1st Build - Arrma Senton BLX

[Greengaunja]

So I started my journey with ARRMA on the Senton BLX 3s and recently acquired a Senton BLX 6s. My goal is to make this truck as "newfie proof" as possible. Meaning not even a Newf can wreck it. Tall order, yes. But part of this will include seeking and sharing data with the various aftermarket parts available.

I started by buying some HR and RPM parts. Was going to SLOWLY acquire as much as I could but recent events dictate that I may need to move a little faster.

Just last night, I was doing some Road Rash Bashing in a parking lot and went full throttle of a ramp. These Senton's can really fly, high and far. Too bad their landings leave alot to be desired.

The damage:

And the "start" of a rebuild:

This is only what I could get ahold of now. Other parts on order. But already, I know its gonna be fun!

 

[Edough13]

Nice older rig, hear a lot of good about the older Senton 6s rigs. Being a SCT it's not ideally for huge sends especially on pavement so breakages are to be expected. Also it's an older rig so parts may be a little more apt to break due to their age and wear. Look forward to seeing the build progress and possibly some vids of bashing!!

 

[Greengaunja]

Nice older rig, hear a lot of good about the older Senton 6s rigs. Being a SCT it's not ideally for huge sends especially on pavement so breakages are to be expected. Also it's an older rig so parts may be a little more apt to break due to their age and wear. Look forward to seeing the build progress and possibly some vids of bashing!!

True on all points. Plus cold weather NEVER helps plastic parts. In hindsight, it was a dumb move and the same jump damaged the 3s(broke the hub of the wheel). The ramp isn't particularly big, 2 feet long with a 10 inch rise. But I was trying for air. Where I go, there are two separate parking lots at different heights separated by curbs. The curb is maybe 6-7 inches high, the adjoining parking lot is maybe 4-5 inches lower. So now I have 24 inches rising to 16/17 inches to a 21/22 inch drop. The Redcat eats this but its lighter weight means the landing impact isn't as hard.

 

[Greengaunja]

Ok, since I don't have everything I need yet I can't undertake the "fun" stuff yet. Running my 6s, pre-dumb-ramp-jump, has been great. With nothing better to do, I decide to pull the motor apart for inspection. As far as I was concerned, everything was perfect.. I dunno

Ok, its kind of obvious everything isn't perfect. This only goes to show that its easy to have efficiency affected without much sign there is a building problem.
So first I clean the coils and spindle with brake cleaner before installing new ceramic bearings and slapping everything back together.

 

[Greengaunja]

Parts compilation growing.

Still waiting on:
Scorched mud fenders
Scorched titanium turnbuckles
HR differential case(for center only)
HR steering blocks
HR rear hubs
HR bulkhead covers(2)
HR bleeder shock caps

The 125k diff fluid was free. I asked for 1m and they have to try to source it. Any one in central Ontario, I suggest you try these peeps:
http://www.xtremerc.ca/index.php#page-top
Personally, I love that in my relationship with that LHS, they have always seemed more about setting me on the right path than just taking this fool's money.

 

[Greengaunja]

Ok.. Every build has to start somewhere, and usually its stripping down the rc and cleaning parts. Who knew it could take so long? I choose to do a two stage cleaning. First I soaked all parts in a hot water and TSP mixture for one hour to remove heavy grease. Rinsed then soaked in a Simple Green and hot water mixture for 20 minutes while scrubbing with a bristle brush and rinsing

. Now, drying the parts out is crucial to prevent rusting. I used a compressor and air nozzle.

 

[Greengaunja]

So, once everything is nice and clean, its now a good time for a visual inspection of your parts. Dirt and grease can hide alot. Wondering how much more I can spend on the Senton until I'm scrolling Tinder? Anyways, some progress made!
Wet sanded with palm sander to remove burrs and blemishes

And ABRACADABRA