Finally got a Wild Willy M38

[AshRC 213]

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.

[KEV THE REV 2307]

Excellent Ash . I wish I hadn't sold my WW's many years back

[Willy iine 18804]

Congrats, @AshRC!!

Enjoy the car.. it’s my favorite out of all factory Tamiya cars.   

Btw, where did Willy go?? 

[AshRC 213]

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 …

[alvinlwh 5888]

It looks to be glue, or cement, into place. If cement, putting it into the freezer may allow it to be broken apart. 

[AshRC 213]

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.

[Willy iine 18804]

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.

[WillyChang 1814]

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. 

[Exit13 673]

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 

[simensays 321]

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

 

[AshRC 213]

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?

[Willy iine 18804]

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.

[AshRC 213]

Some progress. Chassis taken apart and cleaned, all metal parts (including springs) removed and polished.

[bRIBEGuy 3032]

Nice!  Looks good!

[Willy iine 18804]

Agreed!  Looking good there, @AshRC!!

[AshRC 213]

Offcut from a Tamiya parts spruce cut down, shaped and glued in place.
 

[Willy iine 18804]

If all fails Shapeways has 3D printed grills in case you need it.  

[AshRC 213]

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 

[Jeepy2013 575]

Nice find! I sold my WW a few years ago, regretting it ever since. Need to find myself another one. 

[AshRC 213]

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.

[Willy iine 18804]

Good job @AshRC!

The paddle tires go the other way, if it matters to you.  Have fun with your new ride.   

[JeffSpicoli 1363]

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.

[AshRC 213]

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 

[Willy iine 18804]

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.