My RC Commander Build

[Matt]

(EDIT: CLICK HERE to Jump to finished pictures :cool:) (http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php/1916-My-RC-Commander-Build?p=33251&viewfull=1#post33251)

Had to throw this in its own thread....

Some basic "must knows"

1) I got the body from a cheap Dickie RC Commander

2) Mounted the body on a 1/18th Losi Crawler

3) The Losi was previously owned by a guy who did competitive crawler comps.... this is important because of how he has the suspension setup. There aren't any springs in the front so I need to get new coilovers for the front to level out the ride height.

4) I want to get some bigger tires!

5) I did this in 3-4 hours (including 2 home depot runs)... so it's not exactly up to some RC enthusiasts "standards". Spare me :cool:


Build Pictures:

First had to mount my main brackets:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615185116-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615185123-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615185800-1.jpg

Next was to mount my cross brace:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615185818-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615191122-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615191133-1.jpg

[Matt]

Ok, now time install the "sliders"... AKA body mounts

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615195526-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615201804-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615201816-1.jpg

Reorganized the electronics:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615214826-1.jpg

Had about 5 different body attachment methods worked out..... decided to try this for simplicity and to keep it cleaner:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615214849-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615214902-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615214942-1.jpg

[Matt]

Playing around...

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615215049-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615215823-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615220006-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120615220026-1.jpg

[stites-xk]

Thats pretty awesome man!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

Pretty sure these are the tires im going to get... or maybe a bit bigger.

This is a good comparison to the stock tire size. I think they'll fit perfectly! (worst case i can always raise the body :D

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/007-1.jpg

[Matt]

These are the wheels I just ordered:

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png


..... See a similarity?

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111010130003-1.jpg


And the tires as shown in the last picture...

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[Sal-XK]

That is crazy! Looks good though.

[Matt]

Lol thanks. About to play outside for a bit and its coming to Rausch Creek With me tomorrow!

[NeilSmith]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC6Q67E7sfw

[Matt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC6Q67E7sfw

I saw that... lol that's what motivated me. He built that on a micro-crawler and extended his wheelbase to make it work. Mines built on the bigger version (mini-crawler) so it wont look as much like a scaled since the standard frame is already bigger. But I'm good with that because 2" lifted commanders are getting boring so at least my RC will have some monster meats!! :)

[LWM]

That's too cool, I want one!

[DetroitMarauder]

This is giving me inspiration to start on mine.

[Matt]

I have a few ideas for better body attachment methods but I'm going to hold off until I have the new wheels/tires/shocks on.... then ill modify the body mount as low as possible to not rub when fully flexed. Thinking of putting the body on a pivot as well for quick battery access.

[Matt]

Don't mind the dirty mailbox....

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120616115708-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120616115700-1.jpg

[DetroitMarauder]

I got started on mine. I'm pondering leaving the doors off and painting it red. :D

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/IMG_1957-1.jpg

[Sal-XK]

I got started on mine. I'm pondering leaving the doors off and painting it red. :D

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/IMG_1957-1.jpg

I say make some tubed doors :D

[Matt]

lol Sal... the legacy!

[DetroitMarauder]

What did you pay for the used Losi crawler? Brand new they are almost $300.

I don't need a competition crawler but I need to do a little research.

[Matt]

I paid $300. But it was setup for competition, brushless motor conversion, upgraded driveshaft, 4-link, lipo batteries, high end battery charger, etc etc.

You should be able to find one for much cheaper that has less add-ons.

[Adondo]

I'm liking that! I've been thinking about building/buying an RC crawler anyway, now I have more incentive!

Where'd you get that XK body?

[Matt]

The body is from a cheesy RC made by Dickie. Had to search online to find one.... usually eBay or Amazon has them.

[Matt]

It's getting there!!!

Definitely going to need to lower the body, but only about 1/2". It looks like the tires tuck inside pretty good when flexed so i might not have any rubbing issues.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120620185202-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120620195325-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120620195405-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120620195420-1.jpg

[pjmjr508]

dang man your going to make me spend some more money and do this lol

[LWM]

I need to hire you to make me one and then I can add all the Steel Armadillo toys to in.

[Matt]

Jon that can be done.... order up the Dickie commander and a Losi mini-crawler and send them my way. :)

[LWM]

Jon that can be done.... order up the Dickie commander and a Losi mini-crawler and send them my way. :)

I found a black one for $39.00

What color is yours, it looks like dark khaki which is the color of my XK

[Matt]

Mine is black.... just a bit dirty!

[Matt]

Modifying the body mount... have some JB-weld drying and should be good tomorrow.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120624183134-1.jpg

Also picked up some goodies at home depot today :cool:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120624191638-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120624191648-1.jpg

[07JeepXK]

Those are huge.. Haha

[Matt]

lol i know, its great! I saw them out of the corner of my eye and knew instantly that I had to put them on it.

Haven't driven it yet with the new shocks & tires. I'll probably play with it a bit tomorrow. Only thing left to do (other than paint) is to try and change out the motor pinion gear to get some more wheel speed.

[Matt]

Ok.... just about done. Paint is next (probably be a while though...)

Modified the mounts:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190051-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190103-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190114-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190136-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190150-1.jpg

[Matt]

Posing

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190507-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190459-1.jpg

[Matt]

And some flex shots

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190848-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190620-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190615-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/06/20120625190734-1.jpg

[stites-xk]

Nice!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[DetroitMarauder]

That looks awesome Matt. I can't wait to see it all painted up. Did you glue the doors shut?

I just bought a crawler for my XK body from a friend's uncle. It is a 1/10 scale that he is going to modify a little for me by shortening the links and drive shafts. I'll post a thread as soon as I get it back so I don't hijack yours.

[Matt]

Yes i did glue the doors shut. I can still access the battery to replace it with the body on... so i don't have to spend 30-40 seconds taking the body off if i dont want to.

[pjmjr508]

looking great

[Matt]

Decided im not doing any "serious" work today.... so im going to play with my RC XK (also so i feel less guilty about spending money on it and having it sit there).

Need to do some "sal" bumper trimming to stop tire rubbing, add some wheel weights to the frame to lower COG and maybe put a new pinion on for less torque/more speed.

[Matt]

Bumpers trimmed and ready for paint.

My old can of white paint started spraying chunks... so i have to head out and get some new rattle cans. (also need some other stuff from the store, so ill finish when i get back :cool:)

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715131320-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715131326-1.jpg

[Matt]

Paints done... i'll un-mask tomorrow night just to be safe!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715154002-1.jpg

[Matt]

Did some engine/suspension work too. Changed out the 12T pinion for 15T. Also moved the shocks mounts outwards to help counteract the body weight a bit better. And added some truck wheel weights to the axle platforms to lower the COG.... that's 6 up front and 7 in back! :cool:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715155107-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715155125-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715155138-1.jpg


I'm thinking about adding 4 or 6 more up front. Will have to see how it feels when i get the body on and test drive.

[Matt]

Ok i changed my mind... put the rest on the front. That's a total of 14 (~.5 lb) up front and 7 (~.25 lb) in rear.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715165815-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715170305-1.jpg

Also painted some shackles..

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715165837-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715165830-1.jpg

[stites-xk]

Sounds fun!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

SCREW IT!!! lol i couldn't wait until tomorrow!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715195033-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715194954-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715195045-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715195056-1.jpg

[Matt]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715195156-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715195225-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715195239-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120715195142-1.jpg

[LWM]

I am going to order the RC Commander on payday! Plan on making parts so it looks just like my real one.

[Matt]

Awesome!

It'll be a lot easier to do a dark color too... im not happy with how my paint came out where i had to repaint some parts black that i forgot to mask; black/white is the ultimate contrast and shows every error :mad:

[Matt]

Test drive today... uploading video now.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120717192501-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120717192600-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120717192511-1.jpg

[Matt]

http://youtu.be/eiFBN3HoLHs

[LWM]

Ordered my Commander today! Now I need to get a chassis?

[Matt]

You'll want to get the RTR Losi Mini Rock Crawler... comes with everything you'll need (Good price here) (http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_44_109/products_id/26090/n/Losi-1-18-Mini-Rock-Crawler-RTR?utm_source=Google-Base&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Product-Feeds&source=google_ext)

After that's its just some customizing to mount the body and you have Commander Crawler :cool:

I want to toy around with my shocks a bit more.... would like to get some stiffer springs so i can lower the body a bit more via suspension.

[mrnavy2]

Ordered my Commander today! Now I need to get a chassis?

Where and who did you order it from? I am also interested... Thanks Steve..

[mrnavy2]

Matt, that is so Coooooolllllllll... :cool:

[Matt]

lol thanks. I seriously never grew up.... dont let the job and kids fool ya! haha

Here's where i got the Commander body from: http://www.amazon.com/Dickie-R-C-Jeep-Commander/dp/B004E2SEBW

... dont let the one star fool you; you only need the plastic body!

[Matt]

Lowered the suspension a bit with the coilovers to get a bit better flex without tipping as much. Helped a little i think..


http://youtu.be/lpqlagZLo2M

[stites-xk]

That's awesome man!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[pjmjr508]

love it

[LWM]

Where and who did you order it from? I am also interested... Thanks Steve..

I also got my on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004E2SEBW/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

THEY ONLY HAVE 2 LEFT NOW!

[Matt]

Messed around with the suspension today. It's give & take... backed off the coilovers to lower the body and let the tires stuff easier (keeping COG low), but the body rocks back and forth really easy due to the lighter preload.


http://youtu.be/R8m8j1LlM-U

[06blkhemi]

Looks great Matt! I just asked about your build on your you tube vid! Haha! I wanted to know how that body was. I have an axial crawler with a cheap rc 4door wrangler body. You can lower you suspension by putting internal coil springs. You'll have a lower COG and have down travel and the body will look more scale on the chassis.
Frank. I had it when we went to RC in January. Played in the playground with it. Tons of traction!

[Matt]

I never thought of internal coil springs. And remove the external springs? Then put the shock oil back in to dampen the droop rate I presume.....

[06blkhemi]

I never thought of internal coil springs. And remove the external springs? Then put the shock oil back in to dampen the droop rate I presume.....
Yup no external springs! I'm sure you can google it and get a good
explanation on it. They actually call it "droop suspension".

[06blkhemi]

Try this website! This is a Jersey rock crawlers club. www.gsrcrc.com

[Matt]

Yup no external springs! I'm sure you can google it and get a good
explanation on it. They actually call it "droop suspension".

Cool. I actually have some special "droop shocks" that came on the front, no springs. Setup for competition crawling.

And i joined rccrawler.com to research as well.

[Matt]

Ok i took franks advice and got some internal springs ($5 shipped... damn its so much cheaper mod'ing a 1:24 vehicle! lol) to run full droop. Definitely got the look i was going for!!!

I didnt get to test drive it because neither of my LiPo batteries would charge :mad:. Guess they're shot...

But, this is sweet!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120726222006-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120726222259-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120726222313-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120726222326-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120726222400-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/20120726222410-1.jpg

[Matt]

Videos uploading! :cool:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/2012728RC007-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/2012728RC006-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/07/2012728RC005-1.jpg

[Matt]

First one. Second one uploading now


http://youtu.be/EF7ecC2Imn0

[DetroitMarauder]

GAHH!! Where's the other???

Looks awesome though!!

[Matt]

Took forever to upload and I forgot to post! lol


http://youtu.be/CR7JxNBH3O4

[DetroitMarauder]

Looks fun. Much better to roll a toy Commander than a real one. I need to build a rock pile in my backyard now.

[Matt]

That actually used to be a rock wall... got knocked over last summer when the tree next to it almost ripped out of the ground during a storm. I just never got around to rebuilding it.

.... probably wouldnt have rolled if I wasn't ~15 ft away. I'm going to reposition the rocks so its better setup for crawling.

[LWM]

Mine arrived yesterday.

[Matt]

Pics or it didnt happen :p

[Matt]

Anyone else get into this yet?

[DetroitMarauder]

Mine's basically done but I just have to finish painting it.

[Sal-XK]

You guys have way to much time on your hands man! LOL

[Core XK]

Tint the windows :P

[LWM]

Mine is STILL in the box :(

[DetroitMarauder]

Ok, finally finished painting mine. For some reason the paint spidered so I had to strip it and re-do it. Here's the pics:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/10/20121014_204413-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/10/20121014_204407-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/10/20121014_204434-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/10/20121014_204446-1.jpg

[Matt]

Looking good!! Is that 1/10th?

[DetroitMarauder]

Yep! The batteries don't last long in that big thing.

[Matt]

What kind of truck is it? Gotta get some bigger batteries!

[DetroitMarauder]

I'm not sure. I think it was custom built. A know my friend's uncle whom I bought it from custom made the chassis. What's awesome is that it has a rear locker on it. When it's climbing all I have to do is hold a button and she digs in.

I think the batteries are a little on the older side I also may just need to charge them a little longer. They were only on for about 15 minutes.

[Matt]

Had a surprise on my doorstep when I got home tonight!!!

Had a bit too much to drink last weekend one night and ended up bidding on a used Losi Night Crawler on eBay.... be damned that i won!

I didn't actually mount the body on it yet, just sat it on it. I'll raise it up about 1/2" when I mount it to give the tires more room to flex. But this is going to be fun :D

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/20130306224243_zpsd72aff40-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/20130306224354_zpscc1db904-1.jpg

[Matt]

Some specs:

Losi Night Crawler (1:10)
Novac goat 3s crawler brushless system w/ 18.5T motor
Savox SC-1256 servo
Airtronics MX3 FG Radio
one 3s and two 2s LiPo batteries 5000mah
Rover white dot tires
Proline wheels
Losi white springs
Aftermarket links

[LWM]

Now I guess I have to take mine out of the box and get going on it too!

[Matt]

Now I guess I have to take mine out of the box and get going on it too!

Yeah man you've been slacking big time. Ive been looking forward to seeing a mini SA sticker on your crawler!

[criket]

That is so cool Matt! It should be even more fun now.

That's funny how you said you had too much to drink and bought something on ebay. I've done the same thing one time but it was on jegs or summit racing, lol.

[Matt]

lol yeah man it was pretty funny... i remembered bidding on it but my wife didnt (she wasn't drinking obviously, ~7 months preggy, just super tired and passed out next to me). So when i got the email the next morning saying I won the bid, I was like "crap, i didn't think i'd actually win". Of course she said "win what?".... I then had to remind her of the cool toy that she gave me the 'OK' to waste some money on :o

It's all good. Lifes about having fun right? I gotta get that XK body mounted on it Sunday so me and my boy can play with it. You shoulda heard him this morning when he saw that thing on the kitchen table.... "WWHOOOOOOAAAAAA!!! MOM!!! LOOK WHATS ON THE TABLE!!!"... seriously that made the purchase worth it! :D

[Matt]

Me and my boy did some work today on our rock crawlers.... I basically gave my commander body a "body lift" to put it on the LNC (losi night crawler). I wanted to use the standard LNC body clips so I could put the crawler body too depending on where i was.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/20130310105046_zps48d9160c-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/20130310110709_zpsdf574a86-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/20130310121837_zpse5901d9a-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/20130310122542_zps7abc7a9d-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/20130310122556_zps5195a7d9-1.jpg

[Matt]

The boy and I got some play time in after work today :cool:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/20130405172008_zpsc8026bc9-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/20130405172228_zpsd18de49b-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/20130405172238_zpsa99fe573-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/20130405172540_zps47408791-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/20130405172553_zps1a949d0b-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/20130405172601_zps9a5f67c7-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/IMAG2317_zpsf38ec34e-1.jpg

[pjmjr508]

Great Pics

[LWM]

I need to get mine painted!

[Matt]

Yeah man you're slacking. Send it to me and i'll paint it for ya :D

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Proper father/son time right there man! Commander looks sweet!

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

Quick video, playing on the steps.


http://youtu.be/YA5wYnXOSPY

[06JeepXKHEMI]

He wheels like me, just hammer it down and figure it out hahaha!!

[Matt]

lol aint that the truth!!

[stites-xk]

That's awesome!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[LWM]

Yeah man you're slacking. Send it to me and i'll paint it for ya :D

I want it painted 2006 Dark Khaki, Can you match that color?

[Matt]

I want it painted 2006 Dark Khaki, Can you match that color?

Do you know what the color code is? If Dupli-Color has a Perfect Match (TM) that I can order, then up :)

[LWM]

Do you know what the color code is? If Dupli-Color has a Perfect Match (TM) that I can order, then up :)

Inside door paint: PJT

Dark Khaki Pearl Coat

Is that what you need?

[Matt]

Another phase in the R/C XK..... picked up a HPI Wheely King that was on sale for my son to play with. Well, looked like a perfect fit for the body. Once I even thought about putting it on, and my son saw it, there was no turning back.

So today after work we made it fit. I just need to paint the stubs white so the horns sticking through the roof aren't so noticeable. I also think im going to cut open the rear ratch and install a hinge so we can change the battery without taking the body off.

BEFORE:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/20130620190803_zps62fabbb6-1.jpg

AFTER:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/20130627183856_zps1285376c-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/20130627183912_zps3e36fc2b-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/20130627183912_zps3e36fc2b-1.jpg

[lekmedm]

Man, I love those shackles!!!