Overview
The RPM AE RC10 & RC10T Classic Gear Cover RPM70081 is a modern redesign of a legendary component that helped establish the RPM brand over 20 years ago. When Associated released the RC10 Classic, demand for this iconic part returned in force, inspiring RPM to completely revamp their original gear cover to meet contemporary specifications and performance standards. This isn't simply a re-release of yesteryear's design — it's a thoroughly engineered upgrade that combines proven heritage with cutting-edge improvements. Whether you're racing a classic RC10 on UK tracks or maintaining a cherished RC10T, this gear cover delivers the protection and compatibility that serious enthusiasts demand.
Built for the dedicated RC car UK community, this gear cover represents the pinnacle of chassis protection and upgrade capability. The design features smoother contours than the original specification, completely seals off the gear case from dirt and debris, and incorporates added clearance in several critical areas. For RC hobbyists seeking to enhance their classic Associated RC10 or RC10T platform, this component offers genuine performance benefits without requiring significant chassis modifications. It's the perfect choice for ready to run RC cars that you want to protect and customise for both casual bashing and competitive racing.
RPM has engineered this gear cover to accommodate modern transmission upgrades whilst maintaining the legendary reliability that classic RC platforms are known for. The expanded design philosophy means you can upgrade your drivetrain without worrying about fitment issues. Each cover comes complete with RPM's oversized, soft gear cover plug — a design that has remained largely unchanged since its creation two decades ago because it simply works. This combination of heritage engineering and modern innovation makes the RPM70081 an essential upgrade for any RC10 or RC10T owner in the UK.
Key Features
- Completely Sealed Gear Case Protection — This gear cover creates a comprehensive seal around your transmission, effectively blocking dirt, dust and debris from entering the gear case during outdoor RC sessions. Protecting your expensive transmission components from contamination extends their service life significantly and reduces maintenance requirements, which means more time driving and less time cleaning.
- Larger Pinion Area with Increased Height — The gear cover features a noticeably larger and taller area specifically designed to accommodate bigger pinion gears compared to the original stock specification. This expanded capacity allows you to experiment with different gear ratios and higher-performance pinions without the grinding and clearance issues that plague standard covers.
- Expanded Spur Gear Compatibility — The spur area has been deliberately expanded to permit the installation of the Associated VTS slipper clutch, opening up a world of upgrade possibilities for your RC10 or RC10T. This compatibility means you can run spur gears up to 81T with standard six-gear transmissions or up to 87T when using Stealth transmissions, giving you exceptional flexibility in tuning and configuration.
- Modern Contours and Smooth Design — Unlike the original cover, this redesigned version features smoother contours throughout its construction. These refined lines aren't merely aesthetic — they reduce turbulence, improve durability under stress, and create a more professional appearance that reflects the care you've invested in your RC car UK platform.
- Oversized Soft Gear Cover Plug Included — Every RPM70081 arrives complete with an oversized, soft-compound gear cover plug originally engineered two decades ago. This plug provides easy access to the slipper clutch lock nut for quick adjustments whilst maintaining a superb seal against dirt and debris when installed. The soft compound prevents damage to the cover and internal components during repeated use.
- Purpose-Built for Classic Associated RC10 Platforms — This cover is precisely engineered for the RC10, RC10 Classic and RC10T models, ensuring perfect fitment and performance. RPM has confirmed it will not fit later iterations such as the B2, B3 or T2, T3 versions, so you know exactly what platform it's designed for and can purchase with confidence.
Technical Performance
The RPM AE RC10 & RC10T Classic Gear Cover RPM70081 represents a significant engineering achievement in chassis protection and compatibility design. Constructed with precision manufacturing standards that RPM has perfected over two decades, this cover completely seals the critical gear case area where your transmission components operate under stress. The expanded internal geometry accommodates modern upgrade components including the Associated VTS slipper clutch, whilst the reinforced structure handles the demands of both casual bashing and competitive racing environments. The maximum spur gear capacity reaches 81T with standard six-gear transmissions or 87T with Stealth transmissions, providing substantial flexibility for gear ratio tuning across different track conditions and driving styles. The smooth contours throughout the design reduce stress concentrations and improve the overall rigidity of the transmission housing, whilst the precision fitment ensures zero rattle or movement during aggressive driving. RPM's decision to include the oversized soft gear cover plug demonstrates engineering maturity — this proven design element, unchanged since its introduction two decades ago, provides tool-free access to critical adjustment points whilst maintaining an effective dirt seal. The complete sealing system protects your investment in transmission components and reduces the frequency of intensive cleaning sessions required to maintain performance on UK tracks and outdoor bashing grounds.
What's in the Box
- RPM RC10 & RC10T Classic Gear Cover (RPM70081)
- Oversized soft gear cover plug
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the RPM70081 gear cover fit my Associated RC10 or RC10T model? — This cover is specifically designed for the RC10, RC10 Classic and RC10T models only. It will not fit later iterations of the RC10 such as the B2, B3 or subsequent versions, nor will it work with later RC10T variants including the T2, T3 and beyond. Check your model designation carefully before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your chassis.
- What spur gear sizes can I run with this gear cover? — The RPM70081 accommodates a maximum spur gear size of 81T when used with standard six-gear transmissions. If you're running a Stealth transmission, you can increase this to a maximum of 87T, providing greater flexibility for tuning your gearing to different track conditions and driving styles throughout the UK.
- Can I install the Associated VTS slipper clutch with this gear cover? — Yes, the expanded spur gear area has been specifically designed to permit the installation of the Associated VTS slipper clutch. This compatibility opens up advanced tuning options for drivers seeking to optimise their RC10 or RC10T performance, and the oversized soft plug provides convenient access to the slipper clutch lock nut without removing the entire cover.
- How does this gear cover protect my transmission? — The RPM70081 creates a completely sealed environment around your gear case, blocking dirt, dust and debris from entering during outdoor RC sessions. This comprehensive protection significantly extends the service life of your transmission components, reduces wear on internal gears and bearings, and minimises the maintenance required to keep your RC car UK platform performing at its best.
- Is this a direct replacement for the stock gear cover? — This is an upgrade cover designed to improve upon the original stock specification. It features smoother contours, better sealing capability, and expanded internal geometry to accommodate bigger pinions and the VTS slipper clutch. Whilst it functions as a replacement, it offers measurable improvements in protection and compatibility that make it well worth the investment.
- What makes this cover better than the original design from 20 years ago? — RPM has completely revamped this cover to modern specifications rather than simply re-releasing the original. The new version features smoother contours, completely seals the gear case against dirt and debris, incorporates added clearance in several critical areas, offers a larger pinion chamber with increased height, and provides expanded spur area compatibility. These improvements result in better protection, superior accommodation for upgrade components, and enhanced overall durability.
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 RPM AE RC10 & RC10T Classic Gear Cover RPM70081 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.
- Manufacturer: RPM
- Part Number: RPM70081
- EAN: 672415700815
- Product Type: Gear Cover
- Tune-Up Type: Chassis
- Compatible Models: Associated RC10 4WD Special Edition Kit (AS6040), Associated RC10 4WD Team Car Kit (AS6046), Associated RC10 Jay Halsey Edition Kit (AS6008), Team Associated RC10 2025 Metallic Edition Kit (AS6042), Associated RC10 Graphite Kit (AS6030), Associated RC10 89 Stealth Car Masami Edition (AS6043)
- Compatibility: RC10, RC10 Classic, RC10T only
- Not Compatible With: RC10 B2, RC10 B3 and later iterations, RC10T T2, RC10T T3 and later versions
- Maximum Spur Gear Size (6-Gear Transmission): 81T
- Maximum Spur Gear Size (Stealth Transmission): 87T
- Pinion Area: Larger and taller than stock specification
- Spur Area: Expanded for VTS slipper clutch compatibility
- Sealing: Complete gear case seal against dirt and debris
- Design Features: Smoother contours than original, added clearance in multiple areas
- Included Accessories: Oversized soft gear cover plug
- Gear Cover Plug Design: Originally designed 20+ years ago, soft compound material
- Access: Easy access to slipper clutch lock nut via removable plug
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.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- 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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- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- 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.
