Overview
The Associated RC8B3/RC8B3.1/RC8B3.2 Centre Top Plate (AS81043) is a precision-engineered replacement and upgrade component designed for one of the most celebrated 1/8 scale off-road racing buggies in the RC hobby. This aluminium centre top plate is an essential part of the RC8B3 series, which has established itself as a championship-winning platform across multiple international competitions. Whether you're a seasoned competitor looking to maintain your race-winning setup or an enthusiast seeking to upgrade your existing RC buggy, this genuine Associated spare part offers the quality and reliability you need to keep your vehicle performing at its peak.
The RC8B3, RC8B3.1, and RC8B3.2 have become household names in the RC racing community, with victories spanning from the Australian National Title to the I.F.M.A.R. World Championship. The centre top plate is a critical component in the chassis assembly, playing a vital role in maintaining structural integrity and proper alignment of the vehicle's core components. This OEM part ensures your RC buggy maintains the precise geometry and build quality that Associated is renowned for across the UK and worldwide.
Available at RC Model Shop, this is the genuine Associated part you need if you're rebuilding, maintaining, or upgrading your 1/8 scale nitro or electric RC buggy. Whether you're preparing for competition or maintaining a weekend basher, sourcing the correct replacement parts from an authorised Associated dealer ensures you get authentic components with full compatibility and quality assurance.
Key Features
- Aluminium Construction — The centre top plate is manufactured from quality aluminium, providing an excellent balance between lightweight strength and durability. Aluminium components reduce overall vehicle weight whilst maintaining the rigidity necessary for consistent handling and precise steering response at high speeds.
- Split Centre Differential Mount Design — This plate features Associated's split centre differential mount system, which allows for simplified assembly and maintenance. The split design means you can access and service your differential without complete disassembly of the chassis, saving time and effort during setup and tuning sessions.
- Precision Fit for RC8B3 Series — Engineered specifically for the RC8B3, RC8B3.1, and RC8B3.2 models, this plate ensures perfect compatibility and alignment with all associated drivetrain components, suspension mounting points, and chassis geometry. Using the correct OEM part guarantees your vehicle maintains factory specifications and performance characteristics.
- Supports Advanced Chassis Architecture — The centre top plate integrates seamlessly with Associated's innovative front-end geometry featuring reduced inclined kingpin steering blocks and new wider upper suspension arm pivots. This integration contributes to improved steering balance and predictable handling in all racing conditions, from loose dirt to technical track layouts.
- Central Gearbox Mounting — The plate's design centralises the gearbox mounting, which works in conjunction with the new rear chassis brace to reduce material fatigue and centralise shear forces. This engineering approach improves the lifespan of rear-end drivetrain parts and provides better weight distribution across the chassis.
- Genuine Associated Component — As an original manufacturer part, this centre top plate is produced to the exact specifications and tolerances established by Associated Electrics. Using genuine OEM parts ensures you maintain the vehicle's engineering integrity and performance characteristics that have made the RC8B3 series a championship-winning platform.
Technical Performance
The centre top plate is a precision-machined aluminium component that sits at the heart of the RC8B3 series chassis architecture. Its primary function is to support the split centre differential mount system whilst maintaining perfect alignment with the front and rear suspension mounting points, gearbox housing, and steering linkage geometry. The aluminium material selection represents a sophisticated engineering choice: it provides sufficient strength to withstand the considerable forces generated during high-speed cornering and acceleration, whilst remaining light enough to keep the overall vehicle weight to a minimum. This is particularly important in 1/8 scale off-road racing, where every gram matters when competing in tightly contested fields. The plate integrates directly with Associated's innovative front-end geometry, which includes reduced inclined kingpin steering blocks and wider upper suspension arm pivots. These features combine to deliver improved steering balance and predictable handling characteristics across varying track conditions. The centre top plate also works in concert with the rear chassis brace, which is mounted centrally to the gearbox. This centralised mounting philosophy reduces material fatigue by distributing shear forces more evenly across the structure, thereby extending the operational lifespan of critical drivetrain components including the ring and pinion gears. The precise engineering of this component ensures compatibility with the RC8B3 series' larger 6x13x5mm flanged bearing sizes in both front and rear gearboxes, as well as the V3 differentials fitted with 42T ring and 12T pinion gears that provide improved gear ratios for optimal performance.
What's in the Box
- 1x Associated RC8B3/RC8B3.1/RC8B3.2 Centre Top Plate (AS81043)
What You Need to Complete
This is a replacement/spare part component. To use this centre top plate, you will need a complete RC8B3, RC8B3.1, or RC8B3.2 chassis kit or vehicle. The plate is designed as a direct replacement for the original centre top plate on these models.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will this centre top plate fit my RC8B3? — Yes, this genuine Associated part (AS81043) is designed specifically for the RC8B3, RC8B3.1, and RC8B3.2 models. It will provide perfect fit and compatibility with all associated components including the gearbox, differential, suspension mounting points, and steering linkage. Always ensure you are purchasing genuine OEM parts to guarantee proper fitment.
- What is a centre top plate and why is it important? — The centre top plate is a critical chassis component that sits at the core of your RC buggy's structure. It serves multiple functions: it mounts the split centre differential system, aligns the gearbox, provides mounting points for suspension components, and distributes forces evenly across the chassis during racing. A damaged or worn centre top plate can cause misalignment, poor handling, and drivetrain wear, making it an essential component to maintain or replace when necessary.
- Is this part easy to install? — The centre top plate is a precision component requiring careful assembly. If you are experienced in RC buggy maintenance and have the necessary tools, installation is straightforward. However, if you are new to RC car servicing, we recommend consulting the full vehicle instruction manual or seeking advice from experienced RC hobbyists. The split centre differential mount design does make access and service easier than some competing designs.
- What makes the RC8B3 series so successful in competition? — The RC8B3 series, including the RC8B3.1 and RC8B3.2 variants, has won multiple international championships including the Australian National Title, I.F.M.A.R. World Championship, and numerous R.O.A.R. Nationals. This success is built on Associated's innovative engineering across every component, including this centre top plate. The precision manufacturing and advanced design of components like this chassis element contribute to the predictable handling, durability, and performance that competitive racers depend on.
- Can I use this part on my RC8B4? — This centre top plate is specifically designed for the RC8B3, RC8B3.1, and RC8B3.2 models. The newer RC8B4 features updated chassis geometry and components. Always consult the appropriate parts list and manual for your specific model to ensure compatibility. Using parts from different generations may result in poor fitment and handling issues.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the ASSOCIATED RC8B3/RC8B3.1/RC8B3.2 CENTER TOP PLATE AS81043 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Brand: Team Associated
- Model Number: AS81043
- Product Type: Centre Top Plate (Chassis Component)
- Compatibility: RC8B3, RC8B3.1, RC8B3.2
- Scale: 1/8
- Material: Aluminium
- Mount Type: Split centre differential mount design
- Gearbox Compatibility: Larger 6x13x5mm flanged bearing sizes (front and rear)
- Differential Compatibility: V3 differentials with 42T ring and 12T pinion gears
- Suspension Integration: Compatible with reduced inclined kingpin steering blocks and wider upper suspension arm pivots
- Barcode: 784695810433
- Centre Mounting: Mounts rear chassis brace centrally to gearbox for reduced material fatigue and improved drivetrain part longevity
- Chassis Flex Options: Supports three different chassis flex options via rear chassis brace mounting
- Design Philosophy: Centralises shear forces to improve structural integrity and component lifespan
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
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- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
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- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.
