Lunchbox BodyShells - A Possibility?

[James]

In my recent search for restoring the 'Tamiya Vanessa's Lunchbox' I tried to leave no stone unturned. As a result I got in touch with 'Parma International' who used to make an aftermarket replacement shell for the Lunchbox - the only one I am aware of. (If anyone knows of any other aftermarket shells - let me know!). By asking whether they still produced the shell, I got the following response:

"Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortuntely our Lunchbox Bodyshell is no longer produced. If you wanted us to produce one for you, we would have to have a minimum order for 25 shells. Sorry."

Which leads me to wonder if there are 25 people here on TamiyaClub who would be willing to collaborate with me and place the 'bulk' order with Parma? The obvious benefit is that everyone would get a rare Bodyshell for their own use. The current Parma Midnight Pumpkin shell is $23.99 - so you'd be looking at similar prices.

Last thought - if Parma can still produce the shell, but are unwilling to market it, then maybe one/some of us could buy the Casting Moulds from them? Does anyone at TamiyaClub have experience with Lexan Bodyshell Casting? Think of the business opportunity via eBay! ('Dazmeister' sells Lexan SS and Frog shells - I'm thinking along similar lines).

[Bibbo]

Would certainly seem intereting. Did they make any other products that might be of interest?

I'm not a particular fan of the Lunchbox, YET!!!...but maybe they made other stuff that would be of interest. Sounds like there could be possibilities if they say they would consider re-making stuff in batches of 25, this seems like a low and workable number. I'm sure you could sell 25 of most parts quite easily. If you have to rely on selling 100 of something then it is much more difficult.

I know the luchbox bodysets that come on e-bay sell for about $75-$100 or so, so $25 for a runner lexan body from a well known maker should be a good thing.

[Shodog]

There was a person on the RCMT did just that. Purchsed 25 shells and then sold them to recoup his cost. The first few shells went for over $50 on ebay but as it went along they eventually sold for $20. It's easy for people to say yeah mark me down for one but it is a another thing to get them to actually cough up the money for one.

As far as purchasing the molds. 1. Parma probably wouldn't sell them and they would probably cost too much, 2. you need a vacumm machine to accompany it. It would be cheaper in the long run to have Parma do the work.

[ideal2k]

quote:Originally posted by Bibbo

I'm not a particular fan of the Lunchbox

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I'm not either.. even though I've had one for more than ten years.

The front end needs to be weighted down with led weights to keep it from bouncing all over the place, the rear end needs stiffer springs - not the shock springs, but the ones where the gearbox connects to the chasssis, and it pretty much bounces around anyway.

Having said that, it's still fun to drive in it's own "stupidly cute" kind of way []

[Shodog]

quote:Originally posted by ideal2k

quote:Originally posted by Bibbo

I'm not a particular fan of the Lunchbox

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I'm not either.. even though I've had one for more than ten years.

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I have to say that my midnight pumpkin is one of my Favorite Tamiyas to run. My lunch box is a shelf sitter so it never get ran. The midnight pumpkin on the other hand has been thrashed by almost every kid in the neighborhood. Yes they don't handle well but it was never really meant to.

Jim

[James]

Thanks for the feedback.

Jim/Shodog - you wouldn't happen to know the name/e-mail of the guy on RCMT who did a similar Lunchbox Shell scheme? It may be worth geting in touch with him...

I'm seriously thinking of placing my own 'business venture' order quite soon. So 2 points -

1) Who is DEFINATELY interested in a Lexan aftermarket Lunchbox shell proced at approx. $25 each? Who would DEFINATELY buy one?

2) If 25 people don't place an interest here, then I may go ahead anyway and then offer each shell to TamiyaClub memebers for a 'special TamiyaClub Discount'! [] Again - any interest in this?

Please, if you have an interest in this idea, sign up here on this thread with name/e-mail/further idea's. Or e-mail me direct. I need to compile a list of 'interested parties' over the next 2 weeks.

To my way of thinking, this could be a great way to get either a shell to finish that 'Lunchbox Project' or a Runner shell, allowing you to preserve the original Yellow Lunchbox. I await your feedback...

[RichieRich]

Wow you got a better response from Parma than I did. I asked them about a body a while back and their response was simply. "We do not produce this body anymore." I hope you are able to get Parma to make your bodies. Good luck.

[aconsola(2)]

I bought the last one he had, late feb of 2002. I finally got around to painting and stickering it this summer. Email me and I will send you his email address privately,

-Anthony

quote:Originally posted by James

Thanks for the feedback.

Jim/Shodog - you wouldn't happen to know the name/e-mail of the guy on RCMT who did a similar Lunchbox Shell scheme? It may be worth geting in touch with him...

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[James]

Originally posted by aconsola

I bought the last one he had, late feb of 2002. Email me and I will send you his email address privately,

-Anthony

Anthony - thanks for the help. You have mail! []

[gingerboy98]

Hi James,

I would defo be up for one!

Cheers

Si.

[Dazmeister]

If someone could get me just one original uncut body I could fill it with resin (dont tell Parma !), change it slightly and make as many as anyone wanted.

They also do a good Subaru Brat body and as far as I know this is still currently available.

Darren

[James]

Dazmeister - I suspected you may have an input to this thread! LOL! []. Funny how one 'bumps into old friends'. The joys of TamiyaClub! []

Anyway, I have an original shell that could be used - Could you e-mail me more details regarding this? (i.e. How can you do this? Prices? Condition of the 'donor' shell? etc)

I smell a 'new twist' to this venture! []

[DerAlex]

So ?

Is it possible to buy Lunchbox or Midnight Pumpkin Bodies