Topcat restoration

[CAT3K]

I've been hunting for the right Topcat for ages and finally found one I wasn't really looking for one in great condition as they tend to go for a high price in good condition, plus there's something about the restoration that i really love.

Anyway here's the Topcat and how she stands at the moment, in pieces.



It's mostly there, just a few bits missing/broken, some of which are winging there way to me from around the globe right now.

One of the nice things about this buggy is the homemade alloy rockers. The guy that sold me it said that his grandad made them for him 20+ years ago and they're really well made.



Paul.

[Bormac]

It's always good to see a fellow member give an old Topcat another shot at life.

Those alloy rockers are awesome. I wonder if they are a slightly different ratio as that is what is really needed IMO.

Let me know if I can help out.
Cheers-Jason

[Lonestar]

I wonder if they are a slightly different ratio as that is what is really needed IMO

you mean more shock travel per wheel travel?

[DerbyDan]

This looks like a great project... & as you say those rockers really do 'rock' - its amazing what some people knocked-up in their sheds Bitd for these old R/C cars - i've some beautifully made parts for the JRX2 that are presumable home fettled

P.S; just got my TopCat through in the post today - looks like it was built by a blind monkey - but otherwise looks un-used I'll have to start my own thread for it

[CAT3K]

Thanks Jason, i've still to have a close look at the parts that came with it to see if anything else needs replaced.

That's a bonus Dan, sometimes badly built buggys are a godsend. Their owners get frustrated with the build process, can't get them to work and stick them in a box

[moozo]

Nearly bought this myself....oh well glad it's gone to someone who will do a good job on it....if i can help in anyway let me know Paul.

Keep the updates coming

Mick

[CAT3K]

I had some free time today so i worked on the gearbox. Another bonus that came with the Topcat was the MMS diff, it's in good shape so just needed a quick clean and rebuild. The layshaft pulley however was badly chewed but luckily i had a spare new one



I've been saving up a few alloy bits to make this a shiny box. The gearbox casing is a Schumacher item, the eccentrics are MMS and the layshaft bearing holders are period home made like the rockers.

Here's a pic of all the bits before assembly.





I've grown to hate polishing, but this is supposed to be a shiney box so out came the wet'n'dry and the dremel. It's hard to take a picture of just how reflective and silvery the box is, but sitting here it looks cool







Paul.

[DerbyDan]

Hitting the 'Like' button!!!

Loving all the shineyness, great work - those alloy gearbox housings cost a fortune from Schumacher!

I see an RW spur gear adaptor - will you run/fit a Tufnel spur?

[moozo]

Simply awesome mate

[Coelacanth]

I love it when people get their elbows all greasy and polish their aluminum. When it's so bright you need shades, you are now cool.

[CAT3K]

I see an RW spur gear adaptor - will you run/fit a Tufnel spur?

Yes Dan, even though the adapter and spur will be hidden behind the gear cover.

I actually have two of the adapters if you wanted one for your Topcat?

Paul.

[DerbyDan]

I see an RW spur gear adaptor - will you run/fit a Tufnel spur?

Yes Dan, even though the adapter and spur will be hidden behind the gear cover.

I actually have two of the adapters if you wanted one for your Topcat?

Paul.

Thanks for the offer Paul.... I might take you up on it, though i'm not quite sure which way to go with my build/re-build yet - 100% kit or with a few added period upgrades? - I've just remembered that I have an Wasp/SRM slipper, which could be quite trick - but I think the gear cover needs a hole adding for clearance?

[CAT3K]

The Wasp slipper is nice, and i think you might be right you'll probably need to cut a hole in the cover.

I have a dilema with my cover, i have the original Topcat one, but i also have a C2 works gear cover here that would look cool with the RW spur. Not even sure it would fit correctly (Anyone know?)

I polished the chassis yesterday and did a little assembly on the Topcat this morning before i went to work..



The chassis is probably the worst condition of all the parts, it's got a few extra holes and many deep scratches that i couldn't polish out. I may replace it eventually if i find one in much nicer condition but for now it still looks shiney



Paul.

[Bormac]

Paul your Topcat is really coming up looking ACE mate. All that polished alloy looks sooo soooo good. (can you see your reflection in it?)

This looks like it's going to be a very nice example.
Cheers-Jason

[8rad]

Looks nice!

The C2W Gear cover should fit. The screw/pinion slots are molded in vertically rather than horizontally so a little creative cutting may be required but I dont see any major issues.