How to convert a 2wd Slash into a dirt oval race truck [VIDEO]

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Mike Garrison

0 June 22, 2018, 1:10 p.m.

By Mike Garrison
LiveRC.com

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How to Convert a 2WD Slash into a Dirt Oval Race Truck
Convert your Slash into a wild dirt oval racer

Nothing beats a Traxxas Slash for versatility and all-surface fun. For this build we’re putting our hex drivers to work on RC’s most popular truck, the 2WD Slash. Follow along as we convert everyone’s favorite short-course machine into wild n’ woolly dirt-oval (aka “MudBoss”) racer complete with an “East Coast Modified” -style body. 

In addition to totally transforming the appearance of the Slash, the boxy body makes major downforce to help you go fast and turn left like a pro. We went with Evolution Racing Concepts’ Avenger 3.0 body for this project (which includes the required “middle” body posts and a front bumper). If there’s already an oval-Slash scene at your track, you may find other bodies are popular too.

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The Build

REQUIRED ITEMS

• Traxxas Slash 2WD truck
• Dirt oval race body
• 2mm and 2.5mm hex drivers
• 1/16" hex driver and 1/4" nut driver
• Needle-nose pliers*
• Body reamer*
• Body scissors*
• Hobby knife*

Step 1. Remove the Front Bumper & Body Mount 

You’ll need 2mm and 2.5mm drivers for this step. Remove the four screws from the underside of the bumper, and the three screws that attach the upper bumper support to the chassis. Set the bumper aside so you can go back to short-course mode in the future. To remove the body mount, take out the 2mm screws that pass through it into the shock tower. You can flex the shock tower for easier driver access, it’ll spring back into position.

Step 2. Install the Avenger Front Bumper 

The Avenger bumper installs with four screws under the chassis like the stock bumper The top support fastens to the bumper with nuts and screws and into the chassis using a body reamer to create holes for the stock locations. The screws only need to be tightened until snug, don’t overdo it.

Step 3. Paint & Assemble the Body 

The body is comprised of separate flat parts that must be assembled with screws and nuts (so many screws and nuts…), and instructions are not supplied—it’s a “look at the picture” type of thing. Assembly isn’t difficult, it just takes a some time and patience to paint and assemble. Paint the body panels before assembly, or to help you along, we’ve documented the assembly and paint process in this build video. Note that you’ll need a 1/16” hex driver and ¼ inch nut driver, as the body does not use metric hardware.

Step 4. Install the Body 

Position the body so the “nose” is up against the bumper and the body is centered properly from side to side, and adjust the body post heights so the body’s rocker panels are level. It will be a little high since it’s sitting on the tips of the posts, which is fine. To mark the post locations, shine a flashlight through the body from its underside and mark the post at the dark spot where it touches the body. Or, dap the tip of each post with grease and carefully lower the body onto the posts, then make your holes where the grease has made a dot on the body. A high-quality body reamer is recommended for making precise body-post holes.

Body Options 

The ERC Avenger is just one way to get a dirt-oval look and performance. We also found the Custom Works Tornado, Extreme RC Bodies Contender, Barts Parts Modified, Bodies By Ed High Downforce, and of course, the Salvas MudBoss. If your track says you must use a body that looks like a UMP, USMTS, or IMCA dirt modified, these will do the trick. And if you’re curious, those acronyms stand for dirt-track sanctioning bodies and racing series: United Midwestern Promoters, United States Modified Touring Series, and International Motor Contest Association. There are a number of race classes that are designed for the Slash 2WD with one of these style bodies such as the Mud Boss class, SC Mod, Slash spec dirt oval, or others. Check with a local race track or club for more details on body and tire specs and recommendations.

Ready to Go LTO!

As in, “Left Turn Only.” Now that your Slash is dirt-ovalized, you’re ready to hit the track for some of the closest, must-fun racing RC has to offer. Or, you can just look a genuine Midwest mud slinger as you tear up the neighborhood with your Slash. Either way, it’s an exciting new look and driving experience.

We want to see how your dirt-oval build turned out—post up your pics to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #SlashDirtOval and we’ll pick a few favorites!