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Having recently converted a GF-01 chassis to accommodate the Wild Willy 2 body (here) there was a lasting impression. That to replicate the look and feel of the 1982 original SWB then some custom design work would be required, namely: - a modified chassis with a shorter wheelbase and the body lowered and correctly positioned over both axles, and - custom wheels with an offset to get the correct track front and rear. Initial focus is on the chassis and getting the wheelbase right - once successful then attention will shift to the wheels. My initial GF-01 conversation (here) had been done with the spirit of: - maximising the use of Tamiya parts, and - minimising the impact on the body. After countless hours on a computer with a friend, @Jamesssb, and multiple working prototypes a new chassis design started to emerge. This chassis, we’ve called it GF-01 SWB, has the following characteristics: - 165 mm wheelbase (as per the first 1982 SWB Wild Willy), - compatible with GF-01 four wheel drive gears, suspension parts and wheelie bar, - compatible with the Wild Willy 2 chassis rails and body posts albeit with the height reduced by two holes, - requires only the the L-shaped wall on the underside of the WW2 body to be removed, and - correct ride height when used in conjunction with original or reproduction tyres and Tamiya hop up dampers. The hump pack has been inverted to save space and allow the height of the body to be reduced. The front camber link has been relocated in an attempt to try and replicate the characteristics of camber of the original. The rear camber link has been repositioned to reduce the camber during normal use - in an attempt to reflect that the original had a live axle and zero camber. For fun the receiver on/ off switch is located in the original position next to the driver and can accommodate the traditional protective rubber cover. Will put up on Shapeways when complete but suspect it won’t be cheap - but happy to take advice on alternatives. However, this approach will allow me to bash about with a model where consumable/ spare parts are readily available (and many metal aftermarket items) combined with a currently produced (cheap) body that requires minimal cutting (just the L-shaped wall on the underside). I’m keen to hear suggestions that could be factored into the design; for example, maybe a LWB version with the rear axle pushed back by 10 mm. Will post more pictures as the project develops.

UPDATE - link Simenwsays Shapeways designs I've finally had some time to work on some more parts for my favourite Tamiya, namely the Wild Willy. Actual pics will be updated soon! Bumper: Wheels: Jerry Can Insert: Hard Top: Arm Stays: Simensays on Shapeways

Happy to pay AUD$40, posted to Melbourne, Australia. This is US$28, €24, NZD$43, CAD$37, £22. I'm feeling impatient, and this is about 30% more than it would have cost if I could be bothered to wait for any of the HK stores to have it back in stock.

Hi guys! I was wondering if the landcruiser 40 body and the decal set is still available from Tamiya? I'm needing replacements for my gf01 and even emailed Tamiya but was told the items were no longer available. Is this true? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Late night insomnia helped me stumble over this picture - Looks a bit like the old QD shell.

Hi guys, I have just bought a TAMIYA R/C LAND CRUISER 40 PICK UP GF-01 for Xmas and i'm getting a few things sorted before starting the build. I have ordered some metal bearings and a steel pinion. What i cannot seem to find is, a metal set of gears cogs / differentials. Do you know if anyone makes a set or if not, are the black plastic ones that come with the set, the reinforced kind? I'm also looking at the Yeah Racing suspension kits. has anyone tried these or got any thoughts on quality of Yeah racing aluminium spares? Thanks Matt

Hi guys, I have a GF01 Land Cruiser 40 with the standard wheels and tires. I wanna change the tires to something with a bit more grip on the dirt and grass. The current tires are more for road use. What tires will fit on the standard wheels or what wheel and tire combo can I change it to. I checked out the GF01 Heavy Duty Dump Truck. Those tires looks like they would have much better grip, just not a fan of the yellow wheels. Any other suggestions?