Tamiya DT-02 Thread

[Royal Male]

Biuild has commenced, well I put the tires on the wheels!! :D . Now I have to wait for the bearings I just orderd to turn up before I can start proper....does anyone else always start a build by putting the tires onto the wheels...or is it just me?

And does anyone else always swear they will build as stock...but then instantly starts to buy hop ups??? :D

[toonz]

yes i always start with the wheels and tires then cut body and spray cos i find them time consuming. think of it this way, once you are done with the arms and the chassis parts, you put up the tires and right away. the paint on the car body would have fully dried by the time you finish building. so what's next? body up and go! :)

for hop up, well take your time....

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: alright lads

Nice lookin DI Toonz, what colour is it??? Thinking of doing a similar colour for my M04L Beetle arrives, mid - end march. Can't wait. :D :D Also your Gator's looking rather sweet too, can you take a pic of the front shock tower brace you put on, (or let me know if there's a link to a web site) and let me know what the dimensions are. Might make one myself. ;)

RM Yeah wheels and tires first, trim up the body and paint it. Then build the chassis, by the time you've done that, (like Toonz said) body on and awaaaaaaaaaay you go :D :D . Good luck on the build. Great car the Mini, I had one of each once. A real one and a R/C one, both painted the same colour, yellow with black stripes on the edge of the bonnet. :cool: :cool:

L8R dudes
Del

[toonz]

del, glad to see that you are back!

the color that i use for my DI is tamiya Gun Metal. it should look great on the m04 wagon in contrast with its crome parts :)

i don't have the website of the mods as i saw them on a japanese mag call RC Magazine. there's a few pages that they've been talking about the DT02 for the past few months and they call it the DT02 Challenge. so i simply memorise what they've done and applied it on my viper, especially those that i find essential and don't cost much from my pocket.

as for the tower brace on the front shock, the rod was taken from the rear of the car that holds the suspension arm. i'm using turnbuckle so those become my spares. connect it using 5mm ball connectors till it matches the distance between the shock tower and snap it on :) that simple.

i'll take some close up pics tonight to show you :)

[Royal Male]

Hi Guys,

I'd be glad to take a closer look too toonz, good to see you back on the forum Del.

later

Rm

[Royal Male]

Hello again, another quick question..

I have an ansmann ACX2 charger (see link for similar) which apparently will charge batteries up to 3300mah, the question is will it REALLY?? be ok to charge the 3700mah pack I am planning on buying??

Cheers lads\
RM

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ANSMANN-DELTA-PEAK-7-2v-BATTERY-CHARGER-ACX2-TAMIYA-LRP_W0QQitemZ320085210105QQihZ011QQcategoryZ34063Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[toonz]

pics here :)

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4329/dscn1065ts5.jpg
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/9381/dscn1063kc9.jpg

steering!
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3631/dscn1067wi5.jpg

guys, give a try, you'll love it! :rolleyes:

[toonz]

Hello again, another quick question..

I have an ansmann ACX2 charger (see link for similar) which apparently will charge batteries up to 3300mah, the question is will it REALLY?? be ok to charge the 3700mah pack I am planning on buying??

Cheers lads\
RM

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ANSMANN-DELTA-PEAK-7-2v-BATTERY-CHARGER-ACX2-TAMIYA-LRP_W0QQitemZ320085210105QQihZ011QQcategoryZ34063Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


i've that charger too but i'm not using it anymore. sick of waiting.....
you can still charge the 3700 but will take longer. :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: alrite lads

Yeah been off here for a while. Looking good Toonz, your SV I mean. :roll2: Just did the same to my DG tonite. Haven't run it yet, to see if there's any noticeable difference. Might take it out to my mate's place tomorrow night, along with my TamTech Gator (he can drive that. hehehe)

L8R lads
Del

[toonz]

no difference to speed as this mod is not for speed. but you will find that its more stable and turns sharper :)

what pinion are u using now del?

i strip both my 19 and using 18 now on the 19 holes....

somehow i find that using 18 is much better, less heat and it fully utilises the battery power...

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: lads

Toonz, I'm just running the 17tooth matched up to a Sport Tuned. That's all I need now after all the trial and error, mostly errors. :p lol I found that the 18 tooth didn't match up as well, and of course I can only get 18 & 19 tooths in a pack of two from my local (use-less) hobby shop. Had to serch for the 17 tooth myself, could have had a whole heap of parts (if you know what I mean)
Taking both Gators out to my wife's friends farm tonight. Lots of room to bash about.

L8R dudes
Del

[toonz]

i've not tried a 19pinion+sport tuned before and i wonder if it will burn out the pinion. the dirt tuned is definately hotter than the sport tuned.

hey do take some pics of the gators running together when u run tonight :)

[Royal Male]

Hi guys........it appears lady luck was on my side for once because when I opened up the delivery of my 3700mah battery, the supplier accidentely sent me a 4300mah battery....how cool??!! :D :D

BUT I hate to guess the charge time from my ansmann ACX2 charger???

Anyone give me a clue of run time with an 18t pinion and the GT tuned?

Cheers Lads.




i've that charger too but i'm not using it anymore. sick of waiting.....
you can still charge the 3700 but will take longer. :)

[toonz]

18t pinion and the GT tuned? hmmm never tried before.......
but 17t+GT+gp330=approx 40min.

how fun can that be :) drive till you fall asleep.....

rm, how's your cooper build? any build pics to share?

[toonz]

OMG!!!!!!!!
LOOK AT THIS!!! (http://www.geocities.jp/hagiwaratakehiro/page008.html)

[RoadrashAZ]

OMG!!!!!!!!
LOOK AT THIS!!! (http://www.geocities.jp/hagiwaratakehiro/page008.html)
That guy is the Dr. Frankenstien of Tamiya RC vehicles. If you go to his main page you can see his other weird creations.

[Royal Male]

Hi toonz, guys

Cooper build is complete...V quick just a couple of hours. Now I just need to work out how I can take a cast of the body to enable me to do my DIY bodies...the Gator was easy to cast with no undercuts BUT the cooper has plenty :rolleyes: I really hope I can re-produce the body because you can really go to town with the styling of the cooper body.

Also take a look at the images and spot the ESC neatly tucked into the chassis, really tidy and low centre of gravity.

+ look at the state of the Gator!! thats what happens when you run in an English wooded area. PS it seems I have my friends Frog beat , must be the 4200mah battery :D

[toonz]

hey rm, nice cooper build! where is the receiver?
i'm surprise that the 101bk can be inserted into that chassis gap, did apply any double sided tape? that motor looks like a 540J, is that? can't wait to see the body next. what color will it be? :) nice nice nice!

oh no....what happen to the DT02? the wing.....and the aluminium plate....??
did u land hard? what's the set up for the oil shocks?

[Royal Male]

toonz, I wasn't even jumping just general running!! The shocks are DF02 with the stock DT02 springs (soft oil)...I still think the DF02 springs are to hard for this lighter buggy.

RM

[toonz]

the land must be too rough for the car eh......stripping the plate frightens me.....

but you've finally beat the froggy, go the GT Tuned! :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Yep I'm back. Hope to get my new R/C VW this week, just won an auction on local trading site for a Tamiya F1 chassis. So now my Pro Street Drag VW will be underway soon. In the meantime here's what I've created for my non-stock VW collection. I know it's not DT02 related but I just want to show ya.

RM Great to see a huge amount of damage to the DT. Cooper looks good too.
Toonz. What was that guy thinking. That thing looks stupid, but that's just my opinion.
Haven't run the Gator for about two weeks, had to swipe the radio gear out of it to get the Volksrod going. Don't panic tho, I'll be running it again as soon as I decided to do some more work on the VW hotrod

[toonz]

Fwah! i like the flat black! is that a bullet hole at the side?

i've been thinking about the m04 wagen and m03 cooper32 for sometime.......

just bought some spare pinion for the dt02 and df03 and also pick up the dt02 shock tower and rear/front upright part. i don't know why i bought it when it caught my eyes...i may use it as a spare or i may even build a new dt02 someday :)

just a thought to share here....i'm beginning to feel that the dirt tuned is a lousy motor. the 17000 rpm is simply one of the lowest compare to other stock 27T which can go up to 18000-23000 rpm! so i'm going to put the GT back to my viper. the speed is close to a superstock 23T when it's running with a 19pinion.

geee! why did i buy that dirt thing for! del, like what you said, try and error and mostly errors. :)

[toonz]

how's everyone?

[Ken4]

Waiting for the track to dry up!

[Royal Male]

.....attempting to sort out my nitro....enough said eh!!

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hi all. Haven't used the Gator for nearly two+++ months. Other projects. Here's a pic of my new VW addition, running a Super Stock RZ for now. Going to put the standard 540 can in, or maybe the GT Tuned. Gun Metal Grey paint, even did the rims the same colour.
Now I know it's not DT02 related, actually it is. It's got the ESC from the Gator in it. :eek: :D

[toonz]

you are making me drool! cut the extra long body post :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: toonz
Posts have been cut down since I put pix up. Trying to figure out a way to mount the body without the posts sticking through, got an idea, gonna make up some brackets 2morro at work.

[toonz]

del, would love to see more shots and even the inside.

how's the drive? was it fun? :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

Here u go toonz. Some ,ore pics of the Beetle. The drive was *^%#!$& awesome with the RZ in, damaged both right side wheels after a slight-not-planned-drift into the gutter. 540 standard can in it now.

L8R
Del

[toonz]

NICE!

wah! RZ in this car is like a fire bullet :) i think sport tuned is good enough heehee......

really feel like having one. does it drift? since this is a RWD...

[toonz]

btw does the beetle come in full ball bearing?

[oldpj]

Can anyone point me in the direction of tyre inserts for the DT-02?

[toonz]

i use Proline Bow Tie for the rear. front, stock.

[Super Chump]

Hey guys,

It's been a while, lol. Had my Gator out on the local off-road track over Easter and I wasn't really impressed with the steering... I mean I know it's kinda bad, but I like the look of the stock front tires. Does swapping the fromt arms around make any difference?

Mike.

[toonz]

hi mike
long time no see :)
swapping the arms around does help in one way or another. but i've swapped it back to its original position recently because i don't want my car to break anything it hits a wall by accident :)

best solution for steering, DT02 Ball Differential Hop-Up :)

[Royal Male]

Hi guys,

Our thread has certainly been slipping down the chart so I am glad some of the old faces have turned up again.

I haven't been runnning my Gator much as I have been attempting to make bodies for my M03, which has been tough because there are so many undercuts on the original....so te mould has to be made in three seperate pieces....I will post a picture even though its not related I know you guys will be interested.

As for the gator, I have totaly stripped it down and cleaned it up and have started to re assemble BUT with a 19t pinion at long last,,,,I am looking forward to seeing the performance with GT tuned, 19t and 4200 pack!

Watch this space.

cheers


RM

[toonz]

hi rm,
glad to see you here. this thread will not die as long as we are still running our DT02.

so you've finally got the 19t, great!

i no longer run my DT02 with the GT Tuned or Dirt Tuned anymore. i tried the Sport Tuned out of curiousity and so love it! even better than the GT and Dirt. give it a try if you do have a sport tuned :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all.
I too haven't run the Gator for a while, like you toonz, I've just put a Sport tuned in last night. Haven't run it yet, but I already know what it goes like with a ST in it. Had one it it b4 the GT Tuned

[toonz]

it's funny you know. i've use the GT and Dirt tuned and Sport Tuned works best for the DT02. not to mention RZ :)

[nexzzt]

Hi, I usually race 1/5 motorcycles, but I saw the Viper and couldn't resist. I have one little problem with the build. The top brace for the front suspension assy fouls the server saver. I am use the stock servo saver that came with the kit and Futaba s3003 server. I have pulled the servo out and checked EVERYTHING 3 times and I can't see whats going on. It just look like the servo saver is too high or somehow the brace mounts too low. Im sure I have installed everything correctly so I started wondering if the servo I have is not suitable. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance
Ben

[pedebasher]

Just wanted to say hello! I ordered a Sand Viper DT-02 kit today. Been reading some of the posts in this thread, sounds like everyones's having a good time! I had a DT-02 Super Fighter G when they first came out. Enjoyed it a great deal, mostly on pavement. I disliked the styrene body, pogo shocks, and a couple of other minor gripes. The Sand Viper fixes all of them. Looking forward to running this improved version of the DT-02!!

[toonz]

welcome nexzzt & pedebasher :)

the DT02 is a great car, have fun!

[toonz]

Hi, I usually race 1/5 motorcycles, but I saw the Viper and couldn't resist. I have one little problem with the build. The top brace for the front suspension assy fouls the server saver. I am use the stock servo saver that came with the kit and Futaba s3003 server. I have pulled the servo out and checked EVERYTHING 3 times and I can't see whats going on. It just look like the servo saver is too high or somehow the brace mounts too low. Im sure I have installed everything correctly so I started wondering if the servo I have is not suitable. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance
Ben

got any pics to show the problem?

[nexzzt]

got any pics to show the problem?

Here are some pics. The first 2 show the problem. When the front or back 2 points are screwed down the other 2 do not mate as it is resting on the servo saver.

The second 2 show my current solution (3mm spacers under the 4 screw points) and the last 2 are the body I finished today.

The solution I have at the moment seems to be ok, with longer screws it feels as strong as before (with out the servo installed). But I can't help wonder why the stock kit is not fitting together properly.

Cheers

[nexzzt]

Pics of the servo installation:

[toonz]

first of all nice color. :)

very strange because non of us here has this problem. i'm using the same 3003 futaba as well.

remove the entire front portion and check if you have attach the under side of the bumper correctly.

if its fitted correctly, the top cover should sit right into the 4 holes.

also check to make sure that you are also using the correct screws.

hole this helps.


del, mike, rm, any solution from you guys?

[nexzzt]

first of all nice color. :)


Thanks! I don't like the colour of the wheels though. Thinking about dying them black.

very strange because non of us here has this problem. i'm using the same 3003 futaba as well.

remove the entire front portion and check if you have attach the under side of the bumper correctly.

if its fitted correctly, the top cover should sit right into the 4 holes.

also check to make sure that you are also using the correct screws.

hole this helps.


I hadn't thought about checking under the bumper, a good place to start. I'll have a look after work.

[Metla]

Mine has much the same issue, The steering would catch constantly when in use, Got spacers in mine as well.

Though I'm quite happy with the spacers. :D

[nexzzt]

Mine has much the same issue, The steering would catch constantly when in use, Got spacers in mine as well.

Though I'm quite happy with the spacers. :D

Yer, the spacers seem fine and the front end is quite solid. I might make some ali spacers to replace the plastic ones.

[pedebasher]

Does anyone know if these tires will fit the Sand Viper front wheels?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDU14&P=ML

And will these fit the Sand Viper Rear wheels?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDU13&P=ML

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave: all
Sorry nexzzt, I can't offer any advise, as I never had that prob with my Gator. Nice colour choice BTW. Have fun with it, (when you get the prob solved) bash hard or take it home.

pede. Looks like they might. Can you contact Tower just to double check?

Hope to get the Gator out tomorrow for an ANZAC day bash. See how I go, and what time I wake up. :D :D

[nexzzt]

Thanks for the input toonz, Metla and TamiyaRacer69. I took the whole front end apart and every thing seems ok. The spacer solution works well and after some hard bashing to test it, it holds up fine.

Made up a brace to go between the shock towers this afternoon, need to lighten it a bit.

[nick f]

Pedebasher

Yes those tires will fit the stock SV rims front and rear. I have those on my car now. With an RZ w/RSGP3300 I can pull the wheels off the ground from a dead start.

[nexzzt]

Anyone order/used any of the ali upgrade DT-02 parts from this ebay store?? Are they good to buy from and are the parts any good?

Evil Bay (http://stores.ebay.com.au/Jasons-Store_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm)

Thanks

[dhdevil]

need help!

i need 'C parts' for the DT-02 i cant find them anywhere, ive checked allover ebay and LHS cant tell me when they can get parts from tamiya.

p.s im in australia, but if any body knows where i can get parts PLEASE let me know.



Anyone order/used any of the ali upgrade DT-02 parts from this ebay store?? Are they good to buy from and are the parts any good?

Evil Bay (http://stores.ebay.com.au/Jasons-Store_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm)

Thanks

ive just installed these front hubs, they look great and are great quality.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/SDT36-Square-Aluminum-Front-Hub-Tamiya-DT02-DT-02_W0QQitemZ250100178336QQihZ015QQcategoryZ34063QQ cmdZViewItem

[nexzzt]

need help!

i need 'C parts' for the DT-02 i cant find them anywhere, ive checked allover ebay and LHS cant tell me when they can get parts from tamiya.

p.s im in australia, but if any body knows where i can get parts PLEASE let me know.


Thanks for the reply.

I had a really good look around for the part your after and cannot find a place that will send the part to Australia. Im kinda worried now cause im in the land of Oz also.

EDIT: Just found this (http://www.goldstarstockists.com/tamiyaparts/tpx/7digits01.htm) , these guys ship to Australia. If your desperate they might be worth a shot.

[dhdevil]

EDIT: Just found this (http://www.goldstarstockists.com/tamiyaparts/tpx/7digits01.htm) , these guys ship to Australia. If your desperate they might be worth a shot.[/QUOTE]

thanks mate i just ordered.

where bouts in Oz are you?

[nexzzt]

where bouts in Oz are you?

Brisbane, u?

[dhdevil]

im in melbourne.

[nexzzt]

Let me know how your order goes, I may need to place an order soon. :)

Cheers

[Royal Male]

Hi guys,

It's been a lond time since I last posted due to work and family commitments, so i hope you are all well.

My Gator has had a 'class A' strip down and clean up and its a 'Shed Shelf Queen' at the moment and it's just about to get the addition of some Ansmann Racing anodized blue wheel nuts.....
.... PLUS a heat sink (in the same hop up blue colour) for the esc. The heat sinks are designed for sound cards in a PC, they were recommended by Tamiya club member, they come in a pack of 8 and include adhesive tape and cost £4 from ebay (bargin if they work)
I think you can fit 2 to the standard tamiya esc.

see link

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Thermaltake-Ram-Memory-Heatsink-Al-CL-C0026_W0QQitemZ110116425448QQihZ001QQcategoryZ1315 02QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

[toonz]

hi rm, are putting this heat sink on the 101bk esc?

[dhdevil]

where is this after market part made for?

http://cgi.ebay.com/FS7021-Five-Stars-Aluminum-Knuckle-Tamiya-DT02_W0QQitemZ250072889975QQihZ015QQcategoryZ34063 QQcmdZViewItem

[Royal Male]

hi rm, are putting this heat sink on the 101bk esc?


yeah toonz, I have fitted one and a half onto the 101bk esc, will post some shots...looks good but not run it yet.

RM

[dhdevil]

just installed some new rear hubs ;)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/510128760_6ce25d534e_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/202/510128750_7fd61b151e_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/510128776_5659644dec_b.jpg

[toonz]

SQUARE products?

[dhdevil]

SQUARE products?

5stars

[Royal Male]

Hi people,

Just been tempted by the tamiya BZ super stock motor and was wondering if any of you guys had experiance of it??

Toonz, I know you were running a RZ in your Viper with 18t pinion??

I am planning on running the BZ in my gator with 17/ 18 or 19 tooth pinion with the standard tamiya esc....but I have added a heat sink to it.....do you think I will have over heating problems??

cheers guys

RM

[Royal Male]

Toonz, forum has been down a while...but here's my DIY heat sink.

RM

[nexzzt]

where is this after market part made for?

http://cgi.ebay.com/FS7021-Five-Stars-Aluminum-Knuckle-Tamiya-DT02_W0QQitemZ250072889975QQihZ015QQcategoryZ34063 QQcmdZViewItem

I can't really tell. It looks like there are 2 front axles in the pack so something to do with the steering assemble?

PS: the rear hubs look nice!

[toonz]

hi rm :)
now we are back again...

i was running my viper with RZ+17t, not 18t :)

if you are using the BZ motor, use 17t. 19t can cook the esc.

right now my viper is using sport tune+19t and it's going to remain that way.

honestly speaking i don't like the combo of the 101bk esc+bz/tz/rz cos it gets very hot and the run time is way too little. if you want to use the BZ, get a better esc. eg, mtroniks viper15 or futaba330 etc. these esc will really power up these hot motors.

[Royal Male]

WOOOO......BZ and 17t pinion is as fast as I want to go!!!

Trouble is I had a fair few rolls on a hard earth surface and the plastic tops of my DF -02 ally shocks are in a bad state.......anyone mangaged to replace these as I don't think they are a spare???

cheers

RM

[JDT]

Trouble is I had a fair few rolls on a hard earth surface and the plastic tops of my DF -02 ally shocks are in a bad state.......anyone mangaged to replace these as I don't think they are a spare???
RM

The good news is they are a replacement part, the bad news is I don't have and can't find the number, its somewhere in the 120 pages of the df 02 forum, look for posts by Bakabaka he has provided us the part number several times somewhere in the forum, crappy search feature won't find it.

[Royal Male]

Cheers JDT, the glass is defo half full!!

[nexzzt]

My GF's kid reversed my Viper into a tree and smashed the bearing carrier and the little IC board on the end of the motor. So, lacking any other motor except for a silver can unit, I put an mtroniks brushless ESC and Feigao 10t motor in it that I had left over from another project. It runs ok ATM. It has a LOT of top end but the NiMH batts cannot supply enough amps during accelleration, and it stalls briefly. I will ordering a lipo in the next few days and hope this will fix the problem. I'll take a pic/movie if anyone's interested.

[Royal Male]

Always interested in seeing/ watching dt02's with different set ups...so do post a pic or vid.

I'm running a desert gator with tamiya BZ motor and 17tooth pinion....which is pretty fast but am tempted to try 19tooth pinion but concerned the tamiya esc won't handle it....only oneway to find out.

rm

[Metla]

My GF's kid reversed my Viper into a tree and smashed the bearing carrier and the little IC board on the end of the motor. So, lacking any other motor except for a silver can unit, I put an mtroniks brushless ESC and Feigao 10t motor in it that I had left over from another project. It runs ok ATM. It has a LOT of top end but the NiMH batts cannot supply enough amps during accelleration, and it stalls briefly. I will ordering a lipo in the next few days and hope this will fix the problem. I'll take a pic/movie if anyone's interested.

Its the gearing, and you can't do anything about it.

You won't get a 10 turn motor to run to its potential in the Gator, Even my 19T was noticeably slower compared to when I had it in a car that could accept lower gearing.

[nexzzt]

Its the gearing, and you can't do anything about it.

You won't get a 10 turn motor to run to its potential in the Gator, Even my 19T was noticeably slower compared to when I had it in a car that could accept lower gearing.

Your probably right, but this brushless setup did the same thing in one of my 1/5 bikes, and when I tried a mates lipo the stalling disappeared and the acceleration increased to a point that made it very hard to keep the front wheel down. Also, I have taken your advice about the gearing and I think I'll mod the motor mount so I can use lower gearing. I'll take a vid of the success/failure.

Thanks for the input :)

[nexzzt]

Anyone know what pitch the pinion/spur gears are on these buggys?

Cheers
Ben

[nexzzt]

I figured out that it wasn't a battery or gearing problem, but a glitching AM radio problem. I threw a spectrum radio in it an its fine now. Im still going to drop a couple of teeth on the pinion as I have lost a little torque, and I think its 32dp pitch so I have 15 tooth of this type on order. I'll take a vid when finished.

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hiya lads and lasses,
It's been far too long since I was last here. Not much has changed on me Gator, although it almost had a friend today. Found a cheap one on a local trading site, was just about to accept the sellers offer, when the wife walked in and mentioned something about the finaces.:eek: Oh well never mind.
Did have the Gator out the other day for a bash around the garden. Just the usual, a jump some flamable liquid and me trusty camera ...........http://www.tamiyaclub.com/moviecomment.asp?id=2661&uid=5372
It's all good, no damage, just some scorched marks on my Blitzer.

Great to see the DT02 thread still alive and well. I see a few posts back, there's some talk of RZ BZ motors. Trust me, if you wanna have a good time with the DT02, stick with a Sport Tuned, 17 or 19 tooth pinion, Tamiya's kit provided ESC, some alloy shocks, and some strut braces (mainly the front) IMO that's all you need to bash. By all means upgrade `till you heart's content. If you're a serious racer that is.

Cheers' all
Del

[toonz]

my DT02 viper is still alive and well too. took it to the track last weekend and had a 40min run in my sport tuned and 3700 batt. fun fun fun and fast fast fast :)

the DT02 lives!

[Big House]

And my first impressions are these...MAN I HAVE MISSED RWD BUGGIES. I have set mines up to run on the street and with the right motor...this car scoots. I am currently running a 12 turn SV2 Pro BB. The preliminary roads test was really good. Quick and very responsive.

[diggernz]

Hiya lads and lasses,
It's been far too long since I was last here. Not much has changed on me Gator, although it almost had a friend today. Found a cheap one on a local trading site, was just about to accept the sellers offer, when the wife walked in and mentioned something about the finaces.:eek: Oh well never mind.
.

Cheers' all
Del
Hi ,mate. I saw that too, Its Dave , we meet at Harewood RC mate meet. Ive been thrashin my dirt thrasher still and the Gator looked sweet. But I have a Evader pro ST for my 2wd fun, damn ive got alot of 2wd buggy tyres tho. Its got a novak ESC in it too.

[diggernz]

I couldnt resist it. I bought the DT02.I love rear wheel drive buggies and I dont have one at the moment. Its basicly ready to run and only been used ten times. So lets hope shes a good one.Ive got plenty of ] a multi model TX so it should be fun. As the tx looks a bit crappy but the rest looks sweet.

[toonz]

wow on-road DT02

[Big House]

I don't like dirt...I'd rather streak past someone throwing rocks at them...not to mention my wife doesn't like me tracking dirt in the house. MY DF-02 is the same way. 2.2 wheels and slicks.

[Royal Male]

Well, well, well it's been a while and I'm glad to see some new and OLd names up on the DT 02 forum. It's funny that it takes someone else to contribute before we get 'back on it'...even though I guess we all check the forum:)

I'm loving my Gator with 17tooth and BZ, the ultimate set up for me, no need for any more speed.

No other improvements recently except for a pair of ally hex's to replace the split plastic stock ones.

However my Df 02 ally shocks have some serious damage, the main ally components are fine BUT the plastic caps which connect them to my shock towers are worn down...VERY down....toonz, racer 69 I think you guys are runnin the same shocks and maybe you have had the same problem?

Be good to hear from you .

RM :)

[fabolousRC]

My GF's kid reversed my Viper into a tree and smashed the bearing carrier and the little IC board on the end of the motor. So, lacking any other motor except for a silver can unit, I put an mtroniks brushless ESC and Feigao 10t motor in it that I had left over from another project. It runs ok ATM. It has a LOT of top end but the NiMH batts cannot supply enough amps during accelleration, and it stalls briefly. I will ordering a lipo in the next few days and hope this will fix the problem. I'll take a pic/movie if anyone's interested.

I know this is old but you should have known better not to give anyone your best car. Always give them something that you would not cry over for days :teacher:

[toonz]

However my Df 02 ally shocks have some serious damage, the main ally components are fine BUT the plastic caps which connect them to my shock towers are worn down...VERY down....toonz, racer 69 I think you guys are runnin the same shocks and maybe you have had the same problem?

Be good to hear from you .

RM :)


my plastic caps still ok, worn a bit but still able to hold the shocks :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

I couldnt resist it. I bought the DT02.I love rear wheel drive buggies and I dont have one at the moment. Its basicly ready to run and only been used ten times. So lets hope shes a good one.Ive got plenty of ] a multi model TX so it should be fun. As the tx looks a bit crappy but the rest looks sweet.
Hiya Dave, yeah i remember you. So you got yourself a Gator. You know what this means?? We'll have to get together for a Gator bash. I don't know if you remember Mike (Renco5012) he's coming down sometime in september I think. We should all get a bash session organized. What'da think. Found another Gator on TM. It's on me watch list.

L8R DT02ers:)

[Super Chump]

Hey people :p

Shoot, it's been a fair while since I was here! My Gator is still plodding along fine, but to be honest it's been a few months since she's hit any type of surface other than my shelf at home, lol. The last run I had with it was at a local R/C meet (rcmate.org) where we all went to a big skate park and I was running a TZ motor. I think that 23 turn motor partly fried my kit stock Tamiya ESC as it no longer has reverse :( I've gone back to using a trusty old Sport Tuned motor as I reckon it's about the best match for the Gator and running a 18t pinion. After the session at the skate park I had to bend back a rear drive shaft and the top front suspension arms as they'd bent pretty bad and I thought I'd done some more serious damage as the car was veering off to the right all the time - why I thought this I dunno, it takes a lot to seriously hurt a Gator! I also had it down at the local off-road track back in April, but I'll have to admit that she wasn't too good. The DG really needs some decent tires up front as the understeer is really annoying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBR9N7Knmjg - My Gator, one of my Tamiya R/C tanks, King Blackfoot, Thunder Dragon, Tamtech Mini Fox and others are shown on here...

Dave/Del, I'll be down your way come early October and I'll be able to spare a day, I'm keen as always for a meet up, not at Harewood though! :) Probably just the BMX track, it's far better.

-Mike.

[diggernz]

Hi Del and Mike Im just waiting for mine to turn up.Im sure ive got a few buggy tyres around so ill be sorting out that under steer issue. I had some nice black speed discs but sold them on my hornet which the guy turned into a stock car.HPI sells wheel adapters for using 12 hex buggy wheels on a hornet. That way your not stuck with only tamiya tyres for your runner. I got one off trade me after seeing the way your guys ones handled I was very impressed.Plus its got a older novak ESC and radio gear.
Im coming over to Akaroa on the 13th of October.What date you coming down?

[diggernz]

Is the DF02 steering the same as the DT02 please guys?

[toonz]

df02 is 4wd and dt02 is 2wd :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

:wave:Dave,
Nah, they're completely different. So forget about buying a set off Trade Me:D, `cause you'll be wasting ya $$$$$$. Mind you if you've already got a set, then you could try and modify it to fit. Make sure that when you come to CHCH, you bring those tires with you.

Gave to `ol DT02 a bash again today. Gotta love this buggy. Still looking good in it's Des'D'Tute livery, as it whips across the back garden.

There's got to be a solution for the under steer problem, I've got some spiked fronts on it at the moment, but she still takes the long way `round. Maybe some softer front springs will do the trick. Anyone know of any other fixes?????:teacher:

L8R Dt02'ers

[Super Chump]

Dave/Del I'll probably be in Chch around the 12th of October. I'm going down to Dunedin to visit my sis & brother-in-law so the 13th sounds pretty good for a bit of a bash. I'll be driving down to Dunners after that with my dad after that.

As far as I know the steering on the Gator is different to what's on the DF-02. The DT-02 just has directly connected steering. Del & I were running 23 Turn motors that day the track. I've never owned a DF-02 so I dunno :rolleyes:

[diggernz]

Ive got a BZ in my 4wd buggy and it goes really well with my 3800mah batts.
A bit OT but the local school has just finished a massive tarseal section 3 times bigger than what they had. So thats awsome for my onroad, I havent been able to drive there for months as it been a constrution zone since last summer. But today I was wrapped to see a massive new flat clean area of nice black stuff. Yeha. tommorow im going up there. theres a bmx track across the road but its badly neglected.
Stuffed the diffs in my wild commando tonite both front and rear. Terra Crusher tyres were just to much for it. They are massive tyres.

[Big House]

The DF-02 has C-hubs and uprights while the the DT-02 has direct steering fixed axles. I converted my DT-02 using some uprights from a TA-05 kit. Doing this can give you camber, castor, and toe adjustment.


Dave/Del I'll probably be in Chch around the 12th of October. I'm going down to Dunedin to visit my sis & brother-in-law so the 13th sounds pretty good for a bit of a bash. I'll be driving down to Dunners after that with my dad after that.

As far as I know the steering on the Gator is different to what's on the DF-02. The DT-02 just has directly connected steering. Del & I were running 23 Turn motors that day the track. I've never owned a DF-02 so I dunno :rolleyes:

[toonz]

there are a few ways to improve the steering of the DT02

1. softer springs in front.
2. remove the gold ball joint at the upright and put some spacers to make the joint taller. at the moment the steering rod is hitting onto the chassis as it turns (if you notice it on one side). giving it a few mm of bump steer will prevent the rod from hitting the chassis and avoid binding
3. use a longer steering rod or longer adjuster (eg, TRF501X 5mm adjuster is longer than normal ones) for both sides.

:)

[Big House]

Toonz,

Using a longer arm might not work like you think. If you increase the lenght of the steering arm you will cause the front wheels to tow in. You might sacrifice striaght line and wheel wear for a faster turn in. He could just adjust the ball ends out a little more to get slightly tow in and see if that works.

House

[toonz]

just bought the latest issue of Xtreme RC magazine (kyosho RB5) cover. there's a section on tuning steering, on-power steer and off-power steer. do pick it up if you see it :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

there are a few ways to improve the steering of the DT02

1. softer springs in front.
2. remove the gold ball joint at the upright and put some spacers to make the joint taller. at the moment the steering rod is hitting onto the chassis as it turns (if you notice it on one side). giving it a few mm of bump steer will prevent the rod from hitting the chassis and avoid binding
3. use a longer steering rod or longer adjuster (eg, TRF501X 5mm adjuster is longer than normal ones) for both sides.

:)Toonz, Yeah softer springs up front was the first thing I thought of. As for the steering rod hitting the chassis. I just cut a piece out of the chassis so it wouldn't. I'm heading out to my "play house" soon. Might have a brain-wave and come up with something new. If I do, I'll let you all know.

Mike. Bashing is always an option when you come this way. Don't forget the blitzer as well.

Del

[diggernz]

My DT02 arrived today. The Novak ESC is wellused and was wired in a way that it would have cuaght fire if continued to be used, bare wires everywhere,dodgy as battery connector. The car has had little use. Id believe the 10 runs he said is all its had. A xspeed Kyosho 7.2-8.4 volt S-type motor (maybe a 15t more likely a 19t)in mint nick. A few loose screws here and there,the left dog bonee feel out when I toke it out of the box. The ball stud screws dont look long enough to me. Only half filling the ball studs, you guys the same?Anyway gearbox is as clean as, Very limited pinion options and what Pitch is that spur?32? or Tamiya specific?Anyway 1/8 on road tgx tyres fit the rear wheels for street tyres. I love how well Tamiya tyres fit. No glue needed. My dirt thrasher is the same. Probaly try a BZ in it and if thats to much go to a GT tuned. Those pinion options limit choice. Maybe a really nice dirt motor 27t from reedy would be the go I think.
http://images.onesite.com/diggernz.rcmate.org/4891344137.jpg
http://images.onesite.com/diggernz.rcmate.org/desert_gator_from_tm_chassis.jpg
http://images.onesite.com/diggernz.rcmate.org/4891347465.jpg

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hiya Dave,

Good score with that Gator.:cool: If I were you I'd stay away from the GT Tuned. Not really an off road motor, get a little dust in it and it's *&^%#% Trust me I know, I've been through many motor choices. The motor that best suits the Gator, (some of the other DT02 owners will agree) for run time and efficiant use of batteries is the good `ol Sport Tuned, coupled with a 18 tooth pinion. I know there's only an option for 17 & 19 tooth, but if you put an 18 tooth on it and use the 19 tooth mounting holes (if I'm wrong I'm sure Mike will correct me) it meshes nicely. The BZ is designed for off road use, but if it's as quick as the RZ, then count your run time in you head as you're running it. It'll be over like a virgins 1st time.:p It will be as fast as *&#$ but you wont get to enjoy :driving: the Gator as much as you would with a Sport Tuned + 18 tooth. That's just my humble opinion and experiance talking. Like the `ol NZ Police ads, "The faster you go, the bigger the mess" (when you hit something that wont give way to the Gator.)

P.S If you don't want the sticker set, I'll have it. For some stange reason I'm going against everything I don't like. I want to do a box art 1/10th Gator to go with my TamTech Gator. :huh:

[toonz]

the sport tuned is a good friend of the DT02 :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

It sure is Toonz. It's IMHO the best match for the DT02, that and an 18 tooth pinion. Looking at selling a couple of my TamTech Gears to buy another Desert Gator. So fingers crossed.:)

[diggernz]

My new Gator passed the test today. No broken parts. After trying the BZ and the GT I'm sticking with the GT only cause my antique Futaba ESC is getting rather hot with 3000 and 3800nimh batts before they dump. I love 2wd as the run times are so much better and power to the rear wheels is excellent.The BZ is insane fun and when I get a better ESC Ill be sure to install a dirt motor of some kind.BZ power is definantly all you need and then some. Guys I highly recommend these NIMH packs of TM. I charge them on my old stadium and the 5amp 15min timer charger and they just go and go and go.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Toys-models/Radio-control/Other/auction-113358512.htm

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hi all.
Just ordered a new Gator body and wing set from TimeTunnel hobbys in the UK. Cost 8.09GBP which equals 22 New Zealand dollars. My local hobby shop can't even find one. USELESS:mad:
diggernz, yeah I've seen those batts, but the missus would have a fit if I bought one. I've got a 3300 and a 2800 which I use in both my Gator and my Blitzer Beetle. Mainly use the 3300 in the Blitzer, only cause it's got a Dyna Tech in it. The speed from that motor is out of control. The 2800 seems to match up well with the Sport Tuned and standard Tamiya ESC, and run time is 10+ mins
Dave, did you get my question in one of my other posts, about the Gator sticker set????

Del

[Metla]

hmmmmm...I'm running the 19T and the RZ motor in mine, And I consider that the sweet spot, well, it is for me. Obviously needs a decent size area to stretch its legs.

Not exactly super fast compared to my other cars, But the fun factor is there due to the 2wd and um.....crap handling.

Using 3700 battery's and an Apex Peak charger I'm getting at least 15 minutes I would say.

If I run 2 batteries through her I have had my fix for the day.

[Metla]

Perhaps I should mention that last time I went use it she let out a disturbing crunch followed by a whine with a series of noises related to the destruction of a gearbox.

It done me well though, The only RC car I never managed to break a part on.

[toonz]

i ran it last week, 19t+sport tuned+3700 batt=40min! the other guys were busy refilling their gas tank every interval and i'm going on and on and on.....

oh! suddenly we are back to this thread again!

all hail the DT02!

[Royal Male]

Hi guys,

regarding the 18tooth in a gator: runs fine using the 19tooth position.

I was running my Gator with a GT tuned and 19tooth for some time BUt I did start to get a little frustrated with the lack of top end so have know gone for the BZ with 19tooth.....now it's fast, but the standard esc gets hot but doesn't cut out (not yet). Maybe due to the heat sink I put on it (see earlier post for info and photo)?


:) RM

[TamiyaRacer69]

What did I tell you Dave.
Lots of great DT02 owners on here, all with their own ideas. But we all share one thing in common........... We love our DT02s.

I've just got back in from my 'play house', had a fiddle with the Gator's steering, but couldn't figure out any quick fix. Apart from softer front end set-up, which is a give-in anyway.
My apoligies. I stated that I have a 2800 battery. Apon being in my play house, I realized it's only a 2400. What a knob I am

Del

[TamiyaRacer69]

Perhaps I should mention that last time I went use it she let out a disturbing crunch followed by a whine with a series of noises related to the destruction of a gearbox.

It done me well though, The only RC car I never managed to break a part on.
So what are you going to do with it???? Fix `er up and keep on bashing I hope????

[Metla]

So what are you going to do with it???? Fix `er up and keep on bashing I hope????

Dunno yet, Depends on the damage, and I have had my monies worth from her ten times over.

Might just retire her.

[Royal Male]

Hi guys,

I realise that this isn't the correct forum for this post BUT as I feel I kinda of know the main users I thought I would put it into the mix...

A colleague at work saw my Gator and he started to tell me about his interest in the hobby (back in the day) and you may be able to guess the direction the conversation went???

He basically ownes a Sand Scorcher, Toyota Hilux and a NIB Lamborghini Cheetah!!!

AND.....he might sell. He isn't a collecter, he owned these cars since new.

I have yet to see the models so of course I can't put a price on them, ebay provides a good price check for the Scorcher and Toyota but the Cheetah is very rare....so you guys fancy putting a price on it?

Lets presume it's in good condition.

look forwrd to hearing your oppinions.

rm

[Big House]

I am running a 12T withthe supplied pinion and my Viper runs really well. I am using a IB4200 and run times are 25-30 mins.

TamiyaRacer...I had the same steering problems also. I pulled the servo and adjusted the servo saver and the Transmitter trim until I had it at dead zero. My steering is compromised a little due to the fact I am running wider2.2 wheels and slicks upfront but it does very well otherwise.

Hi guys,

regarding the 18tooth in a gator: runs fine using the 19tooth position.

I was running my Gator with a GT tuned and 19tooth for some time BUt I did start to get a little frustrated with the lack of top end so have know gone for the BZ with 19tooth.....now it's fast, but the standard esc gets hot but doesn't cut out (not yet). Maybe due to the heat sink I put on it (see earlier post for info and photo)?


:) RM

[toonz]

another way for better steer for the dt02 can be this

front:
-soft spring (i'm using the kit one, sometimes DT02 Red or DF03 Black)
-mount the shock end at the other hole (dropping at arms level ride height)
-oil 30/40
-2 hole piston

rear
-slightly stiffer spring (not too stiff, you need rear traction) (i'm using DF03 Gold, sometimes Black and yet to try Silver)
-mount shock end at inner hole
-ride height just above arms level
-oil 30
-2 hole piston

all these set ups are used on the DF02 blue shocks. these shocks are rather stiff and so i build them in such a way that i bleed out the oil till i can push the piston rod all the way in the cylinder.

[diggernz]

Hi guys,

regarding the 18tooth in a gator: runs fine using the 19tooth position.

I was running my Gator with a GT tuned and 19tooth for some time BUt I did start to get a little frustrated with the lack of top end so have know gone for the BZ with 19tooth.....now it's fast, but the standard esc gets hot but doesn't cut out (not yet). Maybe due to the heat sink I put on it (see earlier post for info and photo)?


:) RM
A 17tooth will help it cool down a little. The Tamiya manual warns that a 17t should be used to prevent overheating with even a sports tuned motor.Damage will still happen to a ESC if it runs very hot all the time .Thermal shut down is just a backup to stop instant meltdown/damage from excessive heat.BZ motor is a high power motor, Easily as good as alot of 20turn motors and will kick most RTR 20 turns,remember lower turns means you must lower pinion teeth. or use the lowest one in a kit like the Desert Gator 17tooth which (without some dremel work) is the lowest you can install. Same with the TL01 19t is stock and the lowest you can install,but thats what you use if you hot up the motor.

[diggernz]

Hi all.
J. The speed from that motor is out of control. The 2800 seems to match up well with the Sport Tuned and standard Tamiya ESC, and run time is 10+ mins
Dave, did you get my question in one of my other posts, about the Gator sticker set????

Del
Sorry mate Im gonna keep it. Its one of the best looking box art schemes from Tamiya in a long time.
My driveway is alot of gravel, grass and concrete. So the bottom of the chassis is getting a hard time.This car seals up really well tho so not stones and dirt grass gets in the electronics. Heat build up is an issue tho. As for the cornering, I just apply brakes entering the corner and power slid out. And can get a very tight turning circle. (LOL) Its about the same as my Evader STpro. Rear 2wd is great. Power down and slid through the corners, It looks great roaring up my drive, hitting a nice bump and getting airborn for a couple of seconds then landing at near full speed to start my turn and power slid 180 deegrees in the gravel spitting stones out the rear and trying to loose as little speed as possible to go down hill, gravel..... concrete..... grass and another power slid. And back up the other side. This I can do at night with the sensor spot lights on. Like I say tho the gravel is hard on the bottom of the chassis, car is tough tho. Great fun.

UPDATE;
After trying several combos of tyres for fit I stumbled onto a set of Kyosho "option house" micro pins and they fit great, nice and tight, no glue needed. Ive got two sets also. Now it pulls massive wheelies on the carpet inside. Short dry grass (ho ho like i'll get that over here) should be the same. I post a pic of the tyres mounted tomrrow, I gotta get sum sleep.

[TamiyaRacer69]

Eve`ning all.

Had the Gator out at the local park today. Pretty bad day weather wise, had lots of rain so everythings abit soggy. Nevermind that. Gator was doing what's it's supposed to do, go fast over rough terrain. Where I was running it was shingle, clay, and grass. Along side that was a little creek/stream with some rather large trees along the side of the creek. Can you see where this is going???:eek:
Feeling a little too sure of myself, I thought it would be a challenge to try and powerslide along the bank of the creek, at full speed of course. With the trustee `ol Sport Tuned working at full speed, I came in for the 'big p-slide' yet somehow managed to mis-judge the gap between the tree-trunk and the tree-root (from the same tree) Clipped the root which threw the Gator into the tree, from which it bounced off and started it's journey down the bank and into the creek. Yes that's right. I managed to submarine my dear old Gator.:eek::( Expecting the ESC and receiver to be bellowing out some type of smoke, I slid down the bank to retrieve my Desert Submarine. For a brief 10seconds everything was still responding to what was being sent from the transmitter, which by the way was slowly slipping from my hand. Then nothing, but the steering. It's been 9 hours since that incident, 9 hours my Gator has been sitting in my 'playhouse' drying out. I'll be testing it tomorrow. Should be fine, it's not the first time my Gator's stopped for excessive liquid consumption.:D

[swannco]

Has anybody tried putting Traxxas Anaconda tires for the Bandit on the stock rims? It looks like they are pretty close in size and may work. Thoughts?

[swannco]

Also, what insert are most people using for the rear stock tires? I glued dirt hawgs w/ inserts on my stock rims for mixed dirt/asphalt bashing, and now I want to put the stock tires on a different set of stock wheels for dirt only. Should I glue them? They seem to be very tight.

[diggernz]

Hi Del A yes the dreaded water, an EP RC mans worse enemy. Many an ESC has met its demise with me through a massive water attack. Dry it out straight away. I would put it in the hot water cupboard, Then use a hair dryer, (stolen/borrowed from the missus)on it as well. Water can hang around and it only takes a tiny amount inside the ESC, a drop resting on the PCB circuit board, to fry it. If you turn it off and unplug the battery straight away its usually ok. The steering only thing doesnt sound good. mate. Hope its ok. I wrap my ESC in PVC electrical insulation tape also now for some extra protection. Like a condom for my electronics.
http://images.onesite.com/diggernz.rcmate.org/4923820809.jpg
Kyosho Option House tyres front and rear really hook up great.
http://images.onesite.com/diggernz.rcmate.org/4904978313.jpg

heres a little (little lol no pun intended) something for you Del and Mike.

http://images.onesite.com/diggernz.rcmate.org/4923711753.jpg

http://images.onesite.com/diggernz.rcmate.org/4923817097.jpg
http://images.onesite.com/diggernz.rcmate.org/4923821833.jpg

[diggernz]

Also, what insert are most people using for the rear stock tires? I glued dirt hawgs w/ inserts on my stock rims for mixed dirt/asphalt bashing, and now I want to put the stock tires on a different set of stock wheels for dirt only. Should I glue them? They seem to be very tight.
Tamiya tyres usually dont need glueing as they are an exceptional fit but most other tyres do need glueing. Harder type compound tyres will slip especially when the rims get a bit wet from, say, running on damp grass.That my experience. And ive tried alot of combinations of tyres and rims.

[TamiyaRacer69]

Also, what insert are most people using for the rear stock tires? I glued dirt hawgs w/ inserts on my stock rims for mixed dirt/asphalt bashing, and now I want to put the stock tires on a different set of stock wheels for dirt only. Should I glue them? They seem to be very tight.
Hi swannco, and welcome. If they're tight enough then they don't need glue. Another option is to put rubber bands in the groove of the rim where the tire slots in, saves using glue and it works. I've done that to most of my Tamiyas.

Dave,
Love the littlies too, I've got a Midnight Pumpkin in that scale.
The reason for the steering only working, was due to the fact that there was a considerable amount of water in the receiver, mainly around the point where the ESC plugged in. It's all good now though, still going hard. Although the Sport Tuned is starting to give up the game, just-as-well I've got a spare NIB Sport Tuned. New wheels from a Tamiya Dyna Storm and paint for my Gator. It just says "Look at me ...... Love me":wow:

[swannco]

Diggernz,

what are those rims and tires on the buggy in the top right hand of the 1st photo? They look great on that buggy! I'm really curious because my sand viper is turning into a street buggy 75% of the time now.

[TamiyaRacer69]

Looks like Kyosho rims, and Tamiya or Kyosho tires. I've got a set of Tamiya Chrome Edition Blitzer Beetle wheels and tires that fit the Gator,here's a pic of them on one of my creations......

[Choppa]

Hi guys, its my first time on here and would firstly like to say its a great thread you have here, and after looking at your previous posts i have picked up alot. I have only been into RC cars since christmas so its definately a learning expereince. Just wondering if you guys know where i can get a desert gator clear body from. the one i have is ok but just wanted another so i can give it different look. I bought my gator as a RTR not as a kit so it came looking as it does on the box and after seeing some of the pics you guys have posted on here, i definately want something that looks a little different. I have changed the external stickers on the current body at the moment but want to be able to start from fresh....

[Metla]

Your in Melbourne?

There will be dozens of hobby shops, They should all be able to get Tamiya gear. Look in the phone book.

[TamiyaRacer69]

Choppa. Firstly, welcome aboard.

I got the Gator body (as seen in pic) through Time Tunnel models via Tamiya Club. Only cost 8pounds. That's one place you could try, or maybe Tower Hobbies. Just have a serch around the web, I'm sure you'll find something.

[diggernz]

Diggernz,

what are those rims and tires on the buggy in the top right hand of the 1st photo? They look great on that buggy! I'm really curious because my sand viper is turning into a street buggy 75% of the time now.
yep they are Kyosho rims with TamiyaTGX radial tyres all 1/8 scale.

[Choppa]

Your in Melbourne?

There will be dozens of hobby shops, They should all be able to get Tamiya gear. Look in the phone book.

Already looked in the phone book etc. Not many deal with tamiya, and if they can get it in, they charge a fair bit. Just thought you guys might know of somewhere where they are a little cheaper and more readily available.

[Choppa]

Choppa. Firstly, welcome aboard.

I got the Gator body (as seen in pic) through Time Tunnel models via Tamiya Club. Only cost 8pounds. That's one place you could try, or maybe Tower Hobbies. Just have a serch around the web, I'm sure you'll find something.

Thanks mate. I will give those sites a try. Have been looking a bit but not with much luck.

[Choppa]

Just a question for anyone....a mate of mine went out and got himself a Sand viper (after he had a couple of go's of the DT02 he was sold) and is fixed on getting it to go as quick as possible. So he has changed the ESC and got himself a 14turn motor, (17 tooth pinion) but its no quicker than mine which has a RZ motor with stock esc. Any idea why that would be? I really don't mind, but he keeps complaining about it as he has spent a fortune on it to get it to where it is now v me just buying the Rz and putting it in......

[Metla]

Just a question for anyone....a mate of mine went out and got himself a Sand viper (after he had a couple of go's of the DT02 he was sold) and is fixed on getting it to go as quick as possible. So he has changed the ESC and got himself a 14turn motor, (17 tooth pinion) but its no quicker than mine which has a RZ motor with stock esc. Any idea why that would be? I really don't mind, but he keeps complaining about it as he has spent a fortune on it to get it to where it is now v me just buying the Rz and putting it in......

The less turns a motor has the less torque it has, meaning it needs to be geared down in order for it to be able to get upto its maximum speed, Due to the limited gearing options on the DT02 anything faster then a 19T is near useless.

All imo of course, some here claim their cars car go like crazy with hot motors, I just think they haven't anything else to compare them to.:cool:

Again imo the RZ is a perfect match for the DT-02.

[diggernz]

Yep metla is right. If hes going to want the full potential out of his new motor and ESC he would need a 12 tooth pinion so best he rips out the 14turn before he stuffs it as it will be getting very very hot. Sell that motor and get a BZ or RZ for the best performance in my opinion to. This is a mistake alot of beginners make.

[toonz]

a 19T-23T motor is good for the DT02 already.

speed isn't everything :)

[Choppa]

Thanks guys. I figured it was over kill. The Rz is definately fast enough, even the top end. I will let him know. A hobby shop he went to told him to put a 19t pinon in it to get more out of it!!! :oClearly thats not the case..... since i had the rz i have gone through 2 sets of rear tyres (in only a few months) so i got myself some proline bow tie rears which are fantastic!! grip like crazy and lift the front tyres off the ground!!! Except then it would just understeer, so i got a set of proline 4 rib for the front. now it handles just beautifully. I had tried the dirt hawg 111 on the front but i found they weren't much better than the tamiya stock fronts. took it to a local Rc track and was there with a couple of guys with dark impacts which didn't seem to be that quick even though they had the black sports tune and 19t pinon. do you loose much power through the 4wd? i had though about getting another tamiya as i am now hooked on them:D, but am not sure if i will get a 4wd if they don't go as well.......

[TamiyaRacer69]

The RZ is great, speed high, run time low. Toonz is right. Speed isn't everything. If you want to enjoy your DT02, go with the Sport Tuned and either 17 or 19 tooth pinion. I was under the impression that my Sport Tuned was stuffed, so I replaced it with a GT Tuned. Still got the same horrible noises coming from the rear end. Through the elimination process,I narrowed it down to my Ball Diff, god only knows why I bought it. I've never really like ball diffs, ie: Nissan King Cab (had two of them) so now my Gator is basically stock standard again, apart from the Sport Tuned, and Super Astute wheels. It's going great, had a blast with it today. Made a temporary off road track in my back yard,:D I'm just waiting until summer when I can get out there and do what I told the missus I was going to do, in the mean-time I'll enjoy my Gator on 'my track'

[toonz]

del, you need some flames decal on your new gator shell.

time to stock up more 19 pinion :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

toonz,
Nah, only place flames look good, is on an old skool truck eg:Midnight Pumpkin. It does need some decals though, just enough to break up the over-all look. Nothing too much, just a few random ones here and there.

[Metla]

took it to a local Rc track and was there with a couple of guys with dark impacts which didn't seem to be that quick even though they had the black sports tune and 19t pinon. do you loose much power through the 4wd? i had though about getting another tamiya as i am now hooked on them:D, but am not sure if i will get a 4wd if they don't go as well.......

You lose a small amount of speed with a Dark Impact, 4WD really comes into its own when you install a faster motor, Holds a line much better then a 2wd and can therefor turn faster laps.

If its just for bashing and using RZ motors then (again imo) The DT-02 is much more fun. I always run my DT-02 rather then my Dark Impact, unless Im at the track, in which case the DT-02 usually stays at home.

Having said that, I gave up trying to make my Dark Impact handle like a Losi...so went and bought a Losi for the track.


(and the Dark Impact doesn't accept a 19T pinion)

[toonz]

its true.
my DI running a BZ is faster than my viper in its sportuned. both great cars with different usage...

[TamiyaRacer69]

Anyone know what the part number is for the 19tooth for the DT02, if so, where can I get one from.

Metla, Losi's are great buggies. I had a XX buggy ages ago, and it was wicked quick. Hence why I no longer have it. Drove it into a concrete curbing at full throttle, by accident of course. Stupid radio interference.

[Metla]

Yeah, I bought a xxx-g+, and bolted a brushless into it.

Shes crazy fast...and I only purchased a 8.5T system, So fast that I have no where practical to use it. After a couple of sick impacts around my section I took it out on the road, great fun drag racing cars but after barrel rolling it and having it stuck on its lid 400 feet away in the middle of the road...

Anyway, Just more reason for me to use my Desert Gator instead.

[toonz]

del, here, 19pinion

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=3515007

[TamiyaRacer69]

Cheers toonz. I'll see if my local (useless) hobby shop can get one in for me. Failing that, I'll get one from Tamiya USA

[diggernz]

Hi Del,
That Acorn Models is bloody hopeless. I ordered some 15t and 18t pinions off them and a part for my Evader pro and 3 months later they email me saying they have arrived,They said their supplier in Australia was out of stock. There are other countries in the world Acorn. I sourced the parts somewhere else and had them installed in my truckby the time Acorn got anything happening. Da Nitro Boys got my parts ina few weeks. Which was still a pain but at least they can get stuff. Great guys to deal with too. Last time I was in Acorn Models, They had a bin full of old stock tyres, reduced to clear. There was alot of buggy tyres in there. I think they were Proline tyres too. They had a Manta Ray ball diff, which you just cant find anywhere nowdays and an original clodbuster body new in box, so they do have alot of stock in shop, just USELESS when it comes to ordering parts, Oh yea when the pinions arrived, one was a 20tooth instead of ab eighteen like I asked. I was replacing a 20 tooth as I was gearing down for a hotter motor, 19 turn yokomo , I hate waiting for parts and seeing my car/truck sitting on the shelf.

[swannco]

Diggernz and Tamiyaracer69,

Thanks for the help with the tires, sounds like i shouldn't need glue. are you guys running foam inserts in the tires? It didn't come with any, but I see most after-market tires do.

[TamiyaRacer69]

swannco,
No problem, after all that's what we're all here for. I do run foam inserts on all my cars, don't know if it really makes any difference as I'm just a basher. In-saying-that though, I might join up with the local R/C Club once they get enough interest in 1/10th electric off road.

[Metla]

All the NZ stores deal though the 1 supplier for Tamiya parts ( http://www.bringans.com ) , If they don't have stock in Auckland then it gets put on backorder, and comes from Japan by boat. Generally takes at least 2 months.

They don't seem to realize or care how small the world has become due to the internet. I order all my gear from over seas, costs half as much and arrives within 7 days.


Of course, It can get worse, The store in the middle of Wellington refused to even order in an item for me. Flat out did not want to go to the trouble. Just stared at me, even when I called him a....well, pole-smoker.

[Choppa]

You lose a small amount of speed with a Dark Impact, 4WD really comes into its own when you install a faster motor, Holds a line much better then a 2wd and can therefor turn faster laps.

If its just for bashing and using RZ motors then (again imo) The DT-02 is much more fun. I always run my DT-02 rather then my Dark Impact, unless Im at the track, in which case the DT-02 usually stays at home.

Having said that, I gave up trying to make my Dark Impact handle like a Losi...so went and bought a Losi for the track.


(and the Dark Impact doesn't accept a 19T pinion)

Thanks for that mate. Shows you how much i know. I obviously have a bit to learn. Think i will just stick to the DT-02 as i use it for bashing and i like that it can oversteer :D

What type of grease do you guys use in the gearbox? and do you use a different one for the rest of the car? My mate uses a spray lube (motor bike chain lube) for his gearbox as its sticky but seems a little thin..... what do you guys recommend?

[Metla]

I use Tamiya Molybdenum Grease, Its cheap, and designed for the task. A single tube lasts for years.

Every once in a while I drop out the motor, pull out the spur gear and put a couple small squirts in the gearbox, grease up the spur (its combined with the internal gear, but you know that already) and put her all back together, takes less then ten minutes.

I recently pulled the entire gearbox apart as I thought it had failed, I could barely see any signs of wear.

For the wheel bearings I drop on a couple drops of light machine oil.

The shocks and pins I give a very light spray of CRC, ( a light lubricant similar to WD-40)

I wouldn't put Chain Lube within 100m of my RC.

[Choppa]

I use Tamiya Molybdenum Grease, Its cheap, and designed for the task. A single tube lasts for years.

Every once in a while I drop out the motor, pull out the spur gear and put a couple small squirts in the gearbox, grease up the spur (its combined with the internal gear, but you know that already) and put her all back together, takes less then ten minutes.

I recently pulled the entire gearbox apart as I thought it had failed, I could barely see any signs of wear.

For the wheel bearings I drop on a couple drops of light machine oil.

The shocks and pins I give a very light spray of CRC, ( a light lubricant similar to WD-40)

I wouldn't put Chain Lube within 100m of my RC.

Great thanks Metla, i wasn't too sure what i should be using and the chain lube didn't sound right. Would white lithium grease be ok on the bearings and on the pins/screws that hold the suspension arms on? as it is thicker than wd-40 etc.

I have heard you can sway bars sets for the Dt-02? are they worth looking at?

[Metla]

I would imagine Lithium grease would be better then WD-40, If its what I think it is.

The sway-bar is a waste of money, as is the ball diff imo.

If you want to improve the handling then a set of after-market shocks are your best bet.

[TamiyaRacer69]

Metla is right. The ball diff is a waste of money. I put one in my Gator and it's s***, stick with the kit diff.:)

Okay lads and lasses. I think I've come up with a fix for the cronic understeer. Have a look at the pics, and let me know what you think. The end pic looks ugly I know, but you can't see it once the body's on. 1st & 2nd pics: Just use a bigger servo horn, (the kit one will do) mount the ball joints in the top holes. Normally this would bind up, (well it did for me when I first got me Gator) on the plastic piece that joins the front end to the chassis. Just get a dremel or knife onto it, as shown in last pic. Hey presto, it's done. Also, some spiked front tires helps.:rolleyes:
The conclusion is cronic oversteer, but that's all good.:D That's why we bought a rear wheel drive buggy. Nothing beats sliding the rear end out on dirt.

[Metla]

Hmmm....I done something similar, I used a servo-horn/saver off an old Hornet I had under the work bench, It has about an extra 5mm on it.

Then I put spacers under on those two front screws to make room for it.

[TamiyaRacer69]

Metla,
I did the same thing to start with. This will do until I come up with something better. It looks ugly, and I'm sure it's not helping the strengh of the front end. I'll find out next time I jump it off something really high.:D While I was at it I tided up the wiring too.

[Metla]

Looks ugly?

I use tie-wire to hold my kits together if I have to, Now thats fuggin ugly.

Anyhow, Just for the hell of it, a pic of my servo, and a pic of my Gator, seeing as the last one i posted was probably months ago. She's been hammered, slammed, rolled, crashed, whacked, flogged, Jumped, dumped but shes never broken. A testament to modern day Tamiya.

http://www.imagef1.net.nz/files/front.jpg
http://www.imagef1.net.nz/files/car.jpg

[TamiyaRacer69]

Looks good considering what you've put it through. I take it you dyed the wheels, that's fun doing that. The original wheels from my Gator were dyed black. Here's what it looked like after I'd finished it, brand spankers-stock standard-never been outside-5mins new

[TamiyaRacer69]

Went from black to red.......

[Big House]

TR69,

I see you too have utilized some spare parts lying around. Your front suspension mount brace looks like the one I rigged up. I have one on the rear also.

[toonz]

there is something here that i don't quite understand.
del, metla, what servo are you using? why is it that the servo horn is binding with the lid infront?

i use futaba 3003 and high torque servo saver (chuck away the kit one), mount the rod on the upper hole of the high torque horn as per instruction, and still able to cover the lid completely without binding.

is it because tamiya did not make this part on the gator properly and have it fixed on the viper? it got me curious........

[TamiyaRacer69]

toonz,
Not sure, maybe Tamiya did sort it out. I'm using a Futaba servo, and was using the kit servo horn/saver with the rods mounted to the top holes. it would only bind when it turned to the right.

[TamiyaRacer69]

TR69,

I see you too have utilized some spare parts lying around. Your front suspension mount brace looks like the one I rigged up. I have one on the rear also.
BH Never thought about one on the rear, does it really need one? Guess it would look kinda cool to have one at each end.

Del

[Metla]

there is something here that i don't quite understand.
del, metla, what servo are you using? why is it that the servo horn is binding with the lid infront?

i use futaba 3003 and high torque servo saver (chuck away the kit one), mount the rod on the upper hole of the high torque horn as per instruction, and still able to cover the lid completely without binding.

is it because tamiya did not make this part on the gator properly and have it fixed on the viper? it got me curious........

well, I'm using a futaba, I also have a half dozen others, They are all identical sized. Mine rubbed on the lid from new, To the point where the steering would lock. And that was with the stock servo horn, and the reason in desperation I tried another one.

And I have tried different servo's, different servo horns, Flipping teh servo over, all sorts of crap, and in the end just went with teh spacers holding the lid up....

[toonz]

this is strange.....tamiya has to answer for it.....

[TamiyaRacer69]

toonz,
Can you take a photo of the bit we're talking about. You know the one, it's the bit that connects the front end to the chassis, held in by 4 screws. Then we can see if there is any difference

[Big House]

With the Viper, I think they fixed that issue. No problem here with that. I had to work with the servo alot though to get the steering correct.

[diggernz]

Well its 2 weeks i've had the Gator and so far not a thing has busted. Thats bloody amazing. This is the ideal 1st RC for some one, Its about my 15th so not just newbies will enjoy it. Tough Tough Tough, the amount of times my front struts have gouged hunks of grass out of the lawn, I've lost count. But it keeps coming back for more. I have thought about a front suspension strut brace but really dont think it needs it. What parts, if any , have you guys broken or had fail? I have been really blown out by the knocks this buggy takes.When driving at home sooner or later your going to run into the house,fence or gate and I dont want my graphite evader snapping a wish bone or something , from hitting s a tree around the edge of the yard (has happened) so this buggy just fills the gap so well. And its so forgiving when I drive it, over jumps I stuff up 90% this buggy will land OK and carry on. I cant wait to have a drive with you guys. Sorry to rant just had to say. the DT02 is tough!

[Choppa]

Well its 2 weeks i've had the Gator and so far not a thing has busted. Thats bloody amazing. This is the ideal 1st RC for some one, Its about my 15th so not just newbies will enjoy it. Tough Tough Tough, the amount of times my front struts have gouged hunks of grass out of the lawn, I've lost count. But it keeps coming back for more. I have thought about a front suspension strut brace but really dont think it needs it. What parts, if any , have you guys broken or had fail? I have been really blown out by the knocks this buggy takes.When driving at home sooner or later your going to run into the house,fence or gate and I dont want my graphite evader snapping a wish bone or something , from hitting s a tree around the edge of the yard (has happened) so this buggy just fills the gap so well. And its so forgiving when I drive it, over jumps I stuff up 90% this buggy will land OK and carry on. I cant wait to have a drive with you guys. Sorry to rant just had to say. the DT02 is tough!

I have owned my since christmas and have only broken the rear wing (bound to happen) and the front shocker arm once. apart from that it just keeps going. Its like a energiser bunny!!!!! It cops a hidding as well. I have taken it to large bmx tracks and run it off 1.5 to 2 metre jumps and it loves it. I am shocked i haven't done more damage. yeah they're tough!!!!!:)

[TamiyaRacer69]

Dave. What did I tell you. Hardest hardcore buggy I've ever had in my 24 years of R/C cars.:cool: Only thing to watch out for, is the front shock tower. So if you can, stock up on 'C' parts. You'll need them after a bashing/abuse session with me and Mike. I've driven mine off the control stand at Harewood. It flew, it landed,(nose first) it bounced, it rolled, and it just kept going. More recently, I've been off work on ACC. So everyday I give the Gator a run `round home. I've just done some mods to the garden, and I'm using house bricks to stop the weed-mat from blowing away. Well to-date, I've hit the bricks about 30 times (head-on, side-on, and even landed roof first) and the Gator just bounces off and carrys on. When you come over, we'll take you to the BMX track that Mike and I like to visit when he's down. And show you what extreme R/C sport really is.:D

LONG LIVE THE DT-02:)

[toonz]

del, here's a pic on the lid. found this pic on one of the earlier pages in this thread :)

http://img344.imageshack.us/img344/6443/dscn0269sn1.jpg

[TamiyaRacer69]

Toonz,
Looks slightly raised in the middle. Is it?? If so that's where Tamiya must have fixed it. Also, doesn't look very used. It's far too clean for an off roader.
I think you need to come to New Zealand, and hang around with me and Mike for a week or so. lol

[swannco]

I had the same problem with the steering servo binding on my sand viper too. I bought a Kimborough servo saver and it was too big, so I just cut it down and used the lowest set of holes. You can adjust the steering rods to get the length you need, but it works fine and there is no binding or understeer. Turnbuckles would make the adjustment much easier, but I didn't find a place to buy them until it was all done, so maybe later.....

[toonz]

not sure if its raise to show that its a fix cos i don't have the gator to compare woith or maybe thats the reflection or maybe its the angle that was taken. the entire lid lies flat down with all 4 screws in perfect position.

that pic was taken a year ago and thats why it looks new :) my viper is 1year old now and pretty used yet still going strong :)

[TRF-Inferno]

Leave it to Tamiya to release a hopped up version right after I got mine.

item No：49475
DT-02 MS

http://www.tamiya.com/japan/news/news0710/images/49475_l.jpg

I already have the 501x dampers and the ball diff., so I guess it's too late now. Putting the DF-03 wheels in the back was a good idea though, never thought about that.

[toonz]

where did you get this pic from? is it official?
from that pic, its the exact same DT02 with the difference in shocks, turnbuckles, rear tire and a TRF paint job on a sandviper body.

i don't think that there are much changes and if this is going to be tamiya's TRF 2WD, i'll say its shameless!

[toonz]

c'mon tamiya, you can do better than that!

[TRF-Inferno]

Check the URL of the picture: http://www.tamiya.com/japan/news/news0710/images/49475_l.jpg

I'd say that's official. ;) I want to see another shot angle of the rear though, it looks like the gearbox housing no longer surrounds the whole motor, and allows a heatsink. I'm wondering if some sort of slipper clutch is added as well. By the way, this is a 'MS' trim, which in Tamiya's grade is about mid-range.

Regular - 'R' - 'MS' - TRF

Honestly this should have been an 'R', there's not enough changes to make it a 'MS'.

[toonz]

the heatsink was already part of the hop up for the DT02, which i'm using right now so i don't think there is any changes for the gearbox design.

well not unless they try to fit in a slipper....

R will not more interesting cos it denotes Racing. like the M03R.

i hope this is not the finalise version yet...

[mars6484]

hey guyz~~ got the sand viper 2 weeks ago. Havin lots of fun at the local dirt track.

I dun want u guyz to repeat urself too much so i am reading through the past messages!

one query though, is the sport tuned hop up motor the 'gt motor' ? or is it another typa motor altogether?

also the hop ups i am planning to get at the moment are the new wheels and tyres, aluminium suspension, stabiliser set and turnbuckles for the front wheels to change the camber. Any suggestions? whats the best to start upgrading first?

[toonz]

welcome mars!
sport tuned and GT are different motors and the DT02 goes better with the sport tuned than GT.

some hop ups to begin with,
turnbuckles
motor mount & heat sink for cooling
aluminium shocks
CVD

the rest will be your preference :)
eg, DT02 ball diff, stabilizers

[mars6484]

Thanx for the info~~

sorry to sound even more noobish but whats a cvd?

and just another quick question~~ what exactly do u grease up inside the gears? do u grease the gears itself or the axle it spins on? i have no idea with motor maintenance! -.-;;

yeh i definitely would love those aluminium shocks but i think i'll wear out the plastic ones i got since i paid for them!! hehehe

[diggernz]

This may sound sinful but the aluminium shocks dont have to be the high priced Tamiya ones. I've got a set of polished alloy Cougar shocks on mine. Bargin score on local auction site.
Hey 24 years in RC aye Del, thats awesome, I bet you've seen some cool stuff RC wise. And rubber bands on the rims to stop tyre slip instead of glue is a great idea that I am so going to do this break.I can see that working very well for me as my tyres only just slip after half a battery in the wet grass. You have some great advice mate.
Doesn't the Gator chassis and body seal up well, Velcro would make it even more resistant to moisture.Ive got an ESC by Futaba like yours to mate. How do they perform? and can you lock out the reverse on them too as mine has no reverse. Hmm better go have a look at futabas site. L8r guys.

[toonz]

the good thing about this DT02 is that it doesn't need much hop-up to become a good performer. its good out of the box. all you need is a good motor and a esc and it goes and goes and goes......

[toonz]

Thanx for the info~~

sorry to sound even more noobish but whats a cvd?

and just another quick question~~ what exactly do u grease up inside the gears? do u grease the gears itself or the axle it spins on? i have no idea with motor maintenance! -.-;;

yeh i definitely would love those aluminium shocks but i think i'll wear out the plastic ones i got since i paid for them!! hehehe

cvd; centre velocity drive (if i remember correctly)
universal, thats the name :)

the stock grease is fine, and use sparingly only. i only grease internal, external, no. you dont need to maintain much for a sport tune, just regular adding a drop of light oil at the end bell will do. if you must, get motor spray and blast it. :)

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hi all.
Firstly, welcome to mars6484. Lots of great DT02 owners on here, with all the knowledge you need. Not really impressed with that TRF thing. Looks bloody horrible, I wont be getting one of those. You know what they say "The sequals are never as good as the originals" Only decent things on that TRF is, maybe the shocks. Shameless is right Toonz, you think that they would have come up with something a lot better. SHAME ON YOU TAMIYA!!!!!!!!!:mad:

Secondly, yeah dave 24 years. I've seen some good stuff come and go, but IMHO you can't beat the 'old skool' Tamiya R/C's. More character than some of the 'wet fish' attemps over the last few years. Although with alot of the re-releases coming out now, it's only a matter of time before they re-release the best Tamiya ever, and when they do. I'll be getting one. Actually got one coming soon to join my collection, Mike's bringing it down with him. But will still get the re-re version.
When you compare todays R/C's with the 'old skool' stuff, it's easy to see that the Tamiya 'pen pushers' of today have no imaginations. Take the DF series of buggies for example, (no offence intended) they all look the same. No character in the bodies. Same for the Gator and the Viper, and in saying that, that's the reason I bought the Gator. Had that certain 'old skool-ish' look about it. Just look at my pics of my "Des'D'Tute", compared to the "real Astute". See pics. 1st small pic, the 'real Astute. 2nd big pic, my "Des'D'Tute". 3rd small pic, how my Gator looks now. Now I'm not going to dispute the fact that some of the 'old skool' R/C's didn't use the same chassis, they did on several occasions. It was the bodies the defined them, from the others. "Same chassis, but very different bodies" No two were alike.
Anyway's, now that I've had my whinge.:roll2: How's everyone doin?:p Sorry for going off topic, but I got a little carried away answering Dave (diggernz's) question. Yeah Dave, velcro works well. just make sure you put two pieces on each side. One up front, and one down back. I made the mistake on my "Des'D'Tute of only having one piece on each side, water still got in. Just not as much as it does with just the body pins holding the body on.
Well I think I've sent most of you off to sleep with all my rambling, so I'll get going.

Catch ya later, Gators

[toonz]

and speaking about old school buggy....

here, the reissue HOTSHOT! just built a few days back, still sitting looking shiny :)
http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/2879/hotshotws2.jpg

[mars6484]

wow u guyz are like hectic pros~~ hahaha this my first r/c and from when i was lil i always heard tamiya was the best which is why i went for it~~

sorry but what is this central velocity drive and what does it do? is it hard to install? i'm a science boy and i work in hospital as a dietitian so when i see CVD it means cardio vascular disease~~ hahaha -.-;; if u guyz want any dietary advice ur welcome to ask! i'll trade u for car advcie!! hahaha

if i get the engine spray do i just spray it from the outside? thats all the maintenance it needs?!?! (other than replacing brushes of course)

sorry i got too many q's! i'ms til doin catch up reading on this thread too!

[swannco]

mars,

i rarely use motor spray and i don't see any real degradation in performance. these motors r tuff. i do use compressed air quite often just to keep things grit free and less messy. just blast the whole car real quick and especially the motor/esc and then put it away for next time.

welcome aboard, i'm a new guy too! got my sand viper just recently and love it. nobody around my area believes in them, and i can't see why. tamiya kits are so well designed and run so efficiently.

[mars6484]

cool thanx for the advice~~

sorry but more questions guyz~~ i was wondering with toonz previous comment, after lookin at the motors how is the sport tuned faster than a gt tuned??? its got more torque and greater rpm! and i am currently looking into gettin one of those 19T u guyz keep talkin about~~ what pitch is the sand viper? i'm assuming greater number of turns greater rpm while sacrificing some torque? if my physics is correct that is~~

how about a 40T? or is that just stupid and burn out the engine? hahaha I have seen a 40T on RCMART? hahaha sorry if i sound stupid!!!

if someone can answer all my questions to date i'll be extremely happy!

[TamiyaRacer69]

mars,


welcome aboard, i'm a new guy too! got my sand viper just recently and love it. nobody around my area believes in them, and i can't see why. tamiya kits are so well designed and run so efficiently. Swannco, you need to get your Viper out there and show all the non-believers, whats what. Your right, Tamiya have definately got it right for durabilty, and efficientcy. That's why I keep buying Tamiya. Only got one R/C that's not Tamiya, it's a Kyosho Mini Z Monster. (for sale if anyone's interested) I'll probaly continue to buy Tamiya until either the wife kills me, or I get so old that I can't remember how to drive an R/C :D

[swannco]

Tamiya kits just rock. My LHS tried to discourage me from buying a TT-01 when I wanted something for parking lot bashing, but I got one anyway and it is absolutely perfect for me. Any other kit would have been trashed by the rocks and grit, but they want to "guide" the buyer into the mainstream [read more expensive here] kits that they like to stock. I have yet to be disappointed with even the most modest Tamiya kit, and they offer rock solid performance at any price level, so yeah, I'm hooked too! Fortunately, my wife REALLY likes the cost of them compared to some others, so WOOOOOT!!!! :D

[TamiyaRacer69]

Wish I had a wife like yours, mine doesn't even know which ones I've got. Good in some respects, bad in other situations. Meaning I can only run the ones she's seen me buy. :D
Tamiya is the best manufacturer for R/C stuff, even their plastic kitsets are top notch.
I took the Gator down to the local mountain bike park today, man there's some massive jumps down there. Dave, Mike we should go there when you two are in CHCH. Just for fun like. Took the Gator off the biggest jump (about six foot high), just to see how it handled it. Absolutley creamed it, even landed the right way up. The only thing that happened was one of the long screws that holds the rear arms on came out, it's been loose since not long after I got the Gator. Might have to come up with some type of 'U' shaped thing to hold both arms in place, get rid of those silly little screws. Forgot to take the camera, sorry:(

[toonz]

just recalled something about tamiya....

if you look at their tv commercials, they always have this line
"Tamiya plastic model company, first in quality around the world."

hehehe....

[mars6484]

you know how you guyz say tamiya is the best and all? what do you say to those guyz with B4's that say it sux bcoz it doesn't come with a slipper clutch?

I found a way to drive so that it dun matter if its got a slipper clutch or not... I think it just how u drive~~ its just harder to drive well without a slipper clutch~~

[toonz]

it all depends on how every individual looks at it. is it from a basher/player point of view or is it from a hard core racer point of view.

if you want something affordable, tough and overall good runner, DT02 is a great choice. not the best but its great.

if you are going for a world championship race, will you bring a DT02? i know i won't. small club race, well yes!

its not just about having or not having a slipper. its the overall design.

[TamiyaRacer69]

you know how you guyz say tamiya is the best and all? what do you say to those guyz with B4's that say it sux bcoz it doesn't come with a slipper clutch?

I found a way to drive so that it dun matter if its got a slipper clutch or not... I think it just how u drive~~ its just harder to drive well without a slipper clutch~~ It's not a case of it being harder to drive without a slipper, it's just lasy driving with a slipper. Just like driving an automatic car compared to a manual, autos are lasy driving, manuals are a way of teaching you how to control the car properly. BTW I drive a manual:D

Slippers I guess are more for the "whole racing, I'm better and got more money than you" crowd, not the hardcore bashers like me. I'd like to say what I think of 'those guys with B4's" and any other person out there, but I'm sure I'd get banned from the forum. lol:(
"Just enjoy what you've got, while you've got it. `Cause, with the blink of an eye it could all be taken away from you". :D:D:D

[mars6484]

cool~~ thanx guyz for your input~~ i think i know what your saying with the automatic thing~~ i suppose with a slipper clutch you can lay down the trigger harder and the car sorta gives you maximum speed without 'slipping' whereas if you dun have one you hav to control that on your own~~ i'm happy with that~~

yeh I shoulda got a manual real car~~ i'm driving a honda prelude at the moment~~ wanted to get a GTR but obviously could not afford one! but if anyone curious honda prelude is dam comfortable drive and handles amazing! I hit 210km/h on the freeway and the steering wheel was as stable as a rock!

anyone know where to get a honda prelude cover for an on-road EP car?

[swannco]

I think its a matter of being happy with what you got. There are lots of great cars out there, and some folks like to tinker with every little aspect of the car. Well, there's a car out there for them. Others just want to plug n' play w/out messing around with it much, and there's a car out there for them too.

For me, I'm just a basher and I don't need to compete with Kinwald or Hara, so as long as I'm digging what I got I'm content.

As for slipper clutches, they're nice and they do help, but I still like driving vehicles without them too. As long as it puts a grin on my face, I don't care if its old school, new school, or what. :D My losi xxx-t was faster and had a lot of adjustments, and a slipper clutch, and even brushless, but I can't say it made me more or less happy to drive than my DT-02. I was bummed when it detonated though. :( battery pack exploded and just destroyed the car. bummer.

[Super Chump]

Hey peeps :wave:

It's been a wee while since I was on here. Dave, Del & I are still going ahead with our planned meet up on the 13th of October - looking forward to it fellas, though I think Dave might be a bit surprised at the lengths Del & I go as far as "bashing" is concerned :eek: Heh heh...

While at work the other day I saw this in the car park (I work at a golf course), and thought I'd share it as I thought it was something you don't see everyday! By the way, it's a Mitsubishi, lol. RIP Brocky.

Been selling off a few things lately regretfully, like one of my favourite Tamiyas - the Porsche 956 which is an on-road classic from the early 80's. Me? On-roaders? Yup, I love this car, but due to the fact that I'm moving to the Mainland (South Island in NZ) early next year I've had to let some of my collection go. Del is due to get my Wild One which can also been seen in the photo. I wanted it to go to a good home, and if he ever decides to part ways with it (he'd have to been clinically insane to do so) I'd hopefully get first dibs.

I haven't run the Gator in a while, I really need to get a new ESC as I think running the RZ motor in it nearly fried it. It no longer has reverse so when Del gets the Wild One I'll probably swipe the ESC outta that for the Gator. I'm still using a Sport Tuned in it which I think suits it best.

Take care guys,
Mike :cool:

[swannco]

I'm thinking about painting a new body up for my viper, or finding a cool one already done. Anybody know where to get a body set online, and are there any other models that will fit the dt-02 chassis?

[TamiyaRacer69]

Hey ho,

Mike are you sure it's a Mitsi, looks like a Holden Commodore wagon to me. Ah yes the ultimate in 2WD Tamiya off roaders, don't think I'll be letting this one go mate. I was depressed enough when I sold the one I had, "You stupid boy" still plays over and over in my head. Yeah sweet mate, grab the ESC. I've got one lined up for the Wild One. Not that I'm going to use it. It's going on the shelf in my underground safe. YEAH RIGHT:D:D

swannco, here's a link to Tamiya Club, http://www.tamiyaclub.com/goldenparts.asp they have the Gator body but no Viper body. you could also try Time Tunnel Models. I got my latest Gator body through Time Tunnel via Tamiya Club of which I am a member. As is Mike (aka Super Chump)

[diggernz]

damaged the counter gear and pinion today after a jump session a couple of teeth have bent over. I can sort of fix it but my geuss is its gonna strip before long.

[Super Chump]

Mike are you sure it's a Mitsi, looks like a Holden Commodore wagon to me.)

It does look like one Del, but I checked the front of the car and it's definitely a Misti - had the three diamond logo on the bonnet.

I wouldn't beat on the WO too hard, they're not that tough. I broke the mount where the shocks connect to the swing arms on one side on the front. Luckily I had some spares. I've always driven it with a bit of caution. The only real "abuse" it's had is doing a few odd jumps at RC Mate meets and stripping driveshafts. I've got that on my vid cam somewhere, sounded like a cheap hammer drill, lol.

Strange to hear you did that Dave! I've never bent teeth on gears, pinion or otherwise :confused: Is there anyway you could fix it up so it'll still work okay?

[TamiyaRacer69]

Mike,
Wont be bashing on the WO like I do with the DG, it'll just be driven around looking cool.

[mars6484]

hey guyz~~

two things i gotta ask.

I bought a tamiya 19T pinion gear today and it doesn't fit? it just spins by itslef coz its too small!! did the hobbyshop giv me the wrong one or do i need to get a bigger version of the other gear that its suppose to spin with?

the other question is~~ is there a way to fix the understeer on this car otehr than spiky front wheels???? i dun see how spiky wheels will fix understeer on the road...it just doesn't wanna turn... off road i can see how spiky wheels will help~~

[toonz]

mars, i think the shop gave you the wrong one.

the part number for 19tooth is 3515007

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=3515007

[toonz]

the wild one gets me drooling!

please tamiya....reissue it!

[riotwill]

just wondering wat car i should get out of e savage stampede vxl or rustler or should i buy a general car and make it brushless srry for of subject post but finalize email hasnt come thrue they scrued up so cant make new thread:mad:

[mars6484]

hello all~~

thanx for advice toonz~~

tested the new sport tuned with 19t pinion~~ i think i lost a tiny bit of acceleration at the beginning but gained a a lot more speed in the long run~~ overall i'm quite satisfied~~ still waitin for my order to come in with new tyres and rims~~ hehehe

i wonder if its possible to make the gears into a two gear system that would be cool! but prob a bit out of my league~~ -.-;;

what kinda oil do u guyz put in ur motors?

my car still doesn't wanna turn!! i'm gonna have to try different things with the camber and my suspension! -.-;;

[dhdevil]

It does look like one Del, but I checked the front of the car and it's definitely a Misti - had the three diamond logo on the bonnet.

I wouldn't beat on the WO too hard, they're not that tough. I broke the mount where the shocks connect to the swing arms on one side on the front. Luckily I had some spares. I've always driven it with a bit of caution. The only real "abuse" it's had is doing a few odd jumps at RC Mate meets and stripping driveshafts. I've got that on my vid cam somewhere, sounded like a cheap hammer drill, lol.

Strange to hear you did that Dave! I've never bent teeth on gears, pinion or otherwise :confused: Is there anyway you could fix it up so it'll still work okay?

dude thats a vn commo.

[mars6484]

hello guyz~~

Just wondering what the difference is in suspension whterh u put i na pistone 1 hole or piston 2 hole?does the 2 hole make the suspension softer or something compared to the 1 hole?

anyone tested their dt02's with the rz motors in terms of speed? how fast did it go?

[diggernz]

just wondering wat car i should get out of e savage stampede vxl or rustler or should i buy a general car and make it brushless srry for of subject post but finalize email hasnt come thrue they scrued up so cant make new thread:mad:
The VX brushless Rustler is HOT I reckon. Stampede is to top heavy. The new Traxxas brushless system is hot I reckon.
Anyway, Anyone else damaged their gears from jumping with a BZ motor.?My Gator is quite fast now with the BZ. Not as fast as a VX Rusty tho!And all you have to do for more speed is run a 2 cell lipo and a 3cell will give 70mph i think.
Now thats speed.

[swannco]

Does anyone have a part # for Tamiya foam inserts for the stock tires [fr & rr]?

[mars6484]

hello~~ yeh I wouldn't mind knowing where I can get foam inserts for tyres too~~ I have the hop up rims 60/35 rear and 60/25 front.

also i was wondering when you say CVD is that the same thing as a swing shaft? I can see the benefit of having a swing shaft but I wasn't sure if that is the same as a CVD.

btw I gota DF03 aluminium shocks and they work heaps good if anyone wants to know of any alternatives~~ i got the 3racing ones and they are quite cheap!

[mars6484]

hey just a quick question, i noticed toonz you said you getting like 40 min run times??
i got a 3000 intellect battery and i dun think i'm gettin even 30 minutes with my sport tuned 19T pinion. I think maybe 20 minutes?

[toonz]

i run with 3700 that peak up to 3800++ :)

[mars6484]

hey guyz~~

just a quick question thats been bugging me~~

the front wheels seem a little wobbly? is that normal because they are just free to roll or should they be fully stable with no lateral wobble?

[Royal Male]

I have wobble on my desert gator....caused by play in the steering NOT loose wheels.

[mars6484]

hello everyone~~

I noticed a few pages back someone put a heatsink on their ESC. I found something similar and I was wondering how you attached it? the one i found comes with doulbe sided tape?! but i assume putting double sided tape between the ESC and the heatsink would be useless?

Should I just put tape on the sides of the heatsink?

will post pics of my viper soon with the white front tyres, df03 rears and df03 shocks~~

I am considering putting some air holes with fly screen mesh behind it for more airflow into the outer casing~ because I find that as it is an electric vehicle, controlling the heat is really important to decrease resistance~~ any ideas on how best to do this?

[Royal Male]

yep,

I put a heatsink intended for a PC onto my speed controller, I used the double sided tape that was suppied with it and it's held on fine. Obviously the tape is designed to withstand the heat.

[Choppa]

hello everyone~~

I noticed a few pages back someone put a heatsink on their ESC. I found something similar and I was wondering how you attached it? the one i found comes with doulbe sided tape?! but i assume putting double sided tape between the ESC and the heatsink would be useless?

Should I just put tape on the sides of the heatsink?

will post pics of my viper soon with the white front tyres, df03 rears and df03 shocks~~

I am considering putting some air holes with fly screen mesh behind it for more airflow into the outer casing~ because I find that as it is an electric vehicle, controlling the heat is really important to decrease resistance~~ any ideas on how best to do this?

I cut a hole in the body work on my gator, right above where the speed controller sits and glued on a bonnet scoop from an old funny car model i had lying around, painted it to match the car and it works great. Keeps the speed controller pretty cool and blends in well with the look of the car. The opening on it is big enough to let heaps of air in but not dirt. Will post a pic on here soon to show it what it looks like.

[toonz]

mars, many of us run the DT02 without cutting any holes on the shell as long as you are not running a killer hot motor that will fry your esc :)

but should you need to cut any holes, do it carefully :)

im not sure about the heatsink on 101bk cos i havent tried that before and so far i haven't cooked any of my 101 yet :) its a strong little black box! :)

[mars6484]

hey guyz~~ thanx for the advice~~

with the heatsink on the ESC thing I was just wondering where you put the tape on?

as for the hole in my body~~ yeah i can see that things work fine without the extra airflow but i thought it'd look cool with a bonnet scoop just like what choppa said~~ hahaha

I also wanna cut a hole under the front window to cool down the battery~~ and put flyscreen behind it to stop too much dirt entering~~

I looked around and found a nice little bottle that I could cut into a bonnet scoop and I have! so all i need to do now is buy a flyscreen and do some construction~~ will post a pic when its done but it'll be a while~~

also the less heat the less resistance so either way it'll help performance i think~~ dunno if it'll be significant though~~ with any electric powered car i think resisitance is very important as there will be a significant drop in power with increased heat and therefore increased resisitance~~ what u guyz think?

[Royal Male]

here is a link for the heatsink I used and look at page 33 of this forum to find an image of it inplace.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Thermaltake-Ra...QQcmdZViewItem

[diggernz]

This looks very nice. Our supplier of the best priced Tamiya gear is in Japan at the moment. He just went to the Tamiya museum as well. Luck man.http://images.onesite.com/diggernz.rcmate.org/large/p1020452.jpg

[diggernz]

heck I didn't think It would come through so big.

[toonz]

save onto desktop and view to screen size :D

[TamiyaRacer69]

Gotta get me one of those. Looks sweet. No too keen on the flames tho. Wheels need to be changed too. Apart from those two things, wicked looking DT02

[Metla]

Going by the fact that the wheels on that pic don't match I would think they aren't the final configuration.

As for the tires, I fitted a set of those rears on my Gator and hit the track, Utterly hopeless, The original bald ones performed better.

[toonz]

i've asked myself long enough if i should get this DT02MS since i like the DT02 so much.

and my answer is no.

this so call new DT02MS comes with hop-ups that i already have.

turnbuckles
motor plate and heatsink
rear CVD
ball-diff (toss and i prefer the gear diff and del, you are not going to like the ball diff either :) )
df03 shocks
those wheels? what a mismatch
and this reacts better with the bow-tie than the df03 tires :)

so this car is really a waste of money.

[toonz]

full description here

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=49475

[mars6484]

Hello everyone,

hey i really like that TRF wing on that dt02!! i would like one since mine tore off and i superglued and taped mine back on~~ hahaha

thats the exact same wheels my viper has too~~ astral star front and df03 rears~~ hehehe

is it better to get a GPM or Square company made swing shaft or the tamiya hop up one?~~ can anyone advise me on this as i really think i need a CVD! I like getting Tamiya official parts as much as possible but I dun think the swing shaft is aluminium? and someone said a few pages back not to get the Tamiya one ~~ You would think Tamiya upgrades shoul be the best for Tamiya cars but I guess not!! -.-;;

[toonz]

the tamiya DF02 CVD works fine on my DT02 and DF03. no problem.

[Royal Male]

Hey DT-02 owners,

Does anyone know why my GT tuned motor has a 0 and a line stamped onto the can.....the line is in line with one of four notches on the black plastic of the bell end, end. A bit hard to explain so sorry if I have totaly confused you all. It looks like you can line the 0 up with the other notches by twisting the can??? dialling it in????

cheers guys.

[Super Chump]

Hey DT-02 owners,

Does anyone know why my GT tuned motor has a 0 and a line stamped onto the can.....the line is in line with one of four notches on the black plastic of the bell end, end. A bit hard to explain so sorry if I have totaly confused you all. It looks like you can line the 0 up with the other notches by twisting the can??? dialling it in????

cheers guys.

RM, it's got to do with the timing of the motor. It's best to keep it at zero, a turn will probably give you a bit more power as it changes the area that the brushes cover on the com (don't quote me on this), and that'll give you less of a run time.

[Big House]

That is correct. What you have is a tunable timing motor. That means you can advance the timing, turning the endbell counterclock wise to get higher RPMs, or you can turn it clockwise and get more torque.

[swannco]

I wouldn't mind a new body set for the dt02ms. Are they available yet? I reckon they'd fit right on the older dt02 w/o any mods. If someone has seen a place selling them in the states, please tell me. :wave:

ps: anyone got a good source for rear wings? If I could learn to drive rubber side down they'd last longer, but what fun is that. :rolleyes:

[swannco]

Quick tire update: the front spiked tires for the Traxxas Bandit work just fine on the DT-02 and do not appear to need gluing. I ran thru two battery packs on mixed sand / dirt, and they held just fine w/o glue and drastically helped the understeer problem.

I'm having real problems finding stock tires for this buggy online. Any ideas?

[mars6484]

Hello everyone~~

firstly umm with the tire thing~~ i found this website has a huge stock of proline tires whcih toonz said were really good~~ http://www.rcplanet.com/default.asp

i have never ordered from there before so i dunno what it'll be like! I was plannin on gettin the proline tires there soon~~

with the understeer problem~~ the flipping of the frront arms so the tires are sticking out the front more helps a LOT!!!!!!!!!! I now have oversteer~~ hahaha which is good and the steering is really sensitive~~ which is also good!

but one problem i find is that i do lose control quite a lot now~~ but i have a feeling its because of the poor quality of the tires i use (TAMIYA) or i think it might be coz its a track with loose dry dirt~~ on the most part it doesn't lose control but when i hit a patch of loose dirt~~ it is very difficult to keep my car from spiinning out when i turn~~ i try powersliding but dam its hard to contorl! any tips anyone??

[toonz]

what is the setting for your rear shocks? its hard to gain traction on loose sand dirt if its too stiff. try a softer setting and of cos softer compound tires. all these will help grip the rear.

[mars6484]

i just checked out that website to buy it since you reminded me~~ I live in Australia and they want me to pay $20 shipping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for tires!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so i dunno if i wanna buy from there~~

one quick question~~ anyone konw if those dirt hawg tires are good? coz i drive my buggy off road on a number of occasion and i was wondering if those dirt hawgs would be a good balance of on road and off road? dunno if they'll be as good as the bow ties on off road conditions!

[toonz]

be careful when you flip the front arms cos you dont want to hit something and destroy the shocks :)

[toonz]

dirt hawg is good, as recommended by many and its a good all round tire that last long during bashing time :)

actually, alot of proline tires are good :)

[swannco]

Dirt hawgs do work, BUT... they are taller so just be warned. They wear like iron, but the car handles a bit differently w/ taller tires. Not necessarily for the worse; depends on what you are used to.

I did end up gluing the traxxas spikeys on. They are just a frog hair too narrow to stay put under a lot of use. Still like them though.