No longer lurking... - Lateral-g Forums

BlackenedRR · #1 03-16-2009, 09:04 AM

How's it goin' everyone? My name is Jeff, checking in from good old Tucson, AZ. I learned about Lateral-G a few years ago, but just recently decided to join. I'm going for the "dare-to-be-different" category of g-machine builds, I've decided to use my 1999 Ford Ranger Supercab. As of right now, the truck is sitting dead in my driveway, the victim of years of abuse by the previous owners (my little sister and her ex-husband...) and a motor that couldn't get out of it's own way, Ford's gutless 3.0 Flex Fuel V6. For the time being, I'm dropping another 3.Slow in just to get it up and running again, but after I move to Texas in June I plan on giving it a proper V8 and manual tranny along with an all new suspension, hopefully with a Cobra IRS hanging under the bed. I've got a few subtle tricks planned for the body, and not one solid idea on what I'll do with the interior yet. I've been checking out most of the build threads on here and can only say WOW!!!! I haven't seen a single car or truck on here that I wouldn't love to have as my own, some incredibly sick ideas and talent going into the rides I've seen so far.

I'll get some pics posted this week of my driveway hermit, as I know everybody loves pics. I'm also always open to ideas, would love to hear what you guys think would be cool on the truck. Oh yeah, I've got a 2nd small scale project going on, here's a few pics of it...

2006 Concept Camaro, 1/10th scale RC (I think that's the size on it...). It's getting torn apart today for some body work and paint, hopefully be done this weekend.

**XcYZ** · #2 03-17-2009, 06:34 AM

Welcome aboard, Jeff.

Young Gun · #3 03-17-2009, 08:00 AM

sweet, welcome!

BlackenedRR · #4 03-18-2009, 02:13 AM

Thanks, Scott and Colin. I should have pics up this weekend of the truck. I'm still researching engine swaps, and I'm kinda thinking about an LS instead of the obvious 5.0. I know it'll probably be a nightmare to do it, but I love the power, reliability and SOUND of a healthy Chevy.

BlackenedRR · #5 01-29-2010, 01:52 AM

The Camaro is sitting in pieces, still. I decided it needs to be faster, which means the cheap plastic chassis has to go and I'll have to make something that can handle having more powerful motors on it. The Ranger is now sitting in Euless, TX at my dad's shop and I really don't care to ever see it again, unless it's while looking through the scope of a high powered rifle

. So after months of deciding what to do and what I really wanted to build, I found my new "project" today...

1995 GMC reg cab short bed, 5.7 with some giggle gas on it, bagged in front, backhalved with a 3-link, 18" Saleen replica wheels which actually look kinda good on it, for now, and it's a color combo I've rarely seen: green with a grey interior. I should have it in my driveway in a few weeks, then I'll clean it up and drive it for awhile as I start gathering parts. What do you guys think?

796spdbu · #6 01-29-2010, 10:54 AM

Jeff,
Nice truck! I have been into those trucks for years. I am working on building a road course/auto crossing truck. Good to see another c/k truck owner on here!

70rs · #7 01-29-2010, 02:05 PM

Looks good Jeff. That body style is nice to start with just because it is so clean and smooth in my opinion. Be sure to post up some more pics when you get it home.

What is the plan on the RC Camaro? I have been a RC nut forever. Love those projects too.

BlackenedRR · #8 01-29-2010, 02:18 PM

Yeah, I think CK trucks are one of GM's best designs, almost as nice as the 67-72. I promise there will be lots of pics once I get it home. I just wish I had GMRacer's talent, I'd love to blow this truck apart and build a new frame for it. Oh well, maybe someday...

As for the RC Camaro, I want to build an aluminum or carbon fiber chassis for it, put a more powerful motor in it and see just how fast I can make it. I've seen these cars on ebay now for less than half what I paid for this one, so I might buy a few more and use them just for extra bodies or maybe just paint them and display them with the rest of my diecast collection.

70rs · #9 01-29-2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackenedRR

Yeah, I think CK trucks are one of GM's best designs, almost as nice as the 67-72. I promise there will be lots of pics once I get it home. I just wish I had GMRacer's talent, I'd love to blow this truck apart and build a new frame for it. Oh well, maybe someday...

As for the RC Camaro, I want to build an aluminum or carbon fiber chassis for it, put a more powerful motor in it and see just how fast I can make it. I've seen these cars on ebay now for less than half what I paid for this one, so I might buy a few more and use them just for extra bodies or maybe just paint them and display them with the rest of my diecast collection.

If you go electric for the powertrain there are some REALLY strong brushless systems available. And the radios have come way down in price too.
I have a friend with the brushless Traxxass Revo and he has done some upgrades to it. For a 4x4 monser truck it hauls ass. I think it is good for almost 70 mph. But then again he has a ton of cash in it too.

Look around for a carbon chassis that is close in dimensions (for axle center lines) and modify it to fit your needs. It is pretty easy to build the entire running chassis from scratch these days. Then just fab up some body mounts and head out.
Do you have any pictures of that RC car with the body off? I am curious to see how it is layed out. What brand or where did it come from?

BlackenedRR · #10 01-29-2010, 03:28 PM

I'll get some pics this weekend, it's over at my brother's house. It's actually from Jada Toys, part of the BigTime Muscle series. I picked it up at Walmart for $90 about 2 years ago.