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I have a grasshopper I was looking into to fix up because the chassis is broken but every thing else looked fine and I was wondering if this car can run in the sand with out any problems. I am going to the beach soon and was thinking of taking my rc10 runner but really didn't want to run it in the sand so decided against it. So I thought of the grasshopper and I know it isn't a fast car or it doesn't handle well but I thought it would be a better candidate for the sand and once I have had my fun in the sand I was going to give it to my dad who likes my other rc's but always complains about the speed and says they are to fast for him. I thought this would make a great slow durable car for him. So is there anything I would need to do to prepare it for the sand??

Slow? Heck no...they (can be) are super quick- they just don't handle. The trans is pretty efficient really. Sand would be great for those, either buy sand paddles or take an old set of worn down tires and make hot glue paddleslike we did back in the day. You'll have a blast with it

gomachv wrote:Slow? Heck no...they (can be) are super quick- they just don't handle. The trans is pretty efficient really. Sand would be great for those, either buy sand paddles or take an old set of worn down tires and make hot glue paddleslike we did back in the day. You'll have a blast with it

Oh I just assumed from what I read on the internet that they were a slow buggy. And I have almost brand new paddle tires with rc10 wheels that I got with my rc10 when I got it but im going to assume that they wont fit it. will they?

The tires should fit the hornet if they fit the rc10....should be close anyway. 1.5 vs 1.6.

The hornet with a fast motor was pretty much uncontrollable. Even stock with a 540 they are entertaining IMO

okay thanks for the help. How do you tell what motor is in it?

gomachv wrote:The hornet with a fast motor was pretty much uncontrollable. Even stock with a 540 they are entertaining IMO

A pic would be dandy:-) if its a basic looking motor with internal brushes its probably the stock 540

gomachv wrote:
A pic would be dandy:-) if its a basic looking motor with internal brushes its probably the stock 540

here is some pictures of the motor

Yep that's the stocker. 15 minute run time on old school batteries at moderate speeds. It would love a hot stock motor.

gomachv wrote:
Yep that's the stocker. 15 minute run time on old school batteries at moderate speeds. It would love a hot stock motor.

never heard of that motor and what about a slot machine two motor? I have several laying around along with other vintage motors.

It's just called a 540 Mabuchi. Same kit motor most Tamiyas came with.

A slot machine would be a great choice IMO.

okay thanks. I noticed that that motor is a little more open then the one on it. will that matter in the sand??
Sorry for all the questions

We used foam filters or ace bandages wrapped around the motor to let it breath without getting dirt and sand in it. Any of those medical wraps that breath should be great, just one layer and a band or zip tie around it to hold it.

Okay thanks for all the help I will continue with the build and put up pictures of the old broken chassis and new one when I get it all together.

Sweet! Hornet was my first car. Good times!

The Grasshopper is a great beach runner. In fact, it's probably better on sand than anywhere else.

If you want to slow it down for your dad, look for the stock RS380 motor; it looks just like yours except about half the size, with a brass gear and a little plastic adapter plate. Should be easy enough to find one.