Yama-Bro's Clod project

Yama-Bro

Well-Known Member
Hi Guys,

If any of you Clod guys venture into the TXT-1 section, you've probably seen my TXT-1 project post. It's been an on-going project for years. I started visiting the Clod section awhile back and got the itch to own one. I justified my need for one because my 6 year old son is getting interested in bashing with me. My goal was to pick up something that was ready to go. Performance isn't an issue, since my son will be behind the wheel, so a completely stock clod should work fine. We can always modify it later.

Just recently, I won a used clod on eBay. It's bone stock (even the MSC). It doesn't show many signs of use, but it is going to take a little work to get it going. It appears the previous owner stored it for a long time in a moist area, maybe a basement or garage. There is a thick layer of nasty dust and a lot of the steel parts are corroded. I'm trying to get the MSC to work. It may be easier just to buy a cheap ESC. We'll see how much luck I have getting the electronics going. There is a ton of play in the 4 wheel steering. Is that normal?

This one did not come with a body. I have a HPI jeep wrangler that my son wants to paint and mount on the Clod.

Here's some pictures of how we received it.




I'm sure I'll have some questions as we move forward with it.

Yama
 

ClodMonster

Well-Known Member
The ball cranks either need to be tighten to take up the play. Also check out the steering linkage and servo that may play a factor in your problem. The back tires will also look like their turning more sharper than the front.
 
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TXT-2.0

Mod Wrapper
a good cleaning and you'll be good to go , if you need stock springs let me know i have a bunch :tmb
 

Yama-Bro

Well-Known Member
What would be a good choice for a cheap ESC to replace the MSC? Traxxas XL-5? or maybe a low end duratrax unit? Any suggestions?
 

joe

ɹoʇɐɹʇsıuıɯpɐ
Site Administrator
Super Moderator
Moderator
i definitely wouldnt waste anytime "fixing" the msc.
an esc is so much better for control and to prevent run-aways if reception is lost.
not to mention the considerable efficiency differance.
:tmb
 

scottgir

Well-Known Member
The xl5 is a great little esc for these. It'll handle the silvercans no problem and get the waterproof version. I have a traxxas waterproof 2075 servo and a waterproof XL5 in my clod. My kids bash all day long with that. Never have a problem.
 

Yama-Bro

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the replies! I noticed the XL-5 is also available with LVC. That's nice. I think I'll watch for a used one on ebay. I was trying to get by with the MSC for now to save some cash. I realize they aren't much good.

I spent a few hours this weekend disassembling the Clod and cleaning parts. I cleaned everything but the axles & the shocks. I hope to start tearing them down tonight. I thought that would be a good time to check to make sure everything is holding together on the inside.

Is there a way to tell what year (approx) my Clod was manufactured?
 

ClodMonster

Well-Known Member
I would ask the previous owner on some back ground history on the truck of how long he had it. Clods firsts came out in 1987 and were re-released in 2004.
 

william g

Retired
Moderator
it seems to have the earlier style 540 can motors. Yours looks to have plastic endbells while newer have all steel
 

Yama-Bro

Well-Known Member
I recieved an email from the previous owner. He said he bought this one new in '89. It's hard for me to grasp that this thing is 22 years old. LOL.

I'm still tearing the Clod apart and cleaning as I go. I opened up the front gearbox last night and discovered a slightly bent axle. Luckily I have some extras from my TXT, so it won't hold me up.
 

ClodMonster

Well-Known Member
Well if it make's you feel any better my first Clod is 23 years old. It was received on
December 25th 1988. I wish you the best in your new treasure.:)
 

Yama-Bro

Well-Known Member
Where did that part go? :laugh



I tore the Clod all the way down and scrubbed the parts with a toothbrush. Don't tell my wife I used hers (jk). Most of the parts are in great shape. The only broken parts I found were;
-The chassis stiffening brace that holds the heat sink
-Both the braces that attach the suspension arms to the axles

I managed to break the steering servo while I was disassembling it. I bought a CPE servo to replace it.

Also, the front two steering rods were bent. Along with the male axle shaft. I have some shafts left over from my TXT, so I'm covered there. I just straightened the steering rods.

I messed with the MSC and got it working. Should be good enough for awhile.

I started assembling today. I printed off a manual to guide my way.

Yama
 

jonnyboy

Well-Known Member
Where did that part go? :laugh



I tore the Clod all the way down and scrubbed the parts with a toothbrush. Don't tell my wife I used hers (jk). Most of the parts are in great shape. The only broken parts I found were;
-The chassis stiffening brace that holds the heat sink
-Both the braces that attach the suspension arms to the axles

I managed to break the steering servo while I was disassembling it. I bought a CPE servo to replace it.

Also, the front two steering rods were bent. Along with the male axle shaft. I have some shafts left over from my TXT, so I'm covered there. I just straightened the steering rods.

I messed with the MSC and got it working. Should be good enough for awhile.

I started assembling today. I printed off a manual to guide my way.

Yama
man thats nice and clean
 
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