mastino 1085 Posted May 16, 2015 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. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mastino 1085 Posted May 16, 2015 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nobbi1977 1793 Posted May 16, 2015 I could be wrong but the Mad Fighter tyres may be 1.9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scapelnz 204 Posted May 16, 2015 Great work on your astute! It looks fantastic. Finding suitable 1.9 thin front tires is nightmare, best of luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scapelnz 204 Posted May 16, 2015 Great work on your astute! It looks fantastic. Finding suitable 1.9 thin front tires is nightmare, best of luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chickenman242tk 266 Posted May 17, 2015 are the tires you need the same as the ones fitted to the bearhawk and madcap front tires? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mastino 1085 Posted May 17, 2015 are the tires you need the same as the ones fitted to the bearhawk and madcap front tires? Yes, they should be the same. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mastino 1085 Posted May 19, 2015 Just to add the little bad pictures, I have done to the drive train. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chickenman242tk 266 Posted May 19, 2015 I have access to a set ,2 even nip ,pm me if you need them. btw nice work on the restore! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mastino 1085 Posted May 20, 2015 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) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mastino 1085 Posted May 24, 2015 trimmed, painted &... stickered you do not say stickered, right? ù now await only the front tires. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeekelemental 528 Posted May 25, 2015 It's a shame that it is destinated to a shelf :-p Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mastino 1085 Posted May 25, 2015 fitted "in time"... more or less Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mastino 1085 Posted May 25, 2015 front tyres installed, need to be glued to the rims (but first I have to clean and remove parts of previous glued tyres). 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
z00ter 392 Posted May 25, 2015 Looks great job well done mate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mastino 1085 Posted May 26, 2015 Thank you all, I'm not very satisfied with the look of the front wheels. A new set is already en route. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mastino 1085 Posted May 28, 2015 The final, Madcap tires on front. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeekelemental 528 Posted May 28, 2015 Another Tamiya comes back from the oblivion! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neverfollow 599 Posted July 22, 2015 Looks great! Nice work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Biggie_G 11 Posted July 23, 2015 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! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Antonio(2) 0 Posted July 23, 2015 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kontemax 1725 Posted July 23, 2015 Antonio, please url of your showroom. Max Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeekelemental 528 Posted July 23, 2015 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:) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites