Jump to content
stu22

Body Shell For M-04m

Recommended Posts

I will need to put a new body on my M-04M based MX-5 and found that the only thing Tamiya has in production is the Alfa. Does anyone know if there are any non-Tamiya, and more importantly, in production bodies that will work on a M-04M?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The M-04M is an odd wheelbase. The M-04L is 238mm wheelbase. I'm sure the difference in length is only a plastic block between the main chassis and rear gearbox. Bodies like the Sand Scorcher/Blitzer Beetle will fit on the 238mm wheelbase.

Most other brand "M" bodies are ~205mm. ABC Hobby, Kamtec V12.

What I did to my M-04 was build a set of TVP carbon fibre plates so I could get a 202mm wheelbase making it a M-04SS (super short, LOL). I can now fit the ABC and Kamtec bodies. I have a Mk1 Escort and Lunchbox 'Street Van' on M-Chassis builds on my workbench at the moment.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

Where have you seen the alfa body available ? I would really like another one.

Duane,

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The Alfa body is not available as a spare part and I don't think it ever has been. You may eventually find someone splitting a kit on ebay but don't hold your breath! You would also need the plastic accessory parts and decals so it's going to cost you a fair wedge of cash.

More generally, all Tamiya bodies for an M04 (whatever length) are very hard to get at the moment - I'm looking too! The Honda s2000, BMW roadster and Mazda MX5/Miata are proving impossible to find.

As TA-Mark mentions above, with your M04M kit you will have parts F3 and F4 (unused) which together make a chassis spacer that fits between the gearbox and main body. This makes your chassis an M04L and enables you to fit the Beetle, BMW and Honda bodies. You could also track down some more of these spacers and by fitting 3 together (I think) you are almost the exact wheelbase for most 1/10 touring car shells.

Paul

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The M-04m chassis is 225mm if memory serves.

HPI just came out with their "cup racer" line that should have kits in 210mm and 225mm form. I hope that they will start making body kits in the near future.

I really dig the 240z :P

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I collect M04 bodies, and I've yet to come across a BMW roadster :o

They are pretty hard to find. I was lucky to find a S2000 and Alfa body :P

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I collect M04 bodies, and I've yet to come across a BMW roadster :o

They are pretty hard to find. I was lucky to find a S2000 and Alfa body :P

if you want an m roadster bodyset i've got one new.

write me

federx@inwind.it

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Currently available 225mm wheelbase bodies:

HPI Mazda MX5

HPI Civic Coupe

Tamiya Suzuki Swift

Tamiya Fiat 500

That's it.

Expect some new shells from HPI though as the Cup Racer can be configured as 225mm wheelbase. I'd say their new 240Z shell is likely to be 225mm wheelbase, but nothing I have seen anywhere actually state what the 240Z wheelbase is.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks to everyone for all the information. I was able to get a replacement Tamiya body for a very reasonable price months ago on eBay but will be saving it for displaying the car.

For running the car on the track I'm going to give the HPI MX-5 body a try. A little worried about the width being 156mm vs the 168mm width of the M-04. Hopefully the tires won't stick out too far.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...