT02 once, when I did the big conversion from Desert Gator to "Des'D'tute", only for show-off value. Sometimes if I'm bored and the weather's is rubbish, I'll sit in my little corner of the garage and get really carried away with a toothbrush, (then I'll go and put the toothbrush back in the bathroom) :D :p Nah I've got 3 toothbrushes in my "corner" for that perpose.

Del

[toonz]

arh!!! i should have said first that del never cleans his car :p

as for me, if i'm running it on road, i'll just do a simple clean up like brushing the dust away from the motor, rear diff joint, shocks and front wheel bearings.

if i run on sand, i'll do a more detail clean up, even to the extend of removing tiny stones that got stuck in it. after brushing those stuff off and flushing off dirt with motor spray, i'll just wipe the car with a damp cloth and check for loose screws.

last but not least, always remember to lubricate important areas like motor, drive shafts and bearings with some oil.

clean up the tootbrush and put it back to the bathroom to confuse everyone. :rolleyes:

[Royal Male]

Cheers guys,

My girlfriend always seems to notice when I use her tooth brush on my nitro's ....can't think why??

Toonz, can I ask what oil do you use and where do you oil your GT tuned? I have never oiled mine!!

Cheers
RM

[TamiyaRacer69]

RM Bet her teeth are always really clean though. ;) I oil my GT too, at both end bearings. Just keeps them running smooth.

Toonz. I don't really see the point in cleaning an Off Roader, it's only gonna get covered in mud and dirt again. Besides, they tend to look better if they're a little dirty. Don't want my R/C's looking too pretty. I even done most of my static kits with a little mud or dirt on them. More realistic. :cool:

[Royal Male]

You bet racer 69......dazzling!!

excuse my ignorance, but where are the end bearings on the motor??

[toonz]

haha del, you know what, i really use to clean in detail even after running on road. but i've started to get lazy as the days go. but i think some important areas are still quite essential to be taken care of, like motor and drive shaft because you really don't want anything to get stuck in there :)

the track that i go to, that i really have to clean up more because the loose dirt and sand can really flood the car to the point of entering the interior eventhough i've velcro around my chassis, tiny stones will obstruct the servo, sand bit dropping out like pepper from the ESC and receiver and damp mud can even jam the shocks. but its still fun after all :)

rm, motors must be oiled after run, even the silver can and sport tuned. the end bearing is at the end bell, right at the center. just drop oil into the tiny little circular gap. :)

oh, just bought a sport tuned for my hornet and it runs like a mad car. i feel like i'm driving a touring buggy hahahaha......

[TamiyaRacer69]

RM, Don't forget the other end of the motor. The end that sits in the gearbox, I only put oil on that if/when I ever take the motor out. So there you go guys, I'm not just a basher I do have a caring side. :rolleyes: The way I figure it is, if the motors not going how can I do the AWESOME videos, and photo shoots. :D

[toonz]

del, i describe your fire-gator stunt to my girlfriend because she was not able to view your video on her PC and she calls you a No Guts No Glory guy :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

Toonz. tell you girlfriend "that's what it's all about" None of this nanby panby stuff, anyone can jump off a ramp, but it's no fun without a little edge. Wait `till you tell your girlfriend sees my next jump. I'll think she'll then call me "The No Guts No glory, No Brain" guy. :D :D
Del

[toonz]

hahahahha "The No Guts No glory, No Brain"

are you going to jump the gator over roof tops?

[Super Chump]

Gah, listen to all of ya! I never clean any of my cars, lol. I don't use 'em enough to anyway, so when they do get dirty and I get around to giving one or some of them a run about the dirt has dried enough so it just falls off :p

[TamiyaRacer69]

hahahahha "The No Guts No glory, No Brain"

are you going to jump the gator over roof tops?
Not quite toonz, something a little smaller. But not too small

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Now I know I give some of you a hard-time about running an off-roader on-road, and it's not what I normally do. :eek: Today however, my 4 year old daughter Shakira, decided that she wanted to play with her "bubble car" out on the driveway. So not wanting to dissapoint her, I agreed.
The beginning of the video (that I'm going to link to) was what I wanted to do. No roof-tops toonz, but a full sizecar. My objective was to jump my Gator over our car, as you'll see it didn't quite work out the way I wanted it to. Need more speed. :(
However, I tried.
http://beetleracer69.rcmate.org/blog/media/video/index.one?a=view_video&vid_id=1397
Shakira took a couple of photos, you'll see them in the vid. One of my Gator jumping over me, and the other is the Gator in full flight over the bed base.
Shakira's 'bubble car' is just a Hornet with a beetle body on it.

ENJOY!!!!!

Del

[toonz]

hahahahaha...... i like those shots that the dt02 flew over you and your daughter...so funny!

[toonz]

i did something yesterday....
i bought the Dirt Tuned motor for my viper :) and i'm surprise that it gives good speed and torque and i like the roaring sound coming out of it :) looking forward to send the DT02 to the track this weekend :) and i'll share the result.

[TamiyaRacer69]

So it roars eh toonz. :D Love to hear that. Lets us know how it performs, you never know, you might be the one to convert us from GT Tuned to Dirt Tuned. I can get a hold of one off my local trading site, might think about it, depending on what you experiance.

Del :cool:

[Super Chump]

:wave: guys,

Today I whipped together a small bracket for the front suspension on my Gator. I got the idea of making this when Del & I were racing our cars around at the local mall near his house doing jumps and entertaining onlookers. After about 10 minutes of this, Del's Gator went full speed into a solid metal cage, which I think housed some gas bottles ripping off (I think) a quarter of the left side of the plastic that the left screw pin that holds the suspension arm on. Del of course kept on driving it like this for a month or so before he got some new parts, and in the process he really screwed up the plastic there. I thought at the time of the "accident" that I should make some sorta bracket like what those nitro buggies have on their suspension. In theory (hahaha...) this should prevent both arms flexing outward when you're jumping, crashing or whatever and provide a bit of strength for the front. The bracket is made of stainless steel. I also made one for Del's car, so he can save himself some cash if he ever breaks that same piece again, lol.

The nice, tidy and brilliantly clean car in the pics is mine ;)

Cheers,
Mike.

[toonz]

mike, the other time you put the screw from inside out and this time its going in from the front again in order to hold the metal piece, will the screw pop out again?

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Hey man if anyone can break it, it'll be me. :D :D haha. Looks good mate, should hold up to the task. I'm sure we'll find out in a couple of weeks.

[Super Chump]

Toonz, yeah I know I did that so I'm just going to keep my eye on the screws now. I might glue them in with some strong glue. I reckon a bit of extra strength over a screw that works itself out is a bit better in the long run :)

Yeah man, I reckon you might break something else Del, lol. We'll see what happens at that skate park. I reckon we'll be fine though. You've done some nutty stuff so far ;)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Just mucking about today, inside `cause it's raining. :( Painted my Gator wheels silver, and got hold of some old skool Tamiya Fox/Wild One wheels, and rear tires. Put them on the Gator just to see what they looked like, can't run the Gator with the rear wheels as the Gator drive shafts aren't long enough to go through the Fox/Wild One wheel adaptors. :confused: Might cut them down or make some other type of mounting. Anyway, I was joined by my crew chief ROTAG TRESED (he uses DeWalt power tools) from the planet AYIMAT. Read the CAP letters backwards to see how I got the names. No I'm not on drugs. Maybe I should be :D :D :D

[toonz]

nice and now it looks like an old school buggy. what springs are those?

ok and now about the Dirt Tuned. brought it to the track today (i'm running 19T pinion) and ran 5 stick packs hohoho.....good torque and pick up speed and long run time. GT Tuned feels smooth on sand, but Dirt Tuned feels rough. i like it! its a proper buggy now :)

guys, give it a try!

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Thanks toonz. Rear springs are from a Losi XX Buggy, fronts are from a box on a shelf in my garage.

[Royal Male]

Hey guys,

I noticed our thread had slipped down the league, so I thought a post from me would take it back up to the top (where it belongs).

The weather here in the uk is still very wet and miserable so I am not running my Gator at all...(I can't wait for the summer, I'm almost hoping it's a drought again so all the parks grass land turns to dust)....so as I having been getting out much I have been shopping on ebay and picked up the DF-02 springs (so am using the red soft springs), a replacement chassis (why?? you never know...it was cheap!!) and the DT-02 turnbuckle set.

Now I have the turnbuckle set..........can I ask how you have your front and rear wheels set up??

I have also painted up one of my home made bodies.........not exactly box art, will post photo's tomorrow......there is a theme to it.......here is a clue: :) 1989 rave on!

cheers guys

Craig

[Albertini]

Hey RM

This weather hasn't stopped me from my first foray ( for 20 years ) into 1/10 racing with my Gator........I've got a lot to learn and quite a substantial shopping/want list now.
Racing on short cropped/wet grass with 19t motor with stock front tyres is not good if you want to go round corners, needless to say it was a disaster but I'm still learning.
I've picked up some front spiked tyres so I'll give them a go at the next meet ( next month ) and see what happens, the car is fast enough and even handled ok with standard suspension but just wanted to go straight all the time. Frustrating fun :)

Chris

[toonz]

you are right RM, this is where our thread belongs :) i have the dt02 turnbuckle and i set it all according to the instructions given. i like the turnbuckles that you can adjust how much toe-in or toe-out conveniently. looking forward to your new gator body!

albertini, since your running a 19T motor, it will be good if you can pick up the DT02 ball-differential set. it reduces wear, gives a smoother ride and makes turning a magic. give a try.

:)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Weather has been great here, pity i have been busy fixing up the house/garden.
Yeah I'd posted a couple of times but my name stayed on top of the thread, for ages. Thought you'd all gone away and given up on the `ol DT-02 :( haven't been running mine much, saving the DT for a R/C meet at my local track next weekend. Mike aka SuperChump is coming down for a week or so to fit in with the RC meet, and we're hoping to shoot some good video footage. :D :D
I was thinking of getting the Turnbuckles, but I'm currently bidding on a Tamiya Wild One. So I've gotta watch my spending on the DT-02. For now. ;) ;) ;)
I am running the Ball-Diff, and as toonz says,, it does help the steering alot. they are worth the $75 I paid My DF-02 shocks are much better now that I've put some better springs on them.

Keep bashing.
Del

[toonz]

i'm getting new gearbox joints and rear axle for replacement. hmm....they do wear out fast......

i'm also thinking whether i should get a pair of DF02 Universal Assembly to replace those stupid dogbones and there is a also a gator body hanging on the shelf here at my local shop.

torn in between...... :confused: :huh:

universal...OR....gator body...... :confused:

[TamiyaRacer69]

I'd go for the universals if I were you. Bodies just get beaten up anyways. Bidding on that Wild One has gone too over the top, I'll just see what it's up to next Tuesday. Might throw in a last ditch bid. It's at $350.00 at the moment. :(

[toonz]

that's what i thought too....its more essential to have a universal....

lets all chant.....
"Tamiya gives us THE WILD ONE reissue this 2007......"

[nick f]

I have been running my new Sand Viper around the backyard and I noticed that I need more ground clearance. So I was thinking of throwing some stadium truck tires (a.k.a Rustler) on there and see. Has anybody done this and if so what rims and tires should I get. For rims either 2.2 or 2.8" and for tires 3.7 to 4.0 inches max. I dont think the stock sterring setup would handle something like EMax tires (5" +)

Thanks
Nick F

[Royal Male]

So...here is my 2nd "home made" gator body, can I ask that for just a second
you look at the form and not the paint job?? I would say it is perfect.....it's made from a plastic called PTE (the same material riot shields are made from) and its tougher than lexan, so I'm told. Will let you know how it performs...................Now for the paint job :) Rave On!!

[Ken4]

Hi. Im from Singapore. I recently bought the Desert Gator and I love it. 2WD rocks. The stock motor was too slow for me, I couldnt get enuf air doing jumps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lndQoiqq6y0

So now I upgraded to Nosram Patriot Reverse 180a ESC and Tornado SS4 10T motor running at 42,800rpm. Lightning fast and I can catch big air. So fast it is hard to control at full throttle!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOtUN18oDw8

[toonz]

rm, that's a cute color scheme with all those smileys hohohoho......
is it tough? how's the oils shocks doing?

[toonz]

welcome ken4!

wow farmway track.....i go there too :)

a fast DT02 you got there!

[TamiyaRacer69]

I have been running my new Sand Viper around the backyard and I noticed that I need more ground clearance. So I was thinking of throwing some stadium truck tires (a.k.a Rustler) on there and see. Has anybody done this and if so what rims and tires should I get. For rims either 2.2 or 2.8" and for tires 3.7 to 4.0 inches max. I dont think the stock sterring setup would handle something like EMax tires (5" +)

Thanks
Nick F

Welcome Nick. :) Here's a link to a guy that's done just that http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=37575&id=4977
scroll to the bottom of the page to see more info on it. Looks better with the truck shell on it, apposed to the Gator shell. it also depends what you're into, truck or buggy!!! I like both.

Ken4. Welcome to you too. :) Go for either the GT Tuned (I've got one and it lifts the front off the ground from take off) Dirt Tuned, Toonz has got one so ask him how they perform.

RM Looks sweet mate no matter how you look at it. :cool: :cool: Still think you should seel them to us priveledged DT-02 owners.

Have fun newbies, :p we're all great blokes on here.

[toonz]

the dirt tuned is awesome. not lightning speed.
but at 27T, it gives good torque and running time.

someone ever ask me why is it that my DT02 runs forever while the rest have stop to change battery.... :)

[Ken4]

welcome ken4!

wow farmway track.....i go there too :)

a fast DT02 you got there!

Hey let's meet up for a desert gator bash. Im usually only free on weekday mornings or afternoons though. I got interested in 1/10th scale electric buggy cos my mates got me interested in it. They play 2WD team losi electric and one of them put a brushless inside. Another of my mates drives the 4WD dark impact also with brushless, but somehow I was not impressed with it cos it seemed to be slower and cant catch big air like the 2WD electrics.

kppjw@singnet.com.sg

[Royal Male]

Hi Ken,

Welcome to the forum......I'm impressed with the speed of your Gator....and it's nice to see a box art body for a change.

Trouble is all us GT tuned DT-02 owners will want a ten turn motor now!! How hot does it get...I guess very,,judging by the need for that fan.

Hey toonz...looks like you got some competition!!

Hi. Im from Singapore. I recently bought the Desert Gator and I love it. 2WD rocks. The stock motor was too slow for me, I couldnt get enuf air doing jumps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lndQoiqq6y0

So now I upgraded to Nosram Patriot Reverse 180a ESC and Tornado SS4 10T motor running at 42,800rpm. Lightning fast and I can catch big air. So fast it is hard to control at full throttle!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOtUN18oDw8 ;) ;)

[Ken4]

Hehehehe....I lack creativity you see. My 8 year old son & I were finding it a hard time to choose colours at the tamiya shop, we stood at the paint rack for a good 20mins trying to decide what colours to paint the gator, and finally gave up and chose the stock colour. :D

The 10T motor runs really really hot, it can go over 300F easily if run continuously for ~20mins (with temp gun pointed at comm bearing). This is when the stock wires connecting to the motor terminals start melting and smoking. And I suppose soon after this, the insulation of the internal windings of the motor will begin to melt and the motor will short circuit. The tamiya connectors are another weak point and can also fuse together. Im trying to avoid using deans plugs bcos that means I have to swap the terminals on all my other electric vehicles and my mates wont be able to borrow my batteries.

Here is a pic of my new 8 awg wires I installed:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/Ken4/DesertGatorMotor.jpg

I put a cooling fan on the ESC heatsink too:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/Ken4/DesertGatorESC.jpg

At the moment, I think I am limited to say 15mins of play, then I have to let it rest for 30mins. I might consider going brushless to solve the overheat problem but I am hesitant cos the location of the gator motor is such that the rear end takes quite a bashing when landing and it knocks the motor endbell loose. I think id rather change a cheap S$29 10T motor every once in a while rather than risk damaging a S$175 brushless motor! :eek:

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Ken. Love to see some air time shots. Hope to get down to the local skate park today, just to give the Gator a bash and get some air. Have to see tho. Gotta be careful too, I dont want to break anything before the next R/C meeting next weekend.


C'mon lads. Where's the rest of you????

[Metla]

The Gator can't be geared down to accommodate a 10t motor, which is why its over heating, And for the same reason that motor wont be getting anywhere near its designed RPM, meaning it will be pushing the car slower then a slower motor would.

I have a 19T in mine, and even on that the gearing is working against it, Going to go back to a 23T.

[Ken4]

The 8awg wires work great! No melting whatsoever.

The 10T motor with Noram Patriot Reverse 180amps + Nosram Vtec 4200mah is really lightning speed. I did a few high speed passes on the road in front of my house and I think it might be even faster than my TNX 5.2R.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8kcf5OtNjg

[Royal Male]

Metla....have you seen Kens videos?

The camera doesn't lie....that's one fast Gator.

RM

The Gator can't be geared down to accommodate a 10t motor, which is why its over heating, And for the same reason that motor wont be getting anywhere near its designed RPM, meaning it will be pushing the car slower then a slower motor would.

I have a 19T in mine, and even on that the gearing is working against it, Going to go back to a 23T.

[Metla]

Yep, seen the video, Wrong motor, wrong gearing, Hence the over heating.

Though its no skin off my nose if he is happy with it.

[Ken4]

I picked up a vantage v2 13T motor on sale today S$80 (US$52). It has heatsink on the endbell and I also bought the special fan that can bolt directly to the endbell. Hopefully this will solve my overheat problems.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/Ken4/VantageV2_13Tx2.jpg

http://www.peakmotors.com/Electric+Motors/Vantage

[Ken4]

I have tested the Vantage 13T motor and am very impressed. No overheat whatsoever. Max temp was only 160F. Didnt even need to use the 8awg wires. I can play continuously now without having to rest the motor. :D Speed is just a tad slower than the 10T motor.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/Ken4/VantageV2.jpg

[toonz]

previously i was running with my RZ23T and it died hohoho....
i'll stay with the Dirt Tuned 27T, no overheat, lllllooooonnnnggggg run time :)

[Ken4]

Here is the gator doing some jumps in my garden with the new 13T motor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usKKBfws5uA

[toonz]

woohoo....you are having fun!

[Ken4]

Im going down this morning to SKFW track to bash with my mate. Hopefully he brings his dark impart with brushless 2 star LRP motor so I can race him. I will take some videos.

[toonz]

should be dry by now. looking forward to your videos!

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Ken4. Great vid mate. Nothing better than watching a Gator jump. Mike (aka Superchump) arrived yesturday. So we're hoping to get some more videos done. Gonna try our luck at a Skate Park, sometime while he's here. I wanna try and backflip the Gator. :eek: :cool: :D
Just bought a Super Stock RZ motor, hopefully it'll be here before the weekend. OH yeah.........More power :D

[toonz]

del, you bought a RZ? WWWOOOOOOOHHOOOOO!!!!!!!!
just remember to change the pinion back to 17T :)

you want to what? backflip the gator? ok....No Guts No Glory No Brain again :D

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: toonz.
Yeah mate, I'll do the 17 tooth. Should be able to do the backflip with the RZ, almost did it tonight at a skate park with Mike. Hope it gets here before the R/Cmeet this weekend.

Later
Del

[Ken4]

Here are the latest videos, Desert Gator vs Dark Impact, in 3 parts. The DI is red and my gator is stock colors. Track conditions where dry and hard and very slippery. I had trouble with my gators worn rear tires, it was skidding all over the place. Couldnt do the jumps well too cos you need to go full speed dead center, then it can jump high and land well. Once I apply full throttle, my gator would slide all over and makes jumping difficult and therefore bad landing. My mates DI was running circles around me, it's 4wd and he had just installed new spike tires! It was just awesome! And he's using brushless LRP 2 star motor, running around 49,000rpm. My gator is 13Tx2 Peak Racing Motor running around 39,000rpm. Any yet most of the time I have to drive around 1/2 throttle cos of my sucky tires. If you cant tell in the video which is the gator and which is the DI, it's simple, the DI is the one doing the beautiful jumps while the gator is the one doing most of the bad landings!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_bV3VOS_VA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoXxfC1qSog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjoh8nOIpcs

[toonz]

so much fun! that's one fast DI and a quick Gator! sswwwooosshhhh!

ken4, as for your rear tire, you can use the rear DI rims and tires. last longer and performs better.

[Ken4]

My mate said the stock DI tires were no good either for this track. He recommended me the spiky tires instead (available at stargek). So now I have upgraded my rears to spikes and also put in stiffer blue springs. My gator is ready to rock n roll now! Revenge of the gator!

The new spike tires are so grippy, my gator can now do wheelies!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQKYMyd1-ZU

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/Ken4/GatorSpikesSprings.jpg

[toonz]

superfighterG rims you got there :)
which blue springs are you using? the DT02 or the DF02?

[Ken4]

It's the DF02 spring set S$19.50.

[Royal Male]

Hi Ken4, guys,

Am very impressed AGAIN with the speed of your Gator Ken>Excellent wheelies.

Can I ask what tyres those are? I have been attempting to buy some new tyres from ebay but the sizing is a bit confusing.....I believe the rear wheels take a 2.2inch (60mm) tyre but what about the width of various tyres......they must vary?? Cheers in advance.........what do you think of my new paint job now??? after it's 1st outing in the British mud!!

Almost forgot what do you think of my aluminium skid plate, protects the presious GT tuned too..BUT I will make a better one that offers more protection, watch this space.

PPS, the new body is very very tough....they would defo servive a trip over seas............http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=0&forumid=349#

[Ken4]

Can I ask what tyres those are?

Tamiya part no. 53093

http://www.haertle.de/product_info.php?products_id=3889

Love that custom skidplate that protects the motor. http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/images/graemlins/approved.gif

[toonz]

rm, good protection you have there and the body seems tough!

[Royal Male]

hey toonz,

I know you have a frog too........what do you make of this...........a mate from work has just built a re-frog and today we went for a quick "drag race".......straight line on tarmac........his frog is stock with 1700mah battery......my Gator has GT ~Tuned, df-02 shocks, 1900mah battery and flat out he had the post!!!!!

Can you believe it? I know that the frogs handling is questionable and on a dirt track my Gator would drive better and win the race BUT I am shocked that his frog had more top end.

I was uing a 18t pinion with GT Tuned and he had a 19t pinion with stock silver can.....what does your experience tell you??

RM :confused:

[toonz]

hehehe i know what you mean here :)
thats because your friend's frog is running on at 19T pinion and a 19T pinion gives top end. BOTH my viper (dirt tuned) and frog (sport tuned) run 19T pinion and yet THAT FROG is more powerful.

its funny you know :)

[Ken4]

Yes, I noticed big difference when I switched to 19T pinion. Now it is very hard to do wheelies! The 17T was popping wheelies so easy! I want to switch back but I broke my 17T pinion last weekend at the track, and my LHS has no stock. :(

[toonz]

17t gives you that wheelie action because at 17t, its capable of full take-off, not top end. 19t gives top end. i only get to wheelie once in a while at 19t when i land at a certain angle and at the same time powering it at full throttle.

oh man.....we are playing with a DT02, not a wild willy. you don't want to scrap the rear upper screw casing of your gearbox which i ever did when i had the RZ23T+17t.

[toonz]

it says AVANTE MK2 DF03 :eek: :eek:
http://www.rc-junkies.nl/toyfair1/albums/FTP%20Uploads/TamiyaToyFair-26.jpg

[Metla]

Regarding top speed, All it means is that the Gator has a lower internal ratio then the Frog, This is to better accommodate modern lower turn motors. The Gator also has a better center of gravity and far better suspension, sounds like a win all round to me.

A 23t Tamiya RZ motor suits the buggy well for general playing around.

[Ken4]

Well it finally happened. My wing broke after all the sommersaults, tumbles, and backflips from doing all the jumping on the track. My rear dogbone driveshaft bent too. I was going to buy a new driveshaft but I discovered the shaft metal is pretty soft and can be easily hammered back into shape! Well I cant possibly repair a broken plastic wing, so I decided to look for a replacement wing. Tamiya dont carry spare wings, you have to buy the whole polycarbonate body that comes with the wing for S$39! I finally found a shop that sold spare 1/10th scale buggy wings and he had plenty of it. Some as cheap as S$6 for 2 wings! But finally I chose a S$8.50 wing that was approximately the same width as the stock gator wing. Here is a pic. Anyone want to guess what wing this is?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/Ken4/New_Wing.jpg

[toonz]

b4 wing.
ken, which shop is that? i need a wing badly!

[Ken4]

Kyosho wing....hehehehe

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/Ken4/Kyosho.jpg

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Well it's been awhile. Haven't been doing much R/Cing over the last 4-5 days. Spent just about a whole week doing R/C stuff with Mike. Now I'm all R/C'd out............ YEAH RIGHT!!!! :D

Put a RZ in me Gator, and man does this thing fly now. :eek: Running an 18tooth, as my 17 is stuffed. Local Hobby shop doesn't sell seperate pinions. :( They come in pairs, 18 & 19. I know from previous posts that Toonz has said to run a RZ with a 17tooth. But the 18 doesn't seem to find it hard. One thing I did notice though, the `ol Tamiya TEU ESC heats up a little if you don't run the RZ constantly at full throttle. May be time to up-grade my ESC, to a no turn limit one.
Been thinking of designing some sort of cooling system for the ESC. Got some miniature electric motors sitting in my bitz draw, and a 9volt battery to power it up. Rather than using the main battery pack. Any ideas guys.


Ken4. that wing suits it. Looks like a proper racer now.

L8'r
Del

[Ken4]

You need to put a heatsink on the esc and preferable a mini 5v cooling fan blowing at it, and tap the 5v thru the receiver. You can get those mini heatsinks meant for cooling motherboard chipset (not the CPU heatsink). If you cant find 5v fan, then get the smallest 12v fan and tap it directly from the battery. Alternatively you can cut a hole in the front of the body where airflow will hopefully pass over the esc heatsink. But cooling fan is far more effective.

[toonz]

some say that the 101bk is able to take up to 23T, but i feel that 27T fits best because it gets really hot running with 101bk and you won't feel safe in your head if you are going to run it through 5 sticks. still its best to get an unlimited ESC. with that, you can pump in a 19 pinion with your RZ.

then sit back and watch.............

i've ever tried 19 pinion with RZ and 101bk. 5min run is all i have and that esc gets damn HOT! shuts down! no good!

[Ken4]

Even with low-turn ESC you will still need some sort of cooling if you plan to use low-turn motor and good battery pack (e.g. >4000mah). In some cases even the tamiya connector is not good enuf, I've had so many melt and fuse together. Deans plugs would be ideal.

[Ken4]

Here is a video of my 8 year old son driving the gator with the new wing. The new wing rocks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvZLY-vN9k4

[Royal Male]

Hi guys,

I'm still on the hunt for a 19t pinion (got to beat thet Frog)........if you have time please take a look at this link to ebay and let me know if you think the pinions are suitable for my gator

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tamiya-18T-19T-AV-Pinion-Gear-Set-50355_W0QQitemZ280072622478QQihZ018QQcategoryZ3406 3QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Also, can I ask you wise guys if I will notice much more power, speed if I use a 3700mah battery instead of the 1900mah I use at the moment....or will it just improve run time??

Ps.....found a tip>>>>>>>>drop your aerial pipe into boiling water to soften in up and apparently stops them from snapping!! I got a real issue withn the Tamiya pipes so...hopefully this will work??

Hope your all well........Ken, your Gator is so fast it looks nitro powerd!!

RM

[Ken4]

That's the wrong pinion gear, wrong pitch, will not fit. The part no. you must get is 3515007 which is the correct 19T.

http://www.fusionhobbies.com/URLrewrite.asp?404;http://65.61.187.160:80/Pinion-Gears-s/129.htm&Redirected=Y

A normal 3700mah battery will not improve power, unless you get the high quality type where it has lower internal resistences and therefore higher voltages, e.g.

http://www.nosram.com/products.asp?id=32

but with higher voltages the esc will usually overheat and need more cooling.

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Well after days of deliberation, (with myself) I've decided to step off in the effort to make my Gator a rocketship :eek: . Apart from goin brushless, (and I aint forkin` out $500+++) I'm going to be putting either my Sport Tuned or GT Tuned back in, taking off the DF-02 aluminium shocks and putting the stock ones back in, replacing the ball-diff with the gear diff. All this $$$ I spent on it, and in my opinion, has made it worse. :(

Example #1 Ball-diff creates too noise. And it's made right, been fiddled with non-stop, and still sounds like crap.

Example #2 DF-02 shocks are great, lands perfectly after big jump. But land it upside-down and the front plastic shock caps wearout and the shocks pop off the mount. Okay I did change all the mounting points from as per manual, to ball connectors, which probaly didn't help (but they looked sweet) Now I'm not talking about little girlie jumps, as seen in my videos, I go for BIG air.

Example #3 Super Stock RZ, awesome power (helpful in the serch for BIG air) heats ups the ESC far too much for my liking. In fact, after running the RZ yesterday and the ESC falling out the side (okay it wasn't mounted properly) of the Gator and being dragged along the ground. It aint working anymore.

Apart from spending more money on it, which I can't see happening in the near future, (Besides, I've got 2 new toys arriving over the next couple of months.) I'm sending it back to partial stock form :eek: . That was the main reason I bought it, it's a great buggy straight out of the box. With the sport tuned behind it, I'm sure it'll be just fine. Long run times is what I'd really like.

Sorry if this has depressed some of you, but as I don't race it and probaly never will, it'll do me just fine `round the garden, skate parks, and BMX tracks.

Cheers all
Later
Del

[Ken4]

So what 2 new toys are coming your way?

[toonz]

hihi del :)
yes i can understand your point of view. the DT02 is already a fast car by nature. like what we talked about last time that this car doesn't require much to pump up and i still stand by the DT02.

the ball diff does makes noise and taking it apart (i hate the process) for maintainance is really troublesome whereas a diff gear can be left in there for a long long time.

as speaking of the df02 shocks. i'm not even using the df02 spring anymore, gone back to my dt02 hop-up springs. the diameter of the df02 spring is to thick and its always hitting my rear turnbuckle and scratches the bottom cap of the shocks. i think you can still continue to use the df02 shocks, just use a longer screw to secure it and they will stay.

the rz does heat up big time and after mine died, i went on to use the dirtuned and so far i'm happy with it. like you said, we don't race, we just want to run run run run run run.........

go DT02! one of the best stock cars around :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

So what 2 new toys are coming your way?
Hiya Ken & others,
Got a TamTech Gear Gator coming in the next two weeks. Then sometime in March, got the new M04L Beetle coming. Gonna put the RZ in that, and hope to upgrade the ESC for it.
Love my VW Beetles.

Chose the TamTech Gator over all the others, just purely for the fact that I've got the 1/10th version.

Toonz. Yeah "ROCK ON THE DT02"

Later
Del

[Ken4]

Good choice! I got a beetle too, but it's a baja beetle, it rocks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAptlr30OWk

[TamiyaRacer69]

Ken4,
Yeah mate gotta `ave a beetle on roader. Hoping to find a certain Tamiya chassis and build a drag/street machine. Thought about mounting a Bug body on the Gator, but some how I don't think it'll look right. it has been done before though.

Del

[toonz]

del, what's your plan for the mini gator?

i feel like building a new DT02....

[Ken4]

It's hard to find DT02 now, stargek out of stock. Only DF03 left or the $$$ 501x....

[TamiyaRacer69]

del, what's your plan for the mini gator?

i feel like building a new DT02....
Toonz. Haven't really got anything big in mind, just a couple of Hop-ups. Shocks will be the first to be changed, then the motor. Can get a brushless system for it for around $150.00. Might look at that, but like I said earlier I aint gonna race it so it might be a waste of hard earned $$$$$$$$$$$$$ They do a Sport Tuned for them, that might be a cheaper option. :D

[toonz]

there is a new mini sport tuned too....

mini sport tuned (http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=40537)

most of the hop-up for the tamtech are just bling.
having a good motor and oil shocks is good enough already.... :)
the plastic cva will be available soon, much cheaper then the alu ones...

[Ken4]

Hehe....my gator finally got its revenge on my mate's DI. I put new rear spike tires and it was doing huge jumps. Unfortunately the DI had a broken rear diff and could not go full throttle. So gator wins by default. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnrOstjQDTE

[toonz]

how did the DI break? hmmm i'm been hearing a lot about DI breaking here and there.....and i wonder why.....

nice vid ken. i notice the gator tends to get unstable upon landing.
here's a little constuctive tips to share with you...

as you're approaching the hump (of course entering straight), slow down or hold on to one third of the throttle, when you're entering the hump, increase speed, once you reach the tip of the hump, give full power.

if the front is diving down in mid-air, give a throttle to straighten it.
if the back is tilting down in mid-air, give a reverse brake to balance it.

the car will usually land on 4 wheels, then you power up again. :)

just a little tips, hope it helps :)

[Ken4]

Thanks for the tips. I give it a try next time.

He put a brushless in his DI running ~49,000rpm. DI not designed for this kind of power, nor is it designed for doing big jumps. Something will break.

Maybe the 501x is more bash proof.

[toonz]

its always safe to make a height of one feet or go gentle with the jumps. infact, anything can and will happen as long as a car goes on a track.

the 501x may be strong but i wil say that its not bash proof. i've held one fully built in my hand when i look at all the parts, something will sure fly out if i drop it at meter. but then who will do that hahahaha........

[toonz]

got a DI from my girlfriend tonight....valentine's gift :p :D

[Royal Male]

Your a lucky man Toonz.....I hope this don't mean you will be jumping ship over to the DI forum???

I'm thinking of getting an m03 chassis mini cooper.......there's no way my girlfriend would buy it for me...I will actually have to get it posted to work so she don't find out.......so Toonz you are a very lucky man!! ;)

[toonz]

thanks rm :)
i will continue to be in our dt02 thread, its my little home you know ;)

but you can still find my post in the hornet/grasshopper, wild willy and now DI as well.....hehehe...so "busy" :)

the m03 is really a nice car to roll around with, go get it man! show your girlfriend, get her interested. we even have a m03 thread at the electric on road section, lots of tips there!

[Ken4]

I was at stargek today (my LHS), very difficult to get spares now for my DT02. Driveshaft dogbones no stock. Wheel axle cups no stock. http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/images/graemlins/pat2.gif

Looks like it's time to retire my gator.

[Metla]

I cant see why they cant get them?, The kit is still being made, The spares are available from Tamiya.

Having said that, You shouldn't have been using dog-bones with a modified motor in the first place, I have heard of people using the after market universals available for the DF03 as a replacement for the dogbones, This may also replace what you have described as Wheel axle cups? (which, If they are what I think they are, are a standard Tamiya part used on dozens upon dozens of their models)

[Metla]

wow....Stargek is Tamiya's Official Exclusive Distributor for Singapore,Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Tamiya destributer in the world capitol of RC....and they cant get you basic supplies?

[Ken4]

That's why there's no point keeping the gator alive if I have to special order every part.

[Metla]

alrighty, are these the parts your after?

http://www.tamiyausa.com/images/product/720/53791/header_53791.jpg

if so, then I would suggest you switch to something like this

http://www.yeahracing.com/catalog/images/yrac_df03-015bk_001.jpg

[Metla]

That's why there's no point keeping the gator alive if I have to special order every part.

whoa, Fair enough.

Heck, I have a month wait to get parts for my Dark Impact through official tamiya destributer, 99 percent of the time I get it sent from RCMart (who I think are in Singapore) and its here in New Zealand within 4 days.

If I were you I would just switch hobby shops, Aren't there quite a lot in that part of the world?

[Ken4]

There are many hobby shops in singapore but they all get their tamiya spares from stargek. If stargek dont have it, then it's unlikely anyone else will. Fortunately the gator is a cheap kit, easy to retire without much pain, I now have to decide which new kit to transfer my esc + radio + battery & motor to. In the meantime Im still bashing my gator until it dies, hammering the dogbones straight if they get bent, I did notice the diff cups and axle cups are pretty worn, maybe bcos I dont bother to regrease them after every run.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/Ken4/GatorDriveshaft.jpg

[Metla]

The assumption was that one of the other Hobby stores may have a bunch of items in stock, Though if you find it easier to retire the car then I'm certainly not going to argue with you.

Many people recommend never greasing those parts, as It attracts grit and increases wear.

[Metla]

Alrighty, Threads gone a bit quiet.

Heres a short vid (22 seconds) of my gator around the local track, Shes running a 19T motor and some $30 ESC, everything else is standard, No heat issues (in fact the ESC is cool to the touch after 30 minutes of driving) and shes plenty fast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znviQyCzVQA

[Royal Male]

Metla, I'm impressed with the speed of you Gator but can I ask what pinion yo u are using??

PS....guys have just won a NIB mini cooper on the bay for £50....good price I must confess I'm V excited about getting this little on roader....or is it an off roader, have you seen GRAHOO'S 'mini rally' videos on Tamiya Club...inspiring stuff.


RM

[Metla]

17t.

[toonz]

just finish building my DI.... :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all

Well haven't done much R/Cing lately, been too crook. Self inflicted though. Got a phone call from my mate yesterday, my Tam Tech Gator has arrived and should be racing `round my lounge in the next 2/3 days. :D :D :cool: Can't wait. Same guy is selling 1/10th Gator for $198 ($40 cheaper than my LHS), tempting oh so very tempting. :D :huh: :cool: :p
Metla, goes sweet mate. Love that track too, wish Harewood was like that. :( Instead it's rutted and basically ruined, no thanks to the stupid 1/8th nitro buggies. Looks like I'm going to have to buy a new 17tooth, mines stuffed and been binned. If you're running a 19 turn and 17tooth, I should have no problems with a 23 turn and 17tooth. Where/who did you get the ESC from, was it on Trade Me???? Also, is everything standard with your Gator. EG: gearbox, shocks.

Del

[Metla]

The ESC's I got sent over from Rcmart.com, I bought 4 TP-M8 units, which amounts to $43 NZ dollars each, and 10 bucks for postage, They turned up within 5 days. The motor is a Chameleon 2 Pro 19T.

Everything else on the Gator is standard, Though she is starting to rattle apart, Must be time for a strip,lube and rebuild. Might replace the dog bones with universals while I'm at it.

And I also replaced the springs with the ones from the Dark Impact kit when I serviced the shockies last weekend.

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all

Got my new 17tooth today. Now the gearbox sounds better, funny how a worn pinion can make you think that your car's life is neally over.

Thanx for the info Metla. I'll keep it in mind.

:D Only two more sleeps `till my "Baby Gator" is hatched :D

[toonz]

two weeks ago i wore out my 19 pinion too and the sound that came out of the gears was really sharp! i've replaced a new one and clean up all the gears and rebuild the ball dif...

[Royal Male]

Evening DT-02 boys,

Hope your all well? I have a quick queston for you all>>>>>>whats the proper term for the hex hubs (on parts B tree)that the rear wheels fit onto????? 'cause I have split one of mine :( I think I over tightend the wheel nut!!! do you think that would have done it?

I need a replacement...maybe an ally version....any tamiya codes are helpfull or even an alternative brand??

Cheers Guys

[toonz]

hi rm, here...this is what i use :) nice and strong!

Wheel Adapter (http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=53056)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: fellow DT-02'ers

RM, yeah mate I use the same thing on all my toys. I get them off my local trading site, and they're strong like toonz says.

Well yesterday I had two sleeps to go until my TamTech Desert Gator arrived. Now I've got none. It arrived today, what a surprize :eek: :eek: Looks just like the big one we all love so much, only things are shock towers, shocks, and wheels. Tamiya should have done the same to the Big Gator. I'm thinking of getting another 1/10th Gator, and doing it in box art colours to go with the Baby gator
Here's a couple of pics

[toonz]

nice little gator!

hop-ups begins :)

[toonz]

i see your big gator is running the sport tuned. how is it like?

[TamiyaRacer69]

The Sport Tuned is okay. Not as fast as an RZ or BZ, but that goes with out saying. A little faster that stock 540, but run time is longer.
Saving the RZ for my new M04L Beetle. Gt Tuned will stay in my 'Blitzgrieg Bug"
Hop-ups for the Baby 'G' start in a couple of weeks.

[Ken4]

Toonz caught in action today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/Ken4/Toonz.jpg

[toonz]

this thread must go up....

a little update on my DT02viper

guys, still remember the pics that i posted sometime ago that showed the front arms built the reverse way?

here, i did it and also added another rod on top of the front tower to strengthen the front shocks and this little mod came from the same japanese rc mag as well. i've also remove the df02 springs and replace with the df03 medium spring for the rear and soft for the front. i like the df03 spring rate because it's in between the dt02 and df02 hop up set. not too hard and not too soft and it allows me to use a medium oil of 500.

as for the front mod, the first reaction of the car is the steering. much sharper! but you got to increase the steering rod measurement to 1mm more otherwise its way too much toe-out. i'm more careful with the driving cos i don't want to hit the arms hehehehe :p

worth a try!
http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/3714/dscn1056ut2.jpg

oh my DI :D
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/2230/dscn1057rb6.jpg

[Royal Male]

Hi Toonz,

Your DI looks mean....and fast!! I love that dusty shot Ken4 took of it too...so I guess you guys have met up at your track?

I'm still after a 19t pinion for my Gator. I ran it on Saturday with the DF02 shocks but with the (softer) stock DT02 springs and I was happy with the results, I realise now that because I'm not launching the car into orbit I can go for a softer and better handling set up.

Check out my new project...... :D

cheers RM

[toonz]

hi rm,
yes ken and i met at our track and have some bashing time.

oh and about the 19t pinion, i'm not sure if this is a good thing or not....

last time when i ran the GT tuned with 19t, everything seemed fine but after changing to Dirt tuned, it STRIPED off my 19 pinion after a few run. not just 1 piece of 19 but 2! 2 pinion19 gone! i wonder why..... and so i changed to 18pinion last night (tips thanks to del and mike) and i hope that it will last longer this time...

[toonz]

i saw that same cooper in my shop recently and was tempted...not until the m04 volkswagen arrived after that and i'm even more tempted...hehehehehe....

build it soon man!