Advice on restoring a Bruiser

[mountain man]

I am restoring my first RC car, a Bruiser. I am new to the computer world and I am hoping that someone might be able to answer my questions or point me in the right direction. Thanks, Mountain Man.

1) The rear driveshaft on my bruiser has a brass universal joint (worn out) and a metal one. I assume the brass one on the transmission side is stock. I have only seen metal ones on E-bay ( they don't have a sleeve to extend and retract on the transmission side). What is out there in the aftermarket world or from other cars that will work. Of coarse I would like an origional, but I assume that they are either trashed or not for sale.

2) Is Easy-Off the best thing to use to strip old paint without damaging my plastic body?

3) What is the best way to seal the transmission? Is there someone who makes 3 little rubber plugs that will fit the transmission fill holes? What are the most important things to check when going through the tranny?

4) I read that any 2.2 tire will fit the Bruiser. If you have the time, please post a picture of your Bruiser with your favorite tires.

5) Any advise that you might have regarding restoring my Bruiser would be appreciated, thanks again.

[shodog]

What level of restoring are you after? All original parts or are you willing to go aftermarket?

RC4wd makes driveshafts. I have seen traxxas slider shafts used. a drive shaft from a Touareg XC chassis may be long enough for the rear.

Easy off in the yellow can is my posion of choice. Brake fluid and castrol superclean also work but I have the best luck with easy off. here is a few pics of a rough rider body where I used easy off to strip the paint. http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=34664&sid=34

I have seen plugs on ebay that look close to the stock plugs. I beleive it's bruiserbuilder who sells them. check your slipper gear, most used ones I have come across slip too much

2.2's are right size tire. I have seen several different tires on trucks. I am partial to the old school Imex G-hawgs

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/tc_userimages/34/img34_24072007233919_3.jpg

[mountain man]

Thanks for the advise Shodod. It is nice to have a new hobby where seasoned folks help out us new comers. I would like all origional parts, but I will use what I have to to make it work. Your truck is amazing. Did you chrome your frame or is it polished? How did you seal your tranny?

[Suprachrgd82]

1) The rear driveshaft- CC-01 may be a good substitution

2) Is Easy-Off- Easy off is a fast route to stripping paint. Brake Fluid (NOT CLEANER) also works, but requires some elbow grease

3) seal the transmission- Yama-Bond (motorcycle seaer)
Is there someone who makes 3 little rubber plugs- Try RC4wd or BruiserBuilder
things to check when going through the tranny- worn gears and bushings

4) I read that any 2.2 tire- HPI Geolanders are nice. Monster Beatle is preferable for a perfect resto
http://www.tamiya3speed.com/forum/showthread.php?t=341

5) Any advise- take your time looking for quality parts, and take your time on the assembly. Rushing it will make for a sloppy truck.

[monster_beetle]

If you want to order new plugs, you can contact forrest from bruiserbuilder directly at his email: forrest[at]bruiserbuilder[dot]com

[tc1cat]

Bruiserbuilders replacement tranny plugs are first rate and work for all of the old 3 speeds for the tranny and for sealing the holes in the radio box:first:

[mountain man]

Thanks to all of you for your help.

[violetmind]

2) Is Easy-Off- Easy off is a fast route to stripping paint. Brake Fluid (NOT CLEANER) also works, but requires some elbow grease


How do we use easy off or brake fluid on the body without harming it? Should we soak it overnight, or a couple of hours or simply apply and rub with a cloth?

thanks in advance

[shodog]

How do we use easy off or brake fluid on the body without harming it? Should we soak it overnight, or a couple of hours or simply apply and rub with a cloth?

thanks in advance

Take a look at this link. http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=34664&id=34 basically spray it on and let it do it's magic.

[violetmind]

wow....sounds easy but I think it'll need some practice. If only I can get some easy-off around where I live....

[shodog]

The active ingredient in easy off is Caustic Soda. Sometimes hardware stors will sell boxes of just that. I would imagine most heavy duty oven cleaners are the same. In the UK, Mr. Muscle is what most people use.

[violetmind]

Thanks, will go scour the hardware stores soon. Cheers mate