Is There A Hotshot Market?

[civilguy]

Hello all. I just got back into r/c in the last couple years. I raced the Hotshot & RC10 back in the 80s and when I returned the HS was all the rage for collectors-- then the re-re came out. I have tons of vintage parts and enough parts to build one more runner and was thinking of unloading it as a package.

Before I get everything out, take photos and inventory, I was hoping to get some feedback as far as how "sellable" this may be. I think the biggest 'hot ticket' items I have are a new short CVA shock set, the aftermarket hardened front end balls (lots), the JG or CRP bumper & roof bits, black anodized wheels (from eggayk), tons of tires (mostly aftermarket), aftermarket drive shafts, the CRP front suspension brace, a couple custom shock braces (the tube between the front shock uprights in the pic)... I'm sure there's a few others but you get the idea.

Any comments would be helpful--- I'd also rather see this go as a package to someone who will appreciate it, ya know?

Thanks, Jeff

BTW, here's a pic of how I raced my HS this past year in a vintage class:

[civilguy]

No one? Would I be better off parting things out? Like the hardened ball joints, the CVA set, etc?

I didn't want to part it out as I find it too time consuming-- and time is one thing I don't have much of lately!

Would pictures help people get interested?? Thanks for any input!!

[Shodog]

I have seen some nice examples go for $400 plus but I think for the most part, the re-re has killed the market. It's just too close to the original.

[civilguy]

I have seen some nice examples go for $400 plus but I think for the most part, the re-re has killed the market. It's just too close to the original.

Thanks. These would actually be runners. I have some new parts, but mostly used (all varieties!).

I have several original aftermarket parts that I guess would be the most collectible. The front bumper from Parma, 50305 CVA shock set NIB, hardened ball joints, aftermarket drive shafts, JG roof, original box-- that kind of stuff.

It looks like I'll take the electronics out and pack it up for another 22 years!

[civilguy]

I was getting the digital camera charged and memory formatted for our vacation when I realized I should take some pictures of my Hotshot stuff that I had mentioned a while back.

Here's a slideshow with used parts, new parts (w/ 2 closeups), wheels and tires, box, stuff in the box (monoshocks, MSCs, netting, old decals) and a couple quick shots of it still dirty from racing. The front wheels are old Gisom offset fronts that are as wide as rears (for rear rubber all around) but do not rub on the a-arms because of the spiffy offset. I have 6 nib sets of the Parma PB Mustang tires that fit great on these rims (and what's on it in the pics)-- the rears and the skinny fronts are eggayk repros. There's all sorts of fun stuff in there!! There are 4 sets of the SRM 8mm balls -- you really can't kill these things! The gearbox joints and axles are actually Supershot stock FYI.

I won't be back until July 7th, but may have sporadic internet access. I'm not sure what I want to do with this lot and have not given it much thought, but I'll answer any questions asap. One thing I may do is hold onto this stuff for now and bring it to the 2008 Vintage Nationals in CT this September for one last run with the HS. THEN I may be ready to part with this stuff....

Thanks for looking!

[Hibernaculum]

Hard to estimate when it's a used parts lot like that - you might try putting it up for auction, starting at $1 and listed for 10 days. Then see how the bidding travels, and if you're not happy 24 or 12 hours before the end of the auction (can't remember which - check the ebay rules), you can end the auction of your own accord and not incur any penalty aside from losing the small cost of the initial listing fee. At least this way you'll get an idea of the real value.

As for overall value of original Hotshots, I think the best starting point is always to look at the value of a NIB kit, because parts or runners are never usually worth more than that. NIB original Hotshots were reaching US$900 in late 2006. Since the re-release, that price has fallen to around US$500-$600 - a significant drop, but still far more expensive than the re-release kit of course. These are just broad figures too, but they are definitely what I've seen (and paid). Can only assume used original Hotshots will have fallen by a similar percentage.

Also think that 3rd party components (CRP etc) are hit and miss in terms of collectible value. Some people value them highly if they're rare and exclusive hopup items, but generally I think original parts are preferred - i.e. the more original a used car is, the higher it's value tends to be. However - I'm no expert on 3rd party stuff, so someone may show me to be wrong there

cheers,

H.

[civilguy]

if you're not happy 24 or 12 hours before the end of the auction (can't remember which - check the ebay rules), you can end the auction of your own accord and not incur any penalty aside from losing the small cost of the initial listing fee.

Thanks- I did not know that! I'm just going to leave this up until I get back from vacation and then make some decisions. I've owned this one since 1985, so it's sort of like selling off a child....

[gordb]

Also think that 3rd party components (CRP etc) are hit and miss in terms of collectible value. Some people value them highly if they're rare and exclusive hopup items, but generally I think original parts are preferred - i.e. the more original a used car is, the higher it's value tends to be. However - I'm no expert on 3rd party stuff, so someone may show me to be wrong there

Without meaning to be too discouraging, from what I've seen on eBay, the 3rd party components are usually a bit of a "miss" on Hotshots. The original release runners that seem to go for the highest money (topping out around $400 from what I remember) are totally stock new builds with gold wheels, and the next highest seems to be just totally stock new built. I've seen quite a few hopped up Hotshots (including whole chassis upgrades, rims, etc) that barely manage to get over the $100 mark. I know for myself, the appeal of the Hotshot is mostly about it's low slung look ... monoshocks and all ... and I think as soon as you move away from that - even with the shock upgrade, to many people it's just not a Hotshot anymore, and they'd be after a Supershot if that was their game.

It obviously doesn't hurt to throw the auction up there as Hib mentioned (or even put a reserve on it ... but that can discourage some bidders), and you obviously never know how high (or low) any given auction might go - but based on what I've seen and the affection you seem to have for the car, I'd be treating it to a well earned retirement up on the shelf. I gave my beloved Hotshot away when I went to uni, and now, I'd trade nearly any kit I own to have it back again.

[civilguy]

We just got back from vacation and I had some time to mull it over. I'm going to try to build up 2 Hotshots for the Vintage Nationals in CT in September. One will be all period hop-ups and the other will be as stock as I can make it with what I have. Should be a couple good projects.....

After those races who knows!!

[53HRA]

We just got back from vacation and I had some time to mull it over. I'm going to try to build up 2 Hotshots for the Vintage Nationals in CT in September. One will be all period hop-ups and the other will be as stock as I can make it with what I have. Should be a couple good projects.....

After those races who knows!!

P'm me if you need hotshot battery holders.I have 3 new in pack to get rid of

[natedog]

Without meaning to be too discouraging, from what I've seen on eBay, the 3rd party components are usually a bit of a "miss" on Hotshots. The original release runners that seem to go for the highest money (topping out around $400 from what I remember) are totally stock new builds with gold wheels, and the next highest seems to be just totally stock new built. I've seen quite a few hopped up Hotshots (including whole chassis upgrades, rims, etc) that barely manage to get over the $100 mark. I know for myself, the appeal of the Hotshot is mostly about it's low slung look ... monoshocks and all ... and I think as soon as you move away from that - even with the shock upgrade, to many people it's just not a Hotshot anymore, and they'd be after a Supershot if that was their game.

It obviously doesn't hurt to throw the auction up there as Hib mentioned (or even put a reserve on it ... but that can discourage some bidders), and you obviously never know how high (or low) any given auction might go - but based on what I've seen and the affection you seem to have for the car, I'd be treating it to a well earned retirement up on the shelf. I gave my beloved Hotshot away when I went to uni, and now, I'd trade nearly any kit I own to have it back again.

Wait a second, there is a vintage nationals in CT ? I'm in Mass. Do they allow you to race kyosho optimas?

[terry.sc]

Wait a second, there is a vintage nationals in CT ? I'm in Mass. Do they allow you to race kyosho optimas?

Yep. You can run anything you like as long as it was built before 1994, although whether they would allow the optima to be a "non pro" chassis or not depends on which class it would race in. wouldn't think it would have a chance in the 4wd class against Lazers and Works 93s.

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=42832

[civilguy]

Nate- I was the guy who was working in Weymouth last year and we could never get together to run. I'm running a Hotshot in the 4wd class, a gold pan RC10 in 2wd and a Grasshopper in the 'classics' class. I'm hoping the turnout is enough to make the organizers decide to split up classes by era next year-- maybe up to 1989 and 1990-1994. There were huge advances in designs from about 1990 on.

This year I'm just going to have fun and see some of the vintage buggies that people have.

[DudeWalker]

I would love to hear some feedback about this event. Thanks for the head's up.

[natedog]

Oh, thats your username I am going to run my turbo optima and optima mid in 4wd, I will get an rc10 for 2wd, and a wild one for classic. This is an awsome race.

[Crash Cramer]

It would seem to me that your Hop Ups are going to be the more sought after bits as the folks buying RE RE are wanting to make them better like the original one since these parts came out for a reason..... breaking stuff. I only recollect loosing my dogbones mostly and a few arms cracking from hard use. If it were me, I would keep my car and sell the hop ups off and then see if anyone at the races wants a souped up HotShot runner, then build that for them from your leftovers. I can't say that I have seen the Parma bumper before and those Steel balls are not something I have seen either. I have Parma hop up pivot balls, but not that brand. Could be a regional thing, depending on where you lived back then. Those were the days when a small shop would generate some part for a car since someone working for them may have thought up the idea and then they started making more for the LHS to sell and there you go. Back in the mail order days, well before the internet and mass marketing and hobby middle man distributors, etc, etc.

Just my two cents worth, would like to buy a part or two from you, or trade, I have a big HotShot wrecking yard myself.

[civilguy]

Hey Chris- We've talked before and I'd like to discuss trade/sales but my work is just out of control right now. I am going to try to sort things out before the Nationals, but right now it may just be an RC10 (2wd buggy) and a Grasshopper (Classic) for me. My slow time is the dead of New England winter, so all my wheelin' and dealin' may have to wait until then.

Right now I am leaning more towards thinning the herd. Although these vintage buggies have a lot of memories for me I have been running r/c now with the kids and am creating a whole new batch of memories-- and these are much less foggy!!

Thanks for your comments and thoughts. We will talk soon!

Quick edit: The Parma bumper is for the Boomerang and Bigwig with a note right on the tag that it can fit Hotshot "with slight modification"-- you just drill a couple holes. It's very flexible and really protects the front end. The SRM Racing stuff I can't remember where it's from-- just that the balls are very tough and that I have never seen that brand anywhere else.

OK- edit #2: after a lucky search I found this: http://www.rwracing.co.uk/Contacts.htm Apparently there were 40,000 sets of those steel ball joints made and he still has some!!! Cool piece of history there!