Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 6 – Top Decks

The Build – Part 6
The TM4 uses a dual top deck with a center aluminum bulkhead cap. This allows for easier maintenance than a car will a full top deck. We’ll also be installing the front and rear shock towers and wing mounts.

Build Notes:
If you choose, you can seal the edges of the carbon fiber top decks and shock towers with CA glue. This helps keep them from delaminating in the event of a crash.

Because of the way the battery mounts, I had to dremel a pretty serious notch in the rear top deck to allow the plugs to attach to the battery. This shouldn’t be a bit issue with handling but be aware that if you do have a big crash, this could potentially be a weak point in the car’s backbone.

Assemble the front top deck, making sure the antenna mount is positioned on the left side of the deck. Place the two orange spacers on the steering posts and attach the top deck to the chassis.

Assemble the rear top deck and attach it to the chassis. As you can see, I’ve had to notch the piece quite a bit to get the battery plugs to reach the battery. I would test fit whatever battery you are using to see how much you’ll need to do this. I could have reversed the battery to have the plugs up front, but then the notch would be closer to the attachment point; I figure this would make that point much weaker than having the notch more in the middle.

Bolt the aluminum cap onto the center bulkheads. It does have a top and bottom so make sure you test fit it prior to screwing it in place.

Attach the front shock tower to the front gearbox.

Attach the wing mounts to the rear shock tower. You can attach the mounts to either side; the tower is not directional.

Attach the rear tower to the rear gearbox, making sure the wing mounts are to the rear of the car.

Pretty easy step! Next up is the suspension.

Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 1 – Main Chassis Prep
Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 2 – Differentials
Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 3 – Gearboxes
Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 4 – Center Clutch
Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 5 – Steering
Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 6 – Top Deck/Shock Towers
Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 7 – Front Suspension
Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 8 – Rear Suspension
Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 9 – Shocks
Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 10 – Electronics
Team C TM4 Buggy Build – Part 11 – Wheels, Tires, Body

Back to the Team C TM4 Buggy Build List