Rear Buggy-Style Wing

One of the more popular modifications I'm seeing lately is a rear 1/8 scale buggy wing mounted on the back end of the Revo. While there are no major performance enhancements to be seen, it can provide one substantial benefit. That is the capability of providing more protection to the motor's head.

I've seen many takes on installing a rear buggy wing, as almost any buggies parts can be made to work with a little creativity. The most common approach is to use the assembly from a Mugen buggy. However this approach requires some modification to the body mount itself, and I wanted something that allowed for an easier install without sacrificing any strength.

• Hot Bodies Wing Mount Set
• Pro-Line 1/8 Scale White Buggy Wing
• Scarlet Red Rit Dye (Optional)
• 3/16 inch Aluminum Rod
• Du-Bro 3/16 inch Collars

While it's not necessary, I chose to dye my wing to compliment the body I planned on using. I dyed the wing with some Scarlet Red Rit Dye using the directions found here. I also dyed the small washers that came with the wing. After the wing mount is properly installed, and you know where the posts will be located, you'll need to make some holes in the wing with either a drill or a body hole reamer.

I didn't use all of the parts that came with the wing mount set. I just needed the vertical mounts, as well as the body post mounts. The lower hole of the mount is held in place by a 26mm long screw, that passes through the hole the stock pin is located. The pin that holds the body posts at the desired height is replaced by this screw, as it will now serve the function that the stock pin did.

The upper mounting point on the vertical mounts is attached in a similar fashion. However, you'll need to drill a hole in the body posts, as there won't be one close to the top. Once the hole is drilled, you can pass the screw a washer on it in from the front. The vertical wing mount actually provides you a point to place a nut for the screw, although depending upon the size of the nut you may need to enlarge the hole slightly. I used a locknut with a nylon insert, and 32mm long hardened black oxide screws. Also take notice that you'll need to install a couple of standard nuts between the wing mount and the body posts to keep it even with the lower mounting position.

Once the vertical mounts are installed, you'll want to cut yourself two sections of aluminum rod, each with a length of 3-3/8 inches. Side the rods through the vertical mounts and install the post mounts and collars onto them as shown. You'll use a total of eight collars, with four at each side of the mount. Butt these collars up against the vertical mounts and the post mounts and then tighten them down. I recommend the use of some threadlock on the collar's grub screws.

Once completed, and the holes in the wing drilled, place the wing onto the posts and secure it down with the supplied body clips. It may be necessary to perform some trimming on your body after this modification, but it should be minor.

My wing setup has taken a tremendous beating during the period after installation. During this time it has worked flawlessly and without issue. So rest assured that it's tough, and will provide plenty of protection to the Revo's motor.

I should also mention that it appears that Hot Bodies has changed the wing mount slightly since I have written this article. Instead of using body clips to hold the wing in place, screws and washers retain it. However, the difference does not affect the overall wing installation and the mounts still fasten to the Revo in the same fashion as before.