Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 1 – Rear Suspension

CompetitionX Build Blog

Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 1 – Rear Suspension

Tamiya F104X1 Build

Formula 1 is the pinacle in all of motorsports. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Radio Control. However, Tamiya has released their new F104X1 that is sure to change the way people see this segment of RC. The scale realism, the authentic side-by-side, open wheel racing and the sheer pleasure of the final product are all checkmarks in the positive column for this class. Follow along as I do a step-by-step build of this awesome racing vehicle.

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.

The Build – Part 1
For the first steps, we will be building the rear suspension and pod.

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.

Stay tuned for Part 2 – Assembling the differential.