Johnny's Grand Hauler

[Prodrvr2006]

The kit just showed up yesterday...can't wait to tear into it. This is my first rig. Always had fe boats, gas boats, scale boats, all kinds of gas and electric cars and monster trucks, trains, a plane and a heli...never a semi. This is not going to be an overnight build as I usually get every aftermarket part available for my r/c's. I see that I have to do body work on the cab...I do not want a sunroof!! I've never had to use putty so this should be interesting. I'll get some pics up once I have something going on worthy enough to show. I also bought the flatbed from Tamiya. Of course that has to be modified...I want it to be a scale 48'. I look at just about everyone's builds to get ideas and tips. Love this forum!

[Prodrvr2006]

What do you guys think of this sound/light system?
https://youtu.be/GVxuSA-YLFE

[speedy8305]

hey ProDRVR I just got my kit last week and its my first as well, I will say it is pretty detailed I got my frame and suspension together so far. I got in my workshop and remade the rear bumper and a few other parts I am gonna start my build thread as soon as I get a minute. cant wait to see what yours will look like.

[Prodrvr2006]

hey ProDRVR I just got my kit last week and its my first as well, I will say it is pretty detailed I got my frame and suspension together so far. I got in my workshop and remade the rear bumper and a few other parts I am gonna start my build thread as soon as I get a minute. cant wait to see what yours will look like.

Sounds good brother! I'll be keeping an eye out for your build. I haven't taken one part from the box yet. I'm still the parts ordering mode. I have alloy servo mounts on the way and have to order the servos and alloy cross members next. I'm also still toying with the idea of using all scale hex bolts where possible...not digging these phillips screws.

[speedy8305]

yea the phillips are a pain and I may mill me some replacement X members but so far its a good project

[Prodrvr2006]

I found a surprise in the box that I wasn't expecting...or just didn't see it when I bought it. Thank you Tower for including a $20 gift certificate and other coupons...I just ordered $63 worth of stuff and paid $31 shipped! Happy day!

[NickelPlate]

I found a surprise in the box that I wasn't expecting...or just didn't see it when I bought it. Thank you Tower for including a $20 gift certificate and other coupons...I just ordered $63 worth of stuff and paid $31 shipped! Happy day!

I just got mine last Friday and they sent me a $20 GC too! I used it when I bought the MFC.

[Prodrvr2006]

I just got mine last Friday and they sent me a $20 GC too! I used it when I bought the MFC.

Cool!

[126happy]

What do you guys think of this sound/light system?
https://youtu.be/GVxuSA-YLFE

NICE FIND MAN...THANKS FOR SHARING IT!!
I think I'm gonna order it and try it out. I like how everything is CLEARLY mark on where everything gets plug into!! plus is a 1/3 mfc-01 from Tamiya!!

shaun
tampa fl

[Prodrvr2006]

NICE FIND MAN...THANKS FOR SHARING IT!!
I think I'm gonna order it and try it out. I like how everything is CLEARLY mark on where everything gets plug into!! plus is a 1/3 mfc-01 from Tamiya!!

shaun
tampa fl

I know right...and less than $80!!

[jack van]

has any1 any idea when rc4wd will get in stock there middle locking axel again it is the next on my list of goodies i would like to get andgood job on the kit

[mavrick0]

You will probably find them on eBay quicker the waiting for RC4WD. But if you don't care about unlocking the diff just take on of the planetary gears and remove it from the shaft and then reinstall in up against another planetary gear and that will lock the diff. The other way is to get the Tamiya reinforced gear set which they've been nice enough to include a set screw hole in the diff casing so you can lock the axle that way.

[thebat]

can i get a link to this sound module where i can buy one seems like would be worth giving it a try if the price is right. thanks thebat.

[Prodrvr2006]

can i get a link to this sound module where i can buy one seems like would be worth giving it a try if the price is right. thanks thebat.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201411995237?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[thebat]

thanks i think i am gonna get one of these some point soon looks to be a simple setup. wonder what ya would do about running trailer lights though.

[Prodrvr2006]

I would think that you could run a Y connector off the control box and then send a wire out to the trailer.

[bigford]

why no ask the guy that made the video in the link

[Prodrvr2006]

Have a question about a part on the next step of the chassis assembly. There are four bump stops for the rear suspension. Are they necessary?

[fhhhstix]

Have a question about a part on the next step of the chassis assembly. There are four bump stops for the rear suspension. Are they necessary?

If you plan to use the rear fenders then yes they are important if not then you dont need them.

Travis

[Prodrvr2006]

Ok cool...thanks Travis

[tamiya fan]

Just my 2 cents. I would recommend the Tamiya MFC-01 over the $80 one. More pricey but I think you'll find it easier to program and operate. I'm not knocking the other product but went that way once and in my opinion it was a pain in the _ _ _ . Just my recommendation.

[Prodrvr2006]

Just my 2 cents. I would recommend the Tamiya MFC-01 over the $80 one. More pricey but I think you'll find it easier to program and operate. I'm not knocking the other product but went that way once and in my opinion it was a pain in the _ _ _ . Just my recommendation.

Well, I bought it already...still waiting for it to show up. If it's that bad, I'll just use it as a light controller and get a better sound system. Maybe that ESS-ONE will come out with a better diesel sound. The one they have now is good for like a pickup truck.

[Izzy]

Found ya. Post a pick.

BTW I started a grand hauler and have same sound system coming as well. Have not heard much positive.
But trailers. I like trailers.

[Prodrvr2006]

Found ya. Post a pick.

BTW I started a grand hauler and have same sound system coming as well. Have not heard much positive.
But trailers. I like trailers.

I know, but for $80 I had to try it.

[Izzy]

Same here.

[tamiyajoe]

I have one but the vib. Shacks my truck way to hard that's the only thing I can say bad about that system .

[Prodrvr2006]

I have one but the vib. Shacks my truck way to hard that's the only thing I can say bad about that system .

I'm not installing that vibration unit. I'll tell you all one thing, I have the chassis, diffs, tranny, and steering done today...I will never, never, ever buy another one of these trucks again. This has got to be the biggest pain in the a s s kit I've ever assembled...and I've put together a lot of kits and custom boat installations. This is a one and done for me. I still have ALL the electrics, lights and radio programming to do on top of painting and detailing left to do...ugh!

[speedy8305]

It's not as bad as you make it seem (at least it wasn't for me) and its the same kit as the king hauler except longer and if most of the guys have these trucks on here it cant be all that difficult but that is just my opinion.

[Prodrvr2006]

Really the thing that got me so pissed was building the transmission. That completely sucked!

[speedy8305]

yea it was a lil tuff but we managed to get through so its not all that bad just a learning experience

[bigford]

from box to roller in a weekend and that was with going to bed at
10 pm and up at 2:30 am like a week day. hardest part
for me is always the tranny!!

[Prodrvr2006]

That stuff is all behind me now. Don't want to build another tranny lol

[tamiya fan]

I'm not installing that vibration unit. I'll tell you all one thing, I have the chassis, diffs, tranny, and steering done today...I will never, never, ever buy another one of these trucks again. This has got to be the biggest pain in the a s s kit I've ever assembled...and I've put together a lot of kits and custom boat installations. This is a one and done for me. I still have ALL the electrics, lights and radio programming to do on top of painting and detailing left to do...ugh!

If it gets frustrating you should walk away for a while. It's supposed to be fun. These (Tamiya) are really pretty well designed. They are all pretty much the same in their workings underneath the body. Sorry you didn't enjoy it, I can understand it some times. You'll like it when it runs.

[bigford]

was messing around with my dash cam from my full size KW
it just mounted to the roof and i forgot to turn on the i/r leds
this is the rcbmin sound unit
https://youtu.be/zQwuCIlgyPk

[Prodrvr2006]

was messing around with my dash cam from my full size KW
it just mounted to the roof and i forgot to turn on the i/r leds
this is the rcbmin sound unit
https://youtu.be/zQwuCIlgyPk

That's cool man!

[Prodrvr2006]

If it gets frustrating you should walk away for a while. It's supposed to be fun. These (Tamiya) are really pretty well designed. They are all pretty much the same in their workings underneath the body. Sorry you didn't enjoy it, I can understand it some times. You'll like it when it runs.

Yeah that's what I did. I was on it from 9 to almost 5 today. Now I'm messing with the sound unit I got and can't understand how to hook it up.

[NickelPlate]

Really the thing that got me so pissed was building the transmission. That completely sucked!

It's a weird little thing. I still don't completely understand how it works but it does. But it was one of the more difficult sub assemblies. Usually when I start getting frustrated with the build it usually means I'm getting in a hurry so I just get up and walk away and come back later.

[Prodrvr2006]

It's a weird little thing. I still don't completely understand how it works but it does. But it was one of the more difficult sub assemblies. Usually when I start getting frustrated with the build it usually means I'm getting in a hurry so I just get up and walk away and come back later.

True

[Izzy]

My sound unit arrived but have not had a chance all week to work on my rc. Maybe tomorrow? But wife has plans .....

[Prodrvr2006]

My sound unit arrived but have not had a chance all week to work on my rc. Maybe tomorrow? But wife has plans .....

I was trying it out today. I can get the start-up, running engine, turn signals, horn, reverse lights and brake sounds. However, I can't seem to get the hazard lights and headlights to work. I'm gonna try moving the plugs around and hope for the best.

[Berman]

Sounds good brother! I'm also still toying with the idea of using all scale hex bolts where possible...not digging these phillips screws.

That's because they are not Philips, Tamiya use JIS hardware. Buy a $5 Tamiya screwdriver.

3mm screws use #74006
2mm screws use #74007

Or you can buy one of their little 8pc kits #74023

[Prodrvr2006]

That's because they are not Philips, Tamiya use JIS hardware. Buy a $5 Tamiya screwdriver.

3mm screws use #74006
2mm screws use #74007

Or you can buy one of their little 8pc kits #74023

I have JIS screwdrivers, but I also have about 11 parts boxes full of hex head stainless screws which I used on this kit.

[Izzy]

Kool info on the phillips style.
Q - are the other manufacturers using the tamiya sorry standard?
- Don the integy tool kits comply with this new version?


Awesome on the screw upgrade. Micro fasteners and places like them can get you a tual hex bolts too - I have yet to invest that amount of $$.

[NORM]

:worthless:

[Prodrvr2006]

:worthless:

I'm waiting until it's done to post some pics. Who wants to see the same boring build pics...I'm really not doing anything special. However, I would like to attempt a very nice paint job when the time comes.

[Izzy]

About same here Prodrvr2006

[SnoLuvr]

I installed the 4 bump stops and my tires are rubbing the fenders slightly has anyone else encountered this?

Joe

[Izzy]

Did you install the o rings in the shocks?

[SnoLuvr]

Did you install the o rings in the shocks?

Yes, I did. The fenders are rubbing at the outer edge of them. They are not bottoming out on the under side.

[Prodrvr2006]

I don't think I'll be installing the lights in this...I'll just keep the sound module in it.

[SnoLuvr]

I don't think I'll be installing the lights in this...I'll just keep the sound module in it.

Prodrvr2006, I think he was responding to me. I goofed up by posting my issue in your thread. My apologies.

I am hoping that one of the admin folks sees this post and can move mine.

Joe

[Prodrvr2006]

Prodrvr2006, I think he was responding to me. I goofed up by posting my issue in your thread. My apologies.

I am hoping that one of the admin folks sees this post and can move mine.

Joe

Yes I know

[Prodrvr2006]

Ok I'll throw up a pic...

http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx25/Prodrvr2006/CIMG1227_zpsyq7wb7n3.jpg

[NORM]

Love those side walls

[NickelPlate]

Nice! Looks like you'll soon have a running chassis. Where'd you get the Michelin logos? I thought I saw those for sale somewhere but can't remember. Oh and of course the Hobbico Builder's Mat! The mark of the professional :D

[Prodrvr2006]

Nice! Looks like you'll soon have a running chassis. Where'd you get the Michelin logos? I thought I saw those for sale somewhere but can't remember. Oh and of course the Hobbico Builder's Mat! The mark of the professional :D

Thanks! The tire decals are on ebay. There's those and someone else has goodyear decals. And you gotta have a hobbico mat!

[Prodrvr2006]

It's all painted up now. I'll do all the decals next weekend and hopefully the last drive shaft and some custom wire harnesses show up during the week so I can get this thing driving!

[Prodrvr2006]

Ok it's done. Just waiting on some electronics to show up.

http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx25/Prodrvr2006/CIMG1229_zps2nd9ewf0.jpg

[NickelPlate]

Nice!

[TRUCKMAKER]

Sharp truck!

[Prodrvr2006]

Thanks guys! Might be up for sale very soon. I just want to complete it it and make sure all runs correctly.

[FabOne]

GREAT job!!

-Terry

[Prodrvr2006]

GREAT job!!

-Terry

Thanks!!