RC10T3 Factory Team build

[Lavigna]

This build is starting with a nearly new FT T3. I placed a half assed bid on eBay, and won. I was surprised, and actually a little mad at myself for buying it. When it showed up, I didn't even open it for a couple of days. However once I did I couldn't believe how nice it was. It was built and probably driven for a couple of minutes in the driveway. The only signs of use are a few scratches on the rear plate, and on the chassis from the batteries. I lightly sanded the chassis to try and remove the battery scratched. They are now hardly noticeable.

Since it's the FT version, it has the anodized blue parts, titanium rods, all Graphite pieces, and a few more goodies.

I have been searching for a new FT blue rear plate replacement for a few weeks. Then today I went digging through my RC10 stuff, and found a brand new Racers Edge rear plate! I still can't believe my luck. I filled in the scratches with a blue sharpie just to test.

I have collected a few nice upgrades for the B3/T3 over the last few years. I will be using a few on this build. Too bad the Trinity blue on the transmission brace is such a different shade to the rest of the pieces.

The Robinson Racing outdrives and slipper are cool pieces. I'm still debating myself whether I should crack them open or not.

I was initially planning to build this to be a fancy runner, but now I am reconsidering.

Question - Did the FT version come with the longer chassis? Or is there an even longer version? Any suggestions are welcome. I am not real familiar with the T3. Thanks!

[Lavigna]

Does anyone know what these blue aluminum rear hubs go to? It looks like they could possibly fit this T3.

[mikea96]

Nice project! Those rear hubs resemble Losi XXXT VLA rear hubs.

[Lavigna]

^ Thanks!

I rebuilt the transmission using these Robinson Racing outdrives and slipper kit. I figured I have had the pieces hidden away long enough, and I'd better use them. The shade of blue isn't a perfect match but oh well. I'm not really familiar with this clutch setup. I hope I have built it correctly. I like the open look of the white RR gear.

I used some fancy Factory Works washers on the transmission case screws. I always feel the stock raw flat washers look unfinished.

I picked up 4 FT blue shock caps, thinking they may look good on these shocks. I put one on to see, and I think I dig it. There is getting to be a lot of blue on this build.

[juicedcoupe]

Is it weird that the blue caps look better on the had anodized bodies than they do on the blue ones?

I've always liked the black aluminum caps on gold bodies. Unfortunately, most of my caps are plastic.

[TRX-1-3]

Sweet. My first foray into the AE line of products was the T3 Team Truck. Yours has way more blue. I stopped at the front and rear skid plates. If I remember, I probably thought "a motor plate, that's too many screws to swap out between heats. Parts are plentiful, I'll do it later. Plus, budget." It's in a box in storage. One day! Crisp build so far, as usual. Nice.

[Lavigna]

I'm waiting on carbon fiber front and rear towers. Until they arrive I can't get much building done. However I have made some small changes.

I added these Dragon rear lower shock mounts, swapped the shock caps for these FT blue units, and swapped out the rod ends. The existing ends were a little gouged up. Some fresh ones really make a difference.

The shocks came with the FT Unobtanium shafts, which is a major score. A few other goodies I found on the truck were RPM rear arm mounts, RPM front bumper, and a RPM rear motor guard.

The Trinity lower shock mounts I showed in a previous group parts photo doesn't fit this truck. My search to find where it does fit continues. Luckily I had recently found the Dragon pieces.

[coxbros1]

The slipper and open white Robinson gear just look titties!

[JohnRTSE]

I'm 95% done with a T3 team truck also. I installed the Dragon rear shock mounts too, and CF shock towers, otherwise mine is original. The drivetrain is coming in the mail on Thursday- I scored the complete take-out electronics from a DR10 for less than $100. Transmitter, receiver, ESC, and 3300kv motor- never run. Figured it would be a good combo for a occasional runner/shelf queen.

Still gotta paint the JConcepts repro Ford body and stick on the T3 decals I got from MCI Racing. It's sooooo close to being done I can't stand it!!

Good luck with your build!!!

[Lavigna]

^ JohnRTSE - Nice looking truck. Very similar. The FT version definitely came with a lot of nice upgrades straight from the box. Thanks for posting.

[Lavigna]

The CF towers from Vintage RC arrived. This is my first purchase from them and the quality is great. Plus, you can't beat their prices.

You may notice the front cross brace is missing. It was sitting on my work bench one day, and gone the next. I've spent at least 2 hours looking for it and have finally given up.

I installed this lovely new Reedy servo. I'm not sure it will stay, but Reedy and AE are such an iconic pairing.

I am trying to decide on spring color. Black or blue springs? Does anyone know of black colored springs that will fit this truck? These fronts are Traxxas springs. They are a little too long, and aren't fully black, but more dark grey. I still need to find black springs for the back.

[romulus22]

I am trying to decide on spring color. Black or blue springs? Does anyone know of black colored springs that will fit this truck? These fronts are Traxxas springs. They are a little too long, and aren't fully black, but more dark grey. I still need to find black springs for the back.

I found these recently for my build. Not sure on the back yet.

[juicedcoupe]

The rear black springs are still available new. Amain has some in stock right now.

Probably a little light for a truck, if you plan on actually running it much (that's way too nice of a truck to scratch up!).

[Lavigna]

^ Thanks Romulus22!

This thing is pretty close now. Just needs correct springs, electronics, and then to decide on body and wheels. I have some OG decals coming.

[Lavigna]

I really wanted to use this Trinity brace, but the color was just too far off from the rest of the blue. Such a shame.