Tamiya Astute 1989 " a modo mio" - I did it my way -

[mastino 1085]

Few weeks ago I added an old Astute in my garage.

In fact, it wasn't in great shape and looked like this:

The real damage appeared during disassembly, front bulkhead, steering arms, front uprights, rear suspension block... unusable. Metal parts in poorcondition.

Here are some examples

Not a good example of italian's DIY...

I started looking for the original parts but unfortunately are unavailable, difficult to find or too expensive.

For this, I began to think of something different, stealing some ideas on the forum, in particular to a friends as jeekelemental and kontemax. Alternative parts, 3D clone product. Never become a restoration to the original but it will make a good impression on the shelf. Then, maybe, with time I can improve.

First I cleaned the metal parts, Soap, water, scotch-brite and drill.

For the front upright, Hornet "Jun Watanabe" fashion purple "justforfun" and a pair of washers.

For plastic parts, I had a big help from ORB racing (thanks to the user origineelreclamebord - Paul and Koen)

I added a front bulkhead brace to the Astute.

And after time, soap, water, toothbrush and water, a lot of water.... the re-BUILT starts.

By a M4 SS threaded rod I cut the new F & R upper links

better than those seen before...

No problem on the transmission unit, simply cleaned and reassembled as assembly manual said.

Now, I'm in waiting for a "clone" body set and front narrow spike tires (by Schumacher) On the rear I've placed a couple of spike tires supplied with DT03 kit. Clone sticker arrived. In a couple of weeks I think my Astute will be on the shelf.

See you soon.

[mastino 1085]

Find suitable front tire is not easy. The rim would seem 1.9 inches.

Rib front tires from DT03 are 2.2" and too big, Egress front tire is almost correct, but the tread is too wide. Wrangler Jeep tires fit perfectly, but also in this case tread and height are too much.

[Nobbi1977 1793]

I could be wrong but the Mad Fighter tyres may be 1.9

[Scapelnz 204]

Great work on your astute! It looks fantastic. Finding suitable 1.9 thin front tires is nightmare, best of luck

[Scapelnz 204]

Great work on your astute! It looks fantastic. Finding suitable 1.9 thin front tires is nightmare, best of luck

[chickenman242tk 266]

are the tires you need the same as the ones fitted to the bearhawk and madcap front tires?

[mastino 1085]

are the tires you need the same as the ones fitted to the bearhawk and madcap front tires?

Yes, they should be the same.

[mastino 1085]

Just to add the little bad pictures, I have done to the drive train.

[chickenman242tk 266]

I have access to a set ,2 even nip ,pm me if you need them.

btw nice work on the restore!

[mastino 1085]

I have placed an order for a couple of Shumacher.... idontremember 2.0" . Just the time to arrive and check.

This morning the new body arrived.

In place of the PS2 RED I wanted to try a different red. I have not found PS34 as suggested by Thommo in my LHS and bought PS60 mica red. Undertray and windows in smoked black ( or black sticker for windows alternatively)

[mastino 1085]

undertray

[mastino 1085]

trimmed, painted &... stickered you do not say stickered, right?

ù

now await only the front tires.

[jeekelemental 528]

It's a shame that it is destinated to a shelf :-p

[mastino 1085]

fitted "in time"... more or less

[mastino 1085]

front tyres installed, need to be glued to the rims (but first I have to clean and remove parts of previous glued tyres).

[z00ter 392]

Looks great job well done mate.

[Muddybaldboy 7]

Bellissimo

[mastino 1085]

Thank you all, I'm not very satisfied with the look of the front wheels. A new set is already en route.

[mastino 1085]

The final, Madcap tires on front.

[jeekelemental 528]

Another Tamiya comes back from the oblivion!

[neverfollow 599]

Looks great! Nice work!

[Biggie_G 11]

A fantastic piece of kit! I'm loving the addition of the Watanabe pieces, I know that in some quarters there isn't love for the crazy colours and schemes but I think that they make a subtle addition to the overall look, plus I don't think anyone is going to spot them with that stunning red body!

[Antonio(2) 0]

Bellissima, bravo! Ne ho una anch'io, originale e un pò "vissutella"..se ti va guardala nella mia showroom

Great restore! I own an Astute too, pretty stock and a little abused, check it out in my showroom

[kontemax 1725]

Antonio, please url of your showroom.

Max

[jeekelemental 528]

Bellissima, bravo! Ne ho una anch'io, originale e un pò "vissutella"..se ti va guardala nella mia showroom

Great restore! I own an Astute too, pretty stock and a little abused, check it out in my showroom

We do not live so far/Un padovan?! E mi no me so mai acorto... no abitemo distanti:)