Rckcrwlr is going Super (Sport)...Introducing the New HPI Baja 5SC SS

[rckcrwlr]

So I got up early this morning so I could Decal the body. This is so close to being done, I am having a hard time sleeping.

First thing to remember when applying decals...don't do it early in the morning.

Now, with these decals being so big, I flashed back to when I used to do this at a buddy's body shop.

First thing you need to do is cut as much of the excess backing from around the decal so you have a better vision of how it is going to set. Proceed to place it on the location that you want it to be, in this case, the hood.



Align it by using static measuring points to ensure that it is straight. I used the same locations on the wheel wells.



Now that you have it where you want, very carefully hold it in place and get some tape and place it down the center of the decal, making sure you overlap onto the surface that the decal is going to be applied to.



It is extremely important that you make sure that the tape is secure.

Gently peel back the decal off one side. It doesn't matter which one. Peel it from the outside back to the tape and lay it over the other half. Be very careful not to crease or tear it.



With scissors or an X-acto knife, cut the exposed backing about 3/4" from the tape.



With this situation, using your left hand, hold the decal at a 45 degree angle from the surface. With your right hand (fingers), rub the decal, parallel to the tape, starting at the tape and slowly working it to the edge. Only allow enough decal with your left hand as needed. This will avoid premature adhesion.



Now with half the decal in place, you can gently remove the tape. Make sure not to pull, tear or stretch the decal. Once removed, flip the unstuck (right) side over the left side.



Repeating the process as you did the left side, only this time, hold the backing from the center cut. Using your "left" hand, slowly work it out to the edge until it is completely adhered.



Finished product!!!!

[brainanator]

that is a lot of decals...wow.

[rckcrwlr]

Originally Posted by brainanator

that is a lot of decals...wow.

Short Course trucks are normally covered with decals and sponsors.

[_paralyzed_]

I see bubbles!

I'm just givin' ya crap. That is definitely a good technique for lining up decals. It looks good. Now get 8s, the "insane setup".

[rckcrwlr]

Originally Posted by _paralyzed_

I see bubbles!

That was why I stated not to do it early in the morning.

I sometimes will use a dish soap mixture to move them around a little but didn't here.

It will be going fast enough that the bubbles won't be noticeable.

Originally Posted by _paralyzed_

Now get 8s, the "insane setup".

Wanna donate to the cause...

[blueb8llz]

man i cant wait to see this thing in action

[rckcrwlr]

So I was ready to put the Team Chase Cage on and reached out to Kevin "Chase".

Now I'm not sure if he was pulling my leg being the Newbie on the site or what, but he said to soak it in a bath of hot water for 15 mins. His case made sense so I asked my wife if she could assist... :D

Now this video is NWS so enter at your own risk. There is explicit bare exposure and lots of seductive moves.

YouTube - Team Chase Cage Taking a bath

[rckcrwlr]

Now that you pigs are calmed down...lets get to the tech part of this.

I had build the 5sc to spec. Knowing that I was going to add the Team Chase Cage, I decided to do it now.

First thing you need to do is remove the OEM cage. This is basically the two vertical bars and the roof support.





Once that is removed...it is time to give your cage a bath. Team Chase suggests that you soak it in Hot Water (Bathtub works best) for 15 mins to soften the plastic. This will give you a custom fit when it cools. While soaking, I removed the front and side body mounts.

So I did that, now mind you, I dry fitted it and it was like wrestling a bear.



I then removed it from the bath and could feel that it was pliable. I quickly hit it with a towel to get the excess water and than placed it on the chassis. Wow, what a difference.

I would suggest that you place it on and then secure the front Body Mounts and push the all the way down so that they are holding the cage in place.

Next start adding the side mounts. These will need to be placed in the cage first and then thread them through the OEM mount. This makes it easier than trying to get through both at the same time.

After than, just let it cool and you have your own custom fit Team Chase Roll Cage that will help protect your valuable body on your 5T/5SC or for a different look, add some panels to the cage and run it as a tubed rig.

[rckcrwlr]

Well here she is...now just need to do the electronics.

[rckcrwlr]

I added the Strapping Tape to the body to re-enforce the body and protect the paint at the points where it will rub.

Especially with these bodies...there is a lot of money in the body and paint...It's worth taking a little time to make it last for a while.

I use Scotch Strapping Tape.



It is a highly tacky tape with a mesh weaved into it. This helps in the durability of the body to minimize cracking.



First place I put it is at the body mount holes. This is where a lot of the abuse to the paint and body is done.



Then it is time to find all the areas where the body may touch the chassis, tires, etc. On a SC Truck, the Front & Rear fenders get a lot of abuse due to the tires tucking up in them. Make sure that you protect the edges and flat spots on them.



Finally, I figure that this thing will end up Turtle'ing, so I added some protection on the roof.

[rckcrwlr]

Look what showed up today... and it is going to be 70 degrees tomorrow. :thumb:





When you look close...what do you see??? Hmmmm, what does that mean?

[rckcrwlr]

So I got it installed...topped off them 8 Cells of Whoop Arse and plugged her in to take the test run.

Definitely running better. Did a couple laps around the neighborhood. Scared the sheat out of my neighbor cutting the grass.

After a fast run down the street, heard grinding.

Looks like the Pinion loosened up and ate the spur for Thanksgiving.