2001 Toyota Tacoma

[Sjmdvm]

I feel silly for asking this— my husband wrecked his beloved life sized Tacoma and I’m interested in assembling this as a momento. I’m wondering if there is something I can use instead of the TF2 LWB to make this a stationary model, or are there any less expensive options to complete the look.
Thanks for the help!!

[rockhugger]

you could try the new axial builders kit, that might be a les expensive option... but you'll have to build it. If you want pre assembled rolling chassis, as a shelf place holder, any of the cheaper and lower quality options with similar wheelbase will work. I'm assuming ou are using the RC4wd lexan tacoma body.

[rockhugger]

https://www.amainhobbies.com/rc4wd-2...zb0169/p763167

12.3 wheelbase.


and this:

https://www.amainhobbies.com/axial-s...i90104/p859171


using a coupon code from here:
https://www.amainhobbies.com/discount-coupon-code DEC2018

will have a shelfie for around 250 ish

[Sjmdvm]

I will look into these options. Thanks for the info!

[rockhugger]

You're welcome. I was trying to find something pre done, but I'm not aware of a pre built tacoma truck. You might find one that was built by a member here and posted in the for sale section, but that is highly unlikely to happen when you need it to.


If you don't think you or he will want to build the truck and paint the body, maybe someone locally can do it for you.

[Sjmdvm]

For an amateur, how long do you think it will take to build?

[rockhugger]

On a scale of 1-10 if either you or he are handy persons at a level 5, I would estimate 8-10 hours (+/-) not rushing, and doing it in stages while chatting together over a beer/glass of wine .

If he is a car person and did any of his own work on the Tacoma you referenced, I'm assuming he is somewhat mechanical. The instructions in the kit I linked above are usually clear and make sense. These are scaled down models of the real thing so the axles and transmission will look somewhat familiar to someone who has even the slightest automotive mechanical inclination.

You have come to right place to learn and receive assistance from members of all skill levels. There is a dedicated section to the truck kit I linked, and most members here love a good Tacoma. I would say the trickiest part will be painting the body if it's your first go at it, and that can be commissioned out or a local hobby shop may be able to offer good tips for the first timer.

[rockhugger]

Most kids grew up building what are called static models of old cars like Camaros, Mustangs etc. - do either of you have static model experience? That will help in many ways.

[lonleycreeper]

Originally Posted by Sjmdvm

For an amateur, how long do you think it will take to build?

The new builders kit is fantastic, compared to the old Axial kits...
In old kits, you dumped all the bags sorted the parts, and then started building. This kit went together easy.
You open a bag, assemble the part, open the next bag, assemble the part, and so on...

Only fiddly parts I found was assembling the shocks, and the transmision.

Shocks: E clips are tiny, with no extras. Make sure you work in a clean enviroment with lots of space, You will shoot at least 1 off into the air. Install the inner first then the spacer/piston, then the outer.

Transmision: The plastic is very hard, a 3mm tap would help tremendously.

An 8 hour estimate is probably pretty accurate. Use a good quality 1.5mm 2mm 3mmhex driver.

I got mine built in 4-5hours or so, but have been building kits since I was 15... (40now)

[lonleycreeper]

Another option, pick up a Deadbolt rtr for $300 and throw that Tacoma body on it...

[Sjmdvm]

We both are fairly mechanically inclined. He built models when he was younger. I have limited experience. I like the idea of just ‘slapping the body on a preassembled base! Thanks for the alternate option. Think I’ll forget about trying to get it done by Christmas and take our time with it as a winter project. You help has been awesome!

[rockhugger]

Ebay has 15% coupons on everything today so you can save on the whole project and have it under the tree. You never know, that might make him super happy.


You're welcome