Tamiya Hot Shot (re-re) Project

[DMC-81]

Build Process: Step 35

Step 35 involves assembling the dummy heat-sinks.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the parts laid out:

Step 35 Commentary:

This was a straightforward step. I remember how cool the real heat sinks were back in 1985, so although they are not needed these days, I’m glad that Tamiya kept these dummy ones on the buggy.

Here is the step completed:

 

[DMC-81]

Build Process: Step 36

Step 36 involves attaching the heat sinks, routing the antenna wire and connecting the motor cables.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the parts laid out:

Step 36 Commentary:

This was another straightforward step. I was impressed at how short the antenna wire is these days.

Here is the step completed:

 

[DMC-81]

Upgraded Remote Control Wheel:

Although I am happy with my Flysky FS-G7P transmitter, I was unhappy with the cheap plastic control wheel that came with it. I saw a YouTube reviewer that contacted the company to get their optional foam wheel, so I tried contacting them as well. Well, they didn’t even respond, even after multiple attempts. That was very disappointing.

So, I researched another foam wheel that would fit, and the closest product was the Yeah Racing Foam Wheel Part number YA-0626SV. This is an "aluminum transmitter steering wheel set in silver, Type B, for Flysky NB4" It didn’t specifically list my transmitter model number, but I took a chance.

Here is the wheel in the package.
Front:

Back:

To take off the original wheel, I just needed to remove one hex screw in the hub.

The new wheel came with the necessary square adapter, and it looked like it would be compatible.

Here is the wheel installed and a comparison:

This wheel is real aluminum, sturdy, of high quality, and feels much better that the hard plastic one. This was definitely worth the $18.

 

[DMC-81]

Build Process: Step 37

Step 37 involves attaching the battery plate.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the parts laid out:

Step 37 Commentary:

Other than using the screws to attach the carbon fiber battery plate to the aluminum hinge, you need to cut the longer foam sheet in half lengthwise.

Here is the protective foam placed:

Here is the step completed:

 

[DMC-81]

Wow, it was a busy (and hot) summer for me. Now that things have calmed down a little, I can continue with this build.

Build Process: Step 38 (Original)

Step 38 involves assembling the rims and tires. I chose to get a second set of optional rims (as mentioned in post 6 ) and tires (post 10), so I’ll outline these in a separate post.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the parts laid out:

Step 38 Commentary:

For the original set, I chose to leave the white plastic rims unpainted like I did in 1985. The tires were quite pliable but it was still a bit challenging to stretch them around the rims and fit the beads into the pair of grooves.

Here is the step completed:

 

[DMC-81]

Build Process: Step 38 (Optional)

Here is Step 38 for the second set of optional wheels/rims and tires.


Here are parts in their packages:

Here are the parts laid out:

Step 38 Commentary:

These RCAidong wheels / rims are excellent quality and look just like the originals. The Tamiya Hotshot tires were again, quite pliable but it was still a bit challenging to stretch them around the rims and fit the beads into the pair of grooves.

Here is the step completed:

 

[DMC-81]

Well, it has been another busy two months. Fortunately for me, I'm doing the Hotshot as a shelf queen and I'm not in a rush to get it done at the expense of a quality job. I work on it when I have the time to sit down and relax. Sorry to all readers about the delay. On to the next step:

Build Process: Step 39

Step 39 involves attaching the wheels and the antenna.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the parts laid out:

Step 39 Commentary:

This was a straightforward step. I opted to install the upgraded Aluminum wheels first. Also, there is a choice of a metal antenna and a nylon tube version. Because of the new radio technology that only needs a short antenna wire, I installed this one first. I may cut it down to 3 or 4 inches as the antenna wire only needs the first inch of the tube. The Metal version is what I had on my original 1985 buggy, so I’ll likely install that at some point for nostalgic purposes.

Here is the step completed:

This thing is looking awesome!

 

[Greywolf74]

Well, it has been another busy two months. Fortunately for me, I'm doing the Hotshot as a shelf queen and I'm not in a rush to get it done at the expense of a quality job. I work on it when I have the time to sit down and relax. Sorry to all readers about the delay. On to the next step:

Build Process: Step 39

Step 39 involves attaching the wheels and the antenna.

Here are the instructions:

View attachment 176281

Here are the parts laid out:
View attachment 176282

Step 39 Commentary:

This was a straightforward step. I opted to install the upgraded Aluminum wheels first. Also, there is a choice of a metal antenna and a nylon tube version. Because of the new radio technology that only needs a short antenna wire, I installed this one first. I may cut it down to 3 or 4 inches as the antenna wire only needs the first inch of the tube. The Metal version is what I had on my original 1985 buggy, so I’ll likely install that at some point for nostalgic purposes.

Here is the step completed:
View attachment 176283

This thing is looking awesome!

You do builds like I do builds Looks good! <3