Tamiya DT-02 Thread [Archive] - Radio Control Zone

tamiya4x4dryver

08-18-2005, 08:18 PM

What have you guys equipped your SFG's with? Here's what mine is currently using:

-Futaba 2PL
-Futaba R132JE rx
-Futaba S3003 servo
-Futaba MC230CR esc
-Complete Bearings (14)
-TRINITY GP1600 "spec2k" packs (rebuilt into side x side)
-TRINITY Speed Gem Pro 19x1 motor
-OFNA aluminum antenna mount
-Tamiya aluminum hexes
-Anderson PowerPole connectors

My body has the fake exhaust removed and the muffler brackets have been dremeled away everything sanded down smooth.... looks like it was made that way (I got lucky on that one) :) Yesterday I layed down 6 light coats of Krylon Fusion Gloss Black.

My rear spike tires have been wore down to perfectly shaped slicks, after what has now been 25 long pavement runs. I've been keeping track to see how long the tires would last on pavement, and they're still going strong :)

DCLXVI

09-01-2005, 07:29 AM

I just got a Desert Gator and I built it yesterday...pretty nice apart from the steering...I haven't used it much at all yet, I have put a 17T motor in it and it seems pretty fast, I have the LRP brushless ESC on the way and I'll buy a BL-motor for it soon :D

hanafuda

09-27-2005, 09:33 AM

-Futaba MC230CR esc
-Complete Tamiya Bearings
-Tamiya Mini II (?) oil shocks on the front
-Tamiya Sport Tuned motor

I find the motor gets fairly warm, so don't think I will upgrade it until I get a heat sink.

LoudSilverado

10-01-2005, 03:24 PM

Stupid question, are the tires on my DG 2.2?
So any proline 2.2 will fit?
Also, where besides, Tamiya, can I get wheels?
I am really struggling to re-learn my RC after being out of it for 15 years.
Lots has changed?
Please, point me in the right direction, parts #, and or sites appreciated.
Dave

thundershot

10-04-2005, 05:37 AM

whats the difference with the desert gator and super fighter g? how durable is it compared to a df02 kit? will ae or losi wheels and tires fit the dt02? tnx

Vundergah

10-05-2005, 03:34 AM

What's the difference between all the cars using the DF-02? Is it only the shell?

LoudSilverado

10-13-2005, 12:44 AM

thundershot

10-13-2005, 04:55 AM

It's done, my Desert Gator with every five star aluminum upgrade available, (except for aluminum dampers), as far as I know of. I have stock ESC and a Tamiya Sport Tuned motor for now. I have the Tamiya Stabilizer set, but not installed. I need to tie up wires, and paint, apply my fox graphics. Here is my DG parked next to the original 2wd race buggy:

Finally this thread is updated. Does the dt02 accept side by side batts. I downloaded the manual but it looks like its stickpacks only unlike the df02. I cant believe how new that fox looks. Is that a reissue? They're also reissuing thundershot and topforce. Collectores item definitely.

LoudSilverado

10-13-2005, 09:18 AM

I've been thinking about the battery issue also, I think reg. stick packs is all that will fit. Until I break out the dremel, that's what I'm gonna run.
The fox is original, not a re-issue, here is a pic of my pride and joy:
http://tinypic.com/eja36c.jpg

thundershot

10-13-2005, 07:32 PM

cool boomerang. i think the most sought after buggy though is an avante and a bigwig. how did you keep it mint? an rc not played is a crime. hehehe

LoudSilverado

10-19-2005, 12:28 PM

thundershot

10-20-2005, 06:01 AM

that desert fox looks very nice. seems like a very good update of the old fox. whats the difference between the super g and desert fox?

LoudSilverado

10-20-2005, 10:26 AM

As far as I know, the Super G doesn't come with a lexan body. The desert gator, (I call mine the desert fox), was also the base for a TRF version, that there are some sneak pics of on tamiyaclub. I also have all the alloy upgrades, shown in blue, and adjustable turnbuckle set. I want the aluminum shocks, but hate to lay down another $50 right now.

thundershot

10-21-2005, 05:17 AM

TRF version? do you have a link or pics of that? So the Super G has a polystyrene body and friction shocks. That's dumb. I hope tamiya comes up with a newer body for this chassis coz both kits are not really my type of body design.

cds_uk

10-31-2005, 06:32 PM

Hi guys, i am thinking about getting back into RC after about a 15 year break, i always raced Tamiya way back then, Super Astute and a very hopped up Manta Ray, carbon fibre everywhere, lovely, anyway i like the look of the Desert Gator and i was wondering if any of you lot have raced it yet, how did you get on, how does it handle etc, also where do you go about getting the hop up parts, the alloy bits on LoudSilverado`s car look cool, thanks in advance for any replys, i really appreciate any help.

LoudSilverado

11-07-2005, 10:02 AM

I ordered everything that I have off of ebay. Just do a search for DT-02 and you should find all of the pieces. I recently ordered the new ball diff, and aluminum shocks. I also will be running a Duratrax 12T cap. ESC, haven't decided on the motor yet, the class here runs a fixed timing 19t. Right now I have a modified venom 19t also. I really want to get it all ready to go, and head out to the track, but I hate to be disappointed. My main concern is breaking something, the shop here won't have any parts, and the kit itself isn't even available anywhere, besides ebay that I have seen, not even Tower has them for sale. Getting the suspension set up will be the next thing. I guess, I am just tired of the same old cars, with boring names. XX something or B4tblahblah, our shop sells 1 car, associated's version, and only has parts for that, and that's what most people run. So, I will probably give it a shot.

DCLXVI

11-08-2005, 04:02 AM

The DT-02 is pretty durable, I've ran it at my local track and that one is pretty hard on the car with ruts and holes with sharp corners (almost like curbs in some places) and the only thing I broke was a shock cap (Kyosho dampers, not the stock or the hop-up) and the rear wing is alittle bent but I think you can fit the AE/B4 wing...or basically any 1/10 wing (just drill new holes)...

tadium54

11-14-2005, 01:48 AM

I used to work at a camp in 2003 called Muskoka Woods. I taught kids how to build the Mad Fighter in the morning(and the E and T maxx in the afternoon). I built one with an 8 cell 2000 pack, novak super rooster, full bearings, TQ2 radio, a 12 turn D4, oil shocks, better tires, lighter body and custom lightened chassis. The result was well, fast. it was uncontrolable, but tons of fun. strong car, and easy to whip around.

LoudSilverado

11-20-2005, 11:26 PM

Ball Diff, 12 T Duratrax ESC, 19T double Venom motor, aluminum Shocks, I want to race a Losi or RC10...., now, any takers:
http://tinypic.com/fxgsx2.jpg
http://tinypic.com/fxgtfl.jpg
Next to my Gravel Hound, which is next for TRF upgrades, GO TEAM TAMIYA!!

DCLXVI

11-21-2005, 05:50 PM

You need to dye your rims...

Like thus: http://dclxvi.no-ip.info/smb/gallery/cpg133/albums/Desert_Gator/normal_DSC00802.JPG

smileyboy

12-28-2005, 04:29 PM

Wow cool. I didn't know that Tamiya made any of the 2wd buggies. This is just what I am looking for. I have totallt tricked out by Gravel Hound. It jsut sticks that not many people race the 4wd class around here. So sometimes there are races and sometimes not.
has anyone raced their car on a track? I can't wait to try this out.

Boostin_69

12-29-2005, 07:20 AM

hey i noticed that on all of ur cars uve got the crappy tamiya plugs.
seriously upgrade 2 deans and itll cool ur batteries, motor and esc much easier as they have a very low resistance level.
u might also get some more runtime and theres NO risk if them melting
:)

dpenix76

01-09-2006, 07:01 PM

Anyone know where I can get a new transmission case for my super fighter? Out of stock at tamiya and not even listed on tower or my lhs.Thanks

Nenzi

01-10-2006, 09:00 PM

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting back into r.c. after too many years, and really want to know more about the desert gator. I love the look of the car, and like the fact that it comes with full bearings. I just need to know is it reliable, and can you race it. Several people have asked the same questions on this forum but no replies? Don't worry, I'm not serious, just looking for something I can have fun with.

Thanks

smileyboy

01-10-2006, 09:49 PM

I had to do my own research. But this car is basically yhe Gravel Hound but 2 wheels drive. I bought a buch of parts from Yeah racing and GPM to help with the bottoming out issue that both of these cars have. I race my gravel Hound. After I get all my parts on the DT02 chasis I will race this one too. Yes it can be a race car and is very durable.

If no one else will answer I will. :)

Nenzi

01-13-2006, 08:47 AM

Thanks Smiley, I didn't think the gator had the same bottoming out problems. You could almost expect it from the hound just by looking at it. Very low and very angled shocks.

Would love to hear back how it goes after you race it. I'm not looking at racing initially so I might be leaning towards a Top Force re=release, as I've been told it handles rough tracks pretty well.

losiXXXman

02-06-2006, 03:49 AM

I too am cuirious if anyone has had success with racing this buggy? It looks to me to have all the necessary ingredients for a good racer, provided it can take a hit. Is the Desert Gator available in the US as kit though? So far i can only find the Gator as an XB, and the SFG as a Kit. I wouldn't want to by an XB Gator, wasting money on theat cheesy ESC/radio, nor would I want to buy a SFG and have to do $50 or more to upgrade to Gator specs... Anyone know where you can get a Gator kit?

Nenzi

02-07-2006, 08:50 AM

Yeah the Kit was the first one to be released, 58344. Still a few on ebay. $88 US.

Hey smileyboy, you taken yours to the track yet ?

smileyboy

02-07-2006, 09:16 AM

Yep, it handles great. I put GPM shocks on it, aluminum c-hubs, and few other things from www.rcmart.com. I am runnin with the B4s and xxx just fine. I will take pics soon. It is fun to run a cheapie and be competitive.

fabolousRC

02-09-2006, 10:07 AM

hey smileyboy, does the Gator comes with slipper clutch stock or it is just the cover?

XSFalcon

02-17-2006, 11:48 AM

fabolousRC

02-19-2006, 03:26 AM

I'll be ordering the Desert Gator over the next week
(1) what is a decent esc to replace the stock one for either a 17T or 19T motor?
(2) What spur gears are available?
(3) What hop-ups would be highly recommended?

(1) anything would do but after looking at the manual, anything above 50 bucks would be too much for this buggy.
(2) Stock. That's it.
(3) Aluminum shocks, Universal Joint, Ball differential, and full ball bearing.

This car is a disappointment. I guess those Tamiya boys didn't really know what they were talking about when I asked them about DG at the iHobby Expo in LA last summer.

*Non adjustable motor mount (a second pinion option does not correspond with the term "adjustable")
*No slipper clutch (ouchie motor and gear wears. I repeat, DO NOT INSTALL HOT MOTORS on this buggy. It is not worth your dime)

smileyboy

02-19-2006, 11:01 AM

I run the stock class and it does just fine.

XSFalcon

02-19-2006, 11:05 AM

I found a 15T Esc for $40 at the LHS.

What is considered a HOT MOTOR?

raytracer

02-19-2006, 12:44 PM

You need to dye your rims...

Like thus: http://dclxvi.no-ip.info/smb/gallery/cpg133/albums/Desert_Gator/normal_DSC00802.JPG

How did you dye your rims?

dpenix76

02-19-2006, 03:41 PM

I have been waiting two months to find a transmission case for this pos.

fabolousRC

02-21-2006, 10:07 AM

I found a 15T Esc for $40 at the LHS.

What is considered a HOT MOTOR?

10T or lower

LoudSilverado

02-25-2006, 11:22 PM

I plan on racing my DT-02 this upcoming season, we will see what happens I guess. I think that the car handles just fine, my only complaint would be with the gearing. There aren't many options in that respect, but hopefully with Tamiya's re-newed offroad development, something will change there.

raytracer

03-01-2006, 03:17 AM

I think the problem with racing a tamiya buggy is that it doesn't have a slipper clutch.

fabolousRC

03-03-2006, 05:55 AM

I think the problem with racing a tamiya buggy is that it doesn't have a slipper clutch.

nor gearing option other than 17T or 19T to the stock spur. That's it.

XSFalcon

03-10-2006, 12:20 PM

anyone install the stabilizer bars?

how about some pics of your Gators.

geist_darkblade

03-12-2006, 01:50 AM

I have a silly question. Is there a way to turn one of these buggies into a stadium truck. I just got a super fighter off ebay. I was thinking it would be nice to get a 2nd one to make into a truck. Then I could have a buggy and a truck based on the same chassis.

geist_darkblade

03-13-2006, 10:43 PM

If you want you can ignore my pevious post. I have a real qeustion to ask. Can I set my super fighter up to run a Novak 5800 brushless system? That is the system selling at my local hobby store. I am going to get the ball diffs, heatsink and metal universal or dogbones plus the ball bearing kit and df aluminium shocks. Anything else needed?

geist_darkblade

03-29-2006, 02:09 PM

Can I get some help getting my super fighter ready for a brushless. I just do not want to tear up my gears running a brushless motor. I want to set it up to run in my track's mod class for fun.

LoudSilverado

03-30-2006, 02:16 AM

I wish I could help, I'm just getting mine ready to compete with the basic 19T spec offroad 2wd at our club level, and it's kind of embarassing. I don't think I stand a chance!!!! I have every aluminum upgrade available, TRF ball diff, 19T orion motor, here's a current pic:
http://i2.tinypic.com/sm651z.jpg
I don't think I can compete, any pics of your set up???
What are your thoughts about racing?

geist_darkblade

03-30-2006, 01:20 PM

So far it is stock. I will start building in next month. There is no hurry since I am doing it for fun. Also the track was still being rebuilt last time I was by there. I just wanted to get a heads up on what the chassis needs. Before anyone states the obvious yes I could have got another companies buggy to race. I just wanted the Tamiya buggy to play with.

Ev0luti0n

03-31-2006, 04:55 PM

Hi, I have just got back into RC cars after aloooooong break. I decided on a electric as I dont have a huge amount of time and didnt want the hassle of tuning a gas etc. As my first car I decided on a buggy and went with the Gator.
I have a few (proberly dumb) questions.
I assembled it all up as per the instruction etc, brought back memories lolol.
It all runs great, but, the stock motor seems a little gutless, no much top end?
What suggestions?
I also find the turning circle very large, it appears the rear wheel are pushing the front out more, you back off the power and it will pull in a bit tighter. (Yes I understand full noise hard lock turn is like that) But and tuning/adjustments to suspension would be appreciated. I have it set exactly as the manual has it written up for setup. I also have all of the spacers on the shocks fitted.
I will fully admit Im a complete newb.

Nenzi

04-12-2006, 07:20 AM

Sorry can't help with the tuning. Almost bought one but decided to wait to see if Tamiya offered some more gearing, and a slipper clutch. Looks like they've been busy developing the Dark Impact. Makes me wonder if a DT-03 is on the drawing board :rolleyes:

XSFalcon

04-22-2006, 12:51 AM

has anyone had any problems with the 19T pinion - and the fact that it is not even close to the spur?

Nenzi

04-22-2006, 07:50 AM

Well no DT-03, but theres a new DT-02 on the way, called the Sand Viper. Dish wheels and new body mentioned on tamiya usa website. Hope there's more to the new model than that.

geist_darkblade

04-23-2006, 10:37 PM

Link please.

XSFalcon

04-23-2006, 11:01 PM

Has anyone had a hard time getting the 19T pinion to fit?

TamiyaRacer69

06-05-2006, 06:51 AM

Looks sweet. Job well done. I'm hoping to get myself a Desert Gator this weekend for my 35th birthday. Thought of doing a similar thing, Old skool/new buggy. Thinking of doing a Tamiya Falcon, new style. But after seeing yours, you think it'll be ok if I do the same??
Cheers
Del

TamiyaRacer69

06-05-2006, 06:58 AM

Well, the Desert Fox is finally done, not identical, but close.
It runs great, pretty quick, the back end is much like the gravel hound, in that it can bottom out easily. But, enjoy:
http://tinypic.com/erjy45.jpg
http://tinypic.com/erjybl.jpg
Looks sweet. :cool: Job well done. :) Hoping to get a Desert Gator this weekend for my 35th birthday. Was thinking of doing a similar thing, old skool/new style buggy. Thought of doing a Tamiya Falcon repo, but after seeing yours might do the same. If that's ok with you.
Cheers'
Del

Metla

06-24-2006, 03:56 AM

Does anyone know of any items released that would enable the fitting of different sized pinions to the Gator/DT-02?

TamiyaRacer69

06-25-2006, 07:21 PM

I've offten wondered the same thing. I've thought about slotting the motor plate, so that it can be moved to adapt for other pinions. If there is a part out there, can someone let us know. Please!!!!!

Del

TamiyaRacer69

07-07-2006, 01:49 AM

Found a fix for the understeer problems on the DT02. If you can find some, put spiked tires on.

Like these.....................

Cheers'
Del

Aakash Simlai

07-13-2006, 06:01 AM

Hello I got a new Tamiya Desert Gator RC DT-02 Chassis two weeks ago and followed full instructions to operate it. In spite of that, last evening it developed a peculiar problem. When it runs in the forward direction it seems okay but when I reversed it, the car started wobbling. My dad tried helping but could not, the manual is too basic. This never happened earlier. I am worried since I am a new user. Is there someone who can help?

TamiyaRacer69

07-15-2006, 06:04 AM

Hi Aakash, and welcome.
Can you describe in what way it "started wobbling". Was it the front end of the buggy, or the rear. Did you check to make sure that all the tires were mounted properly? Sometimes that makes a buggy wobble. Check the rear drive shafts. If one is bend it'll make the buggy wobble.

Del :cool:

hanafuda

07-17-2006, 10:36 AM

Has anyone had any experience with the DF-03 aluminium oil damper set on this car? Would you recommend it?

The same goes for OP 863 DT-02 ball diff set.

Finally, would a Sand Viper or Desert Gator body just fit straight onto a DT-02 Super Fighter G chassis?

Aakash Simlai

07-17-2006, 10:02 PM

Hi. Sorry for the late reply. Actually we found out a Tamiya service centre in Singapore and they helped me out this time. A few screws on the front axle needed tightening, but what they told me is this: I should have gone for a 4-wheel drive instead of a two-wheel drive chassis as otherwise this wobbling would anyway come up later again.

Metla

07-18-2006, 03:41 AM

Bullocks.

If anything 2wd's have less maintenence due to far less moving parts.

TamiyaRacer69

07-21-2006, 04:17 AM

Hiya Aakash Simlai,
I agree with Metla. I have both, 4WD (Gravel Hound DF-02) and 2WD (Desert Gator DT-02), and I use my Gator more than my Hound.
Just use some medium strength loctite on the screws that you had to tighten up. They'll stay tight, but when you need to undo them (for what ever reason) they'll be easy.
I use my Gator more than my Hound, for two reasons, firstly it always lands feet first. My Hound always lands nose first, and it really annoys me. Secondly, it's faster than my Hound with the standard 540 in it. (one less gearbox to weigh it down) Both cars are set up the same, same motor, same ESC.

Most hobby shop employees have no idea what they're talking about. The staff at my local hobby shop are stupid. I know more about R/C's than they do.
Example; I needed a piece for one of my other tamiya's, I quoted them the part number, but they knew better. :rolleyes: They got the wrong bit in, in the end the number I told them was the right one.
2WD is better in my opinion. Only because I like sliding the rear out and Power-sliding `round corners. :p

toonz

08-23-2006, 10:25 PM

hi everyone, newbie here :)

just got my sand viper and a set of ball differential set.

how do i install the diff set into my gear box? which side of the gearbox should the little ball bearings face? should i use the o-rings that come with the diff set?

thanks :)

yakumo9275

08-27-2006, 01:25 PM

was just wondering how the sand viper compares to the other dt-02 based kits.. is it just a different shell (like rising storm to gravel hound).. is it identicle to desert gator

I have a df-02.. am thinking 2wd instead of 4wd might be more fun, less hassle + maintenance...

or save up and go nitro :)

toonz

08-28-2006, 02:19 AM

desert gator and sand viper are pretty much the same, but slightly different body.

my sand viper bottoms out at the rear with a jump, how do i prevent that?

TamiyaRacer69

08-30-2006, 03:45 AM

Firstly, welcome Toonz.

Toonz. For the bottoming out rear thing, there's three things you can do. Either put in more spacers, change the springs, or use the other two sets of mounting points on the shock tower and lower arms. See attachment, I found them sitting in a box of springs I have. They're stiffer than the standard ones. Haven't run it off road yet, (only did it tonight) ran it inside on the carpet and it was pulling wheelies. Reverse to forward, and up comes the front end.

yakumo9275. 2WD is the way to go. I also have both DF and DT chassis, like in one of my earlier posts. I use my Desert Gator more than my Gravel Hound. Whatever you do, steer clear of the nitro scene. I've also had 2 nitro's and I didn't learn from the first one. If you've got plenty of time, (to keep them tuned up) then by all means go for it. I'm 35 now and have been doing R/C's for about 18 years, and up until I got my second nitro I'd never given up on a R/C like I did with that one.

Enjoy your DT 02's. They're a blast to run :cool: . Apart from the understeer problem, which can be fixed with a set of spikey front tires. See my pic on page 3 of this thread. They do help.

Cheers'
Del

toonz

08-30-2006, 07:19 AM

TamiyaRacer69

08-31-2006, 02:03 AM

Hiya toonz.
For the rear lower arms, use the holes closest to the gearbox, and the top shock mounts closest to the centre. That gives you a little more clearance. (plus some stiffer springs) Some thicker oil might help too. (I haven't tried this yet)
I've taken a pic of what holes I mean. The two orange pens show the inside shock tower mounts. The two yellow pens show the lower arm mounts. Hope this helps. ;)

Cheers' mate
Del

toonz

08-31-2006, 02:51 AM

thanks Del
will try out changing to the inner holes and see how it goes.
what i did last night was this:
change to a hard spring (blue), replace the soft oil with #800 hard oil, 3 spacers each, and o-rings on the bottom stopper to increase the tension. it does work some wonders :)

just a little tip from this site
http://www.tam.ne.jp/nic/gravelhound/gravelhound02-e.html

TamiyaRacer69

09-01-2006, 09:06 PM

Hi Toonz,
Sounds like a good set-up. Hope to get my Gator out on some rough stuff later today, see how my rear end goes. If it fails I might just try what you've done. Let me know how yours goes.

Cheers' mate
Del

toonz

09-02-2006, 01:05 PM

yup i went for a spin and its so much better. had a decent jump at the carpark humps and it landed with a 'poof' sound instead of a scary 'piak' sound. but at one point it over turned 360 after a jump and i think i may have to reduce one ring each for the front. well as long as you can insert a finger underneath the chasis after you press the whole buggy down, that should be fine :) i think....

TamiyaRacer69

09-03-2006, 03:29 AM

Hiya Toonz.
Didn't get to take "Da Gator" out today, Wife and kids took me up to see some Rally Cars for Fathers Day, man it was great. Haven't been to see some real-in-the-flesh Rally action for about ten years. Got some good photos though. :)
Anyways, I did manage to have a little off-road action in the garden before we left, seems to be goin sweet. Jumped it off the patio and on to the grass, seemed to land ok. Front was lifting off the ground though, awesome. Starting to get lighter in the evenings now here in New Zealand, so plenty more time to get out there and test it out. :cool: Have noticed alot more spring in it since I put those blue springs on the rear, and I moved all the mounting points more into the centre on the lower arms. Bit more clearence now.

I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Cheers' mate
Del

toonz

09-04-2006, 08:08 AM

hi del
i bought a set of spacer and i'm going to add on more to the rear tonight, need a higher ride height :D

which set of blue springs did you get? DT02 or the DF02?

i wonder if the sandviper is able to use the tamiya aluminium dampers from either DF02 or even DF03....do you know if they fit?

TamiyaRacer69

09-05-2006, 02:55 AM

Hiya Toonz.

Don't know where those springs came from :confused: , I got a whole box of stuff given to me about 5 years ago. The springs were in a smaller box inside, I've got some other coloured springs too. The blue ones seemed to be the stiffer ones. I think they're from a Team Losi buggy, can't be 100% positive though.
I'll have a play around with some other springs and see how they work out, if I find some decent ones I'll let you know. If you want them, I'll send them to you.
Not too sure about the aluminiun shocks, just ring your local hobby shop. Or check out the web.

Cheers' mate
Del

toonz

09-05-2006, 05:47 AM

hi del
i've fixed up my spacers for the rear damper last night, using all the existing 3 sizes plus the new set that i bought and the spacers height is 1.5cm for both rear shocks. after putting the battery in, i'm surprise that the rear didn't sink much! it only sank at the most 2mm. will get some pics up. then i went to the carpark and had nearly 20 jumps at those humps! woohoo! she's a good girl :) regarding the aluminium shocks, i went to a local shop here and made a comparison. the front of the DF02 are the same length as the front of the DT02 but the rear shocks are about 5mm longer, no big deal i guess. after all no hurry.

what motor are you running on your gator?

TamiyaRacer69

09-06-2006, 05:11 AM

Hi Toonz.
Sounds like you've got it well sorted. Still haven't run mine yet, put some new wheels on it tonight, (before going up to the hospital to see my Mum) looks sweet now. They're from a Tamiya Astute. Hope to get a new body for "Da Gator" and do an "Old meets New" scheme using the Astute decal set. Although that wont be happening for a while. :( I'll post a pic of the Astute in another post right after this one.

I'm just running the standard 540 at the moment. Got a new motor coming for my Blitzer Beetle tarmac racer, so I'll be taking the Dyna Tech out of that and putting it in the Gator. Should fly. :eek:
What are you running in your Gator???

Cheers' mate
Del

toonz

09-06-2006, 05:28 AM

wah! those wheels! shiny black! are they bigger than the original gator wheels?
i'm still using the stock silver can but i'm planning to get a sport tuned with a 19T pinion to replace that boring 17T. are you using 19T as well? oh i'm not running a gator, its a sandviper :) both are the same anyway, except for the body cover...

hope your mom is well...

TamiyaRacer69

09-06-2006, 05:40 AM

Hiya Toonz.

Yeah those wheels are pretty sweet.

The rears seem to be the same, the rear tires from "Da Gator" were an alright fit. The front (new) wheels are a little smaller. :( Have to get some proper Astute tires at some stage.
Can't remember what pinion I'm running, I know I've got both though.

Here's a pic of the car the wheels come from.............. Tamiya Astute. Awesome looking buggy. :cool:

Cheer's mate
Del

P.S Go back into this thread and see what another guy did. He did a Desert Gator meets and old Tamiya Fox. Looks *#*#*#*!!^%^ awesome.

toonz

09-06-2006, 05:57 AM

your astute looks %$%*(&^$&^* HOT!!! the body shape is like a XXXCR....

which is faster? your gator or astute?

ya, his desert fox is really nice, its like a Fox 2!

Metla

09-06-2006, 06:12 AM

Just seeing if I can insert a pic.

I suck badly at painting bodies, No patience at all....I painted mine in under a minute. Love the orange wheels though. Running a RZ motor at the moment, though have a Komodo Dragon waiting to bolt in.

toonz

09-06-2006, 06:20 AM

nice, how about a top view? :) how does your gear box hold up with such powerful motor?

TamiyaRacer69

09-06-2006, 06:22 AM

Hiya Toonz,
Sadly it's not my Astute, wish it was though. Just got that pic off another site. As I don't own an Astute, I guess my Gator is the faster one. :D lol
Hey Metla,
Looks sweet mate. How does the RZ go, quick enough. I guess not if you're replacing it with a Dragon. ;)

Metla

09-06-2006, 06:37 AM

It goes plenty quick with the RZ, probally a perfect match to be honest. I would imagine the kit will be easy to over-power and shes already almost too fast for the back yard...The kids swing-set and the clothes-line have taken a pounding.

Took her out on the gravel and it was quite the handfull to drive.

Anyhow, I ordered in 4 motors from Tower Hobbies so one is ear marked for my Gator, though no time frame on when I'll put her in, or if I leave it in.

Did I read it right and your in NZ?

toonz

09-06-2006, 06:40 AM

i'm using TEU-101BK esc, does it go with the RZ? will it burn? or am i just limited to a sport tuned?

Metla

09-06-2006, 06:46 AM

nice, how about a top view? :) how does your gear box hold up with such powerful motor?

Sorry, thats the only pic I have taken, As for the gearbox, No damage so far but I havent done any harsh jumping and the RZ isn't what I would term a gearbox killer.

Maybe it will cause the gears to wear faster but I would expect it to be only a slight difference.

Though I did put the motor in an old worn out Madbull and I only managed 2 laps of the backyard before the gearbox shredded :(

TamiyaRacer69

09-06-2006, 06:46 AM

Hey Toonz,
I'm running a TEU-101BK in my Tarmac Terror, which is running a Dyna Tech. I've had no probs yet, (touch wood)

Yeah Metla, I'm in N.Z. Where are you? And Toonz, what part of the world do you live in??

Metla

09-06-2006, 06:48 AM

i'm using TEU-101BK esc, does it go with the RZ? will it burn? or am i just limited to a sport tuned?

I'm pretty sure that esc is limited to 27T motors, and the RZ is 23T.

Metla

09-06-2006, 06:49 AM

Yeah Metla, I'm in N.Z. Where are you?

Wanganui :D :D :D

TamiyaRacer69

09-06-2006, 06:54 AM

Garden City for me :cool: ;) :) Would have been great if you were down here, could of gone out for a bash.

How long you had your Gator. Got mine in June for my 35th birthday, and I use it almost everyday. Building sites are great. :cool:

Del

toonz

09-06-2006, 07:04 AM

Metla

09-06-2006, 07:07 AM

Think I have had the gator 6 or 7 months, Just jumped back into the hobby after a break of a good 13 years.

As for land, Im a bit spoilt in that regard, Just so happens my old-boy owns an earth moving bizzo, so I have access to a 5 acre landfill and another 10 acre section. To top it off I have just set aside about 20 truck-loads of clay so come summer I will be building myself a track....Lucky I have a bobcat handy.

TamiyaRacer69

09-06-2006, 07:15 AM

Great buggy to get back into the hobby, or obsession as my wife calls it. :rolleyes: Is the Gator your only R/C?

You lucky so and so. I'm hoping to build my own track in about 5 or so years. Want to go live out in the country-side. Wife wants some animals, and I want my own track. Seems fair to me.

Yea, I reckon the Gator has got lots of potential, :) some call it "an entry level buggy" Got a new motor off Trade Me the other day, for one of my other R/C's. So I'll be upgrading the motor in the Gator to a Dyna Tech. Should fly I reckon. Gonna use some Motor Bike chain lube for the gear box, real sticky stuff that lube. Should slow the wear on the gears.

Del

toonz

09-06-2006, 07:18 AM

i have my viper for less than a month and the last time i had the first buggy, hornet was in 1985....really really long time ago.....

keep this thread alive....where are the rest of the DT02 drivers? :)

toonz

09-06-2006, 07:20 AM

hehehe...remember to take some flying buggy pics man!

TamiyaRacer69

09-06-2006, 07:22 AM

i'm from Singapore :)

oh...so can i say that the TE101 is able to take these tamiya motors? apart from the fact that the gears may wear out sooner or later :)

and if i use any of these motors be it a RZ, TZ or SportTuned, is there a need a switch to a 19T or should i remaind at 17T pinion? i remember that the manual stated something like 'do not use 19T'....

The manual is just "a guide" as far as I'm concerned. Most of the stuff I do is just trial and error. If the ESC starts smoking, it's not the right one for the motor of your choice. If you are worried about it, go see your LHS. You should be alright with whatever motor you choose. My LHS told me that the ESC in my Gator was only rated to a Sport Tuned, but as the Sport Tuned is (as far as I'm aware) not being made anymore. What are you supposed to run. Like I said, I'm running a Dyna Tech with the Tamiya ESC, and nothing's gone wrong yet.
Del

TamiyaRacer69

09-06-2006, 07:27 AM

keep this thread alive....where are the rest of the DT02 drivers?

Look's like it's only us 3 at the moment. I'll try and get some pice of "Da Gator" flying. Hard to do on your own, drive and take photos.

My 4year old daughter owns a Hornet, I got it for her as a birthday present. She doesn't use it much, but she wants to go "somewhere" with me and have a race. She also wants to have a go with the Gator. Maybe later. :p

Metla

09-06-2006, 07:30 AM

Great buggy to get back into the hobby, or obsession as my wife calls it. :rolleyes: Is the Gator your only R/C?

Del

well, yeah, Obsession. My wife thinks I take things a little too far :rolleyes:

Currently,

2x TA04's, One revamped with hopups
1x Clodbuster
1x Hornet
1x Falcon
1x dark Impact (Haven't opened the box yet)
1x Madbull (currently broken)
1x Gator
1x Gravel Hound (That I gave to my brother)

Found the Falcon and Hornet in storage, They were packed away when I was a kid, Gator and Dark Impact were purchased new, the rest I got from Trademe.

As for calling the Gator entry level, Imo it is, But its the best entry level kit I have yet seen. Dirt cheap, handles like a dream, Tough as nails, looks killer. Certainly a step up from the prior generation of Tamiya kits.

In the past I went over to the more exotic high-end kits, I found them more drama then what they were worth and that was probally why I left the hobby in the first place. Though back then parts were impossible to find for anything apart from Tamiya.

TamiyaRacer69

09-06-2006, 07:42 AM

My obsession consits of:

1 x Blitzer Beetle (converted to on road)
1 x Stadium Blitzer (Blitzer body mounts and Beetle body)
1 x Stadium Thunder (searching for another set of Blitzer body mounts)
1 x Gator
1 x Gravel Hound (just traded for a Kyosho stadium truck with a Beetle body)
Legal gaurdian of 1 x Hornet (my daughters) :rolleyes:

Always on the look-out for more Beetles. I love `em

I've had 2 x nitro's. And hated them. Nothing better than just plugging in a battery and going.

toonz

09-06-2006, 04:23 PM

some pics of my sandviper.....including scratches :p
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/2391/dscn0242ww7.jpg
http://img428.imageshack.us/img428/7226/dscn0251fx2.jpg
http://img312.imageshack.us/img312/7813/dscn0250uk0.jpg

my ride height, i raise it to the max! :o
http://img421.imageshack.us/img421/9824/dscn0243on6.jpg

the bottom will still get scratch occasionally :mad:
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4594/dscn0249ok8.jpg

my scratchy bumper :D
http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/6136/dscn0248dl1.jpg

you guys really have LOTS of cars!!!!!

i only have my hornet and viper and i'm still considering whether i should restore my old hornet...

TamiyaRacer69

09-07-2006, 02:15 AM

Hey Toonz.
Wicked looking Viper. :cool: Love those decals, did they come with the Viper?
How do you find the steering with those tires? They the same as the Gator, but I got rid of them. Too much understeer with them on. Still no sign of my new motor, so I can't put the Dyna Tech in the Gator yet :(

Are those blue springs a hop-up option.

Great looking R/C mate ;)
Del

toonz

09-07-2006, 02:32 AM

thanks del
yup those are the sandviper stickers that came with the kit. my cam was not able to capture the metallic red on picture :(

about those tires, they are quite alright for me but there's one thing that i realise is that the steering isn't that sharp after filling hard oil (#800) with hard springs in the two front shocks. there was not that much understeer when there were filled with soft oil #400 with the original silver spring. infact the steering was sharp when i did the original set up. (these set up are accompanied with toe-out in the front wheels) i may have to change back to soft oil again and use the soft red spring some day.

yes those blue springs are tamiya hop-up for DT02 :)

i saw the clip that your beetle flew through fire! hoohoo! how did it accelerate that fast within that short distance? dynatech motor?

TamiyaRacer69

09-07-2006, 04:29 AM

Hiya Toonz,
Looks sweet anyways. Tamiya may have clicked on to the understeer thing, mine was hopeless at standard set-up. I just mucked about with it, trying different set-ups and springs. Seems good now. Need to get it out on some rough stuff, the driveway is getting boring. :( I'm getting fustrated not getting to have a play, the back yard is too small to make any good jumps.

I think the Beetle was just running a Sport Tuned in that vid. Think I was using a different pinion. Don't know what it was with that Beetle, it was faster than my mates one and we had the set-up exactly the same. Might have been the ESC, or the Sport Tuned may not have been as worn as my mates. It */:><"**{]** him off all the same, it was great. :D

toonz

09-07-2006, 06:54 AM

and speaking of beetle, your beetles are really cool! guess you're a big fan eh! more beetles more power!

ya...my void deck and car park are getting bored too.....no sand at my area....ewww!

so how do you solve your gator steering?

toonz

09-07-2006, 10:24 PM

how's the performance of this Dirt Tuned (27T) motor compared to the RZ (23T) motor? do you guys know?

http://www.tamiyausa.com/images/product/720/53929/header_53929.jpg

TamiyaRacer69

09-08-2006, 02:53 AM

Hey Toonz,
Just received my GT Tuned motor (25 turns), looks like the one you just put up.It's for on road use, might try it in the Gator though.
As for the steering, I just put some spiked front tires on mine, and left the springs as I assembled them. Works well.

Yeah mate love Beetles, they just look cool. :cool: Hoping to own a real one at some stage. Used to have a full sized Baja Bug, if I find a pic I'll post it up.

toonz

09-08-2006, 03:29 AM

oh what does GT stand for? and pics of it? can i find it on tamiya site? curious to take a look....

TamiyaRacer69

09-08-2006, 03:51 AM

Don't know what the GT stands for. I'll post some pics later, got a mate over at the moment. A few drinks on behalf of a great, Peter Brock. Died today in a motor racing accident.

toonz

09-08-2006, 04:21 AM

peter brock? not sure who cos i don't know any racers but it's sad to hear people go. steve irwin passed away a few days ago and now another one :(

oh i found the GT from tamiya site, how's does that compare to your dynatech?

i'm still trying to make a decision on what to get....
sport tune?/RZ?/TZ? or even GT that you've just mentioned.....

i like it fast, strong and stable but neither do i want to play for 5-10 mins after a 4hr charge on a 2400mah......hmmm let me think about it...

TamiyaRacer69

09-08-2006, 06:30 AM

Hey Toonz,
Have you heard of Bathurst. Well Peter Brock won it 9 times, to-date no-one has beaten that record. He was one of the best V8 race-car drivers ever.
Don't know how the GT compares to the Dyna Tech, haven't put it in yet. It's sitting on my model desk just waiting to be installed. Will put it in tomorrow and let you know. Gonna try the Dyna Tech and the GT in "Da Gator" and see what the difference is. I'll let you know what's better I'm using a 3300mah battery, so it should be a blast to run no-matter what car I'm running.

Here's some pics of the GT.............

toonz

09-08-2006, 06:41 AM

i see...oh why choose a GT over a RZ?
i'm going to ask a stupid a question :p do you disassemble the gearbox to put in some oil or you simply open up the cover on the right side of the gearbox, spray some WD40 and fix up the motor and go?

wah can't wait to see the result of these 2 motors!

never heard of Bathurst though..... :confused:

TamiyaRacer69

09-08-2006, 06:57 AM

Bathurst is a huge Motorsport event in Australia, 4 days of drinking and racing. Lots of rivalry between Ford and Holden, makes for a good fight. :D Haven't been yet, but my mate is going over to watch it in three weeks.

I picked the GT over the RZ, simply because it came up on my local trading site $10 cheaper than what I could get it at my local hobby shop. I just take the side off and apply grease to the gears. Lately I've been thinking of doing something similar to what the Grasshopper and Hornet have on their gearboxes, easy access to the gears. You know what I'm talking about. Trying to get hold of some Motor Cycle chain lube, apparently it's the best thing to use. Sticks to the gears, rather than spraying out all over the inside of the gearbox, like the Tamiya grease does.

I can't wait either. Should be able to tell which one has the better excellaration, got some soft carpet in the house. If it jumps up onto it's back wheels, then that motor wins. :)

Metla

09-08-2006, 08:43 AM

WD40 will wash all the lubricant off the gears, not a good idea.

A bit of maitenence on your car will keep it running faster, smoother, longer....I would suggest periodic strip-downs and a re-grease, Your lhs will have a suitable gear oil.

yakumo9275

09-08-2006, 02:04 PM

brocky died? omg! I dndnt hear anything about it here in usa. :( bathurst 1000 oh man!
(a number v8 mobil 1 or 05 shell would just rock!)

toonz

09-08-2006, 06:14 PM

yes it is indeed $10 cheaper.... :) and at 25T it should be pretty safe for the gears and the 101bk esc. can't wait to hear how it works in your gator!
if you take off the side and apply grease, i guess you can only do it on the spur gear. what about those inside the gearbox that are only viewable through that little hole? differential etc? i don't think that my finger can go in there :D how does motorcycle chain lub work? spray type?

metla, thanks, cos i almost and very tempted to go for an easy way out. didn't know that wd40 will wash off lubricant. so far i'm only using it on ball bearings and shafts at the wheels.

Metla

09-08-2006, 06:52 PM

It also ruins bearings. :eek:

Being an extremly light-weight oil it "washes" out the grease in the bearings and then itself is unable to provide the required level of lubrication.

I soak my bearings in a tray of ligt machine oil for a couple of days, though I don't know if this works as many bearings have a protective seal that needs to be removed first.

TamiyaRacer69

09-08-2006, 11:53 PM

Hey fellow DT-02 owners.
Just ran the GT Tuned in the Gator. WHOOOO!!!!! Lifting the front end off the grass when pulling the trigger full throttle from stand-still. Seems to run alot smoother too. Wicked. So I'd hate to think what my Dyna Tech would do. Just went and got some wheel bearing grease for my gearbox, a little heavier than the useless Tamiya grease.

Gonna run it again later on today. Hopefully it'll be on some dirt. :cool:

toonz

09-09-2006, 01:09 AM

del, you've succeeded! :) maybe you could try racing with a losi. if you're gonna put in your dynatech, i'd assume that the result will be.........

GT - FFFFFFFFFFAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTT
DYNATECH - FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSS SSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

TamiyaRacer69

09-09-2006, 03:51 AM

i'd assume that the result will be.........

GT - FFFFFFFFFFAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTT
DYNATECH - FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSS SSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
You've got it. The Gator is slightly lighter than my Blitzer Tarmac, so if I drop the DynaTech in it, it's gonna be a blast to run. Wish I had more time to shoot some decent video of it going, just typing about it doesn't do it justice. :(

toonz

09-09-2006, 04:51 AM

you know what, your daughter or your wife could help you with the video cam :p :D

i'm glad for you that your gator is a rocket now! wwooossshhhh!!!!!!

i can't wait to change a new motor at the end of this month! still trying to make a decision between a GT and RZ :o

oh i just came back from a spin and the spikes on my left rear tire is flat :D too much drifting :D

TamiyaRacer69

09-09-2006, 07:11 AM

Hey Toonz, and other DT-02 drivers.

Yeah mate it's quick alright. Just for the heck of it, I'm going to put the Dyna Tech in it tomorrow. Hope to get some real wheelie action.
Yeah I could get my wife or daughter to do it, only thing is the wife doesn't appreciate my "obsession" like I do, and my daughter's only 4. So just getting her to stand still while I race about, is about as easy as me giving up R/C's. :D

Just stripped the gearbox down and put some heavy duty grease in it. Nice and quiet now. :) Here's something you might want to try, if you haven't done so already. (Just have a look at your instruction manual if you're not sure what I'm talking about.) Put some of those little rubber o-rings (the ones used in the shock assembly, part number DB5) inside the wheel axels (DB6) and gearbox joints DB7 & DB8), stops the drive shafts from movin about. It's a little harder to clip the rear upper arms back into place, but it makes a big difference. ;) Also, here's a Hop-Up part number. 53791 DF-02 Assembly Universal Shaft

Just remember, the faster the motor, the less run time you'll get. Unless you've got a high MAH battery. I'm using a 3300Mah in my Tarmac Blitzer, it's wicked and lasts longer than any of my other batteries do in the same car.

toonz

09-09-2006, 05:30 PM

thanks del and yup i've already have those o-rings in my axles when i installed the full differential gear. :)

now that you're using the GT and eventually the Dyna, are you keeping your pinion at 17T or you're going change to 19T?

what heavy duty grease will you recommend?

TamiyaRacer69

09-10-2006, 12:08 AM

Hiya Toonz, and other DT-02 owners.

I'm running the 19T at the moment, just to see how it runs. Will change it back to 17T. Are you using the Ball Diff, Hop-up option. I've just got the standard diff in mine, I've had a Tamiya Nissan King Cab that had a ball diff in it, and to honest it was a right royal pain in the rear :mad: . But, in saying that I'm hoping to get the Ball diff for mine at some stage. Hopefully Tamiya would have sorted the diffs by now.

The grease I'm using is for full sized cars, wheel bearing grease. Seems to do the trick. Just about to go down to one of the local parks just up the road, lots of dirt and wood chips down there. :D :cool: :p I'll take the camera, if I remember.

TamiyaRacer69

09-10-2006, 02:53 AM

Hi all.
Finally got some action pics of the Gator, with it's new GT Tuned 540. Not that great, had to take them myself. I've got no friends. :(
Got a short vid too,
:http://www.tamiyaclub.com/moviecomment.asp?id=1888

toonz

09-10-2006, 03:32 AM

yes i'm usind the hop-up ball diff and that's why i'm thinking whether or not i should change to a 19T pinion to boost up its performance.....

wow your GT!!!! lift off the ground! woohoo!

have you tried your Dyna yet? power unlimited!!!

TamiyaRacer69

09-10-2006, 05:21 AM

Does it make a difference? The Ball Diff.
I'm going to admit that as the battery was getting flat I was driving it backwards and then pulling the trigger to get it to lift. There was one point where it did it with a fully charged batt, and from standstill. So I'm assuming that the Dyna Tech will lift off. :D :cool: Haven't had a chance to try out the Dyna Tech yet.
Just noticed something. Take the first letter of each word in Dyna Tech, and the chassis number letters of the Gator. Spooky eh; Looks like it's meant to be. :eek:
Had to take out two (one from each side) of the o-rings that I'd put in. It was a little too tight, and drained my battery quicker than normal. Now the rear end is a little more free spinning. :cool:

toonz

09-10-2006, 06:25 AM

very spooky! how did you even come out with that??? :O
yes the ball diff improves the acceleration and cornering and it does make the whole running thing more steady :) i guess you got to avoid reverse whenever you can cos it will really suck up loads of power from your battery.
regarding those o-rings, putting 1 ring at each side of the shaft joint is good enough cos that's the instruction given if you buy the hop-up ball diff. its still running well in my viper and it hasn't pop out yet, pretty firm.
if the dynatech is going to lift the car off, i guess the RZ will do the same too hoohoo.....

just a thought here...
GT with 3300mah------assuming 10-15 min run time
DYNA/RZ with 3300mah------5-10 min run time? (uh-huh?)

so eventually you're going to get maybe.....3500mah and above battery.... :O

please let me know if there's any difference between running on a 17T pinion and 19T pinion... :)

TamiyaRacer69

09-10-2006, 06:54 AM

Just popped into my head as I was typing Dyna Tech. :eek:

Yeah your estimates on the batteries is about right, give or take a couple of minutes. Some of the run time would also depend on how freely everything is running. I get about 7 -10minutes out of my 3300 when running it with the Dyna Tech in my Tarmac Blitzer Beetle.

It's cheaper for me to buy a Ball Diff from the internet, than it is to get it from my LHS. :mad: Might treat my-self at Xmas. Didn't know there was anything higher than 3300Mah, will look into that.

Yeah mate, I'll let you know about the pinions. :)

toonz

09-10-2006, 01:43 PM

yes, you got to get the ball diff :)

by the way when you put in the GT, did you use the hop-up DT02 motor heat sink and the heat sink motor plate? or you use the thin piece of carded paper from the kit? i wonder how hot this GT is that it might melt the gear box over time....

oh those batteries, they go as high as 4800mah-6000mah :) and that will give you more run time and of cos power!

i think i'm leaning towards the GT :) i want it fast yet still want to have some play time. a RZ will really suck up all the play time after 5hr of charging time and that's not fun i think.....

TamiyaRacer69

09-11-2006, 02:38 AM

I will get it.

Nah. I just used the carded paper thing. Sounds like I'll need those Hop-Ups, will make some inquires at my LHS. Do you happen to know the part numbers? I've got some aluminium here, could always make my own motor plate. Might check my local internet trading site also, bound to be something on there.

GT is, in my opinion. Just like a Sport Tuned, quicker but run time is only a littl shorter. I'm probaly wrong, but hey: it wouldn't be the first time. :D

toonz

09-11-2006, 02:55 AM

yup, here you go, this link will show you a handful of hop-up for the DT02

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/rcpss.php?command=hopups&chassis_id=A56

so far i've the spring set and ball diff. i'm looking into the turnbuckles as i really hate to pull off those caps whenever i want to tune my steering.

is the GT satisfying so far? i may just try this for some time and work slowly up to a 23T RZ....my fear is that it might rib my gears off...

TamiyaRacer69

09-11-2006, 06:57 AM

Cheers's mate, been on that site before. It's good.

So far the GT is good, mind you I've only really run it once. Put the Dyna Tech in tonight, with the 17tooth pinion. Haven't run it though. Too scared :p :p :p :D Nah I'll give it a run tomorrow, and let you know how it goes.

Here's a PIT TIP for you, and whoever else reads this. Instead of glueing tires on to rims. Use Rubber bands in the grooves inside the rim. They hold the tire onto the rims enough to stop the rims spinning inside the tires. :cool:

toonz

09-11-2006, 10:25 AM

C'mon run it run it run it man :D can't wait to hear more good stuff you!
i bought a new pair of rear tire (53093) tonight woohoo got to run it again!
by the way before you change your rims to the astute ones, why are your gator rims in black? did you dye them?

nice tip you got there and cost effective too!

toonz

09-11-2006, 09:30 PM

had a spin at the carpark last night after i bought a new pair of rear tire and the grip and turning was so fast and sensitive that it had a bad hit on the curb and left a dent on the front suspension arm (D1) :( :mad: #^%$$&%*%*$ :mad: fortunately the arm was thick and fat enough that it did not snap or bend. got to call up the shop to check if they have spare parts for this :mad:

do you have any spare D1? :(

DOH!

TamiyaRacer69

09-12-2006, 01:50 AM

Hey Toonz.
Yeah mate dyed the wheels.
Well I'm very dissapointed. :( Ran the Gator with the Dyna Tech, a 17tooth and then the 19tooth tonight. Almost as slow as the standard 540. Battery was fully charged. Don't know what's going on there. Might be `cause the Gator is higher geared, my advise, go for a GT Tuned. Back to the GT Tuned me thinks. :D
Nah sorry mate, I've got no spares at all. Wont be long though before I get some.

toonz

09-12-2006, 02:35 AM

oh, how do you dye them? what type of color and method?

hmm i guess the 101bk works better with 25T-27T. i'm going to get the GT end of the month. yeah!

just bought the DT02 Turnbuckle Set (#53828) and from now on, trimming the wheels before play is going to be so much easier :) really hate pluging in and out from the present set, its irritating!

the shop is going to place an order for me but i've to wait for about a month. i hope they can get it for me though.... :(

TamiyaRacer69

09-12-2006, 02:58 AM

Dying is easy. I did mine black, I have seen them done in other colours. Just go and get some dye for clothes, (it's called Dylon over here) most chemists have it. Boil some water in a pot, (Make sure it's not one of the best pots in the house) once water is boiling put the dye in, stir it up. If you want to, turn the oven (stove) down a litte, or even take the pot off the oven. Drop in the wheels, and keep them moving about by stirring, stir for about ten or so minutes. Keep checking the wheels to make sure that they're not deforming from the heat. Check to see if the dye has made them dark enough. Take the wheels out or just tip the pot into the sink. Rinse wheels with cold water, (don't ask why I did) allow to dry. Then "Pimp your Ride".
Easy as mate. :D

toonz

09-12-2006, 03:29 AM

interesting! i will do this when i get a chance to buy white rims woohoo.....!

are you gonna go for another spin? must be having loads of fun there!

TamiyaRacer69

09-12-2006, 03:45 AM

Yeah it's easy as. What colour are you thinking of doing???

Nah it's dark here now and I've got to get my daughter off to bed. :)

Going to attempt to build my own aliminium chassis for the Gator. :eek: I've built one for another car before, so it should be a breeze. The DT-02 chassis is pretty simple.

toonz

09-12-2006, 03:49 AM

if i get a white rim once i'm bored with my grey dish, i think i'll dye gun metal color :D

you're building a aluminium chasis for your gator? how are you going to do that? are you preparing to send the gator to great heights? :eek:

TamiyaRacer69

09-12-2006, 06:58 AM

Hey Toonz, wave
Sounds like a cool colour, they'll go well with the red on your Viper. Don't know what I'm going to do with my old wheels, might use them on something. Just don't know what.
The aluminium chassis wont be happening now, the piece I've got is too short. Nevermind. :(

toonz

09-12-2006, 04:20 PM

del, manage to fix up the little dent on my front arm! woot! just a little epoxy putty and after it fully dries, a thin layer of flat black will go over it and viola! hoohoo!

also have my turnbuckle fully set up and those silver rods are looking good.

will get some pics up :)

yeah my viper is using the grey dish and gun metal is like a metallic dark grey. oh and if you look at tamiya site under the DT02, the dish wheels will soon be available and probably you can get them in the future for more fun.

its interesting to see a DT02 in aluminium version and that's going to blast!

so you've fully settled down with your GT finally? spin spin spin!

TamiyaRacer69

09-13-2006, 02:01 AM

Toonz,
Good on ya mate, cheaper than buying the new bits. Good to hear that you're fixing the bits yourself, that's what R/Cing is all about.

Yeah Gun metal is a nice colour, always wanted to paint one of my toys that colour. I like dish wheels on some cars, but I'm more of a 5-6 spoke wheel man. I hope to get another piece of aluminium soon, a wider bit.

Yeah the GT is awesome. Best $40.00 I ever spent. Priced up another body and wing today, should have one by the end of next week. Have to check with the wife (finacial advisor first) :D Going to paint it Red and later put some Astute decals on it. Should look sweet :wow: :cool:

Super Chump

09-13-2006, 06:53 AM

Hey Del, is the GT faster than the Sport Tuned in the Gator? I've read ST's are 23 turns. Don't think that's right though as the TZ (like the RZ) is 23 turns and in the old King Cab it hauls :)

Oh yeah, thought I'd join up here, lol.

toonz

09-13-2006, 01:48 PM

hi superchump
welcome to DT02 :)
there are 2 versions for the sport tuned motor; 23T for Europe and 27T for US and Asia
you can refer to this link for more motor info :)
http://home19.inet.tele.dk/martinjordt/ressources/motors/motors.htm

toonz

09-13-2006, 01:56 PM

hey del
here you go, my hop-up turnbuckles, blinky isn't it :)
http://img344.imageshack.us/img344/6443/dscn0269sn1.jpg
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/828/dscn0271kj0.jpg

toonz

09-13-2006, 01:58 PM

Priced up another body and wing today, should have one by the end of next week. Have to check with the wife (finacial advisor first) :D Going to paint it Red and later put some Astute decals on it. Should look sweet :wow: :cool:[/QUOTE]

wow what new body and wing did you buy? :eek:

Super Chump

09-13-2006, 10:29 PM

Cheers for that, Toonz. had no idea the Gold Dyna Tech 02H I have in my Astute was 13x2. That's crazy, lol.

I still have to wonder what amount a Sport Tuned 'down under' has.

-Mike.

toonz

09-14-2006, 12:02 AM

the dynatech 02H you got there is a blast to spin!

sport tuned is a pretty good motor with a speed that one can handle but the only one thing that i don't like about it is that the brush is not replaceable.
and after lots and lots of :driving: , the motor will eventually wear out and then you've to buy it again......

TamiyaRacer69

09-14-2006, 02:12 AM

Hiya :wave: Toonz and Mike (Super Chump)

Yeah Mike, I reckon that GT is faster than the SP. Mind you the SP I had was stuffed I reckon. Be interesting to line two Gators up side by side. One SP powered, the other GT powered, and see what the outcome would be. :D

Toonz. those turnbuckles look sweet. Makes the DT look more like a Hi-Tech racer. I've got some spare turnbuckles from the Losi buggy I used to have, might see if they'll fit. Ordered my new body today, it's only another Desert Gator shell. It'll be here on Monday. Cost $22.50 from my LHS, which to my surprize was cheaper than getting it from the net. :eek:

Just looked on the local trading site. There's a GT, a DT(Dirt Tuned) and a RZ on there. Oh how I wish I had amoney tree. :roll2: :rolleyes:

toonz

09-14-2006, 05:08 AM

thanks :), she does look better with these silvery rods...
so you ordered another gator body, and that's almost like Gator 2 :D give it a superb paint scheme to live up to the speed man! just like flash and good price you got there :D

you know what, the few of you who are in NZ can just get together for a DT02 race with different motors and then tabulate the results to form a DT02 power chart :p

TamiyaRacer69

09-14-2006, 05:37 AM

:wave: toonz.
Tried those turnbuckles I have, no good. :(
I'll be painting the new shell red, and they say the red is a fast colour.

A race would be great. Only thing is there's two islands in New Zealand, and it's hard to get everyone together on a specific day. Trust me, it's been talked about between some of us, more times than I care to remember.

toonz

09-14-2006, 06:21 AM

yo del
get the dt02 turnbuckle set if you can, cos they have the proper measurement. i realise that there are too little hop-ups for the dt02 series. hopefully tamiya will consider making more for this series.

yes its true, red is a champion color and a lot of sports men and women wear red when they go for a competition. that's also the reason why i did my viper in metallic red :) The Flash is in red too and he runs fast!

yeah i can understand, that go come together in a big country is not easy. hmm if only we can all gather at Middle Earth :p and name all our dt02 with different elven and wizard names :eek:

"desertlas gatoron"
"sandir viperalf" :D :D :D

TamiyaRacer69

09-14-2006, 06:57 AM

wot up toonz
Me too mate. If it's as good as we say it is, then yes they should start making more parts for the DT series.

Fire engines are red, and they go fast too. :D

Funny you mention "Middle Earth" The place where that was filmed, is about 16 or so hours away from where I live. New Zealand isn't really that big.
"desertlas gatoron"
"sandir viperalf" good play with words mate. :D :D ;)

I've had Super Chump aka Mike stay at my place for a week, shot a video of the R/C's we own, and took some pics too.

Super Chump

09-14-2006, 08:48 AM

Hey Toonz,

The old 02H is a pretty good motor, I didn't realise it was so old but I am running it in a Super Astute and well that's pretty old now! I'm also running some old School Tamiya Adspec radio gear in it which certainly makes it an all 'round old school runner, lol :)

Yeah you're right there, it is a shame that the brushes in the Sport Tuned aren't able to be replaced but I've had no problems with any of mine. I have four, one in a Tamiya Blitzer Beetle, a Sand Scorcher, a M-03 mini & my Gator.

-Mike.

Super Chump

09-14-2006, 08:59 AM

Hobbiton & the Land of Mordor are within a 3 hour drive from where I live.

Some rather poor quality pix of my old Clod at Mordor...

toonz

09-14-2006, 02:39 PM

nice mordor pics! ahh so much great memories from the Lord Of The Rings :)
del, you know what, maybe the DT02 is so good that it doesn't required much parts and hop-up :p

you've new video? please do upload and share the fun :D

you guys don't live really that far from middle earth and i'm hoping to visit NZ and Middle Earth someday...

fire engines and that also reminds me optimus prime, the leader of the pack. red is the way to go. even superman has a red cape :cool:

and about the spooky thought of the GT motor use on a DT02, you know something, i've another spooky thought too. The Dirt Tuned motor. do you read it? Dirt Tuned motor.....Dirt Tuned....DT......DT02....ok its getting more spooky here!

DirtTuned 27T at 17,000 rpm
SportTuned 27T at 18,300 rpm
GT Tuned 25T at 19,000 rpm

i wonder why would a sport tuned be faster than a dirt tuned :confused:

mike, you've a sport tuned motor in your gator. do you consider it fast for your own preference?

the 02H is rare now, you all must preserve it :cool:

heehee you've got to have some elves on that truck of yours running over orcs :eek:

TamiyaRacer69

09-15-2006, 02:27 AM

:wave: DT-02 bashers and mates.
Good news, just opened my e-mail. And guess what. Another N.Z R/C owner has got a set of Astute Stickers for me. :D $15 posted. Mike, you'll never guess who. He's come through for us both more times than I can remember.
So it looks like my Des 'D' Tute :p Desert Gator - D for Del - Astute, is well on track for completion in the next two weeks. YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Yeah I'd have to agree with you toonz. The DT-02 doesn't need a heap of Hop-Ups to make it great. Just the odd one or two for performance and handling perposes I reckon :D .

toonz

09-15-2006, 03:12 AM

congrats for the new stickers! first we have a desert gator converision to a desert fox. now your turn, desert gator to Des 'D' Tute. Desert Astute. please don't name it Destitute. :eek:

i think the DT02 goes for the "less is more" simplicity design and yet fun to play with. i'm considering its stabilizers set (53829), looks cool with those blue and red rods infront and at the back and it keeps the car grounded. even the motor heatsink as well. (53831) those metallic blue :rolleyes:

by the way, do you own any TamTech Gear hornet or frog or fox?

TamiyaRacer69

09-15-2006, 03:46 AM

Why not Des "D" Tute. Works well :D What would you suggest???? :)

Yeah less is more I reckon. Just do the little thing like what you're doing to yours, make it look and go good without going over the top.

No I don't have any Tamtech, but I'd love a Hornet. Only because they haven't done the Wild One yet. My all time favorite "Classic Tamiya" :cool:

Do you have any Tamtech????

toonz

09-15-2006, 04:23 AM

because Des"D"Tute sounds like destitute. its a negative word.
Desert Gator + Astute======= DeGastute. what do you think?

no i don't have any tamtech either but i'm thinking of the Fox cos of the gold rims :) they share the same chasis and the bodies can be exchanged. pretty cool for indoor play if you're feeling lazy to go out...

Super Chump

09-15-2006, 04:37 AM

Hi guys,

Toonz, I'd like my Gator to be a bit quicker, I was looking into one of those GT motors, but with a Sport Tuned it still has a good clip. It's faster than a stock 540 so y'know, that's something, lol.

Del, who'd you get the decals off? I'm surprised someone even came through on that! Pretty rare and at $15 that's a bargain. I bet they were more than that new. Will be weird something of yours not all black ;)

-Mike.

TamiyaRacer69

09-15-2006, 04:48 AM

Thanks Mike, :roll2: "something not black" The big "Don" came through with the Astute stickers. Awesome.

Desert Gator + Astute ====== I can't think of anything else that works.

Let's see what happens, any other ideas guys. I'll keep "DeGastute" in mind.

Yeah the Tamtechs look cool.

Super Chump

09-15-2006, 05:06 AM

Heh heh... Still, it'll look pretty neat I reckon. Probably better than my 'Scorcher Tamiya coloured one, lol. I've had an idea of buying another body and tracking down some Gatorade sponser decals so I can have a Desert Gatorade :P ;)

Like the Des"D"Tute name, DeGastute sounds like it's suffering from bad gas. Just kidding there, Toonz.

I like the Tamtech Fox best outta the Frog & Hornet versions. Would be good if you could buy them as a kit though.

toonz

09-15-2006, 06:00 AM

:D :D bad gas LOL BadGastute?! :eek: :D

i can smell this when you say Gatorade
http://www.gatorade.com.au/images/new_spash_centre.gif

these 3 tammies share the same chasis, and its fun to swop around :roll2:

its tempting.......you all know what i mean....the more you think about it the more you want it..... :rolleyes:

TamiyaRacer69

09-15-2006, 06:38 AM

Hey toonz and Super Chump.
The reason I came up with the name "Des 'D' Tute", (althought it is a negative word) was to contradict what the DT-02 really is. It's not a destitute buggy at all, far from it. :D A sort of read between the lines, if you lke. And the combined names of the two buggies, just made it work. :cool:

So in short, I'm not dissagreeing with the name you came up with toonz, and I'm not agreeing with Super Chump. I'm just going to stick with the name I first came up with. Is that sweet with you guys??????????

Yeah you're right toonz, the more you read or see something. The more you want it.

Super Chump

09-15-2006, 08:14 AM

About as close to Gatorade I can get, lol...

TamiyaRacer69

09-16-2006, 02:49 AM

Hey Mike,
You should get intouch with the Gatorade people and see if you can score some stickers off them. Tell them what it's for, and see how you go. Paid for my Astute stickers today, YIPPEE!!!! The Gator is going to look soooo sweet when it's done. Missed out on running my Gator today, :( Hopefully tomorrow, I'll give it a run.

toonz

09-16-2006, 01:05 PM

it's sunday...
so del, how's your new Des 'D' Tute? got any pics to share? looking forward to your new creation!
~drum rolling~ tada....tada....tada...... The Des 'D' Tute.....~tada~.......

nice primary color your got there on your gator mike. do i hear Pepsi Cola? :) they need to invite you to make some new ads :)

TamiyaRacer69

09-16-2006, 05:58 PM

:wave: toonz.
Hopefully the body I ordered will arrive tomorrow, (Monday) stickers should arrive Tuesday or Wednesday. So this time next week "Des 'D' Tute" should be up here for all to admire. :D

Super Chump

09-16-2006, 10:25 PM

I spose I could get in touch with the Gatorade people, I think some 'free' decals would be kinda cool if they do that sorta thing.

Toonz, the colour of my DG was supposed to be the Tamiya colours, not Pepsi (don't like Pepsi all that much actually :)). I thought I'd have a theme car, lol. It's not a tribute to the countries around the world who use red, white & blue on their flags or anything, even though now I think about it the NZ one does. The decals on it are some leftover ones I had from a Tamiya Sand Scorcher decal set. Sort of a 'old-meets-new' look I guess.

Might have to get you to order me in another Gator body Del, my LHS is bloody hopeless...

TamiyaRacer69

09-17-2006, 02:12 AM

Hey all.
Took the mighty Gator out today, by myself as usual. Had a great time though. Got some great pics, and some video footage too. Here's a sample..... :D

TamiyaRacer69

09-17-2006, 02:15 AM

No worries Mike. Just let me know when you want one. ;)

toonz

09-17-2006, 04:24 AM

fantastic pics and video you got there del! woohoo! what kind of damper and oil are you using? the dampers appear to be silver in color.

juat had my spin this afternoon. the turnbuckles really do help alot in the steering as it eases me from adjusting :)

guys, just want to do something funny here. how's the condition of your bumper, chasis and gearbox so far? lots of scratches? or little scratches?
i'll share mine...

bumper....really bum! :D
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/9066/bumpermd9.jpg

chasis....ouch :eek:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/3484/chasisqu9.jpg

gearbox.....not too bad :o
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/7703/gearboxxt4.jpg

how are the rest? :rolleyes:

TamiyaRacer69

09-17-2006, 04:52 AM

Hey toonz,
Just using the standard dampers and oil. The reason the dampers look silver, will be a combination of things. Mainly dust, (really dusty where I was) and just the way the photo was taken.
Here's a link to the video I shot today, http://www.tamiyaclub.com/moviecomment.asp?id=1912&uid=5372

Here's some pics of the underside of my Gator. Just a couple of scratches..... :eek: :roll2:

Super Chump

09-17-2006, 06:41 AM

I took some pix of my Gator's underside but couldn't upload them for some reason, so instead they're here:

http://www.tcphotos.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=2174&sid=1085&secid=228&t=

Looks like you have the tidiest one, Toonz ;) Mine's nearly a year old.

Hey Del, your buggy didn't exactly take a "Walk" in that vid, heh heh.

TamiyaRacer69

09-17-2006, 07:17 AM

Got mine in June this year, she's had it rough alright. :D Come on toonz, we wanna see some more scratches. ;)

I did alot of "WALK"ing though, and lying on the ground to get some of the shots. Had fun though, so thta's all that matters.

toonz

09-17-2006, 04:19 PM

mine is about a month old only....heehee....let me scratch it slowly :)

yup del i saw your video already and repeated it over and over again. fantastic and that "ouch" scene was really ouch!

guys, the bottom of your buggy really went through thick and thin! soon it will be my turn.

mike, is there another gator on your shelf back there next to a beetle? oh do you have any video clip of your gator running in sport-tuned? would like to take a look if you have :)

Super Chump

09-17-2006, 10:12 PM

I think I must've got my Gator a couple of months after they were released. Depending on where you drive yours scratching up the bottom shouldn't take too long ;)

The other car next to the Bug is a Tamiya Super Astute from about 1992. I'd say that the DT-01, 02 & 03 chassis (well they're all the same, right?) is like a modern version of the Astute's, even though the Astute is probably more "high tech" being that it's made from FRP. The Dynatech 02H I have is in it.

Unfortunately I don't have the means to make online videos unless I figure out a way to do so with my digital still camera! :( I think it only will work if you have a Quicktime player.

TamiyaRacer69

09-18-2006, 01:22 AM

Hey all,
Stupid #@%^&* :mad: Local Hobby (can't supply anything) Shop, has once again let my dreams wait another "two to three weeks" Useless #$@*&%^ :mad: dumb %$!~+&. :mad: I'm not a very happy person, as you can probally tell. :rolleyes:

Mind you, "Good things come to those who wait" Whoever came up with that saying is a real tosser. :mad:

Hey toonz, I'm hoping that oneday Mike will completely lose his mind and just give me that Super Astute. :) :D ;) :p :cool: :rolleyes: :eek:

Yeah go and find some place to scratch that bottom, looks like an on-road chassis. Just kidding there toonz. :D

toonz

09-18-2006, 01:41 AM

oh...what did you order from your shop? :(

lets use the jedi mind trick here...
"mike will give his astute to del"
"mike will give his astute to del"
"mike will give his astute to del"
"mike will give his astute to del" :D

maybe my chasis will burn more after i get my new motor :huh:

toonz

09-18-2006, 02:57 AM

guys, look at these mini coopers!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZbodQ5eg2U

TamiyaRacer69

09-18-2006, 03:19 AM

:wave: toonz.
Same shop I get all my stuff from, the only one close to where I live. There's only one major shop in my town, Acorn Models. When I first got into R/C about 18 years ago there was about six. I found that it was the little ones that provided the best service, apart from one or two.

In the words of Yoda, "Super Astute give to Del you will. Yeessss" :D

toonz

09-18-2006, 12:58 PM

had my spin tonight and she is a good girl :D

guys :wave: , i need you to take a look at this. my rear tires. i've no idea why they are wearing out at the inside and not evenly worn. i tuned the rear suspension arm rod at 33mm as shown on the manual but it seems to be running on the inner side of the tires. both tires are flat on the ground after putting in the battery but i'm just not sure why the wear covers only at the inner part.

does it happen to you all as well? are you suspension rods tuned at 33mm or lesser?

pic here....very strange.... :confused:
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8650/tirekl5.jpg
please help and thank you :(

Super Chump

09-18-2006, 10:45 PM

Even though you've set the suspension up via the manual, it's obvious that that's the part of the tire that has the most contact with the road. My car is set up as it says in the manual and the rear wheels face inwards (negative/positive camber...?) but the tires are evenly worn. I guess you could always flip the tires around so it wears the other side, lol. :p

Super Chump

09-18-2006, 10:49 PM

Del, I get that all the time. I just give up on waiting for parts usually. I only really buy paint from my LHS, and sometimes batteries cos they're actually decent ones at a decent price.

The odds of you getting my Astute are about the same as you quitting smoking, heh :rolleyes:

TamiyaRacer69

09-19-2006, 03:04 AM

Yeah, mines the same. Set to manual, and my tires wear evenly. Just found some old springs I had on my Team Losi XX buggy, so on to the Gator they went. I added two spacers to the rear and moved the bottom mounting points to the inside (closest to the middle of the buggy) on both front and rear. Now I have 35mm ground clearence, and it lands without the horriable thud. :)
I put the standard wheels back on, not going to run it with those Astute wheels until I get the other body. ;)

Mike, looks like you'll have to send me that Astute, (provided the NZ postal service doesn't lose it) `cause I haven't had a smoke for oh, about............................................. ..............................2 hours. :D Although I'm thinking of giving up the smokes, just need to, I think. :cool:

Del

toonz

09-19-2006, 03:41 AM

maybe its the length of the turnbuckles....think i'll have to take out the tires and adjust again with a setsquare to make sure that they are parallel to the gound...

nice spring there, soft infront and hard behind? what damper oil are you using now?

your damper positions are the same as mine. it still 'thud' a little but not as scary :)

are you using dark impact tires?

TamiyaRacer69

09-19-2006, 03:49 AM

:wave: toonz,
Yeah like I've said before. Just keep trying until you get it sorted. :)
Nah mate, hard up front, soft in rear. Still standard shock oil. Might take the cap off the shocks and see if they need topping up. Yeah mine lands with a not so loud thud now.

No they're not Dark Impact tires, just some I've got lying about in a box.

toonz

09-19-2006, 04:00 AM

yes will keep trying till i get it right.

hard front soft rear?

try soft spring front with medium oil #600 and hard spring rear with hard oil #800, you'll be surprised :)

Super Chump

09-19-2006, 08:36 AM

G'day guys :wave:

Looks like you & I (Del) have built it, and just left it. I know as soon as I build something I never really tinker with it again, unless it's getting the steering fixed up. I think the only "hop-up" I'll look into getting for my Gator will be the anti-roll bar things for the front and rear. Speaking of wheels, I'm still keen on those tires you have Del, probably going to have to throw some cash your way though no thanks to NZ post... :roll2:

Toonz, having harder suspension in the front tends to stop the car flipping over forwards if you jump it off something. I really want to get my Gator down on the local dirt track and see how well it goes pretty much stock. I have only added a few extra spacers on the shocks and it still bottom outs at the back. I've gotten used to the loud "slap" sound, lol.

2 hours eh Del? :p Not bad. If you do quit the ciggies you might have a bit more cash extra each month! I don't mean to be patronising or anything.

Super Chump

09-19-2006, 08:48 AM

[QUOTE=toonz]maybe its the length of the turnbuckles....think i'll have to take out the tires and adjust again with a setsquare to make sure that they are parallel to the gound...QUOTE]

The manual says that the rear should be tuned to 26mm, the front is 33mm. Maybe you got it mixed up?

toonz

09-19-2006, 03:35 PM

hihi guys... :wave:
okie i wrote it wrongly, its 26mm. thanks mike for hightlighting this :)

just a little update, i expanded the two rods for another 2mm on both sides, that's 28mm and headed down for a spin. seems ok but its too angled yet it gives superb steering when it comes to corners.

i've adjusted it to 27mm and will give it another run tomorrow night. the dog bones whobble a bit at the rods expand. but throw in another o-ring at the rear axles make them firm and tight and there is no chance of them popping out. the clicking sound of the dog bones rotating in the axles is completely gone! i hate those clicking sound :mad:

i realised that there is a little crack line on both the hexagon adapters that connects the rear wheels to the rear axles. is this normal? or did i screw my rear wheels too tight? :huh:

mike, that anti-roll bar that you mentioned, is that a stabilizer?

del, how's your gator now?

toonz

09-19-2006, 10:16 PM

ok guys, gator owners

look at this link!
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=40135

TamiyaRacer69

09-20-2006, 05:36 AM

Thanks toonz. :roll2:
Now I really want to get a TamTech. Nice one, I'm really in the deep brown stuff with the wife now :D . She'll be ringing you soon :D :) ;) :p :eek: .

Mike. Have you heard from those plonkers at NZ Post yet? I hope that it gets sorted, ` cause I was really looking forward to owning a "real" classic Tamiya. As for the money, I'm not too worried. Just make sure that I'm top of the list if you EVER decide to part with you Wild One, or Super Astue.

Yeah, I remember what you said to me once Mike, about the front being harder than the rear. That's why I set the Gator up that way. It always lands arse-end first now. :cool:

Toonz, if you can find them. Get some alloy hexes. I'm using them on both my Gator and my Blitzer Beetle, can't go wrong.

toonz

09-20-2006, 06:05 AM

del, its going to be really cool to have gators in two scales, how cute! i'm tempted too!

and speaking about vintage tamiya, i've yet to revive my old hornet....ahh so much to do and i'm not even done with my viper yet. :)

yup, called the shop today and they do have those aluminium hexes. will definately get them when i get my new motor. oh i might get a sport tuned to begin with first. i've not driven a fast buggy before and i think the ST motor can be a good stepping stone for me.

strange, i've hard springs infront too and somehow the front will go down first. could it be the rear is too hard? or is it that the humps in the carpark are not steep enough for it to leap higher? hmmm......

another spin tonight! yeah!

toonz

09-20-2006, 06:09 AM

by the way i read in one of those tamiya RC magazine and there's a page that they gave ranking to different on/off road cars.

our DT-02 was ranked at No.10, for being having simplicity in design, functional and affordable and it has gained many support from fans :) WOOHOO!!

aren't you guys proud for being a dt02 owner, i am!

TamiyaRacer69

09-20-2006, 07:05 AM

Yeah mate,
Proud to be a DT-02 owner. Don't know why I like it, there's something appealing about it. I think it's the fact that it looks sleek 'n' slick, but yet it doesn't cost the earth to buy.
I normally jump my Gator off everything, the ramp I have set-up in my back garden is about at a 45 degree angle. Even the jumps I was doing in that vid, weren't 45 degree, but the Gator 9 times out of 10 landed arse first. Except for the "OUCH" part, in landed at 45 degrees to the ground, nose first. lol :D

Here you are mate, go check out these DT-02's, you'll get some great ideas. [B] http://www.tamiyaclub.com/userridescat.asp?id=660&cat=4 :D

Super Chump

09-20-2006, 08:38 AM

I'm looking into getting a Tamtech Fox (think they look the best outta the three), or a Dark Impact. Apparently The DI is $255 NZ, which ain't too bad really. Pity there's none in the country. I'm tired of hearing "the container full of stuff is yet to arrive, might be a few weeks away yet." Been hearing that sentence for the last two months at the LHS... :( Del, what have you done now? lol :flame:

I got a call from the postie today, they've located two packages at the Auckland Mail Centre. I had to give them a more detailed desciption of the box & its contents. Since I've previously told them that I said it was worth around $300 they informed me today that their rebate policy if anything gets lost or stolen, is only a maximum of $250. Basically if I can prove it's worth that or my estimated value of $300 - which is a bit hard when it's been discontinued for 20+ years and only really available as parts on Ebay, which is what it all is - I might get some cash back. I'm just hoping that one of the boxes they've "found" is the one. Next Thursday it'll be a month since it was supposed to have been on its merry way :confused:

I was refering to money in regards to some of those tires you have, I really need some and LHS everywhere are useless :huh:

Toonz, strange you've cracked those hexes. Never ever had that happen to me, but go with the alloy ones if you can get them. I also have those on my Blitzer Beetle. Anyway, what are hobby stores like in Singapore? I'd like to go there one day, looks like a really nice place from what I've seen in TV. Pretty hot though I'd imagine! Would you be interested in grabbing some stuff for us Kiwi's down under who have endless trouble tracking stuff down locally (if you have a Paypal account) sometime?

Sorry Del, don't think the Wild One and Astute will be going anywhere fast! :rolleyes:

toonz

09-20-2006, 11:46 AM

thanks del for the link, they are great!

those humps are 45 degrees or less too. maybe its the silver can that is not strong enough to push it through to leap. oh well wait i get a stronger motor and i'll see if it leaps or not. nah i'm fickle minded! somehow still want to get the GT tuned....what's wrong with me! by the way, regarding all these motors, it is difficult to do maintainance work on them? do i have to change and buy new brushes very often?

mike, i like the mini fox too! those gold rims and yellow friction shocks, they do look delicious!

i've really no idea why those hexes are cracking up. maybe i really screwed the nut in too hard and the pressure cause them to start cracking while running. i will get the alu ones, the shop here has it.

yes singapore is basically hot. there's no snow here. and as for RC shops, there are a handful but i only visit 2 cos its more convenient to travel there. so sorry but i don't have a paypal :(

if you guys plan to come to visit in the near future, i'll bring you all around :)

RoadrashAZ

09-20-2006, 08:48 PM

I'd like to get a DT-02 chassis buggy but I hate the fact that the steering is directly connected to the servo and not a bell crank system. I remember seeing a picture of some of the Tamiya factory drivers using prototype parts on what looked like DT-02 buggies and they had blue aluminum bell cranks!

toonz

09-20-2006, 09:12 PM

hi roadrash
i'm not sure how did they manage to install that into their prototype but i must say that the DT02 Gator/Viper is a blast to drive and its really a fun buggy.

Metla

09-21-2006, 01:03 AM

toonz

09-21-2006, 03:13 AM

congrats metla! time for a spin :)

toonz

09-21-2006, 03:15 AM

del, since you have a losi, do you know whether the front and rear wheels of the losi will fit onto our dt02? especially the front hex and rear pin. have you tried before?

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6636/losiar7.jpg

TamiyaRacer69

09-21-2006, 04:16 AM

:wave: all.
toonz, I USED to own a Losi, it's long gone. Hit a slab of concrete at full speed and snapped the front end right off. If you've got some Losi wheels, try them and let us all know.
Mike. Is that as far as they've got, 2 f****n boxes. Why don't they get someone to open them and have a f*#^%n look. Dumb bast**ds. Do you want all the tires, or just a couple of sets. I don't care either way. I'd prefer to send them all to you, as I have no need for them. Except one set of rears, which I've got on the Gator. As for the money, blah blah blah. Let's just wait and see what NZ (stupid) Post comes up with, if it all turns to s*** then yeah we'll talk turkey. "What have I done now?" Nothing, it's what I like to call 'an advanced bollocking' :D :D

RoadrashAZ. Go and get a DT-02, they're an awesome buggy. There's a few Hop-Up parts for them, http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/rcpss.php?command=parts&kit_id=58344&x=63&y=6

toonz

09-21-2006, 04:32 AM

no i don't have those losi wheels, but i'm curious to know if they fit. look at those lime green rims......so lumi! so yummified!

yes roadrash, get a DT02 (desertgator/sandviper). its cheap and easy to have fun with :)

Super Chump

09-21-2006, 11:02 AM

Yeah I agree Del, but hey, they're a Government run venture I suppose, always gonna take their sweet time. At least they've done something rather than nothing. I remembered you put some of those tires on your Gravel Hound when you had it, I have some of the same rims that's on that for my Thunder Dragon. I want the tires for that and for the rear of my Gator and Astute - that's if you've got enough.

Metla, I got a new Dark Impact kit to today off Trade Me for $298. I guess I should've looked around more since you got yours for less & I've been quoted less from my LHS. Thing is that I hate waiting for hobby shops to get their act together & since I'm really after this kit I couldn't help but hit the "Buy Now" button straight away :o Back in the day hobby shops used to love getting your money, seems now they like to go outta business cos they prefer to give you sh*t service :mad:

Roadrash, there's nothing wrong with the direcly connected steering on the Gator, it works great. There's no room for fancy steering on it anyways! The more technical the steering, the more slop there is in the whole system it seems in my experience.

Tamiya4ever

09-21-2006, 07:48 PM

I was wondering, what size tires fit on the front and rear of the Sand Viper? I don't want to use spiked tires on dust and asphalt. Thanks. :)

toonz

09-21-2006, 09:08 PM

depending on whether you're retaining the dish rims of the viper, you can use blazing star tires (that's what i can think of and i've seen other drivers use that before). i'm considering using it too. those spikes wear off too quickly on roads.....

Tamiya4ever

09-22-2006, 08:35 PM

Well about different rims
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=51262
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=51261

TamiyaRacer69

09-23-2006, 02:09 AM

I was wondering, what size tires fit on the front and rear of the Sand Viper? I don't want to use spiked tires on dust and asphalt. Thanks. :)
Front Desert Gator and Sand Viper tires have no spikes anyways, as for the rears. Just have a look on the net and Tamiya Club dot com. Heaps of ideas there.

TamiyaRacer69

09-23-2006, 02:12 AM

:wave: toonz.

My Astute decals arrived today. Now just got to wait 3 weeks for the stupid LHS to get me a new Gator shell, and the birth of the Des "D" Tute will be well on it's way. :D :D :D

toonz

09-24-2006, 01:11 AM

:wave: :wave: del

CONGRATS on your new decals! can't wait to see the new Des "D" Tute! :)

latest update to share.... :D
i bought the GT motor, new tires and already had one run.
not a bad motor. i thought its going to be lightning fast but it wasn't hahaha....after all its only 25T. but on the other hand, i must say that it has a very comfortable speed to run around with.

i still have this strange problem here going nose down over carpark humps.

ok here's my set up, let me know how i should change it....

front: DT02 hard spring (blue)+tamiya hard oil #900+2 holes piston+spacer height 7mm

rear: DT02 soft spring (red)+tamiya hard oil #900+2 holes piston+spacer height 14mm (ground clearance 35mm)

am i on the right track? :confused:

TamiyaRacer69

09-25-2006, 03:23 AM

:wave: toonz,
Me either, hope it turns out okay, hate for it to look like c**p.
The GT is a good motor, what pinion are you running? Try changing it to the other size. And don't forget, the DT-02 is a higher geared gearbox.
Sounds like I'm going to have to find some car-park humps and see what the outcome is. If it nose dives, then it's sure to be a common thing. If not I'll let you know. Another thing you might want to try, get a-hold of some harder springs for the rear and/or add a little more weight to the back somehow.

My suspension set-up;
Front.......... Kit oil, two holed piston, and some springs I found.
Read........... Kit oil, two holed piston, and some springs I found.
Hehehehehehehehehehehe :D :D :D :D

One other thing I can think of, try speeding up to the hump, then power off and let it roll up the hump, then as it nears the top, power on. :)

toonz

09-25-2006, 04:09 AM

:D hi del
good afternoon :)
the pinion that i'm running now is still a 17T pinion. hmm maybe i should get a 19T, might as well go all the way yah!

yup about that hump-damper-spring thing. i've asked my shop, he told me that i'm creating trouble for matching hard oil with soft spring at the rear :D so he told me to change back to hard spring since i'm using hard oil because the wheels haven't have enough time to return to their position with my current set up. hard oil with hard spring, soft oil with soft spring, that's what he advice me. i'm going to run it again tonight. above that, i could also stiffen the front more.

and that hump, that's exactly what he told me, just like your description. the only slight diff is, as i approach the hump, let go of the trottle, once i enter into the hump, power up. ah so many formulas here....geeeee.....its all practice i guess......

i'm using top force tires now for the front and back, looks like a 4WD wannabe :D :D :D

TamiyaRacer69

09-25-2006, 05:59 AM

toonz :)
Sounds like you've got some good advice there. Sometimes, believe it or not, it's better not to go too overboard with set-ups and Hop-ups. I just set it up as per the instructions, I don't really go for lots of Hop-ups unless I'm going to race it. But as I hate rules and regulations associated with clubs, :mad: :p you'll aways find me bashing about the house, or where-ever I find some dirt. Whenever my family and I go away somewhere, open up the boot of the car and there's one of my R/C's sitting there waiting to be used and abused. :D
How's the steering now with the spiked tires. Any better????

Keep up the trial and error, it'll help you in the end.

toonz

09-25-2006, 06:22 AM

wow how cool is that! buggy within a real car and zoom zoom wherever you go :) if i have a car i'll do that too. buggying everywhere heehee.....

yup this seller is pretty helpful, friendly guy and he is himself is a racer too and he has trophies displayed in his shop.

yes i agree for not going overboard if we are not racing. after all its all fun play hohoho....

ah the spikes tires do make the car look dangerous. i'm still using my viper dish wheels and fit them with top force tires. looks pretty good. steering is grippy too.

try it :)

Super Chump

09-25-2006, 08:52 AM

toonz

09-25-2006, 12:15 PM

don't worry they will fit.

congrats on the new tires!

toonz

09-25-2006, 12:36 PM

here's my viper with top force tires and GT tuned motor :)
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/7254/viperjx3.jpg

toonz

09-25-2006, 08:44 PM

woohoo had my little jump tonight and it finally landed on all four wheels! yeah!

TamiyaRacer69

09-26-2006, 02:10 AM

Hi guys,

Found these tires in my LHS's "bargain bin." Got two pairs for $7 each. Going to most likely slap them on the front of the Gator (if they fit as I forgot about the wide rims on the front at the time :eek: ) and see how well it goes :D
:wave: Mike. Good score mate. Now see how the Gator turns, wickedly.

:wave: toonz. Looking sweet. GT still going strong??? What did you do differently on the car park hump???

toonz

09-26-2006, 02:28 AM

yup GT going strong and fun!

i switch back to hard spring to match with the hard oil that was already filled inside 3 days ago. so now the whole car is filled with hard oils and hard spring all round. the jumps isn't high so it landed without having the chasis hitting on the ground :) next time i will try soft oil with soft spring to experiment.

my ride height at the back is 35mm and 30mm for the front.

and as to how i cross that hump, i simply let go of the acceleration at it approaches the hump and ONCE it enters into it, i go full speed and the motor is strong enough to push the car up and forward. :)

toonz

09-26-2006, 06:15 AM

del behold!
look.....
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=56705
http://www.tamiyausa.com/images/product/252/56705/header_56705.jpg

TamiyaRacer69

09-26-2006, 06:37 AM

del behold!
look.....
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=56705
http://www.tamiyausa.com/images/product/252/56705/header_56705.jpg
ME LIKE ME LIKE ME WANT ME WANT HOW MUCH?????? HOW MUCH?????? :cool: :D :cool: :D :cool: :D :cool: :D
That is the :cool: coolest :cool: thing I've seen for fricken ages, I'm gonna get one for sure. :D Did you see the Hop-Ups list??? You can geta little baby fricken Sport Tuned :D for the Tam Tech's. Might have to sell one of my bigger toys to get one though :( . Only thing is, they aint here in New Zealand yet. As far as I know!!! Have to make a phone call to my LHS tomorrow.

toonz

09-26-2006, 04:13 PM

i was really surprise to know that they've this ready soon and there is a high possibility that i will get it too. hoohoo big viper and a small gator. what a family!

yes the hop-up list seems to have increased a few more stuff over the pass few months. with this gator, some essential hop-ups are...mini ST motor, 18T pinion, motor heatsink plate (really cool transparent gearbox!), mini oil shocks and turnbuckle. the rest can come much later. :)

i'm not sure how much this is going to cost and like you said, may have to sell away some of my toys to get this little crocodile! :)

Super Chump

09-26-2006, 11:29 PM

Mini Gator eh? Weird, doesn't look too bad but I wish you could get those cars as a kit rather than built & painted. I ordered a Mini Fox the other day from Stellamodels in Hong Kong (Del you probably know of the link at TC) for a lot cheaper than they go for here in NZ. I think it's the best looking one :D

Anyways, I got the Dark Impact built, I know it's not the right thread to "talk" about this chassis, but here's a pic. Colours are a bit bright :p :huh:

toonz

09-27-2006, 02:01 AM

nice build mike :) doesn't matter eventhough its not the right thread cos its always fun to share. why aren't you using the black rims that come with the kit?

TamiyaRacer69

09-27-2006, 02:32 AM

:wave: Mike and toonz
Mike. Looking good mate.
Priced up a Tam Tech Gator today. About $310 New Zealand. Not too bad considering. That's with Car, Transmitter, Battery, and charger. Gonna get me one. F**k the concequences. I'm in love. :eek: :p :p :eek: DF03, DT02. Both start with a "D" :D :D Who cares?????????????????

toonz

09-27-2006, 02:40 AM

:D even your name starts with a D, Del

awwww man you guys are getting a mini....i've really got to get one

TamiyaRacer69

09-27-2006, 03:27 AM

Yeah mate. I'm going to get one no-matter what. It's just so fricken cool.

"D" is a cool letter. Everything cool starts with a 'D' :D :D ;) :p :p
Go the DT02. :D :D :D

toonz

09-27-2006, 03:44 AM

just check with my shop that they do not have 19T pinion for the DT02 chasis. bleh!
del, where did you get your 19T pinion? any part number?

so far its still nice to run with a 17T, it shoots upon initial acceleration and doesn't heat up the motor so much....

yes cool things begin with D. woohoo! i'm still waiting for a chance to get the mini fox, and maybe till the spare body part for gator arrives, i'm going to do a new color scheme for it. gator with gold rims. isn't that cool enough? :)

TamiyaRacer69

09-27-2006, 07:09 AM

toonz,
I would have got that 19tooth pinion years ago, and just held on to it. Like I do.

Sounds like a good colour scheme to me.

toonz

09-27-2006, 07:31 AM

actually its not very important to me to have a 19T though its fun to have. if i want it faster, there's always TZ motor, RZ motor and now the latest one which is a BZ motor. geeeee what's with all the 'Z' in tamiya motors! hahahaha.....

once you get your gator, it has to have gold rims, its good to look prestigious in small scale. woot!

Super Chump

09-27-2006, 08:26 AM

Thanks for the kind word guys :cool: I don't think any moderators will jump on me or anything for posting a non thread related pix - seems we're the only three who really post in here and now we're all on about the mini Tamtech cars! :D

I thought the DI would look better using the white rims against the colours I chose. I have an old Tamiya Thunder Dragon so I'm going to use the rims on that instead. I may look into getting the white DI rims soon, they look alright ;)

$310 ain't too bad really with everything. I got quoted about $340 or something with everything and I thought that was a bit silly. Hope you guys manage to get a mini Tamtech, when mine arrives I'll be sure to post some "detailed" pix up here :teacher: :rolleyes:

Hey Del, when did the LHS say they were going to be available? Would be keen to shoot a mini vid down in the square with those little buggers in a couple of months :driving: :winner: