My Bruiser Rebuild and Upgrades

[VTBruiser]

Hello.

I thought I would share my latest Tamiya endeavor.

The idea was to improve the strength and capability of this classic while still maintaining as much of the vintage look and feel as possible.

I did a complete rebuild of the chassis, but decided in the end to leave the original paint, stickers and bodywork alone (apart from some cleaning, new hardware, and a few touch ups).

I was also tempted to update the electronics, but decided to keep the vintage stuff for now.

Here are the details:

Tamiya Toyota 4x4 Pickup Bruiser

Futaba Conquest FP-4NL Transmitter

Futaba FP-R4F Receiver

Futaba FP-S38 Servos

New Tamiya Motor and Transmission (rebuilt with ball bearings)

Bruiser Builder Aluminum Spur Gear

Bruiser Builder Transmission Plugs

Permatex Clear RTV Silicone Sealant

Boesheild T-9 Spray Lubricant

Bruiser Builder Rubber Bushings

Bruiser Builder Aluminum Steering Crank Arm

New Tamiya Front Axle (rebuilt with ball bearings)

RC4WD Hub Shafts (with ball bearings)

Custom Aluminum King Pin Shims

New Tamiya Rear Axle (with ball bearing)

RC4WD Axle Collars (with ball bearings)

RC4WD Bevel Shafts (with ball bearings)

Tamiya Ceramic Grease

RC4WD Heavy Duty Lift Springs

RC4WD Aluminum Axle Brackets

Bruiser Builder Aluminum Lower Shock Mounts

Radius Arms Removed

RC Channel Aluminum Ball Ends (for steering and tie rods)

New Tamiya Monster Truck Aluminum Damper Set

New Tamiya Rubber Steering Rod Sleeves (for damper covers)

CRP 3mm O-Rings (for bump stops)

Tamiya Blue (600) Silicone Damper Oil

New Tamiya Rear Hubs (replacing front hubs)

Tamiya Switch Lubricant

Bruiser Builder Stainless Steel Shift Gate

New Futaba NT-8LP Transmitter Ni-Cd Battery

New Futaba NR-4M Receiver Ni-Cd Battery

New Tamiya 6V-4000mA Ni-Cd Battery

New Tamiya 6V-4000mA Ni-Cd Battery and Charger Set

New Tamiya 6V-4000mA Ni-Cd Battery Quick Charger

New Tamiya Rubber Switch Cover

New Tamiya Antenna Mast

New Tamiya Nylon Bands

Rc Channel Aluminum Wheel Adapters

RC Channel Aluminum Beadlock Wheels

RC Channel Black Aluminum Beadlock Rings

RC Channel Aluminum Wheel Caps

New Hardware from Hexcrews, Full Force RC, and Tamiya

I hope you like it.

[VTBruiser]

Some chassis pics

[VTBruiser]

Rolling chassis

[VTBruiser]

Other side

[VTBruiser]

Overhead view

[VTBruiser]

One more of the truck

[VTBruiser]

Vintage goodies

[wildwillydriver]

Nice truck and goodies! I like the way you rebuilt it mantaining the original vintage look as much as possible.

Bye

WWD

[VTBruiser]

Thanks, WWD.

I'm pleased with the way it turned out. There is one more upgrade I would like to do.

I'd like to replace the plastic front and rear bumpers with some metal ones. However, I have been unable to find any.

If anyone knows of a source please let me know. I'd even be willing to have custom ones made, if necessary.

[TamiyaDan]

.

[VTBruiser]

i guess rc4wd stopped selling did you check on the RCMT message board?

you might be able to find somebody hand fabricating options there.

Thanks, TamiyaDan.

I've been looking into the custom route without much success.

Juggster on the RCMT board is apparently no longer making parts.

Chris at Rogue Elements said he would consider it, but I haven't heard back from him in some time.

I'll keep trying, but if anyone out there knows of a good fabricator please let me know.

[shaggy]

thats very nice mate.

i like the wheel adaptors and the wheels. youve done a cracker of a job on the truck..

my bruiser will get its 1st test tommow after the rebuild..

[VTBruiser]

thats very nice mate.

i like the wheel adaptors and the wheels. youve done a cracker of a job on the truck..

my bruiser will get its 1st test tommow after the rebuild..

Thanks, Shaggy.

I really enjoyed seeing your rebuild thread and it helped motivate me to finish mine.

Have fun with your Bruiser!

[SB_Aust]

Great looking rebuild. The wheels you have used are just what I am looking for.....Are they 2.2 inch? Would it be possible if you could provide part numbers on the beadlock wheels, rings and wheel adapter. I had a look on RC Channel but currently couldn't find any beadlock wheels. They are probably staring straight in front of me on the RC Channel website:) Much appreciated.

[VTBruiser]

Great looking rebuild. The wheels you have used are just what I am looking for.....Are they 2.2 inch? Would it be possible if you could provide part numbers on the beadlock wheels, rings and wheel adapter. I had a look on RC Channel but currently couldn't find any beadlock wheels. They are probably staring straight in front of me on the RC Channel website:) Much appreciated.

Yes, the wheels are 2.2 inch (56mm).

It should be noted that they come with silver beadlock rings, so it is not necessary to buy rings unless you prefer having them in black. It should also be noted that wheel adapters and center caps are not included with these wheels.

Here's what I used:

RC Channel 2.2" / 56mm Aluminum Wheel WA91210

RC Channel 2.2" / 56mm Black Aluminum Wheel Ring WA80502 (x2)

RC Channel Adapter for Tamiya Mountaineer WA58300

RC Channel Metal Real Truck Wheel Cap WA90500

Just in case anyone noticed and/or was wondering, I used different fasteners than those supplied with the adapters.

I used black ones instead:

Hexcrews M2.5x6 Socket Cap Screws (x24)

Hexcrews M3x8 Flat Head Countersunk Screws (x12)

[SB_Aust]

Yes, the wheels are 2.2 inch (56mm).

It should be noted that they come with silver beadlock rings, so it is not necessary to buy rings unless you prefer having them in black. It should also be noted that wheel adapters and center caps are not included with these wheels.

Here's what I used:

RC Channel 2.2" / 56mm Aluminum Wheel WA91210

RC Channel 2.2" / 56mm Black Aluminum Wheel Ring WA80502 (x2)

RC Channel Adapter for Tamiya Mountaineer WA58300

RC Channel Metal Real Truck Wheel Cap WA90500

Just in case anyone noticed and/or was wondering, I used different fasteners than those supplied with the adapters.

I used black ones instead:

Hexcrews M2.5x6 Socket Cap Screws (x24)

Hexcrews M3x8 Flat Head Countersunk Screws (x12)

Thanks very much for the info.

[VTBruiser]

I'm still waiting on custom bumpers.

I guess you can't trust people these days...

VTBruiser