Tamiya Hornet - worth restoring?!
Discussion
I have a Beatties bag that’s been sat in the loft for many many years. It contains a Tamiya Hornet and lots of associated ‘stuff’. I’ve kept it with the intention of restoring it one day, but honestly it’s been there 20 plus years and I’ve no idea if it’s just old junk now.
I dug everything out as the kids were asking about modern cars, perhaps now’s the time to do something with it!
I’ve put the batteries on charge, but have no idea if any of it works. I like the idea of sorting it myself, but I’m more convinced sending it to someone who knows what they’re doing might be the better option. I’ve also seen I could just buy a new one for £100 - maybe I should do that?
Here’s some photos of what’s in the bag - ideas and opinions welcome!
I dug everything out as the kids were asking about modern cars, perhaps now’s the time to do something with it!
I’ve put the batteries on charge, but have no idea if any of it works. I like the idea of sorting it myself, but I’m more convinced sending it to someone who knows what they’re doing might be the better option. I’ve also seen I could just buy a new one for £100 - maybe I should do that?
Here’s some photos of what’s in the bag - ideas and opinions welcome!
You might like to have a glance through my old thread on a similar project: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=94...
As the others have said, if it's got sentimental value and you don't mind a bit of a labour of love and spending a bit of dosh, bring it back to life by all means.... otherwise, chuck it on the 'bay as there's plenty of people out there like me
PS, if there's any pictures on my thread you want proper versions of now photobucket are blurry, just ask and I'll upload them here instead.
As the others have said, if it's got sentimental value and you don't mind a bit of a labour of love and spending a bit of dosh, bring it back to life by all means.... otherwise, chuck it on the 'bay as there's plenty of people out there like me
PS, if there's any pictures on my thread you want proper versions of now photobucket are blurry, just ask and I'll upload them here instead.
Thanks all. No real sentiment, generally I prefer old stuff over new, but if battery life is better on a new one that’d sell it for me.
Would it be worth selling complete as a bag of ‘stuff’ or trying to break down? I’d love to have time to work out what all the parts do/how to diagnose/repair/replace but realistically it’ll end up back in the loft.
Any idea on total value of what’s there? If it’d get me a new one I’d probably sell, but interested in replacing a couple of bits if that’s all that’s needed!
Would it be worth selling complete as a bag of ‘stuff’ or trying to break down? I’d love to have time to work out what all the parts do/how to diagnose/repair/replace but realistically it’ll end up back in the loft.
Any idea on total value of what’s there? If it’d get me a new one I’d probably sell, but interested in replacing a couple of bits if that’s all that’s needed!
vx220 said:
I laughed (fondly) when I saw the hump pack!
Earlier Tamiya had no room for a "stick' 7.2v like Kyosho did, so they stuck an extra one on top
As above, get a Modern esc and a mild lipo and run it
You might make some money on just the hump pack for old times sake
I’ve tried the batteries and had about a second out of each, but it does move in all directions! It does seem to make sense to upgrade bits to get it running. To confirm, something like these would see me okay? Earlier Tamiya had no room for a "stick' 7.2v like Kyosho did, so they stuck an extra one on top
As above, get a Modern esc and a mild lipo and run it
You might make some money on just the hump pack for old times sake
ESC:
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
LiPo battery:
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
I guess I’d need a new charger for the LiPo?
I’m okay sticking with my motor for now?
I need to replace the battery cover under the car, would the new version keep the same cover? Are all other parts interchangeable or do I need vintage stuff?
A lot of questions, I have no idea what I’m talking about, but happy to learn quickly!
defblade said:
You might like to have a glance through my old thread on a similar project: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=94...
As the others have said, if it's got sentimental value and you don't mind a bit of a labour of love and spending a bit of dosh, bring it back to life by all means.... otherwise, chuck it on the 'bay as there's plenty of people out there like me
PS, if there's any pictures on my thread you want proper versions of now photobucket are blurry, just ask and I'll upload them here instead.
Very helpful to read through something similar and most of the links still work so that’s a bonus! Will call on you once I’m at the stage of fitting stuff, thanks. As the others have said, if it's got sentimental value and you don't mind a bit of a labour of love and spending a bit of dosh, bring it back to life by all means.... otherwise, chuck it on the 'bay as there's plenty of people out there like me
PS, if there's any pictures on my thread you want proper versions of now photobucket are blurry, just ask and I'll upload them here instead.
The manual is on line, that'll be a great place to start.
https://www.tamiyausa.com/media/files/58336ml-869-...
As mentioned by many others you should rebuild it, restoring R/C cars is fun and you/the family have a fun toy when it's finished.
Whenever I've got hold of one in this sort of condition I strip it completely, clean everything, replace anything that needs it, add ball bearings and rebuild. Ebay is your friend, and parts for this are plentiful. You can even buy modern humpback-type batteries for that authentic look!
https://www.tamiyausa.com/media/files/58336ml-869-...
As mentioned by many others you should rebuild it, restoring R/C cars is fun and you/the family have a fun toy when it's finished.
Whenever I've got hold of one in this sort of condition I strip it completely, clean everything, replace anything that needs it, add ball bearings and rebuild. Ebay is your friend, and parts for this are plentiful. You can even buy modern humpback-type batteries for that authentic look!
Definitely restore this..... It's a brilliant little car of it's time, really takes me back - I bet it even smells how i remember it too (odd i know)
I love these old finds, with the Attack and Acoms radio gear. When you look at these now they really were good at teaching how things worked without you realising - The speed controller sat there all open, mad really.
I got all my stuff out the other week which included an old Optima, Grass Hopper, Sand Scorcher and the one i spent all afternoon playing with, a Marui Hunter. It is really basic but it was the first car i had and built. My chargers were shot, but it all still works.
Good times
Dan
I love these old finds, with the Attack and Acoms radio gear. When you look at these now they really were good at teaching how things worked without you realising - The speed controller sat there all open, mad really.
I got all my stuff out the other week which included an old Optima, Grass Hopper, Sand Scorcher and the one i spent all afternoon playing with, a Marui Hunter. It is really basic but it was the first car i had and built. My chargers were shot, but it all still works.
Good times
Dan
I was in same boat. Had one that was nigh on 30 years old, and got it out for my son. Got it working, and he crashed it hard minutes later. Wondered if spares were available and looked on Ebay. You can get everything!
An ESC is obviously upgrade with new battery tech, gves better running and control, and dispenses with that very hot resistor on the back. Get some metal wheel bearings, maybe digital radio. Hue fun doing a resto mod. Maybe get get the parts now and do it over the Christmas holidays.
An ESC is obviously upgrade with new battery tech, gves better running and control, and dispenses with that very hot resistor on the back. Get some metal wheel bearings, maybe digital radio. Hue fun doing a resto mod. Maybe get get the parts now and do it over the Christmas holidays.
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