GT body cutouts

[RobH]

I originally posted this thread regaurding what you should do with your body. The census was that you must run with the body on and if you need to tweak with it or start it, you should have some cut outs.

Originally posted by x_789
Since your truck resembels a GT some what I would cut out the window on the side where the tank is and possibly around the engine depending on how its done already. Most GT bodies for AE and TL have the whole rear open between back of roof and the shock towers... Not sure on your ride. Can you get us some pics of it with and with out the lid on top down preferably along with side shots...X

The window is a no brainer. The fuel tank and the rip cord are right there. I took a pic from top down then I played with it in photoshop to show where I'd like to cut the body. The only cut I dont like now is the gas tank one.

I read something about putting a ziptie on your gas tank lid so you can open it without getting burnt. Maybe I will make a small hole in the roof and thread the zip tie through it. This way I can pull up on the ziptie and sneak the gas nosel into the tank via the side window.

What do you guy think about my cuts? I can't get to the low speed needle easy (even with the body off it seems).

Here is the original pic if you'd like to draw on it:

robs-max-st-top-down.jpg

I'd rather not slice into it knowing nothing about the process.

-rob

 

[TWIZTIDNINJA]

On my xxxnt you can get the low speed needle with a long screwdriver through the winshield if you put a hole in there to get air in to cool it can also be used to adjust the low sped needle if it is reachable

 

[RobH]

I didn't think about the windshield I'll have to check that out. I have a long screw driver that I'm using. It would reach accept the damn head is like a millimeter too wide for the slot. The other day I was out there with my wife's nail file adjusting the low speed needle. LOL I'll be investing in a good set of tools for this hobby soon.

 

[NCNitro]

Rob when you make your holes and cutouts make sure all the corners are rounded, dont make sharp 90 degree corners. This will help prevent the body from ripping or tearing. If you cut out the driver side window it should allow you the reach the fuel tank and possibly pull start. If you are going to pull start it with the body on, after you cut out the window take a piece of fuel tube, cut it down the length of it and put it around the window opening to prevent the cord for the recoil from rubbing against the lexan and eventually cutting it. You will also need to drill a hole in the top for the glow igniter. I like to use a unibit to drill all my body holes, they make a very clean hole in the lexan. BTW GREAT way to ask for help with this truck since very few of us here have a duratrax, the pics were a very good idea. Also dont cut out the entire widshield this will weaken the body, I use an olfa circle cutter to make a nice neat round hole in the windshield right in line with the cooling head.

 

[RobH]

I had every intension of using the gas line around the window. I read that someplace.

I didn't even think about a hole in the windshield for ventalation. Thats a good idea.

these are unibits? $30 for one and $80 for the other. seem kinda pricey

and this is the circle cutter?

nother $45. somebody has a nice set of tools

 

[NCNitro]

Yeah unibits can be a bit expensive, but well worth it. I think I only paid around 20 for one that goes from 1/8 - 3/4 at home depot. I dont have the bigger one yet. My olfa circle cutter was only $15 at the hobby shop. I will try to find a link to the one I use for ya.

 

[RobH]

I was just going to use a hobby knife. LOL this would surely leave better looking holes.

 

[NCNitro]

I have also heard of some guys using a hole saw to cut round holes in the window. I have not tried this myself, so I can't vouch for how well it works or doesn't work.

Do you have a dremel tool?

 

[x_789]

Christian or Ed or someone with a Standard GT shell that has the read area cut out along with drivers window and drivers side of their windsheild show some pics of your lid this way he can see what I am talking about. I think that would be the best setup after looking at this shell...X

 

[RobH]

yeah I'd love to see a pic of how someone else has done it on a standard gt shell. thanks for the help guys.

I did find the tools ncnitro mentioned on ebay.

 

[NCNitro]

Good tools are a must in this hobby, as you find you need a tool just get it, most likely you are going to need it again.

So did you bid on tools on ebay? Which tools?

 

[RobH]

I'd like to have a big one. 3/4 is just too small I think

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2311089154&category=20795

but all of them that size of kinda pricey. I think I'll just keep checkin for a good deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3119926208&category=34063

the circle cutter is tempting though.

 

[NCNitro]

Thats the circle cutter I use, it works great.

I have the smaller unibit and I use it for body post holes, antenna holes, for exhaust stinger holes on my RS4 3, glow plug holes, for 3/4 inch holes to get the sanding drum on my dremel into for bigger holes, as well as a million more uses. I don't think I would have near as many uses for the bigger one over the smaller one. Anything big I will just use my dremel.

 

[RobH]

I need a dremel tool.

 

[Maxxcrazy88]

Yeah they are a major plus, I currently have no clue if mine works right now because it got left outside in less than perfect conditiond if you know what I mean...... oh sorry for screwing your other thread over...:ball:

 

[NCNitro]

Rob, in this hobby a dremel can be your best friend, I never used mine as much as I have since I have been into rc. It is a definate must have for the toolbox.

 

[x_789]

Originally posted by NCNitro
Rob, in this hobby a dremel can be your best friend, I never used mine as much as I have since I have been into rc. It is a definate must have for the toolbox.

Man that is NO lie. I always thought that a dremel was a gay mans tool becauase I always used Air powered Die Grinders so I thouhgt a electric cut off tool was weak. Then I got one mainly for this hobby and its invaluable. They are great just make sure you get an adjustable speed one. X

 

[WoodiE]

Man i NEVER used a dremel until i got started into RC!


-WoodiE

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

Skip all your cutting tools and get a dremel first then if you dont already have one. THEN, if you want other cutting tools pick them up as need be. Invest the cash, you will never go back!

 

[RobH]

Originally posted by Maxxcrazy88
... oh sorry for screwing your other thread over...

haha don't sweat it. i think this is a new topic anyway.

Originally posted by Çh®i§tiªñ
Skip all your cutting tools and get a dremel first ...

I just got back from walmart and I'm now a proud Dremel® owner. Not just because of your posts either. I've wanted one for sometime. This was just the last straw.

Next question: which dremel bit cuts lexan? I was eyeing up the "high speed cutter".

dumb question: "GT" means "gas truck" or is it specific to the team associated truck?

-rob