It was a tonys which I didn't expect. I probably cranked it to hard I'm guessing or I got one in a million that was bad. Every now and then a weak part comes along but not often. I broke one one the bolts that mounts the bulkhead to the chassis. When I worked on semi trucks years ago using the big nuts and bolts we did grade 8 was a big thing in the shop we worked in. They took the brute force. I wonder how the grading system works with the rc screws, bolts, etc.

Same
 

The grading system works pretty much the same. Using stainless steel screws is just asking for trouble. Stainless steel is soft and will strip, twist, and shear off even under moderate torque. If you use a stainless steel screw, remove it and use it again it will break sooner or later. Under industrial rules it is never good practice to re-use hardware of any kind for safety sakes. Like I said I have not had a 12.9 grade screw break yet, and as long as you use reasonable torque they will hold up very well. Tonys screws are stainless and they look nice and shiny. If that is your goal and you want to continue using them, than I would say start using a torque screwdriver to avoid twisting off anymore heads. Still the socket/allen heads are too dammed easy to strip out. Why put up with it if you don't have to? Everyone has to work with what makes them happy. For industrial standards using steel screws in aluminum hardware also has its drawbacks, but as long as you are using BLUE loctite for moderate holding, and RED loctite for more permenant holding you will have no problems. Metal to metal fastening is not recommended. Good luck with that.

OK, some progress and a small set back. No big deal I cut the rear carbon fiber rods a little too short, and I will have to get another set. I did manage to get the ESC mounted and I bolted up the motor (no pinion gear yet I'm not sure which one I will go with). I started running the ESC wires but ran out of shrink wrap. I will finish that tomorrow. I used a tube from an old spray bottle cut it down the middle and then covered it with some wire loom that I found a local computer store shrink wrapped it at both ends and this is what I have done so far. The wire that is showing is just temporary. I'm still waiting for the tires to cure. I think I will wait for 24 hours. All I have to do is mount the receiver and pick a pinion gear, I still have to solder traxxas ends on to my batteries and I think I will use Velcro to hold them down for now just to get this thing rolling. Here are a few pics......
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSC_0200.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSC_0198.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSC_0197.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSC_0196.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSC_0195.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSC_0194.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSC_0193.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSC_0192.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSC_0191.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...c/DSC_0185.jpg

I think Tony only uses grade 12.9 screws.

Wow that's awesome. I'm sooooo jealous. I'm going to have to rethink everything now. I guess it'll be keep bashing my curent brushless emaxx and then ever so slowly do a custom build. It'll be a long time before it's done but worth the wait after watching yours. My color will be purple though. That's been my favorite color all along.

I think after I build that my next build will probably be a HPI Baja. Hopefully by then they will have created and released a 4wd version which is long overdue.

I'll be looking this thread over alot for my future ideas. Keep em coming !!!!

I'll email them this coming week ad find out for sure. I shouldn't have tightened the screw so tight. A lesson learned I guess. Thanks !!

I have not used Tony's screws in quite a while, but the last time I checked his screws are stainless steel. grade 12.9 stainless steel? I don't think so. Stainless is graded on a different scale (18.8) or something like that, and like I stated previously stainless is inherently a softer material making it more prone to failure. It works great for certain large scale applications (in water) due to the fact that it will not rust or degrade like regular carbon steel will. It just will not give you the same strength and holding power either. Especially in such a small (3mm) application. Some people like having softer hardware so it is easier to remove if there is a problem. Plus it gives you that nice shiny look that appeals to others. I personally like building things to last, and resist breakage so I use the harder material. Personal preference.

12.9 is hardened steel, not SS. The ratings are 12.9>10.9>8.8. Most RCs come with 8.8 (at least TRX does.)

As Jerry said, SS is wayyyy softer than steel. The 18/8 stainless alloy is good for making utensils, altho I think my spoons are 18/10 even at that. Personally I wouldn't use them in any RC apps where strength was an issue.


OTOH, awesome truck. About the prettiest I've ever seen. G/L

Thanks Finnster it means alot when guys that have been a member of this forum for a long time give me a compliment.

I like that a lot, the cable routing is very tidy.

Pro tip however: rotate the motor so that the wires do not stick straight upwards, the number of guys that have had a flip or accident and then scraped the insulation off the wires is rather worrying...

Thanks for the tip will do.

Nice
 

Your truck is looking very nice, and having pictures taken with that pretty red felt for a backdrop helps a lot to. The red and silver really do go well together. These trucks always look nice when we first put them together with all of the bling bling. Taking your time and doing things the right way shows character. Keep up the good work.

Thanks again. I"ll say it a thousand times it really means alot to get compliments from the senior members of this forum. Thanks guys you all led the way.

I am about as senior a member as there is and I gotta say...that is one AWESOME emaxx! I have a couple nice emaxxes myself, but none quite as well put together as that - the color scheme really sets it off beautifully. Well done indeed.

Wow, Mike I feel very honored that you even took a look at my build thread. Thank you so much for the compliment and thanks for the awesome company that you own. This has been a great journey. It's been fun trying to hunt down parts and put them together. I started this trying to figure out how to quit breaking my Emaxx brushless, and I found this forum. My Maxx was my first RC vehicle and this is my second. I never dreamed that it would have turned out like it did. I have a bunch friends with stock trucks that are thinking about doing some of the things that I have done. This whole forum and RC Monster in general is first class. Thanks again Mike.