Mahjik

I've had mind for a little over 2 years now going on 3. I've had no issues with it's functions up to this point. Although I should do a better job at keeping my tips clean. I'm using the following tips and so far have been very happy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CTLZBHQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are several out there... I do not believe you have to have a name brand for something as simple as a soldering iron. However, I would recommend that you seek one which can reach 482C/900F. While most soldering for 1/10th scale or smaller won't needs that high of a temp, it will help if you go 1/8th or others. The other part is the tips. Most solder stations come with a single tip. You'll want to purchase a set of tips to use with the station. This is the one I purchased: https://xtronicusa.com/X-Tronic-Model-3020-XTS-LED-Display-Soldering-Station-p74220205

Related, anyone have a good source for GB-01 bodies? I'm thinking about picking up the Tamtech GB-01 chassis. I've seen one or two bodies available, but curious if anyone has a source for more of them (specifically hoping for a Frog body).

Yes, the technique won't be different.

I'm using one of these on my Hotshot Re-Re: https://www.rcplanet.com/venom-drive-7-2v-4600mah-nimh-battery-with-uni-2-0-plug-vnr1547/

Check out Hobbywing. They have some inexpensive options which are good value for the money (and they have good support as well).

I've seen the Hotshot in many different colors over the year. Honestly, there are very few colors that don't flatter the Hotshot. It's hard to go wrong. For me, I had dreamed of the red Hotshot box art every since I was a youngster and couldn't afford one. When it was my time to get a re-re, it had to be close to the box art.

My 2 cents... The Re-Re Hotshot is very durable, however not the most nimble vehicle to control. If the main use of the vehicle will be for an astro turf track, I would recommend buying a used carpet buggy. The dedicated racers are always selling off their "last year model" cars which you can pick up very inexpensively.

I assume you have figured it out, but just in case. For Lipo charging, the amps are the important part. If you have a 4000mah battery, you want to charge at mah / 1000 = charge amps for 1C. So 4000 / 1000 = 4 amps for charging at 1C.

What charger do you have and is a programmable where you can set the charge rate/time?

There are some photos out there of Hotshots using the Dark Impact wheels/tires. I tried that route but found it hard to obtain the wheels. The Block tires were easy to get so I just went that route.

Standard HotShot wheel.

At least for the Hotshot, you can use the Tamiya Dual Block tires (54187/54188).

Couple of older images of mine (and my XB4)...

Personally, I would just go with waterproof electronics (servo, ESC & receiver). It will just be easier in the end, but maybe a little more expensive to start.

I think you have 3 main options: Buy waterproof electronics Buy waterproof boxes for electronics. This will require some custom work as most of those are for boats or Traxxas rc's. Find/buy the waterproof rubber balloons you mentioned I don't find that the rubber balloon type approach is used as much these days. It seems most go with the first two.

You can't really look at Tamiya off-road buggies for performance. If performance is your goal, there are plenty of better more modern brands out there. On-road, Tamiya is still doing well. The Re-Re Super Astute isn't going to win any races with modern buggies but that's not what I bought one.. I just like the look of the older buggies and I'm a bigger fan of 2wd buggies.

I had a Fox back in the day. I really wanted a Hotshot back then, but the Hotshot was just too expensive at the time and heck, I was a youngster. That being said, while I wanted to have a Fox again; I used this opportunity to get what I couldn't get as a youngster and did a Re-Re Hotshot. It looks better sitting than it drives, but it's still a fun vehicle. The Fox (NovaFox) is probably the better runner, but you'll always wish you had a Hotshot if you don't get it.

Well, it was designed in the early 90's where loose dirt racing was the thing. Those cars did require more ground clearance than the cars racing today on packed dirt or clay.

The OP created a duplicate thread and posted he solved it:

Can you take a photo? I don't recall any issues there but it's been quite a while since I built mine. FWIW, they are pretty stout. Not a lot of maintenance required.

What electronics are you using (ESC, servo, motor, battery)?

I'm using a Sport Tuned motor with a NiMH battery on mine. I did bearings during assembly and have been very pleased with it.

I don't think there is a buggy Tamiya has that pearl white wouldn't look good on.

I have a metallic orange Zahhak just for color reference. Hard to see the metallic part in a potato phone photo but it looks good in person. When I run it at my local track, everyone is always asking about it. I still have my re-re Super Astute to build and will likely go with an ivory/metallic type white.