Bandit2013
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 254
- Location
- North Carolina
After getting the King Motor 305 Deluxe wild orange, I had plans on rebuilding the vehicle from the start. Since I was used to the 2 speed transmissions on my 1/10 scale nitro cars I wanted similar with this one. When I ordered the KM002-305wo, AKA KSRC-002 30.5cc, I had also ordered all of the hop up parts to rebuild it. Had some difficulty getting the 30.5cc engine started so I bought a Rovan 36CC engine to replace it. Figured I would dig into the issue with the 30.5cc engine sooner or later (turn out the ignition coil was too far away from the flywheel so no spart or very weak spark when using the pull start. I did get it started with a cordless drill and socket but that was not ideal.
Below is the final assembly with all the aftermarket parts installed. Had this thing dialed in and ready for some yard bashing. Went over to a friend's home for Thanksgiving, he was interested in this hobby, so I took the KM and the Ex Barca with me to run in his back yard. I got a good feel for the yard with the Barca first. Was time to get the KM warmed up and ripping. A few laps to warm everything up and was a bit heavy on the throttle coming out of a wide turn, honestly thought I was going to clear the neighbor's solid wooden fence, nope. First thing I saw was the left front wheel flying up in the air, followed by the KM. Sure, the initial impact was severe enough to rip the front section of the frame off, the entire vehicle when airborne and took a hard hit as it tumbled on the ground several feet away. This is what the vehicle looked like before I left my home.
The damage is not as bad as it looks. It is obvious the front chassis needs replacement. At first, the damage looked as if it included more components than anticipated. All I could locate were some extended control arms. Why not? New shocks, sure, get some bigger ones. I had planned on reusing the bulk of parts on the rebuild but after separating the rear from the front end, I noticed the rear wheels were not moving as they should. Turns out that the brake mount dug into the back side of the main gear plate. Removed that and noted the bearing on the inside of the bell housing was toast. It still rotated well but the rubber seal was no more. Using an unvented bell housing assembly has its faults. The clutch was in good shape.
Got the parts in for the front end. I could not find the front upper bulkhead part by itself and bought a new set. The front half of the vehicle is mainly Rovan parts. Opted for the Taylor HD hinge pin brace set to complete the front end. This build will also include the stainless-steel reinforcement plate on the front end in hopes to prevent chassis separation. Perhaps this will keep the kick up area from weakening over time, doubt it will prevent damage on impact at full speed into a tree, wall, post or other immovable object.
I got the hardened frame. I hope this will not make the material more brittle. To my surprise, I did not have to drill out the holes to mount the SS plate. At this time, I did not mount the aluminum skid plate as I need to make a mod to the tab thickness so it will fit. I would not be able to install the plastic skid plate as there would be no tab left to hook in the square hole after modifications.
A few more images of rebuild. The parts from the wreck that are still good and parts that cannot be reused. Since I sort of when overboard on the rebuild, when I am done with it, the only parts I will reuse from the wreck is the engine, fuel tank, and servo/receiver assembly. I will build up another vehicle with the leftover parts, just need another frame, fuel tank and a few more minor components. Tearing down the separated portion of the front end was a bit difficult due to some bent parts, damaged screws and such. Shocks were still good, shock tower and shock brace still straight. Control arms and front turn knuckles were good, bearings in good shape too. I may be able to get the threaded bolt of the sheared off ball end out of the steering control arm. The servo saver did its job well. I would assume that the weaker turn buckles also helped to protect the steering servo from damage.
Up next will be the new rear end assembly.
Below is the final assembly with all the aftermarket parts installed. Had this thing dialed in and ready for some yard bashing. Went over to a friend's home for Thanksgiving, he was interested in this hobby, so I took the KM and the Ex Barca with me to run in his back yard. I got a good feel for the yard with the Barca first. Was time to get the KM warmed up and ripping. A few laps to warm everything up and was a bit heavy on the throttle coming out of a wide turn, honestly thought I was going to clear the neighbor's solid wooden fence, nope. First thing I saw was the left front wheel flying up in the air, followed by the KM. Sure, the initial impact was severe enough to rip the front section of the frame off, the entire vehicle when airborne and took a hard hit as it tumbled on the ground several feet away. This is what the vehicle looked like before I left my home.
Here is the aftermath of the incident. Sort of glad I brought up two vehicles as the Barca served up the entertainment before dinner.The damage is not as bad as it looks. It is obvious the front chassis needs replacement. At first, the damage looked as if it included more components than anticipated. All I could locate were some extended control arms. Why not? New shocks, sure, get some bigger ones. I had planned on reusing the bulk of parts on the rebuild but after separating the rear from the front end, I noticed the rear wheels were not moving as they should. Turns out that the brake mount dug into the back side of the main gear plate. Removed that and noted the bearing on the inside of the bell housing was toast. It still rotated well but the rubber seal was no more. Using an unvented bell housing assembly has its faults. The clutch was in good shape.
Got the parts in for the front end. I could not find the front upper bulkhead part by itself and bought a new set. The front half of the vehicle is mainly Rovan parts. Opted for the Taylor HD hinge pin brace set to complete the front end. This build will also include the stainless-steel reinforcement plate on the front end in hopes to prevent chassis separation. Perhaps this will keep the kick up area from weakening over time, doubt it will prevent damage on impact at full speed into a tree, wall, post or other immovable object.
I got the hardened frame. I hope this will not make the material more brittle. To my surprise, I did not have to drill out the holes to mount the SS plate. At this time, I did not mount the aluminum skid plate as I need to make a mod to the tab thickness so it will fit. I would not be able to install the plastic skid plate as there would be no tab left to hook in the square hole after modifications.
A few more images of rebuild. The parts from the wreck that are still good and parts that cannot be reused. Since I sort of when overboard on the rebuild, when I am done with it, the only parts I will reuse from the wreck is the engine, fuel tank, and servo/receiver assembly. I will build up another vehicle with the leftover parts, just need another frame, fuel tank and a few more minor components. Tearing down the separated portion of the front end was a bit difficult due to some bent parts, damaged screws and such. Shocks were still good, shock tower and shock brace still straight. Control arms and front turn knuckles were good, bearings in good shape too. I may be able to get the threaded bolt of the sheared off ball end out of the steering control arm. The servo saver did its job well. I would assume that the weaker turn buckles also helped to protect the steering servo from damage.
Up next will be the new rear end assembly.