Originally posted by ttso
I'm considering to join 1/12 pan right now. I did some research over this thread to pick my target car. Right now I'm looking at AH12 convertion kit. But...
Is AH12 convertion kit only for 12L3? Or 12L4 also fit with AH12 convertion kit?
The reason is I wanna get 12L3 first to see if I really like 1/12 pan (well, 2nd hand 12L3 is very money-friendly..
). But what I really afread is I got no parts supply on 12L3 in near future and forced to go with 12L4 (and if AH12 is not compatiable with 12L4, that means a chassis wasted). If 12L4 chassis mounting placement is identical with 12L3, the worse case will only be replacing froend end and rear end with 12L4 parts.
Or, is there any other convertion kit which using no T-bar (either PB suspension or something like AH12's unique rear suspension, none-saddle battery, and based on 12L4?
CRC also looks good but parts supply is really a huge problem for my LHS (well, even AE parts is kind hard because there seems virtually no one playing 1/12 pan right now). I have to go with AE based car if I wanna try it....
The only difficulty with the Hara conversion is getting parts for the rear suspension, which is all HPI. Those parts are almost impossible to find states side and marginally better in Japan. And finding the different springs for the rear suspension is impossible. OD and I each have three of the Hara conversion kits. We bought three mostly for the extra parts. The little white plastic motor pod locators are the weak link in the rear suspension. If you don't hit anything they have a serviceable life span, but if you hit a lot, they can break and you can't go to the your LHS and buy replacements.
As for the Associated 1/12th L cars... they are kind of like the industry standard. You will never have any problems finding factory parts for those font ends. Additionally, there is a number of aftermarket, direct replacement parts available as well. You can build a complete Associated clone and never use any factory parts!
My advice, if you are racing outdoors on asphalt, get yourself a used 12L3 and do some minor updates to it like lowered rear motor pod plates and go race it. If you like it then start upgrading on the parts. If you are racing on carpet, the thicker L4 chassis is a performance enhancer but not necessary. You can still be competitive on carpet with the L3 chassis.