Monster Beetle restoration project: Operation Attaboy (lots of pictures)

[RCcoachworks]

I picked up this Monster Beetle around Christmas time as a restoration project and wanted to share it. I got it off ebay for $175, which isn't too bad considering the condition. My goal with this is to bring it back to original condition, and to make it look like the one I had back in 1989. I'll be disassembling it soon and sorting out what's broken and needs to be replaced. The tires are hardened and worn, but they're not glued to the rims so I should be able to replace them with some new ones and still keep the gold wheels.

The body is in good shape except for a couple of cracks in the roof near the moonroof opening. I'll probably clean off the paint and repaint it and apply new decals.

Almost everything on the chassis is original, with the exception of the motor and speed control. I'll be replacing those with these...

Still in the blister pack!

I think this is the same one as the MB came with.

The light bar is still intact!

Broken hub. I have a replacement in the Monster Beetle stockpile.

I also noticed while taking pictures that the transmission guard is cracked near the mounts. Not sure if I did that by picking the truck up by the rear bumper. Oops!

The truck has no radio gear, so I'll be using this. It's NIB with servos and receiver.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures! I'll post more soon when I make some progress.

[pizzachaude]

Hi, thats a pretty good project in great shape!

Yes that is the correct speed controller that originally came with the monster beetle, have a look in your parts pile that came with it to see if you can find the 2 red plastic spacers, you'll need them to mount the MSC, as well as the throttle rod.

The front nosecone intact is very rare indeed. The glass is also hard to find, hopefully yours is intact. As for decals, they do come up on eBay but are very expensive. Tires are easy to come by on eBay since they are still used on more recent monster trucks (wild dagger for example)

[RCcoachworks]

I have the red spacers which have survived in my parts bin for 25 years! Why I still have them and not the original truck is beyond me. I also have the throttle rod from another MB that is waiting to be set up as a runner. I also have a set of original decals I can use. Unfortunately I sold my wild dagger tires a few years ago, so I'll have to order a new set.

The glass has a crack in it which has been glued, but luckily you can't see it when it's mounted to the body.

[pizzachaude]

Wow, looks like you're all set up then! Back when I restored my shelfqueen MB it took me forever to get original decals and paid a premium price for them. Id still like to get a set for my runner eventually

[RCcoachworks]

I hear you. I've been collecting MB parts for the last thee years so I could build one from new parts. Decals are the worst to find for a decent price. I sold a set around 2009 for about $50. Still kicking myself for that. This kit is getting rarer and rarer. I haven't seen a NIB kit for ages. (Except the one that's on eBay now for $2000. Crazy!

[pizzachaude]

If you need anything just send a PM, I have lots of parts, trades welcomed! You're not very far from me so shipping would be reasonable (seems like most members are from the UK...)

[mongoose1983]

NICE project!

[Scapelnz]

Great find! That Beetle looks to be in fantastic condition, good luck with the restore

[RCcoachworks]

Thanks, guys! I'll be sure to take some pictures and video of the tear down.

[RCcoachworks]

I spent some more time going over this Beetle and it's in fantastic shape. The only wear seems to be on the tires. I think it was run around on the pavement for a while with a pretty hot motor and then stuck on a shelf. It's got a pretty good coat of dust from sitting around, but that's about it. There are no scratches on the bottom of the chassis or the bumper.

Here's the list of parts I'll have to find to complete it. There will probably be more to add to the list when I take it apart to clean. I expect to have to replace the shock o-rings and bladders, and maybe some transmission parts.

2 3x12mm silver machine screws

4 2x6mm machine screws

4 2mm washers

Nylon bands

Windshield wipers

License plates

Q parts (for the VW emblem)

Tires

[RcMadness74]

Wow, one heck of a find there, looks like a pretty simple resto. Good luck