I would appreciate some help from some RC enthusiasts. I am trying to revive my sons Traxxas Rustler RC car, and thought I would look for some NiMH or LiPo batteries. Anybody have a good source for the 7.2v or 8.4v hump back batteries as well as an appropriate charger?
Nice charger: iCharger 4010Duo - ProgressiveRC
Choke…gasp…yeah, that is a pretty nice charger alright. :money_mouth_face:
I use a thunderpower ac6, any typical hobby charger should do.
I get my lipos from hobbyking. They have a nice selection of cheap but good quality batteries. If I need a different saddle packs etc. I usually end up building my own.
Not too sure myself, I got a crapload of rc cars and related stuff haven’t touched in years. I need to have yard sale or find some needy kid to give it to. I put some nice led headlights on a couple. Anyways sorry for not being much help. 
If your Rustler was bone stock RTR, there are good chances its Esc will not be compatible with Lipos.
Better check if it's compatible before anything else.
Today's Lipos pack a great punch and capacity in a smaller and lighter package compared to old Nicads and Nimhs, but they must be treated with respect and knowledge.
It's imperative to use a Lipo specific charger and Esc, otherwise you risk to damage/destroy (fire danger!) both trhe battery and the model and/or surroundings.
If your esc is lipo compatible, we can start from there and suggest some good models and stores online. otherwise your chances are to buy new esc battery and charger ($$$) or stick to the old and reliable Nimh, even if the performance will not be on par with lipo (nicads are really outdated and you should not buy those)
Thanks for the info. My esc (XL1) is definitely not LiPo compatible…so I would have to go with NiMH. Wondering if it is still ok to go 8.4V hump pack, or should I stay with 7.2V? Also…Ihave a Dynamite Mega Peak charger…would that work for NiMH? And…where is the best ‘budget’ place to buy batteries???
Well, XL-1 does not support lipo (it will overdischarge the cells, leading to failure of lipo pack), and Dynamite Mega Peak charger does not support the NiMh cells either (will not detect the peak with the NiMh and will overcharge them)
Not your lucky day...
Is the rest of the Rustler in so good conditions that a resurrection is worthwhile?
Traxxas and Duratrax RTR models can be bought new relatively cheap on many online shops, ever seen Towerhobbies just to name one?
Easily for the price of a decent esc, charger and battery you'll probably buy another new rtr...
Do you have a budget in mind?
If instead you really want to make it run dirty cheap, old nicads can be bought for $10 as they are slowly phased out.
Take a look:
