Tamiya Top Force - Kit No. 100

[mtbkym01]

I’ve had this original for a number of years, so finally made a start on stripping it down for a complete clean and rebuild. Will have to replace the rear gear case as it is broken where the shock tower attaches, other than that, all original parts will be used. I am going to replace the camber links with titanium turnbuckles, and am using stainless hex hardware in place of the original self tapping screws.









This ESC fitted, period correct, although I’ve never seen one before



Going with Yokomo MX4 hubs and wheels, as these are in great condition, but aren’t being used on my MX4 build. Trinity tyres

[mtbkym01]

Using the original manual, started with rebuilding the diffs







Going with a Super Stock TZ in this build, the blue anodized colour will match my theme







Titanium turnbuckles





So here’s the rear clip rebuilt



And the front



Both together



Next will be shocks, this one is getting an upgrade from the kit CVA’s. These have become really rare and very expensive now, but I bought them for this kit back when they were re-released, so will open them up for this

[mtbkym01]

Already completed a TBG body with MCI stickers. I painstakingly cut out all of the kit green from the sticker set, as it would’ve looked odd with the colours I’m using

[RC10th]

Looking good, can't wait to see the finished car

[mtbkym01]

Looking good, can't wait to see the finished car

Thanks RJ, hopefully this one doesn’t take as long as my others LOL.

[coxbros1]

Nice rebuild!

[mark]

Nice work on the body

[mtbkym01]

Very hot day here today, making my workshop quite warm, so managed a little bit more on the rebuild
First up were the HiCap shocks







Then the chassis finally makes an appearance, the alloy posts needed a bit of a polish, a couple were held with pliers on the original build, which scored them quite deeply, I can see why they were clamped so hard, because self tapping screws were used instead of machine thread screws on original assembly



Using the standard steering bellcranks, but replaced the metal bushes with rubber sealed bearings, and more titanium turnbuckles



Then it was time for the front and rear assembles to be fitted to the chassis, so took the opportunity to sit it on its wheels



Next up is electronics…..

[mtbkym01]

Electronics and top deck installation completed, using all the original electronics including the AM rx. We are so spoilt these days with 2.4 stuff. The antenna wire on this is so long, I’ve forgotten how best to ‘arrange’ it





I’ve had to order a J parts tree as I’ve found some broken bits, but took the opportunity to see how the body looks

[mtbkym01]

Got antenna wire tidied, undertray fitted (left it clear), and wing mount all cleaned and polished







From here, it’s basically finished, just waiting on battery straps to arrive, had to get it done for BOTM otherwise I would’ve waited for the straps. Got a Tamiya period correct stick pack in there as well.













I’m really happy how this turned out. The Top Force is a unique looking buggy, some angles it looks so sleek, others make it look a bit fat. But being kit number 100 from Tamiya, it has a bit of an iconic presence in my opinion.

Thanks for looking