HotShot Model ID - (MK1 with MK2 parts? MK2 with Mk1 parts?)

[TheGizmodi 211]

Firstly,

Having spend the past few nights browsing through threads and build projects on here as a mere lurker, I am in awe at the level of detail as well as knowledge people possess about the most insanely obscure things! So thank you for the opportunity!

I picked up this 'HotShot' from a local garage sale and was planning on getting it into running condition to use and play (was always my favorite along with the Boomerang and BigWig from back in the day), however, after doing some research and reviewing some of the MK1 vs MK2 vs Re re, i'm not sure if that would be the right way to go. As a result I'm looking for some expert eyes to look over what I have and give me some feedback as to what they think it is? For a full disclaimer I have reviewed it against the difference thread and it appears there are mixed parts (or potentially cross over?)... From my perspective (beginner by all accounts)

It looks like it has MK1 Resistors, potentially MK1 suspension, but has the gearbox ribs that are MK2 allegedly along with the later front bumper.

So any info would be greatly appreciated. What model it is will dictate which direction I go with it so thats why its important to me.

Happy to provide any other pictures if it helps too, just let me know.

 

I appreciate the help in advance, hope you are all having a great weekend!

 

 

[Old Falcon Lad ll 4]

Hi there, I've a similar project on the go and will follow this with interest. Can't add any details to your questions but sure others will advise.

Mine was a lot rougher looking than yours and at least you have both front drive shafts - just had to pay far more than I would have liked for replacements. My restoration includes me removing but keeping the old MSC and fitting new electrics, but I've put the old heat sinks back on. Mine won't get any/much driving I suspect, more of a restoration of an old timer that looks better than it was! Will post some pics later perhaps.

Good luck, Paul. 

[Dadio 126]

I can't speak for the rest of the car but the front bumper and mount look like they have zero miles on them compared to the suspension arms and bottom of the chassis so I'd assume they are new items .

[futureworks 864]

The mechanism box (chassis) and mechanical speed controller with accompanying resistors are MK1. Others will be able to comment on other parts on the chassis.

[Wandy 1527]

First of all, just remember that the whole Mk1/Mk2 I.D thing is something that was created here on TC. Tamiya themselves don't acknowledge such distinctions, although they do acknowledge that there was an "early type" of Hotshot.

From the looks of the photos that you have provided though the buggy is fully a "Mk2".

Bear in mind that there were only a few parts that were only uniquely found in the early "Mk1" kits. Those were -  bumper, bumper skid plate, bumper stay, front gearbox housings, front driveshafts, front uprights & front ball connectors. Some Mk1 kits also appear to have a thicker roof than others. Every additional part was also featured on on the later kits. Therefore when you say that the resistors are Mk1, you are technically correct....but...those "floating" resistors were also supplied in most of the 1st revision (ie, Mk2) kits. So your buggy has not been retrofitted with any kind of "early type" resistors. Later Mk2 kits of course got the revised "glued-in" resistors.

In case you are not aware....all Mk1 kits appear to have been manufactured before April 1985, since they have a manual that is dated 03/85. Whereas the Mk2 and onwards have a manual with the date 04/85.

The front & rear suspension arms were all the same on Mk1/Mk2 kits. There has been speculation that very late Hotshot kits were provided with Supershot suspension arms but no kit has ever turned up proving this to be the case.

I can't see any parts on your buggy that suggests it is a Mk1. Fairly sure those front uprights are Mk2, but can you get a closer photo of them, where the ball connector screws in? Mk1 uprights were weaker and had thinner strengthening ribs around the screw hole for the connector. Also, does the front bumper skidplate have an elongated screwhole where it attaches to the bumper stay? If so, that would suggest it has been fitted with a later type from a Hotshot 2 kit.

 

 

[TheGizmodi 211]

Thanks to everyone for the response and info, its definitely great to hear the insight of people with much more familiarity than myself.

@Wandy I'll see if I can get some better pictures of the uprights to confirm, however, based on what you and others have said, I am assuming that this is an early MK2, which is obviously still good news. 

At this juncture I'm not sure which direction to go, I want to use this as a daily runner so I can have fun with it, but based on its heritage and cost of replacement parts not sure that's a great idea and maybe also doing it a disservice, so my other option would be to simply sell it on as is and see if someone else wanted to restore it or use it as a parts car etc..

I appreciate all the input.... originally from the UK but now in the Pacific North West USA! ;o)

[Wandy 1527]

1 hour ago, TheGizmodi said:

Thanks to everyone for the response and info, its definitely great to hear the insight of people with much more familiarity than myself.

@Wandy I'll see if I can get some better pictures of the uprights to confirm, however, based on what you and others have said, I am assuming that this is an early MK2, which is obviously still good news. 

At this juncture I'm not sure which direction to go, I want to use this as a daily runner so I can have fun with it, but based on its heritage and cost of replacement parts not sure that's a great idea and maybe also doing it a disservice, so my other option would be to simply sell it on as is and see if someone else wanted to restore it or use it as a parts car etc..

I appreciate all the input.... originally from the UK but now in the Pacific North West USA! ;o)

It actually looks in great condition, so the only thiing I would suggest changing would be the front & rear suspension arms as they become brittle with age. Just switch in some re-release arms and away you go.

[TheGizmodi 211]

Thanks, I may well just do that.

Here is what I would do if I was going to spend money getting it running...

1. New suspension arms front and rear as suggested

2. New ESC and radio gear (would it be worth changing the steering servo too?)

3. New tires as the ones on it have some damage

4. Remove paint and then repaint in original Tamiya red

 

Anything else for functionality? As the new ESC will have an inbuilt cooling design, does this mean the resistors are no longer needed?

[Wandy 1527]

9 minutes ago, TheGizmodi said:

Thanks, I may well just do that.

Here is what I would do if I was going to spend money getting it running...

1. New suspension arms front and rear as suggested

2. New ESC and radio gear (would it be worth changing the steering servo too?)

3. New tires as the ones on it have some damage

4. Remove paint and then repaint in original Tamiya red

 

Anything else for functionality? As the new ESC will have an inbuilt cooling design, does this mean the resistors are no longer needed?

Sounds like a good plan. The Hotshot is really quite a tough buggy, with the suspension arms being the main weakpoint. If you can find one, get an aftermarket front upper arm suspension brace as they eliminate a lot of the notorious "wobble" that occurs with those arms, due to the locating pinholes in the gearbox quickly accumulating wear.

Definitely swap out the MSC and fit an ESC to replace it, and you dont need to keep the old heatsinks as the ESC wont use them. You could keep them fitted to the rollcage though to retain the vintage look.

If your current steering servo works fine then there is no need to change it.

 

[TheGizmodi 211]

ok well here is an update:

With the excellent guidance and advice from Wandy and others on here and beyond, I decided to dive right in and do a mini restoration! As I am sure most people are aware, getting hold of period correct vintage parts is not only tough but expensive! I managed to source a local specialist who has a treasure trove of items they list on ebay and the like and its 20 mins from me! Score! So I ordered a host of things from him to replace the ones on the car to get it looking great. During my search for parts I came across another vintage Hotshot for sale locally for a good price and so decided it would be economical to purchase it and use it for a donor car and perhaps a basher when all is said and done. After a few weeks or so working on it in my spare time from work, I think I am finally in a spot i'm happy with it, so worthy of an update!

The mini-resto included:

- full breakdown and degrease of all parts

- inspection of all parts (found some cracks and damage to rear suspension arms)

- replace original shell with factory Tamiya replacement. Repainted in Tamiya PS2 Red and then backed with PS Silver to give a deep red shine

- replace stickers with re-re Tamiya stickers and re-use a number of key original vintage stickers from original shell. I found some vintage stickers in the kit i bought so the shell has all vintage original numbers, caution sticker and K&N / STP stickers with the rest coming from the official Tamiya rere kit.

- polish up metal parts to remove some surface discoloration

- regrease drive cups (propeller joints?)

- replace rear tires with new re-re versions

- replaced the rear suspension arms with vintage original Tamiya parts, however, after showing them to Wandy he pointed out they are from the Supershot mold so not Hotshot specific (which was disappointing but part of the process)

- replace original chassis and mechanical tub with vintage original in excellent condition

- Replace any worn or discolored screws with Tamiya vintage original parts bag.

 

It isn't perfect by any means but I am really pleased with it at this point. It has all of the correct period electronics, servo, receiver and manual speed control (not refitted back in yet, neither are the heat sinks but all are original and complete). After some thought I am going to put it all up for sale as a complete set so stay tuned to the sale section! I am in education and I am teaching from home so need a new computer, I have really enjoyed this process so will be coming back to it soon but needs must!

Enjoy!

 

 

[jonnas42 53]

Hi.

Fine pair of Hotshots you’ve ended up with there.

do you still have them?

im renovating a mk1 , would be interested in any parts you may have if you’re interested 👍