[debate] Monster Beetle or Squash Van for my 2nd build?

[Kowalski86 4954]

On 3/2/2024 at 3:12 PM, Dakratfink said:

I keep finding low ish cost ORVs on eBay, but when I think about foxing the transmission and sourcing a body I wonder hiwncheap it will really be. 

If they're old ORVs you'd likely end up replacing brittle plastic as it breaks, new tires, etc. Bodies aren't cheap either, unless if you go aftermarket. I tried restoring an MB myself and it'd break anytime that I took it out.

I'd get a Squash Van just for something that drives differently than a 2wd, and it'll be less headache. I definitely wouldn't run it at the beach though as it'd be a bear to re-build and get the sand out. Tamiya should really just fix the monster ORVs.

[Sciflyer 35]

On 3/7/2024 at 4:37 AM, Dakratfink said:

It sounds like the “weak” trans (on ORV chassis ) is really only an issue if you overpower it though ? Or is bracing it a must ? 

 

No, even with the stock 540 and 7.2v NiCads back in the day the gearbox and driveshafts were a liability

If i was to do a MB build again I'd just get a King Blackfoot which fixed all the gearbox/axle issues and paint it red and find a MB body 

[Gebbly 866]

Regarding the "tippyness" of the squash van. If it is similar enough to the GF-01this can be helped by swapping out the arms for the longer TL01B arms. this gives a wider stance and a lot less likely to roll.

[JimBear 1359]

The price of the GF-02 has come down a bit here in Germany - I can find them for 180 euros, which is on par with the Monster Beetle price, and much better than the 200+ it was on introduction. I think the Beetle body itself looks great, but I find it a bit short on the long GF-02 (242 mm vs 267 mm wheelbase).