Overview
The Team Associated Apex 2 FT Top Plates in carbon fibre are genuine factory team specification upgrade components designed for the Apex2 platform. Whether you're running an Apex2, Apex2 Sport A550, or the Apex2 Hoonigan variant, these premium top plates deliver enhanced durability and weight optimisation through their advanced carbon fibre construction. These are not generic aftermarket parts—they are genuine Associated components manufactured to factory team standards, ensuring perfect fitment and reliable performance on every run. For RC enthusiasts in the UK looking to upgrade their Apex2 chassis with high-quality replacement or tuning parts, these FT top plates represent an investment in proven performance and longevity.
Carbon fibre has become the material of choice in competitive RC racing because it offers superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to standard plastic or aluminium alternatives. The Apex2 FT Top Plates harness this advantage to reduce unsprung weight whilst maintaining the rigidity required for precise handling characteristics. Whether you're a serious racer looking for every marginal gain, a weekend basher wanting to upgrade your setup, or someone maintaining their existing Apex2 platform, these factory team parts are engineered to deliver measurable benefits in vehicle dynamics and durability. The genuine Associated part number AS31848 ensures you're getting authentic components with proper quality control and compatibility assurance.
RC car upgrades in the UK have evolved significantly, with more enthusiasts recognising the value of factory team specification parts. These top plates slot seamlessly into the Apex2 ecosystem, allowing you to progressively enhance your chassis without complete overhauls. They represent the kind of precision engineering that separates factory team setups from standard configurations, making them an ideal choice for anyone serious about their RC performance.
Key Features
- Carbon Fibre Construction — These top plates are manufactured from carbon fibre, a material that provides exceptional strength whilst remaining significantly lighter than traditional plastic or aluminium alternatives, resulting in improved acceleration, handling precision and reduced wear on drivetrain components.
- Factory Team Specification — Built to genuine Associated factory team (FT) standards, these components have been proven in competitive environments and offer the same engineering quality used by professional racing teams, ensuring reliability and performance gains that translate to real-world results.
- Genuine Associated Part — As an authentic Associated component rather than a third-party aftermarket alternative, these top plates guarantee perfect fitment, compatibility and longevity within the Apex2 chassis design, with proper quality control at manufacturing.
- Wide Platform Compatibility — The design accommodates multiple Apex2 variants including the standard Apex2, Apex2 Sport A550, and Apex2 Hoonigan, offering versatility across the entire platform range and making them a valuable upgrade regardless of which Apex2 model you own.
- Precision Fitment — Important compatibility note: when using these plates with the Apex2 Sport specifically, do not utilise the two outside holes and associated screws, as the sport variant uses a different mounting configuration that ensures optimal weight distribution and handling characteristics.
Technical Performance
Carbon fibre top plates represent a fundamental upgrade in chassis rigidity and weight optimisation for 1/10 scale RC buggies like the Apex2 platform. The material science behind carbon fibre composites delivers a superior strength-to-weight ratio that measurably improves vehicle dynamics—particularly noticeable in cornering response, acceleration off the line, and overall stability through rough terrain. By replacing standard plastic top plates with carbon fibre alternatives, you reduce unsprung mass at the chassis level, which directly translates to improved suspension performance and better weight transfer during aggressive driving. The Apex2's suspension geometry has been specifically engineered to work with precision chassis components, and factory team specification top plates maintain the exact dimensional tolerances required for optimal handling. The genuine Associated manufacturing process ensures consistent material properties, uniform thickness, and reliable hole alignment that aftermarket alternatives often struggle to match. For RC enthusiasts running the Apex2 in competitive club racing or demanding recreational use, the investment in genuine factory team parts like these carbon fibre top plates provides measurable improvements in predictability, durability and long-term value. These components are particularly beneficial when used as part of a wider factory team upgrade strategy, where precision components work together synergistically to enhance overall chassis performance and reliability.
What's in the Box
- Apex2 FT Top Plates in carbon fibre
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Apex2 models do these FT top plates fit? — These carbon fibre top plates are compatible with the Apex2, Apex2 Sport A550, and Apex2 Hoonigan. However, important note: if you are using them with the Apex2 Sport specifically, you must not use the two outside holes and screws, as that variant uses a different mounting configuration.
- Why should I upgrade to carbon fibre top plates? — Carbon fibre construction offers significant advantages over standard plastic or aluminium materials—it provides superior strength whilst being considerably lighter, which reduces unsprung weight and improves suspension response, acceleration and overall handling precision. For competitive racing or serious RC bashers, factory team specification carbon fibre components deliver measurable performance gains.
- Are these genuine Associated parts? — Yes, these are genuine factory team specification Associated components manufactured to the same standards used by professional racing teams. Part number AS31848 confirms authenticity, and genuine parts guarantee perfect fitment, proper quality control and long-term reliability within your Apex2 chassis.
- What is the difference between these FT plates and standard plastic top plates? — Factory team specification carbon fibre top plates deliver superior strength-to-weight ratio, improved rigidity, and enhanced precision engineering compared to standard plastic alternatives. The material science of carbon fibre composites provides measurably better cornering response, acceleration characteristics and suspension performance, whilst the factory team engineering ensures these plates work perfectly with the Apex2 chassis design and geometry.
- Do I need any other parts to install these? — These top plates are direct replacements for your existing Apex2 top plates. You will need appropriate fasteners (screws) compatible with your Apex2 variant—ensure you follow the specific instructions for your model, particularly regarding hole usage if you own an Apex2 Sport A550.
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 Team Associated Apex 2 FT Top Plates Carbon Fibre AS31848 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: AS31848
- UPC: 784695318489
- Product type: Chassis top plates
- Material: Carbon fibre
- Specification: Factory Team (FT)
- Product status: Active
- Compatible with Apex2
- Compatible with Apex2 Sport A550
- Compatible with Apex2 Hoonigan
- Special compatibility note: Do not use the two outside holes and screws when using with Apex2 Sport
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.