M-05 based MiniClod

[gumbajv]

I've had this M-05 based Mini Cooper for a few years. Didn't get much use since there are no smooth flat surfaces close by. What I do have is a large gravel driveway and a great off road area. So I decided to convert the Mini to a MiniClod.
I joined the front halves of 2- M05 front wheel drive sections together for 4 wheel drive & 4 wheel steering. I added the 3Racing locking diffs for better traction in the dirt & sand. I took a few parts off my Clod to get this going. The current set up is 2 Integy 55T motors, Tekin FX esc, C.E. servo, and a 2S lipo. I made the aluminum wheels to fit some old RC 10 knobby tires I had. I retained the 210mm wheel base. This combination worked out great. I figure top speed on the gravel driveway is about 8-10 mph, and will climb pretty much anything with the only shortcoming being the low ground clearance. I have a pair of 1.5 dia. paddle tires, and I'm looking for a second pair for even better traction in the sand and snow.
I'll post a video when I sort out the radio glitch. I have an old Futaba PL2 transmitter & receiver. The receiver seems to loose the signal past 20 ft.
My next project is to use the 2 back sections (no steering) for a mini snowcat. Twin motors and either 2 or 4 wheel drive for the snowtracks.

[hawgfanman]

I like it! Very cool idea.

[GoMachV]

Dang, that turned out great! I had lots of fun back in the day with the TA02 series with the FWD module for a dual motor hot rod. Never tried it with an "M" chassis

[Coelacanth]

My OptiMutt Mid project uses rear hubs, front axles & linkage set from the M-05/06 series, it's interesting to see what that chassis actually looks like. Pretty cool.

[longboardnj]

cool.... how was the chassis put together?

[gumbajv]

The chassis is held together by a 3/8" thick piece of aluminum on top using the 4 existing mounting holes. A 1/8" thick piece of aluminum on the bottom. 4 long screws hold the bottom piece in place. The screws also keep the battery from sliding around. The battery opening is slightly bigger, so I was able to use a 2S lipo.

[tony13b]

Very cool looking..

[SFC K]

That is cool looking and looks pretty solid. Do you have any close-ups of it and where is the body?

[gumbajv]

Here are a couple of body options. The Mini body works with the 4ws, the Porsche body needs a little more trimming, and the VW bus body is another option. This one is off my snowcat and just a test fit.

[longboardnj]

very cool. wish they made something like this...

[gumbajv]

Made a few changes. I switched to a pair of Exceed Rocket 2215 740kv brushless motors for more steering clearance. The motors fit inside the housing and are flush with the body. I went with the smaller cans so the wires would clear. Also using dual 35A esc's, and a 3s lipo. It climbs as well as the Integy 55T brushed motors with less weight.

[gumbajv]

Here,s a short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD6bXrkt2X4

[gumbajv]

Here are a couple shots of the back half. 4 w/d via belts from from a TA06. One 800kv brushless motor per side, 35a esc's. You drive it like a tank. I made a pair of tracks from a old pair of Kyosho SR tracks, but it also drives and climbs with the 4 paddle tires. Will use a vw bus body for the tracks, and a mini body for the paddle tires.

[Diamond Dave]

That is one unique drive system, I like the looks of the whole thing. Very nice truck!

[DennisM]

Really cool build -
I´m just a bit concerned if that thin alloy chassis will hold