Warby's Bitza Baja Bug build

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1st, I Love the cut out power module cover idea for setting mesh. I was working on my Arrma 1/10 scale rigs yesterday actually and was thinking how it’s tough to judge mesh without the cover on! Its important with the composite spur gears to make sure mesh is correct and i hd to pull the cover of and readjust a few times.

2nd, I have a set of those badland 2.8 mentioned earlier in the thread. I ordered them several months ago accidentally, thinking they where the standard 2.8 non belted badlands. They are very very different tires them the normal 2.8 max in more then just there width. There much lighter duty, with thin less stiff rubber with much smaller nobs on the tire. i actually decided to use them on the Typhon 3s since there not too much bigger then buggy wheels and the added offset of the 17mm plastic center inserts gives the 3s Typhon a little bit of a Truggy effect without going to big heavy 2.8’s. They would work well on your buggy if you need another option.

3rd I was working actually on my 3 long Wheelbase arrma 3s yesterday, senton, Typhon, and big rock, it’s amazing how similar they are under the hood, they all needed minor repairs and i wanted to remove or adjust some of the unproductive mods and upgrades that have accumulated on these rigs over time. I have found they run really well for what they are, there design is efficient and effective, so well and in fact that a lot of the upgrading I did either gave less performance or decreased durability.
My bigrock, for example, used to be my go to beater truck for warming up and to figure out high crash potential jumps in new areas but it’s been sidelined with small breakages lately. i upgraded to a 4s HW ESC and hobbystar 3674 motor, 17mm hex extensions, belted DuraTrax 6 pack, 1/8 scale shocks etc.
It wasn’t much faster anyway, so I got rid of the hex extensions and installed stock 3s Typhon axles to keep there 17mm hex size, put the stock shocks back on the front and used the smaller 8th scale front shock on the rear. i got rId of the 2.8 belted 6 packs and installed smaller lighter Badlands 2.8 max’s which are the biggest tires I think these rigs can use effectively. I kept the 4s motor and ESC but put higher gearing in to adjust for the smaller tires. after replacing some of the worn parts from the old set up like servo saver and tie rods I gave it a quick test run and its diet worked and it seams Much better.

I love this build, I think your using the best configuration, LWB chassis with the typhon arms, keep the weight down and it will be a real ripper with killer looks
 
Some stuff arrived in the snail mail

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Made a little progress. Fitted the Senton skidplates, side guards and senton body posts. Still waiting for senton bumpers and adjustable motor mount.
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Roughly cut the body to see how it fits.
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The body posts line up perfectly. Fluke.
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Unfortunately I may have to butcher the front fenders to clear the tyres when the suspension is under fully compressed and/or turning. That's a pity as its the full fender bug body and now I may cut them off. Or I use smaller wheels or limit the downward suspension travel.
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Just an update for those that are interested.

Yes, this build is still a thing, but no it has not progressed. Unfortunately due to weather conditions that do not favour painting bodies, work and house renovations, the Bitza Baja Bug build has been put on the back burner.

I did receive some ebay paddle tyres which I ordered. Will probably replace the servo too as I'm not confident it will last long.

I can't wait to take it bashing in the sand dunes.
 
What did you end up doing with the body to clear the tires? Not a baja body but i ended up using the 12mm hex with these high offset wheels. I want to try new wheels/tires but I run into the same issue. I'll likely end up just regluing tires onto these wheels.



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What did you end up doing with the body to clear the tires? Not a baja body but i ended up using the 12mm hex with these high offset wheels. I want to try new wheels/tires but I run into the same issue. I'll likely end up just regluing tires onto these wheels.



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I did buy hex extensions but they didn't fit. Unfortunately I may be cutting the fenders ☹️. Or like you, I do have some sct wheels with 12mm hex so.... 🤷‍♂️
 
Glad I found this thread. Love it. Am an old-school Tamiya fan and recently started a build thread for a "Sand Scorcher" themed basher build, but using a Kraton 6S V5 as the chassis. It's a bit long for the Proline Baja Bug Short Course body, but i'm gonna try to make it work. Subscribed and will definitely be watching this thread to see how it comes together...
 
Glad I found this thread. Love it. Am an old-school Tamiya fan and recently started a build thread for a "Sand Scorcher" themed basher build, but using a Kraton 6S V5 as the chassis. It's a bit long for the Proline Baja Bug Short Course body, but i'm gonna try to make it work. Subscribed and will definitely be watching this thread to see how it comes together...
Proline baja bug on kraton here EsotericRC!
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Lookin forward to yer sand scorcher tribute paint, classic look.
 
What did you end up doing with the body to clear the tires? Not a baja body but i ended up using the 12mm hex with these high offset wheels. I want to try new wheels/tires but I run into the same issue. I'll likely end up just regluing tires onto these wheels.



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What body is that?! I love it...looks badass!

Proline baja bug on kraton here EsotericRC!
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Lookin forward to yer sand scorcher tribute paint, classic look.

Yes! Have seen some of your pics here on the forum. Love it...looks so badass with the Baja Bug body! What paint did you end up putting on that body? Got any pics of the finished product?
 
Found some time to work on the bug today.

I didn't like the feel and noise from that red 25kg servo so changed it out with the trusted DS3235. All good now. Also connected the motor cooling fan.

As for the body, I had to bite the bullet and cut off the front fenders to clear the tyres. I didn't want too but now I have, I think it looks good. Looks more ..... baja offroad racing style which is what I wanted so win win.
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Holes for the posts are done.
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Drilled extra holes in the chassis to let sand out as I will 100% be running this one in the sand dunes.
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Next I need to clean up the edges off the body and paint it. That is when we get some nicer weather. It's wet, cold and 100km/h gusts at the moment. Trees and fences down all over the area. Will have to wait.
 
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Thanks to a case of covid, I've found time to finish the bug.

In the spray booth it goes.
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We're happy with how it turned out.
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Took the bug out for its maiden voyage and we had a great time. It rips. Handles well, the tyres worked well and it's got enough power (for now😉😆). The motor did get a little hot though. My son did most of the driving while I filmed. Great fun. Glad we built it.

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