Return to the BUILD
“In this issue, you will assemble the rear axle and two suspension posts on the chassis of your scale model of the legendary K.I.T.T.”
Contents
Parts
Materials: All of the parts in this stage are metal.
Magazine
- The Series – Return to Cadiz
- Build Your KI.T.T. – Step by Step
- Secret Files – K.I.T.T. Rides the Waves
Build
Mounting the Rear Axle
Step 1
Retrieve your Rear Axle assembly from the previous stage. Fit the two posts of the Rear Left Axle Bracket to the matching holes at this location of the Rear Axle, orienting it as shown.
The two Rear Axle Brackets are marked ‘L’ and ‘R’ so you can tell which is which:
Secure this Axle Bracket to the Rear Axle from the other side with two (2) GM screws.
This is your friendly reminder to try using 3-in-One Oil on all screws going into metal:
Step 2
In the same way, fit the two posts of the Rear Right Axle Bracket to the matching holes at this location of the Rear Axle, orienting it as shown:
Secure this Axle Bracket to the Rear Axle from the other side with two (2) GM screws:
Step 3
Retrieve your Chassis assembly from Stage 33. Fit a Suspension Post into this hole of the Left Rear Chassis Beam, aligning the key of the Post into the matching slot of the Beam, as shown.
Both Suspension Posts are identical, so we can use either one here. Note how these tabs are closer to one end of the Posts – this end is inserted:
Secure this Suspension Post into place from the other side with one (1) HM screw:
Step 4
In the same way, fit the second Suspension Post into this hole of the Right Rear Chassis Beam, again aligning the key of the Post into the matching slot of the Beam as shown:
Secure this Suspension Post into place from the other side with one (1) HM screw:
Step 5
Slide a Suspension Spring over the end of each Suspension Post, as shown:
Step 6
Fit the Rear Axle assembly into the Chassis by first aligning the circular columns on the rounded tabs of the Rear Axle over the Suspension Posts, capturing the Springs in between.
These are the circular columns of the Rear Axle that fit down onto the Suspension Posts and Springs:
The Suspension Post goes inside the column and the Spring goes on the outside, as shown:
Next, slide the rear pin of the Differential Universal Joint into this hole at the front of the Differential:
Then, align the holes at the rear end of the Driveshaft Protector to the matching holes at this location of the Differential Base and secure these parts together with two (2) BP screws:
Finally, secure the Rear Axle to the Suspension Posts with two (2) NM screws:
Step 7
Fit one end of the Rear Suspension Crossbar into this left-side location of the Rear Axle, aligning the screw holes.
There is a ‘proper’ way to install this Crossbar. If you look closely, one side of the Crossbar has a smooth surface – this is the side that should face towards the Chassis:
Secure this end of the Rear Suspension Crossbar into place with one (1) GM screw, as shown.
Do not over-tighten these GM screws as this Crossbar needs to be able to move with the suspension:
Secure the free end of the Rear Suspension Crossbar to the Right Rear Axle Bar (30D) with one (1) more GM screw, as shown:
Thoughts
With this stage complete, we have now mounted our Rear Axle into the Chassis. Over the next few stages, we will add the rest of the rear suspension and brake components (and even assemble and mount our third Wheel assembly).
Next Up
Stage 36 – Left Lower Suspension Arm/Mount, Rear Left Shock Absorber, Brake Disc/Base/Oil Inlet