Ascender
.....
- Messages
- 297
- Location
- Galloway, Ohio, USA
Well, after a few months of beating these up, I'm ready for a review!
This is the set I ordered: http://www.tcscrawlers.com/TCS-5mm-Chassis-for-HPI-Savage-Flux-Red-p-17758.html
Shipping was incredibly fast, TCS sent me an email confirming my order within minutes, and another when the order shipped the next morning, and the package was in my hands inside of 3 business days.
When I opened the package, I found two beautifully machined and red anodized TVPs.
These TVPs look and feel very soild, and the attention to detail in the design is obvious. The finish is perfect, and the anodizing makes the red color deep and liquid-looking.
Some features to note: All of the hardware locations are counter-bored by 2.5mm, which allows you to re-use the stock screws from the Flux. This also includes two grooves allowing free access to the right-hand motor-mount screws that sit so close to the stock TVP. The area where the roll-bar attaches withthe screws to the trans is machined down to allow it to fit, as well.
Also, on the HPI TVPs, the bar above the motor cut-out is thin and pierced by two holes that aren't used for anything. That bar bends and cracks at the holes, andis the weakest area on the stock TVPs. Not only does the TCS TVP omit the two little holes, but TCS has added material to that section, completely eliminating any weakness.
Installation is the exact same as the stock TVPs, and took me about an hour, doing one side at a time. I didn't even have to reset the mesh on the spur and pinion. The pin/stud on the bulkhead was a little tight, but when the joint-post screw was tight, everything fit together snugly.
Installed pictures(on otherwise dirty truck):
Long term:
After inspecting the truck today, the only damage I can find to the TVPs after months of abuse is some light scratches in the anodizing on the bottom edge where the truck hits bottom on landings. I honestly think the truck would split in half through the plastics before you bent or broke these TVPs. The extra weight is almost un-noticeable and doesn't appear to have any effect on the truck at all.
Scores:
Appearance: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Installation: 10/10
Durability/Strength: 10/10
Price: Off the scale.
This is the set I ordered: http://www.tcscrawlers.com/TCS-5mm-Chassis-for-HPI-Savage-Flux-Red-p-17758.html
Shipping was incredibly fast, TCS sent me an email confirming my order within minutes, and another when the order shipped the next morning, and the package was in my hands inside of 3 business days.
When I opened the package, I found two beautifully machined and red anodized TVPs.
These TVPs look and feel very soild, and the attention to detail in the design is obvious. The finish is perfect, and the anodizing makes the red color deep and liquid-looking.
Some features to note: All of the hardware locations are counter-bored by 2.5mm, which allows you to re-use the stock screws from the Flux. This also includes two grooves allowing free access to the right-hand motor-mount screws that sit so close to the stock TVP. The area where the roll-bar attaches withthe screws to the trans is machined down to allow it to fit, as well.
Also, on the HPI TVPs, the bar above the motor cut-out is thin and pierced by two holes that aren't used for anything. That bar bends and cracks at the holes, andis the weakest area on the stock TVPs. Not only does the TCS TVP omit the two little holes, but TCS has added material to that section, completely eliminating any weakness.
Installation is the exact same as the stock TVPs, and took me about an hour, doing one side at a time. I didn't even have to reset the mesh on the spur and pinion. The pin/stud on the bulkhead was a little tight, but when the joint-post screw was tight, everything fit together snugly.
Installed pictures(on otherwise dirty truck):
Long term:
After inspecting the truck today, the only damage I can find to the TVPs after months of abuse is some light scratches in the anodizing on the bottom edge where the truck hits bottom on landings. I honestly think the truck would split in half through the plastics before you bent or broke these TVPs. The extra weight is almost un-noticeable and doesn't appear to have any effect on the truck at all.
Scores:
Appearance: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Installation: 10/10
Durability/Strength: 10/10
Price: Off the scale.
