Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 10 – Wheels, Tires, Wings

Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 10 – Wheels, Tires, Wings

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:
Take your time when gluing the tires into place. Nothing is worse than a tire coming off the wheel during a race. Try using my CompetitionX Gloo Toobs for a nice, strong bond.

The front aluminum screws are pretty soft. A hard hit to the front end can cause those screws to bend and cause serious handling issues. Check these out from Exotek Racing Exotek F1 4x30mm Titanium Screws

The Build – Part 10
Tires make a huge difference in the handling of the F104X1. Check your local track to find out what tires they are running before you glue them on.

There are quite a few manufacturers of tires for the Tamiya F1s, but I’ll be going with Pit Shimizus. These seem to work the best on most surfaces and don’t wear very much. To keep the mess to a minimum, I use my CompetitionX Gloo Toobs. Feel free to head over and purchase a package. The proceeds help support this site.

Insert the bearings into the front wheels; one on each side.

Slide the spacer onto the front axle followed by the front wheel. Hold everything in place with a standard locknut. Do this on both sides.

Slide the rear wheels onto the hubs and hold in place with the flanged locknut.

Assemble the front wing per the instructions. Remove the front-most aluminum screw that holds the front suspension to the chassis and slide the front wing into place. Replace the aluminum screw.

Assemble the rear wing and attach to the rear of the chassis. As an added realistic touch, I added a blinky ‘rain’ light that plugs straight into the receiver. It draws next to nothing in amperage and gives the F104X1 a killer look.

Stay tuned for Part 11 – Preparing the body.

Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 1 – Rear Suspension
Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 2 – Differential
Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 3 – Motor Install
Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 4 – Front Suspension Part 1
Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 5 – Servo Install
Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 6 – Top Deck
Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 7 – Electronics
Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 8 – Front Suspension Part 2
Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 9 – Center Shock
Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 10 – Wheels, Tires and Wings
Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 11 – Body and Details