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

 

[DMC-81]

Merry Christmas everyone. I can’t believe it has been a year since my last post. Life got in the way of this build, but I will finish it before the 40th anniversary of its 1985 release next year.

I spent some of the year restoring another icon from my youth that will also celebrate its 40th birthday next year: a 1985 4+3 manual Z51 Corvette. This is the same configuration that I got my first ride in a Corvette in. Here are a couple pictures:

Well, on to the Hotshot build:

Build Process: Step 40

Step 40 involves installing the battery

Here are the instructions:

Here is the step completed:

 

[332_RC]

Awesome! Merry Christmas! I have a Boomerang & always wanted a OG Hot Shot!

 

[CertifiedMike]

Merry Christmas!!! I love your builds!!!
The Hotshot is a classic I'd like to run or shelve!!!

The Vette tho... thats a runner!!! Love it!!!

 

[DMC-81]

Awesome! Merry Christmas! I have a Boomerang & always wanted a OG Hot Shot!

Thank you! I like the Boomerang as well.

Merry Christmas!!! I love your builds!!!
The Hotshot is a classic I'd like to run or shelve!!!
The Vette tho... thats a runner!!! Love it!!!

Thank you! Like the Hotshot, I had to focus in the Vette to get it finished by next year.
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Continuing with the build, there are 8 steps go. I'm getting close:

Build Process: Optional Step

After step 40, as mentioned in my initial posts, I opted to install the underguard from the Super Hotshot. Part number TA 19335639. I remember on my original the rear end bottoming out from time to time which caused potential for damage.

Here are the instructions from the Super Hotshot:

Here are the parts laid out:

Here is the under guard in the process of being installed. I had to remove these screws and a piece of the back roll cage:

Here is the step completed:

 

[DMC-81]

Build Process: Step 41

Step 41 simply shows how to install/use the maintenance stand.

Here are the instructions:

Here is the stand:

Build Process: Step 42

Step 42 involves installing the cable protection parts.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the parts laid out:

As part of this step, I also added color coded heat shrink tubing to the battery wires for extra protection. Here are the wires before adding them:

Here is the step completed:

 

[DMC-81]

Build Process: Step 43

Step 43 involves cutting out the body and wing from the mould.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the parts laid out:

Step 43 Commentary:
This was a tedious process to extract the parts without scoring or otherwise damaging the body parts. I used a sharp X-Acto knife. It also involves cutting out a portion of the wing to allow room for the cotter pins, and drilling holes in the body for the lights and body pin. My advice is to take your time on this step.

Here is the step completed:

 

[DMC-81]

Build Process: Step 44

Step 44 involves painting the body parts.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the parts laid out:

Step 42 Commentary:
I used the spray can option for the PS-2 Tamiya polycarbonate paint. I washed and rinsed the parts. When they were dry, I taped them to pieces of cardboard, and painted 3 coats on the first day (within 10 minutes), and a heavy coat on day two (24 hours later). I forgot how good Tamiya paints are. They dry quickly and provide a great finish.

Here is the step completed:

Painted underside:

and the top (with the plastic protective coating still attached):

 

[Doom!]

I love your step by step breakdown. Lookin' good.

 

[CertifiedMike]

Build Process: Step 44

Step 44 involves painting the body parts.

Here are the instructions:
View attachment 212960

Here are the parts laid out:
View attachment 212961
Step 42 Commentary:
I used the spray can option for the PS-2 Tamiya polycarbonate paint. I washed and rinsed the parts. When they were dry, I taped them to pieces of cardboard, and painted 3 coats on the first day (within 10 minutes), and a heavy coat on day two (24 hours later). I forgot how good Tamiya paints are. They dry quickly and provide a great finish.
View attachment 212962

Here is the step completed:

Painted underside:
View attachment 212963
and the top (with the plastic protective coating still attached):
View attachment 212964

That shade of red makes me feel happy! It looks GREAT!!!

 

[WickedFog]

I'd have painted it blue, just to tick the other Tamiya fans off

Just kidding. That's as red as red gets. And something about the Tamiya buggies almost demands a boxart paintjob.

 

[DMC-81]

I love your step by step breakdown. Lookin' good.

Thank you. I hope it helps someone in the future.

That shade of red makes me feel happy! It looks GREAT!!!

Thanks, I agree, and I am sure that it contributed to my preference for red Corvettes.
Here was my second one:

I'd have painted it blue, just to tick the other Tamiya fans off

Just kidding. That's as red as red gets. And something about the Tamiya buggies almost demands a boxart paintjob.

LOL. I agree.

Continuing the build:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Build Process: Step 45

Step 45 involves assembling, painting and attaching the lights and attaching the wing to its support brace.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the parts laid out:

Step 45 Commentary:

After gluing the two halves of the lights together and allowing the model glue to dry, I used 1000 grit sandpaper to smooth out the seams.

Then painting:

Here is the step completed:

Only two more steps to go!!

 

[DMC-81]

Build Process: Step 46

Step 46 involves applying the decals/stickers.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the parts laid out:

Step 46 Commentary:
As mentioned in my second post, I opted to buy the Hotshot original reproduction decals from MCI Racing (1/10TH TAM 58047). I began cutting out a selection of decals from both sheets to apply to the buggy. I wanted to retain the original sponsors so I selected those from the original reproductions. I chose to apply less sponsors than my younger self used. This gave a cleaner appearance. I can always add more later.

As with my original Hotshot, I used the number 7, instead of the 3 on the box art. This is because my first Tamya buggy was The Hornet which had a number 7. I had so much fun building this Hotshot, I also bought a Hornet and associated accessories/upgrades. I’ll create a separate build thread for that when I have time to start that one.

I took my time and referred to the instructions and my original Hotshot (post 16). Here are some pictures of the progress:

Here is the step completed:

One more step!