1/2 hour job gone wrong

[robmob]

Today I went to install a RC Solutions cage on my LST. Should have been a simple 1/2 hour install right. Wrong, thanks to some jackhole at Losi. The RC Solutions design calls for replacing the center skid, easy enough, just remove a few screws. Now for some reason, Losi decides to use tiny ass screws all over the LST which use a 1/16" hex driver. Not really a problem when threaded into plastic. Thread locked into aluminum is a different story. There were 2 screws on the center skid that threaded into an aluminum brace and they were not moving. I broke off 4 drivers trying to remove these 2 screws. They are not cheap drivers either. One was from my Losi set. Why the hell did they use 1/16" hex screws. The drivers for them are just too thin. I can actually see them twist before breaking.

I ended up drilling out the 2 screws and ruining the brace. Its a $5 part so I just figured I would remove it and replace it. Guess what, its secured to the chassis plate with 4 more of those pissant screws. All locked solid. I managed to actually remove one and the threadlock on the screw has a red tint to it.

Losi, you suck.

Here is the damage tally:
Chassis Brace: $4.95
Center Skid: $8.00
1/16" bit for my Losi Driver: $6.95
Getting pissed-off and frustratad: Priceless

And I still have 3 screws to remove. So much for getting the cage installed today.

 

[Rolex]

I feel your pain.
You might want to try heating them up with a small blowtorch or a lighter before you crack them loose. The heat will soften the threadlock.
I've never used the red, so I don't know if it has the same affect.
Good luck.

 

[vbgagnon]

:violin:















J/K I feel your pain, been there done that!

 

[kwong2001]

Man, i'd call up team losi and bitch at them and tell them to replace the parts.

 

[jetmechG550]

If you can find some poop called Aerokroil, get a can, it's like PB Blast on steroids. It will loosen just about anything. Very common in aviation so I happen to have access to it but I use it all the time if I come across a screw I know will not break loose. I know, a little late now, but for future reference for anyone.

 

[robmob]

I got pissed and drilled out the last 3 screws with a small drill bit to weaken them. I then grabbed the bracket with a large pair of vice grips and twisted. Got it to pop right off without any damage to the chassis plate. Now I just need to get some parts and I will be good to go. Judging by the residue of locktite on the chassis plate, that was red locktite Losi used.

 

[jon2]

I got pissed and drilled out the last 3 screws with a small drill bit to weaken them. I then grabbed the bracket with a large pair of vice grips and twisted. Got it to pop right off without any damage to the chassis plate. Now I just need to get some parts and I will be good to go. Judging by the residue of locktite on the chassis plate, that was red locktite Losi used.

Freaking morons. If you want let me know what you need and I will get my contact to get what you need for your LST.

 

[Team 17]

Man, i'd call up team losi and bitch at them and tell them to replace the parts.

Losi is good in replacing parts for free. I would give them a call and explain what happened, they might replace the parts. The worst that can happen is they can say no. Worth to give it a try.

 

[robmob]

I am going to call Losi on Tuesday.

 

[fisherman]

Hey give them a good southern biotchin for me LOL. On a serious note, that is rediculous i think you should get on their ass for manufacturing something like that.

 

[ApriliaRacer]

I feel your pain as I had to remove those screws too. I cut a slot on it and was able to get it out.

I have to laugh though. I see posts all the time complaining that this manufacturer or that manufacturer should have used locktite on some part because it vibrated loose. Now you guys are complaining that Losi should NOT have used loctite because you can't get the screw loose.

When removing screws like that I'd apply heat next time. Use maybe something like a good soldering iron. As long as the their is no plastic around the screw.....

 

[FastEddy]

As Rolex mentioned, heat works wonders.
I use a soldering gun. Hold the tip against the screw for a while then give it a try. If a standard soldering iron doesn't do it, use a soldering tip on a butane torch. Be careful if the adjoining parts are connected to plastic or have bearings attached.

 

[robmob]

I feel your pain as I had to remove those screws too. I cut a slot on it and was able to get it out.

I have to laugh though. I see posts all the time complaining that this manufacturer or that manufacturer should have used locktite on some part because it vibrated loose. Now you guys are complaining that Losi should NOT have used loctite because you can't get the screw loose.

When removing screws like that I'd apply heat next time. Use maybe something like a good soldering iron. As long as the their is no plastic around the screw.....

I am not complaining that they should not have used locktite. Of course they should. Go back and read more closely. The only thing I complained about is the fact that they use 1/16" hex screws for screws that are threaded in aluminum where you NEED to use locktite. A 1/16" hex shaft is just too thin to free these screws when a lot of locktite is used. Also, it looks like red locktite was used which is just about permanent.

I also tried using heat in the form of a soldering iron without success. Those suckers were frozen solid.

 

[FastEddy]

Send your truck over here for a few months, ill loosen all up for you. :

 

[scottm]

Whew, you had me nervous for the first 2 1/2 sentences Rob! To quote Vacation, "If you think you hate it now, just wait till you drive it!"

 

[JESSE G]

Man I hate when screws strip/break nothing more frustrating. When I got my T-Maxx I think the guy who had it before me used a impact wrench set at 300 psi lol to tighten all the screws they where inbeded into the chassis and completly stripped what a pain in the A$$.