The Build – Part 1
For the first steps, we will be building the rear suspension and pod.
Build Notes: The F104X1 is a pretty simple kit. A few standard tools is all that is needed, but do have a little it of blue loctite available for those metal-to-aluminum fasteners.
Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 1
At the beginning of every build, I always recommend removing all the parts from the box to familiarize yourself with them. This will help you quickly and easily identify the parts for each step.
Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 2
Attach the T-plate to the chassis. Make sure you pay attention to the countersink holes in the plate. Those face down. Also, since a few of the screws drive directly into aluminum parts, it’s a good idea to use a SMALL dab of blue loctite to hold them in place.
Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 3
Insert the locknuts into the rear battery support and pod bottom plate/diffuser. They should be a snug fit. If not, a drop of grease will help keep them in place.
Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 4
Attach the pod bottom plate/diffuser to the T-plate and the battery support to the chassis. Make sure you insert a black o-ring between the T-plate and battery support. Tighten this screw (the one that goes through the o-ring) until it is flush with the top of the locknut. We’ll adjust later.
Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 5
Assemble the rear pod, but don’t tighten down the screws yet. Apply a dab of loctite to the screws going into the aluminum.
Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 6
Attach the rear pod to the rear pod plate/diffuser. Tighten down these 4 screws. After you have done that, you can tighten all the screws from the step above. Torque until snug…you don’t want to warp the pod.
Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 7
Remove the axle height spacers from the parts tree and remove any burrs (spare plastic). You can see a ‘nub’ in the picture. This is a burr that needs to be removed. Go ahead and choose the #2 spacer (it is printed on the part).
Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 8
Insert an axle bearing into the axle spacer and press the assembly into the rear pod. Notice that the bearing is in the up position. This helps set the ride height on the F104X1 nice and low.
Tony Phalen -
As an avid RC enthusiast, Tony has been building, bashing and racing RC Cars for over 30 years. He has participated in every kind of surface racing events - 1/18 scale trucks, 1/10 scale TC, Rock Racers, Rally - if it had wheels, he's raced it! He's also worked on both sides of the industry fence; collaborating with many major manufacturers (as well as being a sponsored driver) to working for a high-profile industry magazine. During this time he has learned many tricks, tips and techniques and is sharing that knowledge on CompetitionX - the most informative RC website on the internet!
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The F104X1 is a pretty simple kit. A few standard tools is all that is needed, but do have a little it of blue loctite available for those metal-to-aluminum fasteners.
