FLM Bulkheads

[Fx]

I have been admiring FLM bulkheads for quite some time now. Are they good bulkheads? Is there any other good bulkhead besides GPM and FLM? I an mainly looking for info on FLM bulkheads though, so if you have any info, let me know.
Thanks, FX

[k0m0d067]

as far as specific info about the FLM ones, I have no first hand experience with them, but if they are anything like their other parts (my FLM EXT-LCG Chassis and Engine plate are sweet!!) they are bound to be winners...

Golden Horizons makes a very nice bulkhead(I like mine, and need a 2nd one to complete the set)...integy's are nice...several manufacturer's make them besides the 2 you mentioned...unless you are reffering to the "Hybrid" style bulks, which incorporate the diff housing into the bulkhead, similar to the Sav-X bulk/diff (although I don't think they have made the easy access version yet)

there is actually another company making the "hybrid" bulks like the FLM ones, but they are from Hong Kong(might even be the GPM ones)...the upside is you can get them in a variety of colors from overseas (FLM stuff is just clear ano)...the downside, is that everything takes roughly 1 month to ship to your door from H.K.

[SavageGoZoom]

FLM has bulkhead and gearboxes combined to make "bulkless." They seem to be good and eventualy I will be getting there easy access version to test some time in the near future if all goes well:)

[k0m0d067]

FLM has bulkhead and gearboxes combined to make "bulkless." They seem to be good and eventualy I will be getting there easy access version to test some time in the near future if all goes well:)

bulkless = hybrid, as mentioned above...hadn't heard whether they were easy-access or not...

[SavageGoZoom]

bulkless = hybrid, as mentioned above...hadn't heard whether they were easy-access or not...

Only ones for sale now are not easy access. Jamie is in the process of designing the easy access savage X style right now.

[k0m0d067]

that's good news!

[Xjeepguy]

I'd like to hear from somebody running these hybrids. They look like a brilliant design, and I would be interested in trying a set, but would like to hear some testimonials. I just want to hear how they hold up to hard bashing, how well they hold gear mesh, weight difference between these and the stock gearbox/bulk assembly they replace, stuff like that.

[HopIt]

I've also been waiting for some reveiws, but I couldn't wait any longer so I got some, well one anyway, still waiting for the second one to arrive. I just gotta find the time and the bench space to fit em. While I'm at it I'm guna stick some Nova diff cups in just for good measure. My first impressions were WOW! It's a nice piece of machining, but the edges are a bit sharp. Then I suppose if they stopped to smooth the edges, then the price would go up. I deburred the edges using a small scraper made from a hack saw blade. It did take a while but IMO is well worth the effort. I'll try and keep you informed as the build takes shape (whenever I get to start it).

[Fx]

I've also been waiting for some reveiws, but I couldn't wait any longer so I got some, well one anyway, still waiting for the second one to arrive. I just gotta find the time and the bench space to fit em. While I'm at it I'm guna stick some Nova diff cups in just for good measure. My first impressions were WOW! It's a nice piece of machining, but the edges are a bit sharp. Then I suppose if they stopped to smooth the edges, then the price would go up. I deburred the edges using a small scraper made from a hack saw blade. It did take a while but IMO is well worth the effort. I'll try and keep you informed as the build takes shape (whenever I get to start it).

Sounds like a plan, thanks.

[Jeremy]

There nice Iam running one in the front and ez access gpm in the rear 2 gallons on them both np yet ...

[CRUSADER]

Well, well, well ... looks like the newb has to step up.

I have a pair of the FLM Hybrid bulkheads in my SAVAGE. I started my build with an XSS kit. When I took the HPI easy access bulkheads apart to get the diffs out, I discovered that one of the HPI alloy diff cups was cracked in 4 places - it cracked where the screws go down into the diff cup. The other diff cup (the one that wasn't cracked) fit kinda loosely in the FLM bulkhead. So, since I had to get 1 diff cup to replace the cracked one anyway, I decided to go ahead & replace both of them. My LHS had Golden Horizon cups hanging on the pegboard, so that's what I got. As I mentioned, I am a newb to the SAVAGE. I didn't know anything about GH's rep ... and still don't. Anyhow, the GH diff cups fit the FLM bulks nearly perfectly. No shims required in one. One shim required in the other. I used the HPI gears in the GH cups. They fit into the GH cup better than they fit into the HPI cups!

As far as assembling the FLM bulkheads & HPI lower plate/skid plate, that was no problem. I used the SAVAGE X shock towers. The screws were a bit short, so I picked up some longer hex screws from the LHS. For my build, I also used the FLM Extended Low Center of Gravity chassis. Everything fit together pretty well. I had to do some very light Dremel work on the FLM chassis in order to get the HPI lower plate/skid plate to fit perfectly. I replaced all of the hex screws included in the kits (FLM LCG kit & Bulkhead kits) with longer versions I picked up at my LHS. One last thing about the length of the screws - I have a feeling that the screws were all too short because they were intended to be used with HPI TVP's, not the thicker FLM TVP's. I do not think FLM is trying to take the cheap route out.

I have about 4 gallons on my SAVAGE so far - a few gallons with the NitroStar engine and almost 2 gallons on a STS D30M Rev 2. Everything is running perfectly.

If I build another SAVAGE, I will used the FLM "easy access" bulkheads if they are available. Otherwise, I'll use another pair of these Hybrids again.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/P1020640.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/P1020628.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/P1020650.jpg

The front bulkhead required some mods in order to get the mid tank mod to work:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/P1020665.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/P1020680.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/P1020691.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/P1020699.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/P1030139.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/P1000179.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/J.jpg

[Fx]

Thanks for that, one question not related to the bulkheads.

I want to use the same braces you did here but I don't get how you used small screw. Aren't they too small for the holes on the skid plate. Pics of your skid plate would help I believe.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h152/Enjoi_LAX/HPISF%20Thread%20Pics/P1020640.jpg

[CRUSADER]

Those braces are FLM parts, not HPI parts. Hope these pics answer your questions:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/2.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE/5.jpg

[Fx]

Those pictures defiantly explain it, thanks for taking the pictures so quick.

[Jeremy]

CRUSADER ...... Nice write up you receive some rep from me for that

[RCJUNKIE]

Nice truck!!! I would luv the same set up on all mine!!

[]-[0pa]0ng]

Very clean very well put together. Like SJ said - You got my vote on this. I like the setup you have done.

Hop

[Crash]

very nice crusader,

wind it up and send us a video.

[HopIt]

I gota agree, it's totally sick ! But what's even better, is my second bulkhead arrived this morning, and now I've seen how they look I can't wait !
Good job CRUSADER !

[SavageGoZoom]

I gota agree, it's totally sick ! But what's even better, is my second bulkhead arrived this morning, and now I've seen how they look I can't wait !
Good job CRUSADER !

You will love them, mine are amazing!

[CRUSADER]

very nice crusader,

wind it up and send us a video.

I have a few vids up already ... search around a lil'

Once I finish breakin' in the RB TM928 I'll make & post a few new vids!

[Crash]

http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/?action=view&current=dc2c46cf.flv
lookn good crusader, sorry I missed that one.

[HopIt]

I'd like to hear from somebody running these hybrids. They look like a brilliant design, and I would be interested in trying a set, but would like to hear some testimonials. I just want to hear how they hold up to hard bashing, how well they hold gear mesh, weight difference between these and the stock gearbox/bulk assembly they replace, stuff like that.

Well I'm finally gettin round to startin work on my Savvy, it will be a while before it's complete, but I did have a weigh in the other night. The stuff I'm replacing is the Integy bulkheads and GPM diff case, which weighs 6oz. The FLM hybrid version weighs 6 1/8oz, so the truck will gain 1/4oz overall.
It's taken me a long time to get all the spares together, because the further you dig , the deeper it gets and the more skint you get:$broke: You know how it is ! I haven't touched the diffs for ages so I'm going to replace most of the parts.The pinions are worn pretty much to the end of their life, but the crown gears are like new, guess they are much harder ? It's a pitty Robinson Racing don't cater for the Savage, I asked them why not, and they said it's because their machines aren't big enough ! :dunno: So then I asked them why don't they get some more machines, because surely it would be worth their while ? They have not replied to that one ! Any how I have just received the last of the spares from Stormer Racing, so I can now get on when time permits. Please bear with me I'll try and keep you posted.

[Shaun]

nice job crusader! and nice clear pics that setup looks awsome

[HopIt]

Here's an update on the FLM bulkheads. I've finished fitting the rear one, which went pretty smooth. I did have a problem trying to fit the Tsais shock towers to the bulkhead though. I had to shave off a fair bit of ally where the shock tower sits on the bulkhead sides. I couldn't get the screws in the holes so this was the only way out.
I've now started to weigh up the front, and I can already see a major problem. With the old gear box, which was GPM I think ?, the steering rack fowled on it. I got over that with a bit of filing, but now with the FLM bulkhead, it's got a huge piece in the way where a screw goes.These pics will help explain my concerns.
The area I'm pointing to with the screwdriver is the problem.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/HopItPics/Picture144.jpg
With the two lined up you can see how much sticks out.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/HopItPics/Picture141.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/HopItPics/Picture148.jpg

The steering rack needs to be right where that screw is.

Has anyone had this problem before ? It could be to do with the TVPs I'm using ?
So the next question has to be, How do I fix it ????

[Fx]

FLM needs to redesign these no doubt. Hope you figure something out hopit.

[HopIt]

I found this while browsing the FLM site. THIS (http://www.smfstore.com/product_info.php?cPath=31_208&products_id=864) could be the answer :Xfingers: It looks like it has been designed around their bulkheads. It has much more of an offset than anything else I've seen, so should give enough clearance round that darn screw ! :Xfingers:

[CRUSADER]

I just read your PM HopIt. You need the FLM drag link to get things all together. I just happen to have a pic of said part. It is the aluminum part between the towers. The part number is "FLM4800".

Also - while you have your truck apart, you should replace the 4 plastic bushings that the steering towers pivot on with ball bearings ... unless you've already done that mod. If you haven't done it, HPI has a kit with the bearings in it. However, the bearings are a common size. I just took the plastic bushings to my LHS and asked them to match it with a bearing. It is a good mod.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Goschraub/SAVAGE%20PROJECT/P1020730.jpg

[CRUSADER]

HopIt - in the pm you sent, you asked about the uprights that I used. I did use the HPI suspension upgrade kit ... well, most of the kit. I just de-anodized everything and then polished all the aluminum. I don't like purple. There is NO purple goofy-ness happenin' on my SAVAGE.

How do you name a truck "SAVAGE" and then color every piece of aluminum (and some plastic parts) on the thing purple? Huh? How does that happen? Can someone 'splain that to me?

[Blazer X]

HopIt - in the pm you sent, you asked about the uprights that I used. I did use the HPI suspension upgrade kit ... well, most of the kit. I just de-anodized everything and then polished all the aluminum. I don't like purple. There is NO purple goofy-ness happenin' on my SAVAGE.

How do you name a truck "SAVAGE" and then color every piece of aluminum (and some plastic parts) on the thing purple? Huh? How does that happen? Can someone 'splain that to me?

It must be a european thing

[HopIt]

I just read your PM HopIt. You need the FLM drag link to get things all together. I just happen to have a pic of said part. It is the aluminum part between the towers. The part number is "FLM4800".

Also - while you have your truck apart, you should replace the 4 plastic bushings that the steering towers pivot on with ball bearings ... unless you've already done that mod. If you haven't done it, HPI has a kit with the bearings in it. However, the bearings are a common size. I just took the plastic bushings to my LHS and asked them to match it with a bearing. It is a good mod.

Thanks for that CRUSADER. My post actually contains a link to that part on the SMF web site, which Bruce should be packing up for me right now ! :Xfingers:
I did the sevo saver thing way back, and currently run the Hot Racing version, well most of it !:hardlaugh:

HopIt - in the pm you sent, you asked about the uprights that I used. I did use the HPI suspension upgrade kit ... well, most of the kit. I just de-anodized everything and then polished all the aluminum.
I don't like purple. There is NO purple goofy-ness happenin' on my SAVAGE.

How do you name a truck "SAVAGE" and then color every piece of aluminum (and some plastic parts) on the thing purple? Huh? How does that happen? Can someone 'splain that to me?

:hardlaugh: :hardlaugh: :bling: You do have a point ! It must have taken you a fair bit of time to make em shine like that ?

It must be a european thing

I wouldn't know, I'm not European ! :blah: And isn't HPI an American company ?

[Jeremy]

I run the flm bulkhead in the front had the same problem w/ my bellcrank hitting the bulk, has to shave some off and works great , also having a problem w/ the savage x shock towers fitting , I have to shave them down so much to make fit, making them allot weaker.

IS there a direct bolt on shock tower for the flm bulks ?

[CRUSADER]

SJ - I'm thinking that the FLM towers would fit pretty nicely. They would be heavier than the HPI plastic towers, though.

When I built my truck, I also had to do some trimming on the HPI XSS towers in order to make them fit correctly. Just trim 'em down a little at a time 'till it's just right. The screws are a little short, too. I just picked up some longer screws from my LHS. Mine is solid & tight as a drum - no problemo. The truck has seen it's share of cartwheeling and everything is still ok. ;)

[Jeremy]

Thanks bud will look at the flm towers

[HopIt]

Here are a some pics to compare the FLM drag link with stock and also the Hot Racing version I've been running.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/HopItPics/Savage/Picture152.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/HopItPics/Savage/Picture150.jpg

As you can see, FLM have shaved it down to the absolute minimum to allow it to fit round their bulkhead. They must be very confident with the material they use............. :Xfingers:

[HopIt]

I run the flm bulkhead in the front had the same problem w/ my bellcrank hitting the bulk, has to shave some off and works great , also having a problem w/ the savage x shock towers fitting , I have to shave them down so much to make fit, making them allot weaker.

IS there a direct bolt on shock tower for the flm bulks ?

SJ, which part of the tower is giving you problems ? I had problems fitting the Tsais towers also. Seems like quite a few people have had problems with various towers, and I don't think all the towers are at fault here ! I would say this is an issue that FLM needs to address. Where the tower meets the top of the side of the bulkhead, directly below the outer fixing holes, is where the problem lies. I had to remove a good mm of material here to get the tower low enough for the holes to line up. I thought this was the better way to go, then I won't have to keep moding any future replacement towers.
Hope this helps.

[HopIt]

Well I finally got everything together after a few minor problems, only to find another problem. When I tried to fit the body shell, I found that the distance between the two mounts had increased, so now it won't fit. It is like one complete hole out, or half a hole front and rear to be right. Obviously this is another area that FLM screwed up. I'm going to try and speak with them and see if they recognise their mistakes.
Has anyone else experienced the same problem ? Let me know. Also if you have any suggestions on how I should get over this, that would be appreciated.