Hanging with Paulie: Ride, Review, Redeem
Traxxas Steering Upgrade
The stock steering on the Traxxas Nitro Slash is a weak point, so I upgraded to the aluminum Traxxas 3743A bellcrank with built-in bearings. The install took some patience—removing the bumper, servo arm, and loosening the chassis—but the result is tighter, smoother steering and better durability. Combined with upgraded tires, the Slash becomes a fun, drift-happy nitro truck that just needs a little tuning to shine.
Badland Tires: Sometimes a Badland is the Perfect LAND!
I try out the Proline Badlands tires! The tires are absolutely amazing. The Slash is a whole new truck. That is, until the steering broke. OH well, what is one more upgrade? Anyway, we spend the time reviewing the Proline Badlands tires.
The Slash Slays!
When a USPS alert feels like Santa’s text, you know it’s a good day. My order from A Main Hobbies brought Proline Badlands tires for the Slash. Now I was free to do a science experiment: could it drive with just foam and no tire? Turns out… yes, with glorious donuts and burned foam. Here’s the story, the laughs, and the nitro-fueled fun.
Resurrecting the Slash… Sorta
Ever felt judged by your half-broken RC truck? Paulie did. This post chronicles the attempts of resurrecting the Nitro Slash. I install new caster blocks, discover my failed glow ignitor, try to do foam-only tire runs, and consider the deeper joy of redeeming what’s broken. Get ready for nitro-fueled chaos, honest product thoughts, and maybe a few life lessons along the way.
Antidote Rooftop Tent
The Antidote tent is sleek with a fiberglass shell (yes, like a Corvette), standing room inside, and a universal mounting system; it’s both practical and fun. Antidote’s customer service is top-notch, and the tent’s durability holds up provided that you close it. If you’re tired of Yakima prices and want a rooftop tent that works without the drama, this might be your antidote.
Miata MX-5: Hairdresser’s Car or Just FUN?
I went to Portland for some meetings. The highlight? A spontaneous fling with a Mazda MX-5 RF rental. I used to laugh off Miatas as “hairdresser’s cars,” but after two days of commuting and carving through Mt. Hood's twisties, I’m rethinking everything. It’s not the fastest, but it might be the most fun I’ve had on four wheels.
KTM LC8: Not a Katoomer…It’s the BOMB!
I have the opportunity and privilege to ride a KTM LC8. It is a very nice bike, and it is incredibly fun to ride. This bike ends up being a Paulie’s pick.
Harley Davidson V-Rod… or V-Rad? (For Sale)
There was a time many moons ago where motorcycles were a very big part of my life. I know that there are many 'communities' however, there is nothing like the motorcycling community. I honestly have no idea what it is, but people just geek out over each other’s bike. People love to swap lies… I mean tell stories… about the big ride or the crazy ride. If the person is a good storyteller, you can kill some valuable time and not even feel bad for procrastinating.
I had an F650 Dakar. Man, I loved that bike. I rode that bike everywhere. I remember…. (insert squeaky wiggle voice while standing and hobbling over a cane)… when my wife would leave for work and I would jump on the bike. At that time we lived in California and I loved riding the Sierra Nevada mountains. I still think that California has some of the best roads to ride in this great nation of ours.
Fast forward to today… I was visiting an elderly widow in my congregation… He had a Harley Davidson V Rod… Now, I am not really a Harley guy... So, why would this bike intrigue me you might ask?
Heading Home: Devil’s Tower
We go to Devil’s tower, and get possessed by the landscape! What a cool sight or is that site….. either way it is worth a look.
Iron Mountain Road
Are you near Rapid City South Dakota? Did the Pioneer Auto Show close early for you too? Well, then check out this road! It is worth the trip!
Road Trip Report: Makoshika State Park
Intested in pulling off the road to stretch your legs? Why not pull off near Glendive and check out Makoshika State Park?
A Little Mix and Match
I give an update on the Traxxas Slash and update some of the Tamiya projects we have lying around. I also show my love for Tamiya by
Road Trip Report: Pompey’s Pillar/Tower
We do a bit of a road trip to North Dakota. We decide to explore a few places. Here, I report on our visit to Pompeys Pillar. This is one Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the west. In fact, Clark signs his name in the rock. Does that make our explorer an early tagger?
So close, but no cigar
Out with the old, slash and in with the new. Okay, so it is not a new slash, but I report on the new body with a full how I did it. It is a little tricky to paint these bodies, but there is a certain joy to it even if one is not that skilled at painting.
Reviving the Slash
It is time to give the Traxxas Slash some love. The original body had a dent on it, and I may have done some cartwheels with it myself. So, it is time to get a fresh body, play with some supplies, and see what we can cook up.
Loving the TT-02RA
I review the installation of the Tamiya TT-02RA steering upgrade. We also ponder whether or not Moses played with RC cars in the wilderness. I think Chat GPT has given us ample proof that he did. Or this could just be made up. I will let you decide.
4Runner Cruising with the Cruisers: 406 Cruiser Vintage Days
My friend invites me to tag along with some of the older trucks in our club. It was a good time out, saw some great scenery, and give a trail report on the White Tail Reservoir.