HPI Street Machine restoration

[GeneralZod]

Next basket case resto is an old Street Machine from HPI. I don't see them around very often. They have a cool design and the car can be configured for stick battery quick change or saddle pack. Once I get it off the ceiling, this is what I start off with...

[BattleTrak]

Cool looking car! What is up with the grey inside edge of the tires?

[RC10th]

They were an early Trinity spec tire identified by the grey foam, similar to the RJ Speed/BSR tires with the different colored bands.

I couldn't find a magazine ad but look up Trinity Street Spec, it was an attempt at a cost controlled racing class.

[TRX-1-3]

Once I get it off the ceiling...

Nice one.

[MarkyDents]

Once I get it off the ceiling...

Nice one.

Perfect ! I actually laughed out loud
Sweet car too

[GeneralZod]

The diff didn't work at all and taking it apart revealed why.

What the.........

Double sided tape used as a diff locker. Hmm, never saw that before.

The axle will need replacing since it's an old Bolink steel type and bent anyhow. Plus it's real heavy.

The original hubs had to be chased with the correct tap to clean them up but at least they were not bent.

The bottom pod plate was warped pretty bad so I made an aluminum one using the original as a guide. Should also better dissipate heat from the motor.

[GeneralZod]

Since the original chassis was essentially junk, I fired up my cad program and drew a new one and sent to Jeff at Factory Works. Not long after it arrived in the mail. The quality he puts out is simply amazing! Thanks Jeff!

Rebuilt the rear pod and checked fit to main chassis. Just like OEM!

Time to dye the parts black.

Looks better now.

Cleaned and rebuilt the front suspension. The front underside screw holes had to be countersunk a bit to prevent warping of the chassis when tightening down the mounts. I do this step on all my builds and it works to keep the plate flat.

Now on the hunt to locate new front axles. These are worn out due to seized front bearings.

[GeneralZod]

More progress. Sorry some thumbnails are still rotated.



Upgraded to ceramic diff balls from Acer.

Diff action is extremely smooth now.

Putting it all back together.

Made a small lipo battery stop.

Replaced the friction style shock with a vintage Kyosho gold. Much better now.