Box Art Bruiser
Status: Restored
Date: 3-Mar-2011
Comments: 20
Finally had time to restore one of my Bruisers, and opted for a box art scheme as always for my first car.
This Bruiser is all orginal down to the decals (I was lucky enough to score an uncut decal sheet for both my Bruisers when I bought them locally. Thank you very much for lazy original owners). I have added a Hilux 4x4 driver, as I like a driver figure in my cars. I also took the transmission apart, and had it glass blasted. Then I polished it lightly, without giving it that polished chrome look, and fitted ballbearings. It is now running smooth, but not likely to see any run time.
Oh, yeah, the license plate decals are not original, but rather some personolized plates (yes, I know they have a few letter too many to be legal, but what the hey). I always paint the inside of the cars I restore with as much care as the outside, usually flat black. I think it gives the model a suddle, but more authentic look from most angles.
I made the license plate decals using Adobe Illustrator, and sent them to fellow veteran TC member WillyChang, who printed them for me on proper decal vinyl.
This was an 'easy' restoration, as the original Bruiser I bought cheap locally (paid about $150), was complete and mostly intact. A fresh sheet of decals, and unbroken body. The hardest part was to strip the body of paint, as even break fluid did'nt remove it easily. The window was slighty yellowed, but some (quite a bit) wet sanding and then polishing made is as good as new.
Never one of my favourites when I was a kid, but yet again, after spending much time restoring it, the former memories of this car has grown on me quite a bit, and when looking at it now, I really remember the good old days as a kid, gazing at this model in the catalogues. Which to me, is a huge motivation for restoring these puppies.
Comments
Tyboart
What a great job...very nice photography too!
wildwillydriver
Hey Simen,
nice to see another great resto from you mate! As always more than perfect!!! Bye WWD
delux
Beautiful truck and photos!
rad22rad Alloys
Fantastic restoration Simen, One of the best i have seen. Top work !!!
simensays
Thanks guys! Federico, I needed a break from all my WW resto work, but I am still doing them Rad, I've looked at yours for inspiration (even for the body/chassis pose)
mongoose1983
Awesome example of the most legendary off-roader of all time. Looks terrific!
By the way, did you use the acme license maker to do that license plate? If not, how did you make it?
MAD-BEE
Very NICE!!!!
great work you have done on this!
I love a BIG Truck!!
SRB Bloke
Excellent resto, your work is always an inspiration... Thank You
JWeston
very very nice. great write up and great shots J
3SPD REKR
Really great to see another true classic taken proper care of - congrats on the quality job and extra effort on the underside.
RACECRAFTERS
Fantastic Work >simensays<!! imho, these are very possibly the most scale looking models ever made by Mr. T
ShayD
Great looking Bruiser ... Good to see the kind of standard we should all be aiming for! ...
Morgi74
superb job! Looks just great!!
gozone
Superb job on both the car and the pics!
I really like the way you paint the inside of the bodyshell too.. More people should do this, as it just looks WAY better this way. Great work indeed.
Cheers..
Michael
Ram318
Great looking truck, nice resto!!! In my opinion the bruiser/mountianeer are among the best tamiyas made way ahead of there time. I used to drool over the bruiser looking at them in the catologs well out of my price range. Thankfully the mountaineer came out and I was old enough and had money and bought it one of my prized position. I love yours looks great and brings back memories of my youth. Nice job!!!
pininy
You did a great job restoring
slimmy
A most impressive truck. Well done
JB86BruiserBoy
Great work, Love to see these look like new. I like the look of the driver as well, I would like to find one for my trucks! Thanks for sharing!!
SHY69
Wow! The envy!!! If you see any used 3-speeds for sale, let me know!!!
JB86BruiserBoy
First of all you have an impressive showroom with many gorgeous models and this Bruiser is just beautiful I must say. I will be looking through all of you vehicles and yes with a hint of envy!! Super nice collection.
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