HPI Baja - Shorty Conversion

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csp1971

csp1971

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I finally was able to find a good deal on a slightly used Scorpion Shorty Chassis. I've been wanting to shorten the Baja's wheelbase for a long time now. The installation went pretty easy and the getting to the battery now is simple.

I really wanted to use my AMS wheel adapters that I've had for a couple years now that convert my Baja to FG rims (monster in the is case). I kinda miss having my Firehammer MT and am glad I kept the FG tire set. Also bought a used once Jetpro V3 rear pipe. Holy crap that thing is LOUD. I'll have to order a silencer. I went running it tonight for the first time in a school field and my ears were hurting when it was 20 yards away.

The hardest part was mounting the Beetle body, but with some Kydex, Firehammer MT mounts, and Rampage mounts, I was able to make it happen fairly easily. I need to find a way to get the wing mounted a bit higher, but not high priority.

Here are some bad phone pics. I'll be adding some others once I get the real camera charged.

IMAG0219.webp

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nice conversion what make me laugh is hpi owners wanting to make there cars shorter and fg owners want to make theres longer including me the bug shell looks a very good fit on that mate nice one
 
renbar said:
nice conversion what make me laugh is hpi owners wanting to make there cars shorter and fg owners want to make theres longer including me the bug shell looks a very good fit on that mate nice one
Click to expand...

Thanks. You are exactly right! :lol:
 
Here's some vid of my Shorty conversion. I was driving and recording at the same time, so it isn't too great.

 
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46u said:
Please post a picture with the body off so I can see how you have everything set up.
Thanks
Click to expand...

Ugly, but functional. It's a combination of an old Firehammer MT body mount, Redcat Rampage mounts and some scrap kydex. The kydex bends easily with a good heat gun.

This pic is using the front body mount system to a Firehammer MT (it was perfect since the body was originally on my old Firehammer MT). I used the scrap kydex, cut it, heated it with a heat gun to bend it around the top of the roll cage. The kydex is extremely sturdy. The Firehammer MT mounts are great as well. I've used those same mounts now for 4 years. (I'm going to get some thicker stuff and make a Baja front bumper sometime).

IMAG0353.webp

IMAG0352.webp


The front mounts are a bit ugly. My original plan was to mount some body mounts on top of the bent piece of kydex. I couldn't find anything that would work and the nearest hobby shop is 25 miles away, so I had it mounted and ended up using some Redcat Rampage body mounts. I had to place another piece of kydex behind the mounts so they would be more perpendicular to the ground and not come out of the top of the Beetle body at a really odd angle. All in all, it's pretty darn sturdy and nothing has broken after half a dozen flips and rolls. The FG Beetle body takes a helluva beating as well. I still haven't managed to crack that body yet after 3 years.

IMAG0351.webp

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Did you have to do anything special to put non buggy narrow tires/wheels on the front?

I'm probably going to buy the 1.5" short chassis this week. I don't care for how long the 5B is as it sits.
 
olds97_lss said:
Did you have to do anything special to put non buggy narrow tires/wheels on the front?

I'm probably going to buy the 1.5" short chassis this week. I don't care for how long the 5B is as it sits.
Click to expand...

just get your stock chassis and cut it, cheaper too so that mean's you
don't have to buy one :)
 
Too late... should show up in tomorrows mail. Besides, comes with the relocation parts needed for the servo/receiver/battery as well. Then if I like it, maybe I'll sell the original on ebay for $50.

Hoping to get it together before the weekend... but also in the process of buying a new 1:1 car... turning out to be an expensive week!
 
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