I Have a Grasshopper and Questions

[Wabatuckian]

I picked up a Tamiya Grasshopper cheap from a thrift shop some months ago and finally found time to get it running. It's a fun lil thing! It came with a battery that's surprisingly still good, a remote and a charger. Think I gave $25 for the package.

First, what can you tell me about it?

Second, what's the #1 on the crystal mean? When I was a kid, the crystals actually had the frequency printed on them. This one just says "1," "AM," and "Rx," which I take to mean it's an AM receiver crystal with whatever band is assigned to #1. What frequency is 1?

Third, are there any upgrades for this particular car? I'd like to maybe swap the gearing to something a bit lower, and I don't do much sand driving so the tires could use a change.

Thanks!

Josh

 

[Chubaka]

This should help your frequency. It's listed in the pic. If you pull the crystal it's on there. I'm sure the car can be upgraded, but I'm not sure with what as I never owned a taniya.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/312013626852

 

[9x19]

I had a Hornet back in the '80s, along with a Wild Willys... the stock 540 motors are a bit weak, but I don't think the diff would handle a brushless setup. A newer radio and steering servo would be a must-do for me, and I have a few old 540 motors that were better than Tamiya stock. I'd have to drop one of those in and maybe get a Hobby wing ESC so I could use a LiPo battery (and not need a receiver pack)... Yeah, I can spend other people's money real easy.

 

[tntpoof]

#1 is am channel number one.there were 12 and then FM came out.. we used to swap rx to radio we called that like 1/2 channel

it was a trip with the manual esc .with a resistor mounted on rear shock towr.it was fun. yes there are tires and rims....i can remember the size.sorry
Id upgrade all the electronics parts can be found on vintage tamiya forums

 

[bill_delong]

Oh man that brings back some memories. I was 12y/o back in 1984 and used my paper route money to build a Hornet which is an upgraded Grasshopper.

I would familiarize yourself with the manual and just appreciate this car for the nostalgia it offers:
https://www.tamiya.com/english/rc/rcmanual/ghopper.pdf