The Rising Sun: M01-M Tech Racing 4WD + HPI 240Z - Sold
Status: Extra info
Date: 28-Jan-2010
Comments: 36
Good evening Gents,
Here is my latest offering, and then I promise I'll be quiet for a while, going back to my hibernation...
First the chassis. It was bought a few months ago from TC member Heypas (thanks Pascal), in very good condition, except that the transmission was binding somehow. I dissasembled the chassis, and rebuilt it replacing the few bronze bushings left by proper ball bearings, and replacing correctly the various spacers, especially on the pulleys, which is the reason why the transmission was binding. That wasn't an easy task, especially without the manual; if you've ever built one of these, you know what I mean. Transmission is now running free.
There were other various options on it, such as the Tech Racing bars on the front and rear, the Tamiya alloy steering and the alloys caps on it (from Tech Racing too I think). I had to work on this steering set up as it wouldn't work correctly in stock form because of the central belt and pulleys. So, I just switched sides the steering bits and placed the steering rod outside the chassis. Some new steering rods later, and I had a fully working system.
Some final options were added, such as light weight kingpins, new dampers, universal shafts M-tuned motor...I was done with the chassis.
Now on to the body. The thing is that there is not a whole lot of choices for medium sized M-chassis (225mm wheelbase), and after a few searches, I was about to go for the Alfa Giulia from Tamiya, although I already have one, when I spotted the new Cup Racer line from HPI, and bingo! This Fairlady 240Z is a 225 wheelbase bodyshell. I was a little afraid of the quality of the product, since I've had some quite poor and fragile HPI shells, but this one is just flawless and gorgeous. It also comes with lightbuckets and tons of accessories such as bumpers, exhaust, 2 pairs of wipers, 4 (yes 4!) pairs of side mirrors.
Now I thought that this japanese icon needed a japanese touch, so I went with this Rising Sun design. It was the hardest masking job I've ever done, but I think it came out pretty good!. I painted the hood and fenders in flat black and added this cool 8-ball on the hood, even though some have said it's pretty strange on a japanese car. Whatever, I like it anyway.
For the first time, I also used ABC Hobby stealth mounts. Although it's not obvious to install, and putting on and removing the body is a nightmare, I still like the fact that no body mounts is visible on this one.
Finally the wheels. First I was going to mount Kawada's 5 spokes for M-chassis with wide ones in the rear (body is 3mm wider in the rear), but after having tried them on, I thought they looked too small. I had already spotted these cool Street Jam wheels, but had no clue where I could use them (yes, a lot of my projects started with a pair of wheels). I then thought that they might be perfect on this one, since their particularity is to be the same size as regular touring wheels but looking smaller because of the fake tire lip. No regular tire would fit them since they are dedicated to drift tires and anyway, I had to find the thinnest tires possible to keep that scale look. I found these at HPI, and they are a perfect match to the wheels.
This was a very cool project to work one, I hope you'll like it.Enjoy!
Comments
mr alan
What a FAB job you've done there. Looks fantastic. Just put a driver in for the finishing touch. Cheers!
Tizer
very very nice! the streetjam wheels suit is very well
Goldnest
Unbelievable. Just unbelievable. I salute your creativity and craftsmanship!
Casper171072
Thats the best thing Ive seen for a long time. The paint scheme is amazing, sorry but I may have to copy it on a future project of mine! Truly awsome well done
OCD
Finally some one has used these wonderful Street Jam steelies -- Some of the best projects often start with a pair of inspiring wheels! Once again nice choices all-around!!
Skottoman
That is frikin sweet! I need to order another cup racer body myself! Thanks for the Inspiration!
AWESOME!
CASE1
MAN! Another great build, completely unique and beautifull. You are good. Where did you get the wheels?
Fernado Alonso
Super cool!
tamiya_drift_junky
Love the colour scheme, very nice. Looks good seeing some alloy thru the rear window too. Top stuff!
chewball
Very very nice? I tried this paint scheme some years ago but my results were no where near what you have done here. Great job!!!!!
amigamad
Absolute prefect looks amazing .
Sayroll
Thanks for your comments!
@CASE1: I got the wheels through Genki Dori Dori, just Google it.
pcw 064
This is art my friend I am voiceless please tomorrow another one
tuff bug
That looks fantastic everything about it you must have patients to do a spray job like that in my favs
def4x4
This is really a paint of art! Exellent work mate. Looks awesome and i love those wheels too!
stevepi
Cool!
Crash Cramer
That is PERFECT. I love the way they did the wheels so you can imitate a large bias sidewall tire with today's offerings. I love what you have done, want to start on my Cup Racer build and do something cool with the paint on the body.
scollins
You just know what is right. Excellent taste, careful attention to proportion, line, balance and sense of graphics is spot on. A++
steve3smart
thats looks brilliant, Tamiya themselves should be proud
scoobybooster
WOW!! Best 'Z' i've seen yet!! Fabulous work!
CASE1
Thanks for the tip!
delux
Just perfect really!! Love it.
Heypas
Great Job !!
Henk4Focus
Yummy looking Zee.
oldsterolli
well, save the best for last ?! sorry, but i don´t like it ! ....just LOVE it ! i can imagine it was a terrible masking job, but i´d say the result was worth it !! That build is TOP CLASS as well as the pictures are ! perfect in any way
Steffen
Incredible work, I really like the paint scheme and wheel choice. The detailing aint shappy either.
Trevan
Wow - that's fabulous! You really are very good at this
swedishwiking
So cool! Dont You just love cars with a black enginehood?
mr_pushrod
Stunning!
Challenger-RT
WOW - just took her to my favorites
TIMECMDR
Speechless!!
TIMECMDR
....... no,, P.E.R.F.E.C.T!
EZ_78
Uhhhhh-mazing. What a display of skill. And such a beautifull car too. My complements.
Joe Bo
This is incredible - I wish you could get those wheels in the UK, they look great. Fantastic work!
Sayroll
Thanks everyone. Well, actually you can get those wheels everywhere in the world...Just go to Genkidoridori webstore.
Victorious Secret
Beautiful Car! I love all your custom painted cars! The colors are all coordinated extremely well and eye catchy! Excellent work brother Sayroll!
Want to leave a comment?