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Jamesssb

Tamiya new build willy's wheeler kit

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Hi all,

I am going to be posting up a new build of a willy's wheeler kit over the next few months.

I was very lucky to get given as an engagement present a brand new in box willy's kit, been in storage for some 30 years from a very good friend of mine  

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Here are some pictures to wet your appetitePosted Image

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I am really liking the 2 tone paint scheme on these. I also like straight blue so I am going to go down one of these routes.

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Will update ASAP.

James.

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Epic!

Of course such a rare kit like this really ought to be box art... but where is the fun in that?! - love that two-tone red and silver combo you posted...

Can't wait to see it on it's wheels!

Jx

ps. I don't suppose you could make a mould/scan of that body shell before you assemble it could you... 3D printers working overtime! ;o)

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I would love to scan it but I don't have the tools to do it.

It's not the easiest thing to mold either and I would have thought the body would get damaged in the process.

I to understand the body should be painted box art but I do not really want it like that as I feel it's not a very good design, the other Honda turbo cars are way better painted so no idea why tamiya chose this design.

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Epic indeed.

Ironically, I never really like seeing people buying kits and keeping them under wraps, however I love seeing 30yr old NIB kits being built....

:D

I would love to scan it but I don't have the tools to do it.

It's not the easiest thing to mold either and I would have thought the body would get damaged in the process.

It could be laser point scanned without damage very easily. Then into a 3D printer and away you go.

Almost worth doing it for yourself to keep the original body safe! You could sell a heap on eBay to cover the costs easy. That way you could do boxart AND a custom job then!

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Bodyset has already been repopped by the factory.

Huh? Is there something you need to tell us, Willy?

Please?

Can't wait to see this build. This is the re-re that would I would buy it immediately, hands down, no questions asked and price largely irrelevant. Come on, Mr. Tamiya, turn loose of the Wheeler!

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Huh? Is there something you need to tell us, Willy?

Please?

the Wheeler bodyset has already been repopped by T, many moons ago bud.

That red/silver car above is one of these repopped shells built onto a WR02 chassis with BoyRacer wheels.

Repopped bodyset (in polybag) appears forsale every now & again, might fetch $150-200 afaik...

haven't looked lately. Boxed original bodysets used to pop up too... maybe twice that $$.

Even if you had shell scanned & drawn up in .STL ready to output,

methinks it'll cost more than $200 from our friends at Shapeways & similar.

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I have access to a company who does 3d scanning and printing. I can enquire on it. I can see the printed body-shell not being cheap to print though.

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I have access to a company who does 3d scanning and printing. I can enquire on it. I can see the printed body-shell not being cheap to print though.

ya it's a fair sized chunk of resin :) I'm thinking at least $200 for all the white bits

then you get the headache of how to do all the clear bits

Get the front white bumper scanned, will ya? :D thanks in advance.

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I know. When he showed me the kit I joked that it was mine and John said "your welcome".

I was like "you what?"

Lol

He is the best!!

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What a fantastic gift! I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on this. Enjoy the build and thanks for sharing it with us.

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I know. When he showed me the kit I joked that it was mine and John said "your welcome".I was like "you what?"LolHe is the best!!

I had impression that your WIFE2B bought it from him to give to you...!

If I could I'd marry HIM instead :P

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I am hungry, lets eat.:-D The two tone gets my vote. For models, the more color the better vs 1:1. You have to think about the blue if you plan to use the decals. or

do it like tamiya has done to some of its models, picture frame it. Seems Tamiya maybe re release its soon, so it built or frame it.

not a big fan, but after your introduction, i change my mind.

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No I won't use the stickers as I think there too old now. However I am undecided on if it will be a race look or road look. I will built the chassis first and then play with it.

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Been looking on google images.

Loving this shell more and more.

I'm still not sure on the colour but the 2 tone scheme has my vote.

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James.

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Not much room for upgrading the original chassis, no alternatives for the wheels/tires.

only parts I found are a front (oil) damper mount and one of my wheelies had an custom made weight up front.

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So that leaves an esc and leds

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Does anyone know of any good upgrades for this chassis?

Picture-231-e1316642644716.png

Painted to match of course.

That red and grey one looks awesome! Especially from behind with the coil overs showing. What chassis is it?

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Agreed with waterbok - having owned Tamiya's Audi Quattro, which uses a similar chassis, there is not much work that can be done. Given that the chassis requires a lot of work, though, upgrades are probably a good thing, if you can fabricate them or make them work - for instance, alternative pinion gear options may be a nice way to go.

But by the time you finish fabricating all those upgrades, you may as well have converted an M-chassis car! Not a bad idea for when my Quattro is finally written off...

Go for the ESC, LEDs, and ball bearings, and after that just have fun with the car! As I am both (admittedly) jealous of your new project and unable to afford one, I look forward to living my Willy's Wheeler dream vicariously through your build - keep up the fine work! ;)

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Seems like 2 tone is the way to go. Hop ups maybe only ESC, the stock shocks look interesting and ball bearings are included. I would leave it as is and get a taste of the old school, plus per others seem like not much can be done. Is a classic in perfect condition, so why mess with it.

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