simensays

I like your enthusiasm and the work you do to help your dad. I started a restoration job on a SC about 10 years ago and finished the original chassis with original NOS rubber etc, but nevner got around to finishing the build due to other projects, life and the fact that the body needed some intricate body work/repair. I've just now had time to do these repairs and finished painting the body over the last week. 10 years after starting the restoration I'm now ready to apply decals to finish this build - safe to say I don't rush my builds You could have simply just got a new humpback battery that fits the stock chassis set up and kept everything stock - but I like the idea to make any mods reversible.

I simply meant that when building an iconic model from new I would've liked to keep that kit intact, but that it just me and as the OP notes a spare/test body is a smart way to go. I have not commented on any paint jobs or even seen your build, but it sounds like a cool restoration job similar to the ones I often do. If you have seen some of my builds I do indeed suppliment some of them with upgraded or 3D printed parts and various paint schemes. My Big Oly Blazing Blazer is one such example.

Love watching this build! Never had the pleasure of building such an icon from NIB, but I actually find it extra satisfactory to revive and do deep restorations. Albeit my opinions are just that - and not meant as any negativity - I would have liked to see the original body on this build and rather the modded one with lights and 3D printed parts on a rescued Hilux. Painting the rear "TOYOTA" tail gate plate is indeed finicky, I believe I did my by hand and some tedious masking many years ago. I also designed that badge and the whole tailgate many years ago in 3D which was available on old Shapeways, but it didn't occurre to me at the time to make it fit lights. Enjoy the rest of the build, great stuff!

Did you even read the OP question?

Thanks - cool to see another FJ40 owner on here (there are a couple already)! Some people showed interest in the hardtop when I showed the first iterations, so I made it available on Shapeways, but the production cost was understandably too high for most. As of now none of my designs are available for purchase, but I continuously keep working on my projects and custom parts.

I haven’t been as active on here lately for a number of reasons. As some of you may know, Shapeways went bankrupt last year—not exactly a surprise. However, I had already removed all my designs from their platform prior to that, due to growing frustrations around sharing my designs. I'm keeping an eye on what Shapeways is doing and might consider publishing my designs there (or on another platform) in the future. That said, I'm in no hurry as my motivation for doing this has never been financial but rather in the spirit of this great community. However, over the past few years the involvement of a few individuals have demotivated me from sharing anything. Also Shapeways still has a lot to prove before I’m willing to invest any time in their new platform. As for sending you the files, that’s a hard no - sorry. As a professional designer, I never share my original files, not even with clients (unless specifically agreed upon beforehand). This is standard practice, much like how a photographer doesn’t hand over their raw files, hope you can appreciate this.

As these are also used on the WW M38 everybody is looking for these Someone with spring making skills should "easily" be able to reproduce these springs - they will sure sell! (Why does China only reproduce existing parts?!)

Very cool thread - it would be great to hear about the design/production process of the various parts. Keep up the great work!

Some credit to them for promptly owning up...

After contacting ZoomOn inquiring about "their" design I got this response:

More "creative" copycats - this time around ZoomOn. I do not know who these idiots are and not familiar with this "brand" but some of their product sure seem familiar. Naturally because I designed this about 12 years ago...

Anyone got an old original WW motor (with pinion) for sale?

I want one - simply based on the memories of seeing these in rc catalogs as a kid. After seeing the parts they're made of and the ride quality I am not so sure, something along the lines of never meet your heros... Still I do want one.

Velkommen!

and confirmed.