Grabbed an Astute this morning!

[RedScampi]

I'm giddy with excitement! This car isn't perfect but looks very nice. I did some soul searching for about 3 micro-seconds and hit the BIN. I'm going to pick it up this afternoon - less than 30 miles from me. This is one of my Holy Grail cars for some odd reason and I've seen them go for much more.
As an aside - There is another near perfect but used example of this car currently at $200 on the bay. I don't expect mine to be so nice but a big part of the fun in this hobby for me is making them nice.

[bearrickster]

that looks nice, maybe a new body and a bath it will be a shelf queen.

[RedScampi]

That's what I'm hoping for.

[bearrickster]

well it should be ok it has a undertray. I think all rc cars should have them.

[Lowgear]

Yeah, they seem to go for around the $200 mark in that condition. So you got a pretty good deal at $150. Though did the seller really have to charge $40 for shipping.

I wouldn't mind building one of those up. I would call it project Asstoot!

[RedScampi]

Yeah, they seem to go for around the $200 mark in that condition. So you got a pretty good deal at $150. Though did the seller really have to charge $40 for shipping.

I wouldn't mind building one of those up. I would call it project Asstoot!

Actually, the seller was less than a thirty minute drive from my house and I didn't pay any shipping at all! At any rate the shipping quote I got was less than $5. I wonder why yours said $40?

I'm also glad to report that the car is in outstanding condition! No marks whatsoever on the arms, very minor scratches on the bumper and the body is in excellent shape! The tires also show minimal wear. The undertray will need to be replaced, not sure what surface was run on but it's the worst part of the car. Oh, and the stickers look a bit tough. i can't post pictures at the moment because my computer monitor at home crapped out and I'll have to go get a new one.

[highwayracer]

Nice one Gary!!

The Astute was also on my list of must haves....since it was Tamiya's first attempt at a comptitive race car.

You definately got a great deal considering the condition of the...and the fact that it's a local pick up. Rear tires are always on ebay...and fronts appear (once in while) from jc-rc for $8.00...I just got some from him.

As Rick stated, the bottom of the chassis should be good since it has an undertray.

Regards,
Roger

[Brandon G]

Nice score indeed! It should clean up nicely.

[Lowgear]

Actually, the seller was less than a thirty minute drive from my house and I didn't pay any shipping at all! At any rate the shipping quote I got was less than $5. I wonder why yours said $40?

Hmm I read that you were going to pick it up too. I don't know why I mentioned the shipping. I must have been preoccupied while posting and not paying full attention. But anyway, that makes it a really sweet deal!

[RedScampi]

A couple of update pictures. I removed all the stickers that weren't stuck down well. I ended up removing the big one on the cowl too. In my eyes the blue doesn't look good against this color of red. I spent some time cleaning - not too terribly much required - this thing is almost pristine! Just needs a new undertray and I found that one rear hub p/n C2 is broken and glued. Ok for shelf duty because it's hidden...but I know it's there. Anyone have one?
The pics are from yesterday...
Oh, and someone got this car at a garage sale for a song at some point in the past..the box has a $10 price on it!

[bearrickster]

looks great gary

[pituk]

Nice buggy , tires still look new .

[Brandon G]

You are right, the blue doesn't look too good against the metallic silver. A flat bright red would have looked much better. Or a yellow that matched the shocks.

[rctenracer]

One of my favorite tamiya buggy's . Nice!!! . I think Avid would love the guy who orders a complete set of bearings for it.

[Brandon G]

No kidding, what is it, like 32 bearings just to replace the bronze bushings in the suspension arms????