Kyosho Beetle rebuild, Grasshopper & Blitzer Beetle (update 14/06))

[Krustybus]

Bit of an update. 

Had a few test runs and  came to the conclusion I might need to do something with the tyres to improve grip. Ordered some Schumacher Vee truck tyres after reading various reviews.

Fitted them up with the Vee 2 up front and the Vee 4 at the rear. Seems like I've got that wrong after a bit of discussion on the Blitzer Facebook group so I may need to revisit that. The tyre descriptions read (to me at least) that the Vee2 is a front specific tyre however it's been suggested that they're actually better out back. If you're on here guys, I'm going to get round to swapping them round once I've finished the body.

So on to that...

I've mentioned before that I'm interested in a kind of patina'd paint finish. First thing to do was to lay down a coating of brown. I'll look up the code if anyone is interested

After this I laid down some white primer. The nose cone didn't get the brown base as I'm working to the assumption that a full size car would most likely have a glass fibre nose so therefore wouldn't rust through. Maybe a bit of a pointless detail but never mind lol.

After the primer, I dropped on the 'coral blue' top coat. Loving the colour! 

That's as far as I've got. Next stage is to start sanding to get some of that brown and primer to come through. It might work, if it looks crap then I'll just repaint.

Also painted Barry the driver, I'll get some pics of him in my next update 😁

First attempt at anything like this so I'm bound to be doing something wrong...it's all learning to though!

 

[Krustybus]

More updates...

So I started on trying to create the patina look on the shell.

Gave it a rub with some 400 grit wet and dry and got the rusty spots coming through. Quite pleased with how it turned out. 

After going over the whole body I gave the details a going over picking out the handles and window frames in black and aluminium then the tail lights in red. Also added the lights, number plates and a few of the decals...oh yeah and Barry the driver. Had to get a couple of snaps with the Hopper.

Think they look good together 😊

Finally, had a bit of a run with it this afternoon. Switched the front tyres back to the kit ones, mostly because they look better as the Schumacher tyres are a little wide for the Blitzer wheels.

Still need to add some of the small chrome bits such as the VW badge and mirrors and then a little more paint detail. Needs a faster motor so think I'll swap motors with the Grasshopper as that has a Torque Tuned.

Loving it how it's come together. 

 

[ploots]

Nice job looks good 👍

[Krustybus]

Not much to report, just swapped the motors round. Now got a Torque Tuned in the Blitzer and the stock 540 silver can in the Hopper. I'll probably get something a bit more fruity for the Blitzer moving forward.

Next changes for the Blitzer will be a Kamtech lexan shell for running so I don't mess up the kit body. Also got another body work project coming up for a charity Blitzer build. More on that in a couple of weeks 👍 

I'm also looking at a turnbuckle kit so I can play around with the chassis but not made any moves on that yet.

As for the Grasshopper, only thing I've done is charged the battery and give it a run. Kind of miss the Torque Tuned, it's not quite as wild now lol. Still fun though and it can of course run in the dark 😜

[Carmine A]

The Blitzer Beetle Body really looks the business Mate!! 👌👏👏👏👏  That Car has been on my list as well. Like you, I'm a fan of Classic Beetles. The Kamtec Body is DEFINITELY a wise investment. My good Friend has one, and has completely thrashed the Hardbody!! 😲😖  At least he's having fun.... 

NICE job on the Patina! 😎  Not intending to be the copycat - but I've really got the same idea in mind. Fortunately Kamtec has a reasonable Shipping solution to the U.S.  A while back, I got their Bowler Body, that I'm planning on doing something interesting to my CC-01 when I get the time/money.

Again, I LOVE that Grasshopper!!! ❤😁  You have convinced me to get one, when I can afford to. I want to get two..... 

ONE, will be a Superfly II - the one with independent Front AND Rear Suspension!!! 😁😉  The other Hopper will just have Independent Front. I'm good friends with Alberto of AmPro Engineering - and I will definitely be doing Business with him!! 😉

Also, for a lower Torque yet higher Speed solution... I'm going 2840 4200kv Brushless!! 😁  It's roughly the size of a 390 Brushed, crazy fast, but since the venerable Grasshopper is known for everything BUT grip and stability, it won't just sit and do donuts should I goose the Throttle.

Once again.... NOT trying to be a copycat - but that Kawasaki Green just SCREAMS Grasshopper!! 👍👍  Plus, when I built my first Hopper in 1985, I had a KX-125 Dirtbike. Why not pay homage to that as well?

[Krustybus]

Thanks for the reply to my thread, your enthusiasm is infectious! 

I love my little Grasshopper, have a soft spot for them since it was my first 'proper' RC (think I've mentioned that a few times lol). The Ampro stuff is really interesting, I'd consider getting another Hopper to start playing about with but I think the shipping to the UK is a bit of a killer. I'm a design engineer by trade so I maybe should start designing and printing my own bits really lol. We'll see what happens there!

I also fancy dropping a Beetle shell on to the Hopper chassis. I was chatting to someone on the Grasshopper/Hornet Facebook group which got me excited about doing that...too many options and not enough time or money! 

I think the Grasshopper should have always been green from the start, never mind these special editions lol. 

[Krustybus]

Had a session this evening round the lane behind my house. It makes for a fun little area to blast up and down. Took the Blitzer out first. Good fun kicking up some dust and gravel but took it easy.

Got the Grasshopper out next as it always makes me smile as it bounces up and down over the bumps. Anyway got a bit carried away

Poor thing suffered a bit of damage after a spectacular roll over ☹️ I'll try gluing it back together for now...gives it more character I guess 😜

Got a lexan shell for running on the Blitzer so I'll update once there's some progress. Also got a few more tweaks in the pipeline for it 👍

[Bennett Ironman]

On 6/9/2020 at 11:21 PM, Krustybus said:

Little update on the Hopper. Basically been running it quite a bit which lets face it is what they're there for right? Lots more scratches and battle scars.

Anyway, a short while back I ordered a light kit which finally turned up today. 

I went with a 4 lamp kit thinking more lights has got to be better right? I knew I was going to replace the standard kit lamps, they're kind of a defining feature of a Grasshopper. The 2nd set I was torn. Initially I was going to mount them in the front bumper. Then I thought about the Hornet position but they wouldn't sit straight and I'd have to drill the body. 

In the end I found some transparent red plastic to make them shine red and mounted them to the back end. Pleased with the results. Just need to tidy up the wiring as it's bit messy!

Here's some pics of the end result. 

Been for a blast this evening. Great fun 😁

Not going to do much else to this car, just enjoying it's quirks. Once there's some new stock I'll look to building something else...

Dude awesome job what light kit is that your using ?

[Krustybus]

@Bennett Ironman it's an eBay special from China. Works quite well. If you search for Grasshopper light kit they should come up. You can get them in either 2 lamp or 4 lamp configs. The taillights take a bit of customising to get the red lenses. I used a red magic marker type thing from the kids craft box lol. 

 

[Krustybus]

Whilst I'm here u have a couple of updates.

Firstly, I glued the Grasshopper back together so that's ready to fight another day...I'm sure there will be plenty more incidents based on the next upgrade...

So I stole the TT motor from the Hopper and put it in my Blitzer. Felt that while the normal silver can is fun a Sport Tuned would be more fun so I ordered one. Also ordered a DT02 turnbuckle kit so I can play about with the suspension. Not fitted it yet though.

I also recently purchased a lexan Kamtec body for the Blitzer and finally got it trimmed and painted. Next step is some decals. Pretty pleased with it, first attempt at a two tone paint job. Used Tamiya tape so the lines are pretty sharp if a little wonky lol.

Still need to paint those wheels lol...

[Krustybus]

Small update...

Added some decals to the lexan Kamtec shell. Quite like how it turned out

 

Still prefer the proper shell though. Got some more ideas for this one 

Also put a Sport Tuned motor in it. Only had a quick run but feels good.

In other news got another project on the way but I'll have to start a new thread for that one...

[Krustybus]

Got a few updates.

Fitted a DT-02 turnbuckle kit to the Blitzer. Had a play about getting all set up and think I've got it somewhere I'm happy with. Got a little negative camber front and rear and got her tracking nice and straight. Pleased with how it goes now. I'll post some more detailed pics later.

For now you'll just have to make do with this one (pre-turnbuckles on the Blitzer)

New project is in the house lol. Picked up this sweet little black beauty. Body needs a paint job, got a brand new body and decals already. Other than that it just needs a motor and electrics. 

She's a thing of beauty 🥰

Grasshopper still gets run regularly, it's the kids favourite 😁

[Krustybus]

Been a little while since I last posted.

Got the Kyosho Beetle running thanks to a Hobbywing 1060 and a HPI Firebolt 15T brushed motor. End result is quite satisfying. It's great fun to drive. Unfortunately the Blitzer had to give up it's receiver and tranny but never mind.

Here she is on my 'test track' after her maiden run. As I've said, great car to drive!

Got some new bits ordered including 2 sets of wheels and a new body & factory decals.

Both sets of wheels are the 2.2" Turbo Scorpion wheels, one in white and one in satin chrome. Threw some Schumacher tyres on the white set which will be the main runners. 

I love how these things look. Maybe less 'scale' looking but I don't care 😜 

Now toying with selling my Blitzer as I really fancy a Turbo Optima...turning into a bit of a Kyosho fan boy 😁

Grasshopper is still running...I have a Sport Tuned motor to try out when I get round to it...

[Krustybus]

Also thinking of fitting Turbo Scorpion wheels to the Hopper...

[Problemchild]

Great pics 

lovely projects 

 

JJ

[Krustybus]

Holy thread resurrection...

I actually started stripping and cleaning the Kyosho Beetle. The front end was a bit bent so I have a replacement crossbeam to fit but other than that she's just dirty so it'll be just a case of cleaning a few bits up. 

I'll get some paint ordered and finally paint the new shell too. Pics to follow...

[Krustybus]

So this is where I'm starting. She's a little bit grubby but should clean up fine. The body is a bit battered though and the shocks need some fresh oil.

Now I've started, I realise I've missed this little Bug 😊

[Krustybus]

A few of the bits I've got for this little project. Just need to decide on a colour. I was thinking of translucent orange or yellow backed with aluminium etc. to give it a bit of a pop. I still have the original sized wheels/tyres and a set of the stock yellow wheels too. I do like the Turbo Scorpion wheels through to be fair.

[Grumpy pants]

Welcome back!

Do you still have the GH & BB?

[Krustybus]

4 hours ago, Grumpy pants said:

Welcome back!

Do you still have the GH & BB?

Thank you. Yes, still got them and both are ready to run, just not had them out for a while!

[Krustybus]

So it's raining, my body is still broken and the wife and kids are out. That means a good opportunity to get stuck into the Beetle.

Fully stripped down (didn't take the drivetrain apart, it feels alright still)

Which left me with a pile of bits to clean. 

Spent a bit of time with some degreaser etc. and ended up with a pile of less dirty parts 

Started reassembly of the nice clean bits, thought it best so I didn't lose anything! Thankfully the manual is available on the Kyosho website.

This is where we are now

Absolutely love working on this chassis. All the metal bits are just so nice to work with. I was fancying a rally car but might have to get another Kyosho buggy...

[Krustybus]

Spent a bit more time on the bug today. First job was to strip and rebuild the dampers. 

Before on the right, after on the left (as if you can't see the difference!). Not much oil left in any of them. Much better now.

I then moved on to putting the chassis back together.

Couldn't resist fitting the satin chrome Turbo wheels and stole the red nuts off my Grasshopper. Love it! 

I've also fitted the small front bumper. If I run it I'll swap it out for the big one.

Also chucked the runner body on for now. Radio box has been cleaned and refitted too. 

I'm now cutting out the new body ready for paint. If I don't mess it up it should look good 😬 I also need tyres and bearings for these wheels.

And finally, pulled the Blitzer down off the shelf. Got a pack on charge ready for a run out.

[Krustybus]

One more. Body cut out and played around with the final colour. Question is, light or dark? Using PS-15 backed with silver then either white or black. Can't decide...

[Krustybus]

It's painted 😄 properly pleased with how it came out. Trust the process and go easy with it.

PS-15 metallic red, silver then PS-5 black. Masked off the rear wheel arch spats and sills for a bit of detail. 

Is there anything more satisfying than pulling the film off?

I'll get those window masks removed and some decals applied to finish her off. Going to need a other project soon!

 

[Krustybus]

Calling this one done other than tyres for the shiny wheels and getting the radio gear refitted.

I may add more decals but I like the more minimal look. I'm really happy with how it came out. 

I might add an LED kit to this one as it worked great on the Grasshopper but we'll see.

Really enjoyed doing this one so need to figure out what's next. I've mentioned rally cars before so we'll see...not sure I'm ready for the trauma of a Martini liveried Integrale yet 😜