14 replies to this topic

[Maximo]

I bought this used Classic SERPENT recently on eBay from a nice knowledgeable gent.

 

The body mount bracket is different from the ones I have seen in photos and even Classic's Instruction sheet. 

 

My question is this a later version of the body mount bracket as the previous owner states or is this odd ball.

 

Seems well made as in a "production" piece.

 

Anyone have an answer???

 

 

Maximo

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[olescratch]

From the many Serpents that I have seen, that there is some DIY creation.  You'll only see another one of those if the same guy makes it!

[Tim Neja]

Yeah that looks "Custom" for sure!! Not a production piece!

[Maximo]

I can see where this different body mount bracket makes more sense!

 

If you use the more forward holes in the different bracket combined with the one rear mount, it seems to balance the long extended nose of the Serpent body better.

 

I may not change this now as I was expecting to. I think that it was created to eliminate the rear mount as the body it had was broken at the back and warped all over.

 

Still the owner insists that this was a later update to this model.

He has had over 600 slot cars and explains he's had everything, including many prototype MPC GTO's among others.

 

maXiMo

[Martin]

The stock Classic aluminum mount is really weak. I am sure yours broke and was replaced with your custom mount.

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[Martin]

I make mine in brass also. Then I made extensions to support the sides of the body.  I made my modification as a reasonable way Classic could (or should) have made it.

[don.siegel]

I would also suggest a custom-made mount - doesn't look at all factory to me.

 

Like a few of the guys above, I had to make my own on my first Serpent, so I assume it was not unusual for them to be missing.

 

Never say never, but...

 

Don

 

PS: the rear slit on the body is often broken, so the longer mount is a good idea, as you saw=

[Martin]

Its been awhile since I have restored a Classic Serpent, but then this one popped into my view.

 

It came with another car, a Pactra car, not sure if the red body is stock? No holes so it has not been mounted .

 

I do like the Classic chassis, maybe this is a good time to do a hinged body mount or something a little different ?????

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[Martin]

Chassis is cleaned and is now straight and true.

 

I have been looking through my stuff for a Classic 29T crown gear. With no luck.

 

Trade or pay if anybody has a spare. Notice the boss is opposite the teeth.

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[Martin]

So how many teeth does a Serpent supposed to have?

 

This Model Car Racing magazine road test says it comes with a 8/29 as do all these 3 Classic cars listed.

 

But the Classic parts list only lists a 27crown and a 8 pinion for the Serpent.

 

Thanks to a friend (thanks Mike) I now have a 31 and a 27 crown to choose from.

 

31/9 = 3.444 to 1

 

27/8= 3.375 to 1

 

29/8= 3.625 to 1

 

Here at bottom is the other MCR page that shows just the Serpent.

 

If any body has an original Serpent, love to see what gearing yours was sold with?

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[don.siegel]

Martin, 

 

Mine's used, but all original as far as I can tell. It's geared 8:31. Oops, I was looking at the Gamma Ray, but just checked my Serpent in similar condition and it's also 8:31... 

 

Don 

 

 

[Martin]

Thanks Don, that's not what I expected. But I will set it up the same as yours 8- 31 given a 3.875 to 1 ratio. Good for shorter tracks?

 

A lot of the Serpents have that tire wear mark. Wish I could find a good green color match to touch them up. Not easy, I find.

 

I fixed the silver and black one I found with some silver vinyl. I was pretty pleased with the end result. Rare-ish color so worth saving I thought.

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[don.siegel]

Nice looking Serpent Martin! 

 

Mine are both used, so no guarantee on the original gear ratio, but seems more logical for a 26D than a lower numerical ratio, even for the longer tracks. Haven't run either one, so don't know how they do - and we don't have too many long high-banked tracks in Europe either! 

 

Don 

[Flathead]

Martin my one looks to have had little use and is geared 8/29 with a classic branded crown. Original? I don't know.

[Martin]

Thanks Don, and Lee I would say 8/29 is the way they were sold originally.  Just because the Classic cars that were tested by MCR in period all had 8/29.

 

.....and the ones I have also have 8/29 but it is nice to have the range for different tracks, as if I am going to blast them around a track anytime soon.

 

Notice here by adding the brass angle to the side mounts, it  keeps the sides straight

 

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