AshRC 213 Posted March 25, 2022 First impressions are how big and stocky these things are. I was expecting it to be a lot smaller and lighter. Obviously built to last. Everything seems to be ok. Very dirty and faded, and everything has threadlock and glue on it, but it will be a fun restoration. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KEV THE REV 2319 Posted March 25, 2022 Excellent Ash . I wish I hadn't sold my WW's many years back 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy iine 18806 Posted March 25, 2022 Congrats, @AshRC!! Enjoy the car.. it’s my favorite out of all factory Tamiya cars. Btw, where did Willy go?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AshRC 213 Posted March 26, 2022 No Willy Just started stripping it down. Quick question, does the front grill just slot into place? All the screws are out, but it’s not moving. It could be glued, but I don’t see any. Not sure what to do … Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alvinlwh 5895 Posted March 26, 2022 It looks to be glue, or cement, into place. If cement, putting it into the freezer may allow it to be broken apart. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AshRC 213 Posted March 26, 2022 Yikes. Ok, I’ll give it a go. I guess the other option will be to snap the two radiator mounts, fix the grill, then glue the radiator back onto the mounts. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy iine 18806 Posted March 26, 2022 1 hour ago, AshRC said: Yikes. Ok, I’ll give it a go. I guess the other option will be to snap the two radiator mounts, fix the grill, then glue the radiator back onto the mounts. Yeah, I just take a mini saw and cut it off and cement it back together. I do this all the time so it's a sound approach. PN: 54496 will net you a WW2 Willy driver figure! GL with the rebuild. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WillyChang 1814 Posted March 26, 2022 On 3/25/2022 at 11:49 PM, Willy iine said: Btw, where did Willy go?? He’s gone to take a leak with the jerrycan... then somebody makes off with his ride. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Exit13 673 Posted March 28, 2022 Welcome to the club. These aren’t as tuff as you think. Enjoy it lightly. Btw see shapeways for many repop parts for these buggies. I even think they sell grills that will match the original wild Willy’s. I know I bought ans a arm from them and they have the shock tower Mount and bulkheads. Good luck with it - it’s looks great already Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simensays 321 Posted March 30, 2022 Do you have the build manual for the Wild Willy? If not, you can download/view it here on TC > https://www.tamiyaclub.com/manuals.asp?cm=348 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AshRC 213 Posted March 30, 2022 Thanks @simensays I already grabbed a copy of that. The old manuals aren’t as simple as they are now, I’m pleased I never built one of these as a 10 yr old How does the front bumper come off? The springs on mine are rock solid, is it brute force or is there a trick to it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy iine 18806 Posted March 31, 2022 The bumper comes off with a nice pull, but be gentle when you pull as some become brittle over time and can snap in half. But you can also buy 3D printed bumpers from Shapeways. I bought one and painted it matte black. Looks great. I ended up just buying a few extra used M38's to use as spares as well. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AshRC 213 Posted April 22, 2022 Some progress. Chassis taken apart and cleaned, all metal parts (including springs) removed and polished. 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bRIBEGuy 3046 Posted April 22, 2022 Nice! Looks good! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy iine 18806 Posted April 22, 2022 Agreed! Looking good there, @AshRC!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AshRC 213 Posted May 2, 2022 Offcut from a Tamiya parts spruce cut down, shaped and glued in place. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy iine 18806 Posted May 2, 2022 If all fails Shapeways has 3D printed grills in case you need it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AshRC 213 Posted May 3, 2022 If the grill was more damaged I'd replace it, but the rest of it is (mostly) OK. Seems a shame to replace a 30-yr old part for one missing upright. Let's see how the repair turns out 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeepy2013 575 Posted May 4, 2022 Nice find! I sold my WW a few years ago, regretting it ever since. Need to find myself another one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AshRC 213 Posted May 15, 2022 Chassis finished, driver finished, body “finished” (still have to get a fuel can and repaint the spare wheel). The grill repair turned out really well, and everything else cleaned up nicely. I’m so pleased with the result, thanks to everyone for the moral support Well worth the time and effort. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy iine 18806 Posted May 15, 2022 Good job @AshRC! The paddle tires go the other way, if it matters to you. Have fun with your new ride. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeffSpicoli 1363 Posted May 15, 2022 2 hours ago, AshRC said: Chassis finished, driver finished, body “finished” (still have to get a fuel can and repaint the spare wheel). The grill repair turned out really well, and everything else cleaned up nicely. I’m so pleased with the result, thanks to everyone for the moral support Well worth the time and effort. Looks awesome. I remember the first time I saw one in the 80s mind blowing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AshRC 213 Posted May 19, 2022 On 5/15/2022 at 9:15 PM, Willy iine said: Good job @AshRC! The paddle tires go the other way, if it matters to you. Have fun with your new ride. Rookie error, thanks @Willy iine Embarrassingly, I did Google which way round they went, found plenty of photos of them fitted both ways. Obviously chose wrong 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy iine 18806 Posted May 19, 2022 34 minutes ago, AshRC said: Rookie error, thanks @Willy iine Embarrassingly, I did Google which way round they went, found plenty of photos of them fitted both ways. Obviously chose wrong No problem. It is confusing for sure when most V tread tires point towards the front, one would assume the paddles would too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites