TOPIC:

Popped the cover plate in some boiling water and it is nearly back in shape. Will probably do for now until I find a replacement.
Thanks for that suggestion.

Always been a fan of the Bearhawk.

Started ordering in some new bits this week

Ordered a new Transmitter and Receiver.
The original Acoms Techniplus brings back memories but I find the trigger controllers much easier now (if anyone would like this and the receiver just let me know, there is a bit of a crack in the back, but it still works well).

Also ordered a new motor that is in line with the original spec, so I'll actually be able to drive this thing.
Not sure what I'll so with the 12x2 now though.

Bought a couple of new NiMH batteries. I had lots of people suggestion Lipo, but I think I'll leave that for a future update as I don't really know enough about them yet.

Finally I ordered some new wheels and tyres (went for 2.2 inch as it looks like the tyres are easier to replace)

Now I've spent all the money I can probably get away with before Christmas, I'm going to have to start planning the design of this thing.
I 'think' we are still going to go with the Post Apocalyptic / Mad Max look with a matt black body, chromed tubing and slight rusting, but I mocked up what it might look like on the PC and it looks a bit too bland. More so than I expected anyway.



I'm going to have to think of something to make it a little more interesting.

I think the new wheels which are spoked, might help. Then I was thinking about putting a mesh / perforated metal sheet in the side windows, but think it will still need more.
Maybe a spray painted logo on the front? Maybe additional... bits, like piping coming from the motor to make it look like a fuel container and a chain (with grapple / winch hook?) wrapped around the bars at the back?
I think it could do with a different bumper. I have never really been a fan of the big plastic looking thing that it comes with. Maybe if i could replace that with a perforated metal skid plate or a bumper made of of piping (to match the rear section)?
Hmm...

Does anyone know if the bumpers for any other cars fit this chassis?

At least I have some time to plan whilst I wait for the new parts (and more money). I think I'm going to need it.

Gun metal or metal black could be cool. I made mine gloss black. It looks nice.
You can add a net in the front of the window and side windows nets. And make a small front bumper with a piece of alloy in diy. Maybe you could find a light bar for the roof with 2 leds.

Here is mine (it has other wheeles now but always lightweight ones)

Thanks for the ideas.

I'm liking your Bearhawk's front wheels. Where are they from?

That's the front 4x2 option. Like the egress.

Decided I'd get some new shocks too, but I 'may' have made a mistake.
The ones I got have ball ends on them, whereas the original BearHawks didn't (they were just screwed onto the shock tower)
Should I get a ball connector screw for the shock tower, so the shocks just pop on, or would I remove the ball 'connector' from the shock?

Also, what is the benefit of the ball ends? Is it just for easier removal?

You should keep ball ends. They give a better move to the suspension.

Cheers, I shall get some ball connectors then.