Original Procat?

[cjack]

Hello forum gurus,

I picked up this Procat off ebay last week because the suspension arms and drivetrain components looked in very nice condition. Also, the build had the patina of an original that's been boxed up for a couple decades. Though the chassis is butchered and missing parts, I wanted an original Procat to restore and felt like this one was a good candidate.

I'm pretty confident this is an original kit but are there any particular difference I can look for to confirm this Cat's age? Thanks

[1911Colt]

It is hard to date a CAT because there is so much parts interchangeability and a lot of them were upgraded along the way. There is a direct lineage from the SWB to the ProCat SE. Basically Schumacher would develop and sell hop up bits, then include them in the box and call it a new model.

It definitely isn't a re-re, though, if that is what you meant.

Also, I think the transmission side plates are from Factory Works. I don't recall any Schumacher kits having anything but aluminum.

If you decide to ditch the chassis, I have one from a re-re I will never use. I am right next door in Indiana.

[cjack]

Thanks 1911Colt. Yes, I'm not worried about a particular date, just that the buggy is from the era of my childhood. I know it's weird, but I only like the vintage rc cars.

This is my first Schumacher and I wanted to make sure I didn't misread what I bought.

So you're in SE Indiana?

[1911Colt]

It is definitely not a re-release. It's a vintage kit. Also, I just noticed you have the one-way front drive shafts. Those were on the earliest CATs and made a return on the Bosscat. Most of them have hairline cracks in the plastic, so if you plan to run this car, you will want to address that. Either take it easy with the power or swap them for regular driveshafts. At least inspect them before running. The one=ways could be a clue that you have an older car that was updated to ProCat chassis and rear suspension.

RetroRC, IncredibleSerious, and others on here are vintage Sshuey experts. I think they will want to see pics of the transmission to help identify it. I didn't race them in the 80s (too poor), so I only know what I have learned since the re-res came.

I am indeed in southern IN, not too far from Madison.

[cjack]

That's interesting. I'm new to Schumachers, myself. Like you mentioned, I could only dream of buying the top shelf kits as a kid. So you think the drivetrain could be from an early Cat, like a SWB/XL/XLS?

I'll post pics of the front and rear drives after removing them. Thanks for the information.

[cjack]

That's interesting. I'm new to Schumachers, myself. Like you mentioned, I could only dream of buying the top shelf kits as a kid. So you think the drivetrain could be from an early Cat, like a SWB/XL/XLS?

I'll post pics of the front and rear drives after removing them. Thanks for the information.

[LurkingCAT]

Nice Procat! Some did this chassis mod to the Procat and XLS saddle pack to lower the COG. This was of course not a theme as long as one drove the stick pack chassis.

Looks like a mix of parts with transmission plates from XL/XLS, older screws etc.
Procat rear wishbone bracket.
The one way shafts (T640) were standard on the Procat.
You have at least some parts from the optional Procat slipper clutch (U770).
I would guess you find the 14 ball Procat drum diff in the rear (T173/174). Alternatively a third party like mms.

Looking forward to see more of the rebuild!

[cjack]

Nice Procat! Some did this chassis mod to the Procat and XLS saddle pack to lower the COG. This was of course not a theme as long as one drove the stick pack chassis.

Looks like a mix of parts with transmission plates from XL/XLS, older screws etc.
Procat rear wishbone bracket.
The one way shafts (T640) were standard on the Procat.
You have at least some parts from the optional Procat slipper clutch (U770).
I would guess you find the 14 ball Procat drum diff in the rear (T173/174). Alternatively a third party like mms.

Looking forward to see more of the rebuild!

Thanks for the info. This is my first Schuey. I'm quickly learning these early Cats were rarely left stock. But for me, that's the best part of a restoration, learning about all the cool, innovative, parts made back in the day.

I dismantled the chassis to find the upper section is made from a fiberous plastic. It appears diecut, does anyone know what company made it?

Also, these Schumacher wheels with Trinity logo are pretty trick. I guess since Trinity distributed Schumacher in the USA, they had a right to unique marketing opportunities like this.

As always, any information and/or background that people want share about these parts, feel free. Thanks

[1911Colt]

Nice score on the Trinity wheels!