bsy2010 218 Posted August 26, 2015 Even though I was very tempted back in 1985, I never owned an original Hotshot, but when I recently discovered Grahoo's Hotshot build (http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=65482&id=418) I wanted one badly. I love putting 21st century materials, components and parts into older RCs and Grahoo's mods are in my opinion just pure perfection, especially since he managed to keep the typical Hotshot look. So, while I was looking for a used Re-Re, my own build started in my head and I came up with the following plan - replace the tiny chassis with something more accessible out of carbon fibre that holds shorty Lipo - fix that aweful bump steer - just like Grahoo, I want dual shocks, but not the Super Hotshot look - increase wheelbase to today's standards, as I like the stability of modern buggies - put some modern wheels and tires on - find some universals and other bits and pieces for more stability and performance - get some mild brushless power Still without a car, I ordered a lot of parts from or for various Tamiya models, hoping that my plan will work out We will see... Anyway, eventually a barely used, but heavily greased Hotshot showed up, fully ball raced and with a hex conversion and 2.2" wheels and tires already done. The wing has been replaced as well, but I will need a new body set anyway. As I was prepared, the first mods were simple bolt on jobs, starting with the Radshape bumper, which looks so much cleaner than the huge standard item Equally easy to replace: the front knuckles. Since I found that blue is the color most aftermarket alloy parts have available, I chose the Yeah Racing knuckles for a TA-01/02. And while the front was taken apart, DF-02/03 universals got installed as well. Unfortunately, I was only able to find the Tamiya hop ups, which are 70mm and a bit too long. I might replace them later, if I find alternatives. All installed While waiting for more parts, I wanted to see if my ideas for the rear shock setup will work out and assembled the 60mm Yeah Racing shocks, build a temporary mount and started my version of a new push-rod system. Using GPM rockers for a TA-06 (fitted 3x8x2,5 bearings), at least I was able to confirm that everything actually might work To my surprise, all parts bolt right on existing mount points, without measuring a single thing. At this stage, reviewing some of the pictures you see here, I noticed one big issue! Things got a bit too colourful for my taste. Of course, Tamiyaclub saved the day and I found this great thread about dying plastic http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=66964 After a pack of RIT Dye and a ruined fondue set, all red plastic parts are now a friendly black So much better... Some of you might have noticed, that I had some blue plastic bits in the pot as well... Those are from a Boomerang suspension, as I wanted to have a bit more toe in in the rear. Alright, this is where I am for now, after one week. Next steps are designing the new chassis, finish the push rods, and so much more... Progress will be a bit slower 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grastens 2795 Posted August 26, 2015 That looks stunning! The black-dyed parts and blue-anodized parts should give it a real TRF Hotshot effect! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bsy2010 218 Posted August 26, 2015 Started to play around with a new chassis design, which provides enough room for the electronics, a shorty Lipo and also extends the wheelbase by 15 mm. For the wheelbase increase, I used a Yeah Racing driveshaft for the TA-02 As I must have made a mistake with some measurements, the lower plate is a bit too short, so with the final version all electronics should have enough room... But at least the steering kit for a M-05 seems to do its job very well 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chevelle 997 Posted August 27, 2015 Spotted this the other day, look's like something that could interest you 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markbt73 5290 Posted August 27, 2015 Beautiful work! I keep looking at my Hotshot on the shelf, and thinking along similar lines, but don't quite have the motivation. So I'll just watch your build with interest... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frameskip 63 Posted August 27, 2015 Fantastic work -- love the direction you're going, and definitely dying the red on one of my Hotshots. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bsy2010 218 Posted August 27, 2015 Spotted this the other day, look's like something that could interest you Thanks, I have seen that as well and a friend did a similar, but very crude, mod in the 80s. As I want a longer wheelbase this certainly won't work. And I'd like to do things the hard way and will try a double deck chassis without those side plates. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kontemax 1723 Posted August 27, 2015 You car draw yourself the chassis and Fibre-Lyte can cut it for you in carbon fiber plates. Max Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bsy2010 218 Posted August 27, 2015 You car draw yourself the chassis and Fibre-Lyte can cut it for you in carbon fiber plates. Thanks Max, but I have a local guy doing that for me Anyway, while the girlfriend was watching Criminal Minds, I wanted to get the rear suspension working. The shock mounts had to be made a bit smaller, a quick and dirty push rod was built and to my surprise (again!) the setup was working perfectly The shocks go through their full travel and everything is moving smoothly. Just need to get nicer rod ends and some blue turnbuckle shafts 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bsy2010 218 Posted August 28, 2015 That looks stunning! The black-dyed parts and blue-anodized parts should give it a real TRF Hotshot effect! You just gave me the silly idea of creating a 3D TRF badge, to replace the front stabilizer mount... [emoji12] 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bsy2010 218 Posted September 4, 2015 And here it is... 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bsy2010 218 Posted September 25, 2015 My second 3D printed part arrived from Shapeways today, as I wanted to have fully adjustable geometry. Works pretty good, only minor adjustments are necessary in the design. Ans of course, it needs to be black 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TamiyaBB 48 Posted September 25, 2015 Seeing this makes me want to buy one... . Love the look. The blue is cool but I wonder how it looks like if those parts were black as wel. Any ideas yet for the body? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SHY69 37 Posted October 21, 2015 Wow! What an unique build - love your ideas! Question: Your 3D CAD work - are they accessible for order by the public on Shapeways? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Finman 69 Posted October 21, 2015 Came across these on Shapeways yesterday - https://www.shapeways.com/product/48A936C6E/adjustable-rear-suspension-for-tamiya-boomerang?li=search-results-3&optionId=57856322&rc=SearchResults Think they're the same. Rich 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bsy2010 218 Posted October 21, 2015 Wow! What an unique build - love your ideas! Question: Your 3D CAD work - are they accessible for order by the public on Shapeways? Thank you Lots of ideas, very little time... And, yes, the stuff is available on Shapeways (see link below, thank you @Finman) and this is how it looks in black (on a Hotshot, I needed an additional spacer, not too sure how it'll fit on a Boomerang) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SHY69 37 Posted October 22, 2015 Great, I'll have to try those!Maybe you should add "Hotshot" to the description on Shapeaways? I started to learn CAD, but I don't seem to have enough drive to get further... real shame, it's gotta be so satisfying do design your own stuff! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bsy2010 218 Posted October 22, 2015 I just got into the 3D world myself and it was tough in the beginning... But very satisfying to see some progress now I thought about adding the Hotshot info, but I have converted the rear suspension to Boomerang parts and the Shapeways parts might not fit the standard Hotshot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SHY69 37 Posted October 22, 2015 Ah, OK - so it fits the Boomerang suspension - with shims added?No worries, I was anyway planning to put on Boomer arms in order to get some rear toe-in. But it's only like .5 degrees isn't it? What CAD program do you use? SolidWorks? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bsy2010 218 Posted October 22, 2015 Ah, OK - so it fits the Boomerang suspension - with shims added? No worries, I was anyway planning to put on Boomer arms in order to get some rear toe-in. But it's only like .5 degrees isn't it? What CAD program do you use? SolidWorks? Correct, I basically copied the upper arm of the Boomerang in 3D. Maybe I can check whether is fits the original outshot setup as well. I believe the toe-in of the Boomerang arms is 1 degree, but this is just what I have seen in this forum somewhere. I started with Sketchup, moved to 123D Design and once I have some time to install a virtual Windows on my Mac, I fire up my Solid Works license - a friend used to work for one of their resellers and should be able to help me getting started. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SHY69 37 Posted October 22, 2015 Thx! I started learning Sketchup. But I think I'll go with SolidWorks if I can find the energy again Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silver-Can 402 Posted October 22, 2015 Another awesome 'shot modification thread. Between you and SHY69 we're doing really well on these cars. Tempted to have a dabble myself. Except my engineering knowledge stops at switching a computer on... Keep it up! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bsy2010 218 Posted October 23, 2015 Thank you, Silver-Can I certainly follow SHY69's threads as well, but unlike him, I have no intention to compete with my cars - I might not even drive them at all I just love building, keeps me from going nuts after a 70 hour week Share this post Link to post Share on other sites