JNSD1 288 Posted September 5, 2015 So straight out of the old garage comes the relics. I LOVED the Samurai when I was a kid but I think it's all too far gone. The Big Bear however could be quite easily salvaged, and I must admit the body looks nice. It was actually a mates when I was a kid and I ended up with it. Man, 30 years... Also have the Team Associated RC10 with graphite upgraded chassis which is in far better condition. Memories... (And yep, the Big Bear front tire was glued on the wrong, hence why I didn't build it!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grastens 2795 Posted September 5, 2015 Check your pocketbook size; then your calendar; and then you will have a decision Perhaps the Samurai parts could fund the Big Bear and RC10 restorations? Even the latter can be spruced-up again, providing you are not too picky about re-release and vintage parts. Best of luck with these! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
berman 5315 Posted September 5, 2015 I would wipe down the samurai and piece it all together, see whats missing and whether you want to carry on with it. At least that way it is more appealing to prospective buyers should you decide you want to let it go. It is one of the top 3 most attractive buggies of the 80's. Big bears are still awesome little trucks. Specific parts are nigh on impossible to find but even with the stiff pogo suspension they are amazing trucks to drive. You could soak the bead of the wheel/tyre in acetone and then flip it over and do the other, just don't yank on the tyre too much as the tyres are prone to cracking. I would love to see the Maruis restored. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mongoose1983 3335 Posted September 6, 2015 I would love to see the Maruis restored. ME TOOOO! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yogi-bear 2288 Posted September 6, 2015 ME TOOOO! I third that! There aren't enough Mauri builds here so it must be done! If you decide not to keep the Samauri, I doubt you would have any trouble selling that on the bay or even here. But as Berman suggested, clean it up to see what you've got, hopefully you are pleasantly surprised Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JNSD1 288 Posted September 6, 2015 I do agreed that the Samurai is basically one of the best looking buggies ever made. It was amazing, shame all the bits were not respected more by me over the past 30 years. Who'd of thought I'll have a sniff around and see what I think it will take to get them going. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wez-li 1790 Posted September 6, 2015 Q: should I even bother? A: yes. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterbok 1282 Posted September 7, 2015 Alternativ chassis for the big bear, the MF01x kind of fits 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wooders28 4703 Posted September 11, 2015 I would wipe down the samurai and piece it all together, see whats missing and whether you want to carry on with it. At least that way it is more appealing to prospective buyers should you decide you want to let it go. It is one of the top 3 most attractive buggies of the 80's I'll second that, Plus,have you seen the price the samurai's are selling for?!? I would love to see the Maruis restored. Me too. X2 ninja's and a Coors Thunderbird in my line up for re builds soon,when I say soon,I mean maybe next year! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hibernaculum 933 Posted September 14, 2015 I do agreed that the Samurai is basically one of the best looking buggies ever made. It was amazing, shame all the bits were not respected more by me over the past 30 years. Who'd of thought I'll have a sniff around and see what I think it will take to get them going. My 2 cents...Looking at any box of filthy parts is daunting at first. I am currently doing this exact project with a basket case Marui Hunter.But once everything is totally clean and laid out on a table, so that you can check for stress fractures, breakages, flaws....you will be able to do a proper stocktake, and the whole rebuild process actually becomes a lot of fun. Step 1. Brush off the parts. Put all large metal and hard plastic items in the dishwasher (if your wife allows!) as this is a shortcut in the cleaning process. Put small items in a stocking, and tie the end. Put all parts in the cutlery holder. Run on heavy cycle.Step 2. Clean any remaining grease with toothbrush and detergent.Step 3. Now lay it all out. Assess what you have. Work out what items are broken and need replacing. Put them in groups. And research the cost of finding replacements, on eBay.Step 4. Either continue your restoration, or sell your intact parts to someone else.For such classic vintage cars, vintage Marui spare parts are some of the most plentiful vs cheap that are around. Although some specific parts are hard to source. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mongoose1983 3335 Posted September 15, 2015 C'mon we want to have a look at those Tokyo Marui cars all rebuilt and in working conditions! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chevelle 997 Posted September 15, 2015 I rebuilt a Big Bear for a buddy earlier this year, the bodies are really nice and although the chassis is nothing special it reminds me of the WWI So I would go for rebuilding it 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yogi-bear 2288 Posted September 15, 2015 I rebuilt a Big Bear for a buddy earlier this year, the bodies are really nice and although the chassis is nothing special it reminds me of the WWI So I would go for rebuilding it I've read your restore, very well done! I have two to do myself and like so many others, don't have any tires. What brand/make of tires did you end up using? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JNSD1 288 Posted September 15, 2015 I rebuilt a Big Bear for a buddy earlier this year, the bodies are really nice and although the chassis is nothing special it reminds me of the WWI So I would go for rebuilding it Looks awesome! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites