Question:
Hiya, Doc-
Do you know if the HPI107201 ’78 Trans Am has the proper wheelbase for a Tamiya TL01 chassis? I have had problems finding bodies that the wheels sit properly centered in the wheel wells.
Tim M.
Answer:
Hi Tim.
I did a little research and found that the Tamiya TL01 has a wheelbase of 10.83″, or 257mm. While not 100% certain (I don’t have a TL01 here to look at), I’m pretty sure that car does not have adjustable wheelbase. Checking up on that ’78 Trans Am body, it says that it will fit a HPI Sprint 2 Sport, a car that I just DO happen to have in front of me. That car has a wheelbase of 10″, or 254mm. It too does not have adjustable wheelbase, so it’s pretty safe to say that the ’78 Trans Am will only fit a 10″ (or 254mm) long car…that’s 3mm shorter that the wheelbase of what you have.
3mm really isn’t that much so you could do some creative cutting to make it fit. If you choose to go this route, mount the body first prior to painting; just cut holes for the body mounts, not the wheel wells. Once you get the holes aligned and the body mounted, you’ll be able to see (through the clear body) where the wheel wells will need to be cut. With a Sharpie pen, trace a circle around the tires on the outside of the body. Now, when you’re done painting, cut along those Sharpie marks and the tires should fit perfectly within your wheel wells. Don’t forget to remove the bodies outer protective wrap before stickering it up!
Good luck!
The Doc
