Top Force Rere Build

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jkelm24
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Top Force Rere Build

Post by jkelm24 »

Found this awesome surprise under the tree on Christmas morning and thought I'd post a thread and pictures to keep folks entertained during our time at home.

Mostly stock, but I added a set of HiCap rere's and bearings to bring it to the glory and respect that Tamiya should have given it to begin with. Also added some Lunsford retro ti links, because they're awesome and scream 1991.

It was a fun build. I've had a Top Force on my 'want' list since 1991. Woot! :D
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by jkelm24 »

Ball diffs were smoother than expected, but the stock thrust bearings were... well... I was tempted to submit a separate order just for a couple one-piece thrust bearings. But, I already had the parts laid out on the table and had poured a beer. So I was already committed.
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by jkelm24 »

HiCaps!
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by jkelm24 »

Front and rear ready to go...
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by jkelm24 »

Now it's looking legit!
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by Dadio »

I'm confused now ,it looks like a proper race chassis but with Tamiya transmition and front knuckles , seriously its looking very nice , I've never really looked at one before .
If a jobs not worth doing then its certainly not worth doing well.
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by Headling »

Build is looking great, one thing I did on my topforce was to go around the edges of the towers/chassis with a black sharpie marker, makes it look loads better IMO
If in doubt go flat out!
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by Coelacanth »

Headling wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:31 am Build is looking great, one thing I did on my topforce was to go around the edges of the towers/chassis with a black sharpie marker, makes it look loads better IMO
Agreed, it's a minor detail but definitely looks nicer that way. I'm not a fan of many of Tamiya's buggy body designs, but I like the Top Force body, and the Boomerang, too.
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by jkelm24 »

Shocks mounted. I swapped the HiCap rere dijon mustard yellow springs for the standard kit silver springs.
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by jkelm24 »

When I mounted the rear tires, they turned grey from the mold wax. They were completely black in the box. Strange that it didn't also happen to the fronts too.

I'll trying giving them a good scrub in soapy water.
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by jkelm24 »

I originally hoped to find an Acto or Tamiya pink can motor, but they're silly expensive!!!

I had a stock Peak Performance pink can that fits the bill perfectly!
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by jkelm24 »

Also got the body painted and stickered-up. Man the TF decals are huge and a PIA to get straight, symmetrical, and bubble-free. But, turned out good! I love it!
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by jkelm24 »

...and finally, cousins!
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by duckhead »

jkelm24 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 8:40 pm When I mounted the rear tires, they turned grey from the mold wax. They were completely black in the box. Strange that it didn't also happen to the fronts too.

I'll trying giving them a good scrub in soapy water.

Simple Green / water and a brush will take care of the mold release real fast. The build turned out good!
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Re: Top Force Rere Build

Post by coxbros1 »

Love your Top Force build! Seriously, i aint playin!! Awsome car
Tap pic for clarity: Derek
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