Restoring a 1982 Nikko Hilux - Where to start?

Restoring a 1982 Nikko Hilux - Where to start?

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Ice_blue_tvr

Original Poster:

3,215 posts

169 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
Maybe a better, question - should I start?

The car has far more sentimental value than anything, and it'd be great to get it going!

1/18 scale(?) , 4x4 , switchable gears and a winch!

First off, I've lost the remote control.. from memory and a little research it was a 27mhz controller.. Can I simply get any remote 27mhz control - are they generic?

After that I can look at tackling the faded stickers/paint, the potentially the motor which felt weak last time I remember using it many many years ago.




edit: Title probably should have mentioned it being a 1/18 scale RC !

Edited by Ice_blue_tvr on Tuesday 9th May 16:49


Edited by Ice_blue_tvr on Tuesday 9th May 16:50

generationx

7,279 posts

110 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
If all those functions were controlled by the radio system then you’ll need a four-channel handset (steering, throttle, gear change, winch). Then you’ll need to see if the channels were proportional or simply on/off. Proportional basically means that the amount you move the stick on the transmitter is matched by how fast the motor turns, how much lock is applied to the steering etc.

Then if it’s indeed 27mhz then you’ll need to know which frequency it is. Certainly in hobby grade systems you had a swappable frequency crystal (12 varieties if I remember correctly) that were colour-coded and have to match from the RX to the TX. I accumulated a huge amount both from eBay purchases and when buying new radio kit. If the receiver in the truck is sealed then hopefully there’ll be an indication of the frequency on the unit. Then it’s a question of finding the right frequency crystal for the transmitter.

Motors should be easy to replace.

I hope I’m not being either too simplistic or too technical here.

Good luck, it’s nice to see old toys being resurrected!

generationx

7,279 posts

110 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
Also there’s a boat-load of expertise on the TamiyaClub forum, with a dedicated section for Nikko

https://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?/forum/...

Ice_blue_tvr

Original Poster:

3,215 posts

169 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
generationx said:
If all those functions were controlled by the radio system then you’ll need a four-channel handset (steering, throttle, gear change, winch). Then you’ll need to see if the channels were proportional or simply on/off. Proportional basically means that the amount you move the stick on the transmitter is matched by how fast the motor turns, how much lock is applied to the steering etc.

Then if it’s indeed 27mhz then you’ll need to know which frequency it is. Certainly in hobby grade systems you had a swappable frequency crystal (12 varieties if I remember correctly) that were colour-coded and have to match from the RX to the TX. I accumulated a huge amount both from eBay purchases and when buying new radio kit. If the receiver in the truck is sealed then hopefully there’ll be an indication of the frequency on the unit. Then it’s a question of finding the right frequency crystal for the transmitter.

Motors should be easy to replace.

I hope I’m not being either too simplistic or too technical here.

Good luck, it’s nice to see old toys being resurrected!
Nah, that's perfect info.. At least I know where to begin researching. Thank you so much.

I did open it up as I remember some rf cars had a little black chip with a frequency stamped on it but I didn't find anything on this one.

Will certainly check out the tamiya forum !

Max5476

999 posts

119 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
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I'm planning something similar, for a Hitari Turbo King (having won one on ebay) I'm going the non original route and replacing the non-proportional electronics with new components. Once all the parts are here I will do a build forum.

My biggest concern is the tyres, which have already started to perish, not sure how I will replace them.


Ice_blue_tvr

Original Poster:

3,215 posts

169 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
I will be watching with interest!

How and what do you replace the electronics with? Where do you even start? Are there generic kits?

That being said, I've just cheated and bought a 1984 hilux with the same winch setup (seems rare) as mine. I imagine the remote will be compatible so it'll give me a good base line for restoring mine.

Ice_blue_tvr

Original Poster:

3,215 posts

169 months

Sunday 14th May 2023
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Soo... The new one arrived. The old one wouldn't respond to the new remote but i think it's more down to the attenae having been snapped off.. Although I've kinda put plans to restore it on hold and instead look at ways of boosting power for the new one!

Either converting to 2S and/or a larger motor? Need to see what options there are. And then see if I can strengthen the steering servo (?) and put some thick silicone in the front diff to stop it unloading all the power through one of the front wheels.







Edited by Ice_blue_tvr on Sunday 14th May 17:25