smitty's SSC-LCG Slash 4x4 Build

OK boys and girls, there are girls on here???
This will be the official “smitty's SSC-LCG Slash 4x4 Build” thread.

I first became interested in the low center of gravity chassis concept by following rcshortcourse.com's forum. Specifically, those threads involving the SSC-LCG chassis. More information is available here: http://www.rcshortcourse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19740 and here: http://ssclcgcom.startlogic.com/store/page2.html

So, as it happened, I came upon an ad for a nearly new SSC-LCG chassis from a fellow RCer in Pennsylvania. The price was right and the impulse kicked in and now the mail has run.

WaHoo!!! it's like Christmas in September!

Here is the starting Pile-O-Parts.

You may have seen my thread in the wanted section “need slash 4x4 parts ***RECYCLE*** here: http://southernoregonrc.com/index.php?topic=138.0  Please check it out.

This build is a 4x4 so it's logical to be posted in the off road section. That said however, i'm leaning towards making this an asphalt runner. Your suggestions and input are welcome. Keep in mind that my budget for this project is nearly exhausted. That even with recycling all of the take off parts from my original slash 4x4, I must work with what I have or get for cheap. 

This looks like a very cool project Smitty.  I hope you post plenty of photos for us to see.  That chassis looks great.

I see you have ProLine Calibers in one of the photos.  Is that what everyone runs on your track?  I am going to try some Proline Trenchers that I already have for my initial runs of my Hyper 10SC.  I heard some good things about the Caliber tires and I ordered a set of the version 2 Calibers that are supposed to be slightly wider.

Nice aftermarket chassis. The calibers are my favorite sc tire, if you ever need to get rid of those for some road tires let me know.

So far my fellows here are all running stock treads from Traxxas.
I'm looking forward to using the calibers because I've read many, many good reviews.
Besides the stock tires, I've used both trenchers and bow-ties here at Over-the-Hill.
I really can't tell much difference between the two prolines. However both are a much needed improvement on the loose rock dust surface here.

I'm still scrounging for parts. It's amaizing how little things like hinge pins halt the progress.
I know there are parts out there just laying around in someones parts bin just waiting to be utilized.

That's what I've read also, that Calibers are good for loose top with a hard pack below.  Anyone else have input I am all ears.
I wanted to try Trenchers because they look pretty good, like real tires.

GPS, I've got a set of trenchers with 80%-90% tread that were takeoffs from the bug slash.
You would need foams and your own rims. I'm sure we could work a trade deal for slash parts.
Just a thought...

Ooops! just re-read your post.

This offer is open to anyone.

Tire wise I am good for a couple seasons I think.  I have a couple sets of brand new glued to OFNA wheels ProLine tires in zip lock bags to keep 'em fresh and some more in sealed ProLine bags still.  I never really wore out the stock tires and wheels (the ones you see in my Hyper 10SC build thread) yet and just kept using them because they were working well at the places I ran.

Now I've gone and done it!
I've committed the next 3 months of my hobby budget to the purchase of a new roller.
Ever since receiving the SSC-LCG chassis (2 days ago), I've agonized over obtaining the parts needed to take the build to the next step. I began this project with the goal of starting with recycled used parts and later on upgrading them to new or aftermarket options.

Here are a couple of things I've learned.
1. Buying parts individually is expensive.
2. It's more cost effective to buy a complete kit or roller and then part out (sell) what you don't need. Doing this however, requires a larger financial committment up front, and may take months to recooperate any anticipated savings.

The upside... instant gratification! and on to the next step of the build.

I will still need to obtain a body.  Any suggestions?
Keep in mind it will need to be unpainted so that I can honor my committment to the sponsors of this build. "I will include your handle and hometown in a logo of sponsors for any parts donated to this effort."
Like this:

Waa Hoo!!!
Another sponsor has come forward.
Thanks to my neighbor and fellow Over-the-Hill racer, Rick for the parts donation.

Hi Smitty - Look what the mail man brought:

GPS, Those will look sweet on smitty's SSC-LCG Slash 4x4!

Because I've encountered a servo failure on my bug-slash, tomorrow will be dedicated to cleaning/organizing the work bench for the SSC-LCG build. I may even get some pics posted.

I did shoot Mark Soliman of Shining Star Chassis, a quick e-mail this morning to request a copy of the SSC-LCG instructions. The used unit that I purchased did not have them. Mark took some time out of his race day to respond and later sent me the instruction set. Thanks again Mark.
http://www.ssclcg.com/

Red LocTite is on the shopping list.

After receiving the instruction set for the SSC-LCG chassis, I did a complete strip down and inventory of the chassis parts. A few screws were missing or were wrong. I placed an order for the overhaul kit that includes all of the screws and gaskets.

Thought I was in trouble when one screw broke, but I managed to extract it. Looks like it had been cross threaded. The kit will have a replacement for the center top plate mount. Fortunately the steering posts are fine.

Parts, parts, parts. my kingdom for some parts.

The roller is in the hands of the USPS somewhere in New Jersey.
The SSC-LCG overhaul kit is also with the USPS somewhere between the right and left coasts.
Some other misc. stuff is coming from AMAIN via West Sacramento.

So... I'll just work with what I have. Wheels and tires.
I'm using filiment tape to belt the inside of these Proline Calibers just to ensure that they won't baloon and pop out of the beadloc's. I've had it happen and this is an easy fix.

Received yesterday:
FlySky FS-GT3B Digital 3ch 2.4ghz Tx & Rx.

http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-gt3b-carradio-lcd.html

I'm still reading the 28 page instruction manual. Of course 20 pages are in Chinese. LOL

The mail just delivered the donation parts pledged by GPS.
RPM Front and rear bumpers. Thanks again GPS.

For my end of the deal, I've worked out a way to produce a detailed decal featuring Southern Oregon RC and GPS. (pictured earlier in this thread).

The method involves Avery #18863 clear shipping labels for ink jet.
The technique is to print the color image reversed onto the label.
Then apply another blank label on top of the printed one. This protects the ink from the paint.
The decals will be applied to the inside of the un-painted lexan body shell.
I tested the concept yesterday and had good results using the black background.

BTW one of the items ordered from AMAIN is the ProLine PRO3355-0 Flo-Tek Body.
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_25_1466_1331/products_id/205635/n/Pro-Line-Flo-Tek-Body-Clear-Slash-Slash-4x4-SC10

Cool.  That was pretty fast delivery.  I hope they give you a good service and long life.

I was looking at that same body.  It looks like it is very popular lately also.  Do you intend to use the cut-out vents?  I think there are several options on what one can cut out.

Yes, I watched a couple of you tube videos form UltimateRC.
But I don't think I'll get too radical with the vent cut outs.
But yes, I'll do the major ones.

I picked up a diamond bit for my dremel at wally world this week just for the job.

Color scheme will have black as a primary. Maybe white or yellow as a secondary.
It will come down to, what ever inspiration hits me when I have my paint box open.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY3kWaizw8Q&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Project Inventory:

• FlySky FS-GT3B Tx & Rx
  
• Traxxas Slash 4x4 #6808 Roller
  
• Traxxas Velineon 3500 Motor
  
• Traxxas VLX-3s ESC
  
• Traxxas 2075 Servo
  
• SSC-LCG Chassis & rebuild kit
  
• ProLine Split-Six Bead-Loc Wheels
  
• ProLine Calibers
  
• ProLine Powerstroke Shocks
  
• ProLine Flo-Tec Body
  
• RPM Front Bumper & Skid Plate
  
• RPM Rear Bumper
  

To begin with all of the drivetrain will be bone stock. So this will be the area of focus for future upgrades such as:

• Traxxas Center Diff
  
• Tekno CVD's
  
• STRC Steering Linkage
  
• High Speed, High Torque, Metal Gear, Digital Servo?
  
• RPM A-Arms
  

The SSC-LCG chassis rebuild hardware kit arrived today.
So I can begin the chassis assembly tomorrow.

Also, AMAIN delivered the ProLine Flo-Tek body and a number of other misc. small parts.
I ordered this at 4:30 pm on Tuesday Oct 4. and received them just afternoon Friday Oct 7.
I do believe FedEX is faster than UPS.

I just checked the tracking status for the Slash 4x4 roller.
It's now in Washington. That means it could be here by Monday or Tuesday.