Another Lunch Box build thread

[Tamiya Era]

waaalaaa

[mongoose1983]

I'm all smiles today because I finally got to give my Lunchbox the finishing touch.

It's been on my mind for so long -back in the day I loved the looks of the original Rollin' Thunder monster van, those thunderbolts were awesome! Well, that was one of the reasons I got a roll of Pactra trim tape a couple of years ago but for one reason or another I never got around reproducing that paintscheme. Instead, a couple of weeks ago I come across a gold pen when walking back home. It was there on the floors. Then I was hit by the idea, and checked if it would work. Fortunately yesterday I got to do the thunderbolts with it and now it's finally complete just as I once envisioned it -I'm chuffed

Here's the original Rollin' Thunder monster truck that I had for inspiration in my Lunchbox build:

And here's some photos of my finished Lunchbox:

The front wheels I'm using belong to some Tamiya QD, and the rear ones a worn pair of chrome CRPs.

Also, not too long ago I got to swap the box for this model with a bud here in Santiago. I gave him the box of the Mitsubishi Pajero XC-01 and I got the Lunchbox's in exchange, which is what I was in need of.

Although it has some tape on the sides I'm still quite pleased with it

I'm loving it!

Unfortunately the Futaba ESC is ruined. I think I need to see that and take this babe out for a spin one of these days!

You all have a great weekend!

[Crash Cramer]

THAT LOOKS GREAT Erich, very cool work on that and the lightning bolts really take it back to the 80's for the look. Sorry to hear of the demise of the ESC, but it could serve shelf duty now and something a little more modern in its place??

Chris

[berman]

Looking great. Chrome rims are plentiful from Tamiya. What esc were you using? I know you hate the noisy ones...

[emory70]

I've seen some Rolling Thunder decal sets on ebay.

[mongoose1983]

THAT LOOKS GREAT Erich, very cool work on that and the lightning bolts really take it back to the 80's for the look. Sorry to hear of the demise of the ESC, but it could serve shelf duty now and something a little more modern in its place??

Chris

Thanks, Chris! I have the Tamiya ESC that I use in the Soccer Mom mounted with velcro, so I can take it easily from it. The thing is this Lunchbox has the older type of Futaba gear installed, so it's not compatible (or at least not for now...)

Looking great. Chrome rims are plentiful from Tamiya. What esc were you using? I know you hate the noisy ones...

Thanks, Neil! It's the Futaba FP-MC108 from the late 70's, a relic! I'll see later if I can turn back to the original MSC better. As for the rims, yes, but you see I am only using what I had around (and I am very happy with them).

I've seen some Rolling Thunder decal sets on ebay.

Yeah, I know there are Rollin' Thunder decal sets available on eBay, but they're expensive and obviously not the Rollin' Thunder with the lightningbolts, which is the version that I liked the most.

Y'all have a great Saturday!

[Crash Cramer]

Erich, I can look around and see if I have the wires that make the old G plugs transform into J plugs without hacking anything.

[mongoose1983]

Erich, I can look around and see if I have the wires that make the old G plugs transform into J plugs without hacking anything.

Thanks Chris. I will send you an e-mail soon, no problem

[hopperSr]

Wow, love it!

[mongoose1983]

Well, a few years ago I've made a trade with our good friend @Pintopower for some axle brackets for the Lunchbox (Thank you, Alberto!). I finally got them a couple of months ago and just today I decided to grab the Lunchbox and made the mod. Thing is that while dismantling the truck I come across my own custom brackets for the rear axle that I forgot about making. Here's a picture of them. They kept the axle in place pretty much like in a Grasshopper buggy so I truly believe the AMpro it's going to be a more-than-interesting thingy to run the truck with.

Here's the truck and my custom brackets:

The bracket in place with pictures below:

[mongoose1983]

The bracket itself is very nice. I have them done in black, so it doesn't look strange when installed.

Now the installation itself is pretty straightforward and easy. You just have to make two small holes with a drill and screw it all back together.

See? The bracket looks very good!

When you finish the work you have your truck looking perfect and it isn't noticeable at all. [Also, you can see there the names of my TC buddies that helped me complete my Dodge Lunchbox, @berman @Crash Cramer & @blackfoot dave ]

Now how does it work? In one word: FANTASTIC!

This custom part made by AMpro looks and feel good. And gaves the axle a natural movement, helping the traction and stability. I am seriously LOVING IT!

I'd say for the money it kicks all A** known to men!

You all have a good Friday!

[berman]

Always wanted to try one of those pieces but otherwise mine just flops around with broken springs, clackity clack 😆 

My whole lunchbox needs replacing, and my original hardly used MP is going up for sale soon 😕

[KEV THE REV]

On 11/21/2019 at 11:37 PM, mongoose1983 said:

This custom part made by AMpro looks and feel good

I have 2 of these brackets , I've got one fitted on my LB / Ultima hybrid van  , and yes they are great

[rc_ox]

Great build, thanks for sharing!!

[mongoose1983]

On 3/15/2021 at 10:34 PM, rc_ox said:

Great build, thanks for sharing!!

Thank you! In a couple of weeks I expect to take the Lunchbox out for a spin. There will be some pictures to share later