Associated Electrics RC12 L3 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR THE
#4016 RC12L3 OVAL KIT
©1999 Associated Electrics, Inc.
1:12 SCALE OVAL KIT
SAVE THIS MANUAL!
Use with current catalog for future,
hassle-free re-ordering of parts.

2
TOOLS
HELPFUL TOOLS (NOT REQUIRED)
Allen drivers (straight Allen wrenches with hex shaped handles)
such as the following made by Associated:
#6957 .050" Allen wrench
#6958 1/16" Allen wrench
#6960 3/32" Allen wrench
#6961 2.5mm Allen wrench
Vernier calipers
Hobby scissors
Nut drivers (screwdriver-
handled hex socket tools) such
as the following from Associated:
#SP-86 3/16" nut driver
#SP-85 1/4" nut driver
#SP-82 11/32" nut driver
WARNING!
Do not use a power screwdriver to install screws into
nylon, plastic, or composite materials. The fast rotation speed
can heat up the screws being installed. They can then break or
strip the threads during installation.
KIT TOOLS SUPPLIED
EXTRA STUFF NEEDED
Phillips screwdriver #2
needlenose pliers
soldering iron (40-50 watts) and a
small amount of Rosin core solder.
Pencil-type soldering iron is better
than the gun type.
DANGER! Tip is
HOT!
hobby knife WARNING! This knife
cuts plastic and fingers with equal
ease, so be careful.
precision ruler
file
hand drill with 3/32" (or #43) drill bit
electrician's tape
strapping tape
Allen wrenches, .050", 1/16", 3/32"
shock tools
metal turnbuckle wrench
ITEM S N EED ED TO C O M PLETE YO U R K IT
1
R/C two channel surface frequency radio system.
2 *
Battery pack (6 cell).
3 Battery charger (we recommend a peak detection charger).
4 *
Electronic speed control.
5 * R/C electric motor.
6 *
Pinion gear, size to be determined by type and wind of motor you
w
ill
be using.
7
1:12 scale Lexan body.
*Available from Team Associated. See your catalogs.
VCS M icro Shocks
3 shock design
fo r b e s t d a m p e n in g
Race-proven
Dynam ic Strut
frontsuspension
Carbon-fiber
Com posite Chassis
Facto ry Tea m
blue alum inum screw s
and ballends
Facto ry Tea m
blue titanium
tu rn b u c k le s Pro-Line/Jaco
wheel/tirecombo
fro n t a n d re a r
Wide
battery
slots
#4016

shoulder down
8405, qty 2
upper suspension
arm
8407, qty 2
0° upper sus-
pension arm
mount 8417, qty 4
pivot ball
8415, qty 2
upper suspension
arm turnbuckle
8411, qty 2
upper suspension
arm eyelet
step 1
ASSEMBLE UPPER
SUSPENSION ARM
Assemble parts #8405, 8415,
and 8411.
ATTACH UPPER ARM MOUNT TO LOWER ARM
Attach #8407 0° mount to the #8419 lower suspension
arm using two #8409 screws.
WARNING! Screws are
difficult to screw in. Turn carefully so you do not strip
out the head.
INSTALLING UPPER AND LOWER PIVOT BALLS
Before popping in the #8417 pivot balls, make sure
there are no burrs inside the pivot ball holes.
Pop the #8417 pivot balls into the suspension arms as
shown. Make sure that the shoulders of the pivot balls
in the lower suspension arms are facing upward and
the pivot balls in the upper arm are facing downward
as shown. Orient ball to the rounded side of the upper
arm as shown.
Now assemble the right side.
LEFT S ID E
BAG A
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: step 1
1:1
1:1
BEFOREBUILDING
OPEN THE BAGS IN ORDER
The assembly is arranged so that you will open and finish that
bag before you go on to the next bag. Sometimes you will
have parts remaining at the end of a bag. These will
become part of the next bag. Some bags may have a large
amount of small parts. To make it easier to find the parts, we
recommend using a partitioned paper plate for spreading out
the parts so they will be easier to find.
MANUAL FORMAT
The following explains the format of these instructions.
The beginning of each section indicates:
1Which bag to open ("BAG A").
2Which parts you will use for those steps. Remove only the
parts shown. "1:1" indicates an actual size drawing; place
your part on top and compare it so it does not get confused
with a similar part.
3Which tools you should have handy for that section.
4In some drawings, the word "REAR" with an arrow indicates
which direction is the rear of the car to help keep you oriented.
5 The instructions in each step are ordered in the order you
complete them, so read the words AND follow the pictures. The
numbers in circles are also in the drawing to help you locate
them faster.
6When we refer to left and right sides of the car, we are
referring to the driver's point of view inside the car.
SUPPLEMENTAL SHEETS
We are constantly developing new parts to improve our kits.
These changes, if any, will be noted in supplementary sheets
located in a parts bag or inside the kit box. Check the kit box
before you start and each bag as it is opened. When a
supplement is found, attach it to the appropriate section of the
manual.
Now clear off your workbench, line up some paper plates,
grab your 50-cent soda, 39-cent cheeseburger, $12.99 music
CD, and let's begin!
REACHING US
ASSOCIATED ELECTRICS, INC.
3585 Cadillac Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
USA
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
[phone]
Fax [phone]
web site: http://www.teamassociated.com
©1999 Associated Electrics, Inc.
3
TOOLS USED
Match this number
to the text to find
your way faster
8411
8415
8405
8407 8419
8409 (blue)
8409
(blue) 8417
8417
8409, qty 4
4-40 x 1/2"
shoulder screw,
blue aluminum
1:1
1:1
8419, qty 2
lower suspension
arm
shoulder up
left side
right side
the side with
the rounded corner
should face up
1/16"
3
5
F
R
O
N
T

8421, qty 2
offset steering
block
8413, qty 2
hinge pin
8439, qty 4
8-32 x 5/8
blue aluminum
step 3
LEFT S ID E
BAG A
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: steps 2-3
1:1
1:1
TOOLS USED
4
8413
8413 8413
4449
4448
6299
4403
4114
8425
6299
step 2
NOTE: The bottom of the chassis
has the screw holes countersunk.
FILE THE CHASSIS
Use your file to bevel the slots on the top of the chassis so
the edges won't cut through the battery cell wrap.
WARNING! Graphite dust can be harmful to your
health. File in a well ventilated area. Then wash the
chassis with running water and dry with paper towels.
Wash your hands afterward with cold water and soap.
Deposit graphite filings in trash.
TAPE THE CHASSIS
Insulate the battery slots by wrapping the slots with
electrical tape.
8413, qty 4
caster shim
6299, qty 6
E-clip
1:1
4448, qty 2
ball end
blue aluminum
1:1
4449, qty 2
4-40 locknut
1:1
1599, qty 2
axle
4403, qty 2
kingpin
4114, qty 2
spring, .018
1:1
8425, qty 8
kingpin shim
1:1
1:1
8439
the side with
the rounded corner
should face up
chassis
FRONT VIEW SHOWN
1:1
4187, qty 4
spacer
1:1
4187
SUSPENSION ARMS TO CHASSIS
Place two #3323 washers where shown and bolt the
suspension arm on the #4509 chassis with two #8439 blue
aluminum screws from underneath the chassis as shown
below. Do the other side.
UPPER ARM TO THE SUSPENSION MOUNT
Assemble the upper arm assembly to the suspension mount
as shown, using the #8413 hinge pin and #8413 shims.
FINAL FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Cut the #8421 steering blocks as shown below. Assemble
the steering block as shown using parts #1599, 6299, 4448,
4187, and 4449.
Place one #6299 E-clip on the bottom of the #4403 kingpin
then slide the #4114 spring over.
Slide the #4403 kingpin completely through the bottom of
the suspension arm and up through the steering block.
Place one #8425 shim on top of the #8421 steering block.
Now push the upper arm over the kingpin. Place three
#8425 shims over the kingpin and secure with a #6299 E-
clip.
Do the other side.
8425
8421
1599
6299
4187
chassis 4509
8
CUT STEERING BLOCK
AS SHOWN
before
after
8421
3323, qty 4
#8 thick washer
1:1
3323
chassis (top view)

4335, qty 2 ea
pivot socket,
upper and lower
4334, qty 8
2-56 x 5/16
4522, qty 1
T-bar, .063"
BAG B
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: steps 1-3
1:1
1:1
TOOLS USED
5
step 1
T-BAR ASSEMBLY
Assemble the #4335 T-bar sockets and #4336 pivot balls.
Secure the T-bar pivot assembly to the #4522 T-bar using
eight #4334 screws as shown, installing both on the same
side of the T-bar. The side with the screw head showing will
be the bottom.
4336, qty 2
pivot ball
LEFT S ID E
step 2
RIGHT SIDE
4536, qty 1
left rear bulkhead 4537, qty 1 motor bulkhead 4532, qty 1 lower pod plate
1:1
4526, qty 2
T-bar spacer
1:1
4449, qty 3
4-40 locknut
1:1
6292, qty 2
4-40 x 3/8
.050", 1/16"
4335
REAR POD ASSEMBLY
Bolt the #4532 lower pod plate to the black #4536 left bulkhead
with three #6934 blue aluminum screws.
Bolt the aluminum #4537 motor bulkhead with two #7673 screws.
Attach the #4532 lower pod plate to the T-bar with two #4526
spacers, two #6292 screws, and two #4449 locknuts. The spacer
goes between the T-bar and the pod plate. The T-bar is on top.
1:1
6934, qty 3
4-40 x 3/8
blue aluminum
1:1
7673, qty 2
4-40 x 5/16
4335
4335
4335
4336
4336 4522
4334
4334
1:1
6922, qty 1
4-40 x 1/2
4532
4536
69346934
6934
4537
7673
7673
4449
4449
4526
4526
6292
6292
step 3
LEFT S ID E
T-BAR TO CHASSIS
Insert the #6922 sccrew through the chassis hole shown
and into the T-bar and secure with a #4449 locknut.
4449
6922

6
BAG B
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: steps 4-6
1:1
TOOLS USED
4449, qty 5
4-40 locknut
1:1
4442, qty 2
dampener brace
standoff
1:1
6919, qty 5
4-40 x 5/16
1:1
6917, qty 3
4-40 x 3/8
8818, qty 2
rear body mount 4557, qty 1
rear chassis brace
1:1
4441, qty 1
dampener center post 1/16"
1:1
4448, qty 5
4-40 ball end
blue aluminum
1:1
7673, qty 2
4-40 x 5/16
4556, qty 1
dampener plate
T-BAR MOUNTING
Insert the #6915 screw up through the chassis and
into the rear part of the T-bar, and screw it into the
center chassis brace standoff tube.
Secure the outside aluminum standoffs to the
chassis with the #7673 screws.
step 5
LEFT S ID E
REAR CHASSIS BRACE ASSEMBLY
Mount the aluminum #4442 and #4441
standoffs to the #4557 rear chassis brace
with the #6919 screws.
Mount the #8818 rear body mounts to the
rear chassis brace in the holes shown and
secure the mounts using the #6917
screws.
Mount the #4448 aluminum ball ends to
the rear chassis brace with the #4449
locknuts.
step 4
LEFT S ID E
DAMPENER PLATE ASSEMBLY
Install the three #4448 ball ends and three #4449 locknuts
where shown.
Install the #4556 dampener plate to the rear pod using two
#6919 screws into the aluminum bulkhead and the longer
#6917 screw into the plastic bulkhead.
step 6
LEFT S ID E
6919
6919
4442
4442
4441
6917
6917
4448
4449
4449
6915
7673
7673
4449
4448
4448
6919 6919
6917
4556
8818
8818
4557
4448
1:1
6915, qty 1
4-40 x 5/8
6919

7
BAG C
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: steps 1-4
1:1
897, qty 3
1/4 x 3/8
flanged bearing
4349, qty 2
ride height
adjuster, #1 down
6626, qty 6
1/8" diff ball
1:1
4460, qty 1
diff gear
75 tooth
6636, qty 1
silicone grease
4349
897
step 1
DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
Find the #4349 adjusters that
have a small #1 on them, and
insert them into the rear pod,
hole down.
Insert two #897 ball bearings
into the ride height adjusters
as shown.
LEFT S ID E
6626
4460
DIFF GEAR
Add #6636
silicone grease
to the #4460 diff
gear ball holes
and center hole.
Push the six
#6626 diff balls
into the holes.
step 2
6636
TOOLS USED
step 3
FINAL DIFF ASSEMBLY
Hold the #4551 axle upright and apply a small amount of
#6636 grease onto the aluminum hub of the axle, and slide
the #6579 diff ring over the axle and against the hub.
Slide the #4460 spur gear over the axle and center it on
the hub.
Apply a small amount of #6636 grease to the second
#6579 diff ring as shown. Slide it over the axle, greased
side towards the gear. This will keep the diff ring in place
while assembling.
Insert a #897 flanged bearing into the outside end of the
#4553 wheel hub. Add a little #6636 grease to the smaller
end, then slide the #4553 wheel hub over the axle.
Install the #4555 cone so that the smaller end is facing the
bearing. Place the #4459 Belleville washer over the axle
so that the smaller end faces away from the cone, and
secure with a #4185 locknut. We will adjust the diff after
we put the wheels on.
6579
4459
4185
4555
step 4
CHECK THE END PLAY
Screw on the #4552 left wheel hub, then
check the axle for side to side end play. Use
the #4554 shims to take up any excess end
play, if needed.
When you have finished setting the axle end
play, install the #4185 locknut to secure the
left wheel hub.
897 6636
4460
4551
4551, qty 1
graphite axle
4185, qty 2
8-32 locknut
1:1
4459, qty 1
Belleville washer
1:1
4555, qty 1
diff thrust cone
4553, qty 1
right hand rear wheel/
dif spacer
4552, qty 1
left wheel hub
1:1
6579, qty 2
diff drive ring
3/32"
1:1
4554, qty 2
rear axle shim
4553
6579
4552
4554
4185

BAG D
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: steps 1-5
TOOLS USED
step 2
8
4473, qty 3
black VC foam 4473, qty 3 VC housing
4471, qty 3
micro shock body
4472, qty 3
shock shaft and piston 4473, qty 3
small washer
4473, qty 3
red O-ring
4473, qty 3
large washer
4473, qty 3
star clip
4473, qty 1
assembly tool
Remove the plastic #4473
VC housing from the parts tree.
Soak the #4473 VC foam with
your #5422 shock oil.
Push the foam into the #4473 housing.
Fill #4471 shock body
with oil up to the upper
groove.
Insert #4472 shaft/
piston all the way to the
bottom
Remove the small and large #4473 washers from
the parts tree. Remove any flash from the washers.
Slide the VC housing with foam onto the shaft,
housing first (so foam is still seen through the body
opening).
Slide on the following in this order: smaller
washer, red O-ring, larger washer, then the
star-shaped clip.
smallest washer
largest washer
red O-ring
Use the assembly tool to push all the
parts down into the body until the clip
snaps into the groove. When you
remove the tool, the shaft will push
out somewhat if everything snapped
into place correctly.
Make sure the clip
snaps into the groove completely.
step 3 step 4
4473
4473
4473
4473
1:1 1:1 1:1 1:1 1:1 1:1
1:1
1:1 1:1
5422, qty 1
30 wt
silicone oil
4473
4473
step 5
4473
step 1
SHOCK/ANTENNA MOUNT
Install the #4511 mount using
two #6933 screws.
Add one blue aluminum #4448
ball end to the hole shown.
4448
4511
6933
6933
4511, qty 1
shock mount 4448, qty 1 ball end
blue aluminum
6933, qty 2
4-40 x 5/16
blue aluminum
1:1 1:1
5422
5422
4472
4471

screw on flange first
BAG D
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: steps 6-8
TOOLS USED
step 6
4474, qty 3
shock shaft end 6951, qty 3
set screw 8451, qty 3
silver spring
4473, qty 3
spring
adjusting nut
6274, qty 6
ball cup disassembly rod
.050"
Slide the #8451 spring over the body and up against the
#4473 adjusting nut.
Screw the #6274 ball cup onto the #4474 shock shaft end.
Tighten the #4474 shock shaft end to the shaft with the
#6951 set screw.
Pop the #6274 ball cups on the ball ends of your kit.
Turn the spring adjusting nut to adjust spring tension.
Adjust spring nut to 1/16" from threaded end.
Do the other two shocks.
Remove the assembly tool and screw on the #6274 ball cup
where shown.
Screw the #4473 spring adjusting nut onto the shock
body threads, flange first, as shown.
To remove the parts from inside the shock, first loosen the
#6951 set screw of the #4474 shock shaft end (see step 7
above), then slide off the shaft end and spring.
Now carefully insert your disassembly rod into one of the
rounded grooves of the star clip and pop it out.
flange on this side
turn to adjust tension
DISASSEM BLY
step 8
step 7
6274
4473
8451
6274
4474
6951
1
9
1/16" exposed threads
6274
6274
4

10
MISC. BAG
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: step 1
MOUNTING REAR TIRES
Install both #3627 rear tires to the
hubs with three #6285 screws into
each wheel hub.
3656, qty 4
1/8 x 5/16
unflanged ball bearing
1:1 TOOLS USED
step 1
4187 6299
3656 3656
chassis
3627
6285
MOUNTING FRONT TIRES
Put a # 3656 unflanged ball bearing into each side of the front wheels.
Be sure the #4187 washer is still over the axle, then slide the wheel on and secure it with
a #6299 E-clip. Install the other wheel the same way.
1:1
6285, qty 6
4-40 x1/4
steel
1:1
6299, qty 2
E-clip
3627, qty 2
rear wheel/tire
3673, qty 2
front wheel/tire
SIDE VIEW SHOWNSIDE VIEW SHOWN TOP VIEW SHOWNTOP VIEW SHOWN
3/32"
3673 front tire
wheel rib
step 2
DIFFERENTIAL ADJUSTMENT
While holding rear wheels with your hands, use your right
thumb and index finger to try and rotate the spur gear. The
spur gear should be very difficult to rotate. If you can rotate it
easily, then tighten the #4185 11/32" nut at the end of the axle,
a little at a time, until the spur gear is difficult to rotate.
BAG E
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: steps 1-3
8435, qty 2
servo mounting
block
TOOLS USED
step 1
drill into block
perpendicular to
the slanted face
DRILLING STEERING SERVO BLOCKS
These holes are recommended for
Airtronics: 94144, 94145.
These holes are recommended for
Futaba: S3002, 9601, 9602; and for
Hitec: HS-235AG, HS-225BB, HS-
225MG.
Drill two holes with a #43 (or 3/32") drill
into the #8435 servo blocks where shown
for your servo size.
4145, qty 4
4-40 x 5/16
blue alum.
1:1
7337, qty 4
#4 washer
1:1
3760, qty 1
servo saver
3760, qty 1
servo saver
screw
4448 qty 2
ball end
1:1
6934, qty 2
4-40 x 3/8
blue alum.
1:1
4449, qty 2
4-40 locknut
1:1
1/16", 3/32"
NO! Don't drill
into the block at
an angle to the
slanted face
1:1
6274, qty 4
ball cup
1404, qty 2
blue titanium turnbuckle
1:1

step 2
MOUNTING THE SERVO
Secure the servo to the
#8435 blocks with four
#4145 screws and four
#7337 #4 washers.
4145
7337
4448
3760
6934
DRILL SERVO SAVER
Use your #34 or 3/32" drill bit
to carefully drill the two
mounting holes for the #4448
ball ends.
ASSEMBLING THE SERVO
SAVER
Thread two #4448 ball ends
into the front side of the #3760
servo saver. Secure the ball
MOUNTING THE SERVO ASSEMBLY
Mount the servo saver to the servo
with the #3760 screw. Note: If you
have a metal gear servo, use the stock
mounting screw.
Drill the chassis holes for your servo
mounting blocks according to the
drawing with a #33 (or 7/64") drill bit.
We have provided starter holes for
your convenience. We strongly
recommend using 82 deg. countersink
(or the tip of a 1/4" drill bit). Be sure to
countersink the bottom side.
Mount the servo mounting blocks to
the chassis with two #6934 screws
using the proper holes for your servo,
as shown.
this side away
from servo
this side
toward servo
3760
edge view
of chassis
(countersink this side)
4449
FRONT REAR
3760
2
8435
11
Use inner holes
for Hitec and
Futaba servos
Use outer holes
for Airtonics servos
step 3
STEERING LINKAGE
Install the plastic #6274 ball cups onto
the #1404 steering turnbuckles. Match
the length of the turnbuckles to the
actual size picture.
Snap one ball cup onto the ball end on
the servo saver. Snap the opposite
end on as shown. Install both
turnbuckles.
When you are adjusting your
turnbuckles, always make sure that
the servo saver is pointing straight
down. 6274
right side
1404
6274
2.15" (54mm)
6274
left side
1404
6274
2.15" (54mm)
3
TOP

12
-BATTERY +
+BATTERY -
- BATTERY +
step 5
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
Solder your single cell batteries together
with battery braid or battery bars. Solder
plus (+) to minus (-).
Strap the batteries to the chassis with
strapping tape.
Attach your speed control and receiver
where shown with the #6726 servo tape.
Insert the #4510 roll over antenna into
the antenna mount, wrap the antenna
wire up the antenna, and secure the wire
with the antenna cap.
Now connect the electronic speed control
and steering servo to your receiver
according to your radio or ESC
instructions, then connect the motor
and batteries to the ESC.
ELECTRICAL ITEMS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN KIT
4
5
BAG E
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: steps 5-6
TOOLS USED
7337, qty 2
washer
1:1
6515, qty 2
3mm x 10mm
gold
1:1
4510, qty 1
roll over antenna
4510, qty 1
antenna cap
strapping tape
6726, qty 1
servo tape strip
PINION GEAR INSTALLATION
Slide the pinion gear purchased
separately onto the shaft so that the
gear is 1/16" away from the motor
can and tighten the set screw to
hold it in place.
MOTOR INSTALLATION
Insert the motor, the pinion gear
coming through the right side motor
bulkhead.
Tighten the motor to the bulkhead
with two #6515 screws and two
#7337 gold washers.
Set the gear mesh so that there is
very little play between the spur
and pinion gear.
1
2
3
2
3
receiver
speed
control
4
REMOVE THESE
PARTS FOR:
TEAM: steps 3-4
step 4
FRONT BODY MOUNTS
Place the #4508 chassis protector on the
front chassis tip, and slide the #9269
screw up from the bottom as shown into
the #4535 front body mount.
Add one #6332 body clip to the post
according to your body height. Put your
painted body on, add the #7320 body
washer to the mount over the body, and
top off with the other #6332 clip.
4508
9269
4535
7320 6332
6332
assembled
1:1
1:1 1:1 TOOLS USED
6332, qty 4
body clip
9269, qty 2
5-40 x 1/2
7320, qty 2
large body washer
4535, qty 2
front body mount
4508, qty 2
chassis protector

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS
MAKETHESE ADJUSTMENTS BEFORE RACING
SETTINGTHETWEAK
We set the“tweak”after everything except the
bodyis installedon thecar,including batteries, mo-
tor, speed control, and all the radio equipment.
WHAT IS TWEAK? Ideally, the left wheel
should be pushing down on the ground with ex-
actly the same force as the right wheel. If this is
not happening, the car is TWEAKED (or twisted).
This can cause the car to spin out easily under
acceleration. It will also cause the car to oversteer
in one direction and understeer in the opposite di-
rection.
CHECKINGTHETWEAK.
1Measure the front chassis width. Use half of this
measurement to find the centerline of the chassis.
2Scratch a mark at the centerline at the front of
the chassis with your hobby knife as in photo.
3To tweak the car, place the tip of a hobby knife
on the center mark as shown.
4Lift the front of the car slowly. For a neutral han-
dling car, we want both front tires to leave the
ground at the same time. If one tire leaves the
ground before the other one, the car is tweaked.
ADJUSTINGTHETWEAK. Afterchecking the
tweak,tightenthe springadjustingnut (page9, step
8) 1/2 turn on the tire side that left the ground first.
Now loosen the opposite shock spring adjusting
nutthesame amount.Now recheck thetweak.Con-
tinue to make these adjustments until you achieve
the amount of tweak desired.
Here are some guidelines to optimize tweak:
Both tires leave the ground at the same time:
neutral, easy-to-drive steering.
Left front tire leaves the ground first: less steer-
ing (understeer).
Right fronttire leavesthegroundfirst:moresteer-
ing (oversteer).
TUNING & SETUP TIPS
THESE STEPS PREPAREYOUR CAR FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
0° mount, 0° mount, 0° mount,
0° caster 2° caster 4° caster
2 shims forward 1 shim each side 2 shims to rear
Your car is one of the most tunable on road cars on
the market.This section will try to explain the parts
and adjustments you can use to tune your car for
different track conditions.
CASTERdescribes the angle of the kingpin,
inrelation tothe vertical plane, when looked atfrom
the side of the car. As an example, 0° of caster
puts the kingpin in a vertical line. Positive caster
means the kingpin leans rearward at the top. In-
creasing the positive caster on your car will slightly
increase the steering turning into a corner and
slightly decrease steering coming out of the cor-
ner.Reducing the positive caster will decrease the
amount of steering you have going into a corner
and increase the amount of steering you have in
the middle of the corner and exiting the same cor-
ner. Your car has adjustable caster in increments
of 2°.With the 0° upper arm mounts you can have
settingsof0°, 2°, and4°of positivecasterasshown.
You change the caster by placement of the PTFE
castershims oneither side ofthe upperarm mount.
REAR
The three drawings below show the locations of
the caster shims and what the resulting caster set-
tings will be.
For greater amount of caster than moving the
upper arm caster shims, you can add the #4127
caster spacers under the suspension arms. They
come in 2° increments.Be aware that adding these
caster shim spacers will change your ride height.
#4127
shims
CASTER CHANGE
The 0° mount is level with the chassis when
mounted.The 10° mount is angled 10° in relation
to the chassis or lower suspension arm.This angle
provides a change in caster during suspension
movement. The caster angle will change two de-
grees during full suspension travel. Your car will
steermore aggressively whenusing this option.The
starting or static caster setting is changed in the
same manner using thePTFE caster shims.Static
caster starts at either 2°, 4°, or 6°. A more detailed example would be a starting caster of 2° will have
0° caster at full suspension travel and a starting
caster of 6° will be only 4° at full suspension travel.
REAR
10° mount, 10° mount, 10° mount,
2°-0° caster 4°-2° caster 6°-4° caster
2 shims forward 1 shim each side 2 shims to rear
This setup is recommended for road racing appli-
cations, giving you the most aggressive steering
possible.
13

FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGS
are available in various wire sizes as listed here.
Changing springs will increase or decrease steer-
ing. In general, a softer spring (smaller wire diam-
eter) will add steering and a harder spring (larger
wire diameter) will decrease steering. Oval racing
will normally require a harder spring than road
course racing.The #4015 12L3 kit includes #4414
springs.
Part Number Wire Size
#4116 (.024") Harder (less steering)
#4117 (.022")
#4113 (.020")
#4114 (kit spring) (.018") (kit spring)
#4119 (.016”)
#4118 (.014”) Softer (more steering)
CAMBER is a word describing the angle at
whichthe tireand wheelridesrelative to theground
when looked at from the front or back.This is one
ofthe most importantadjustments on thecar.Nega-
tive camber means that the tire leans inward at the
top, putting it closer to the centerline of the car
than the bottom of the tire.Positive camber means
just the opposite, the top of the tire is further away
from the centerline of the car than the bottom of
the tire.
TOE-IN AND TOE-OUT is a beneficial
adjustment and has a fairly significant effect on the
car. Toe-in will help stabilize your car and it also
removes a small amount of turn in steering. Toe-
out will allow the car to turn in to a corner quicker
but will reduce stability exiting the corner.Both toe-
in and toe-out will scrub speed so try to use as
little, of either, as possible.You adjust the toe-in or
toe-out by adjusting the length of the steering tie-
rod turnbuckles.
Excessive negativecamberwill
decrease traction but increase sta-
bility. Positive camber will do the
same.We suggest a starting setting
of 2° of negative camber.Try to use
at least 1° to 2° negative camber at
all times and make adjustments to
keep your tires wearing flat.This can
beadjusted byturningthe upper arm
turnbuckles in the appropriate direc-
tion.
T-BARTHICKNESS AND FLEX
Your RC12L3 comes with the #4522 T-bar, with a thickness of .063”. An optional
#4520T-bar has a thickness of .075”.The .063”T-bar is the recommended thickness for
low traction conditions. The .075” T-bar is recommended for high-traction conditions. If
you use the .075” T-bar, your car will turn more aggressively, but will not be as smooth
accelerating through bumps.The .063”T-bar will give the car more rear traction and will
seem smoother through the bumps.We recommend using the .075”T-bar when racing
on smooth carpet tracks with good traction.
Look at the back end of the of theT-bar at the "T" shaped section.You will see there
are three holes which can be used to attach the T-bar to the lower rear pod plate.You
have assembled your car using only the two outermost holes.This setup will make the
rear suspension very active (soft) front-to-rear with very little effect on the side to side
stiffness.Your car will have more rear traction and will accelerate through bumps better
than if you were using all three attachment holes.Try using all three attachment holes
when racing on smooth, high traction conditions.
14
REAR AXLE HEIGHT
ADJUSTERS
Your car comes with four sets of rear axle height
adjuster inserts. These inserts allow you to raise
or lower the height of the back of the car without
changingtire diameters.Eventhoughthere areonly
four offsets, three can be rotated 180° for a total of
seven different axle heights as shown.
The #4-up position allows you to use the maximum diameter tire and the #4-down position requires you to
use the minimum tire diameter.This adjustment allows you to get more useful life from a set of tires by
adjusting axle height as tire diameter decreases.You can also adjust the overall height of your car for high
or low traction conditions.

TEAM ASSOCIATED ONLINE!
SETUP SHEET
The next page shows Team Associated’s
setup sheet for your car.Copy this form and keep a
recordof the settingsyou usedforaparticulartrack.
This record of your settings will make it easier to
set up your car the next time you race at that track,
as well as compare differences between tuning ad-
justments. This is a feature that our Team drivers
take full advantage of. 3585 Cadillac Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
[phone]
fax [phone]
http://www.rc10.com
FRONT RIDE
HEIGHT
Toobtainyourdesiredrideheight,
you can place a thick #3323
aluminum spacer under the lower
suspension arm. To raise the car,
take away spacers, and to lower
the car, add spacers.
SAVETHIS BOOKLET!
More than an instruction manual,
its also a handy pictorial supplement
to Team Associated’s RC12L3 cata-
log.Refer tothis manualforpart num-
bers and description when ordering
parts or to explain problems for cus-
tomer service calls.
TEAM ASSOCIATED ONLINE!
Get online help, tips, and new products
for your kit through Team Associated’s
web site!
Tech Help, where answers to racers’
questions are posted for all to learn from.
Racer Spotlight, where other racers
proudly show off their favorite kit.
Setup Sheets, where racers go to find
blank and standard setups to download for
their kit.
New Products, where you learn of new kits
and parts before they are announced
anywhere else!
Team Associated Insiders Newsletter.
Sign up for it on the Home Page if you want
news delivered right to your e-mail box!
Question of theWeek. Join in and give
your opinion of the topic of the week, and
learn form other racers.
Hobby Shop andTrack listings. Shops
that carry Associated parts and where you
can race your kit.
R/C Kits and Parts. Online catalogs
updated with new parts as soon as they
come out.
Feedback Form. Tell us what’s on your
mind with this exhaustive survey.
Help Form. Our expert staff answers your
toughest questions about Associated,
Reedy, and LRP products.
Free Stuff. Get your Associated kit com-
puter wallpaper and screensavers here!
http://www.teamassociated.com
15

DATE: _________________
DRIVER: ______________________________________________
TRACK NAME: ________________________________________
EVENT: ______________________________________________
TIRES/WHEELS FRONT REAR
TIRETYPE
TIRE DIAMETER
STAGGER
WHEELTYPE
TRACK WIDTH (car)
TIRETREATMENTTYPE
SHADE IN AMOUNT OFTIRETREATMENT:
FRONT REAR
outside inside inside outside
FRONT END FRONT CASTER circle one:
FRONT SUSP.SPACERS, QTY:
FRONT SPRINGS, LEFT: RIGHT:
UPPER ARM MOUNTS: 0° 10°
FRONT CAMBER
TRACK DESCRIPTION:
RACE COMMENTS:
CAR COMMENTS:
BODY & ELECTRONICS
BODY TYPE AND MAKE SPOILER/WING yes no POSITION:
BATTERYTYPE NUMBER OF CELLS
MOTORTYPE &WIND BRUSHTYPE BRUSH SPRING
GEAR RATIO SPUR SIZE PINION SIZE
SPEED CONTROL CURRENT LIMITER
RECEIVERTYPE
REAR END
SHOCK OIL, CENTER: SIDES:
SHOCK SPRING, CENTER: SIDES:
T-BARTHICKNESS
Using dampener assembly instead of side shocks: DAMPENER ASSY SIDE SHOCKS
REAR RIDE HEIGHT ADJ.: #4-up #1-up #2-up #3 #2-down #1-down #4-down
SETUP SHEET