1984 MARUI BIG BEAR RC TRUCK BUILD AND RUN

This is my supersize episode with the entire build and run of my favorite rc vehicle Marui Big Bear Truck. This is an important rc in rc hobby as its the first hobby grade monster truck. This monster truck would turn 40 years old. And to celebrate my 3000 subscriber and celebrate 200 videos with a giveaway that's discussed in this video. I started my videos in 2016 with the build of a Marui Big Bear and would do around 11 with this one its 12 restorations. All this luv for this could not be imagined without a Marui Big Bear truck given to me on my 12th birthday from my uncle. This would be my first hobby grade rc too. I did many box art builds but never on KZbin. I had to make sure everything was documented and shown so others can reap the benefits to build their own. As a bonus i record a top speed and run it. I take this fully restored rc truck to the beach to pay homage to Marui, as they did a promotional video with beach footage. Absolute wonderful experience. Be sure to check out my Facebook group on Marui Big bears, its called MARUI BIG BEAR RC MONSTER TRUCKS its a fantastic group of people who have share their ideas, build and memories not too mention their future builds. Truly an awesome experience. A big thanks to all my fans and supporters and subscribers to push me to next levels in this amazing hobby. luv you all!

[@MrAlistairhawk]

This was my very first RC when I was a young teenager. I loved it. I loved building it and playing with it and cleaning it. It was what brought me into the world of RC’s. Thank you for taking me down memory lane.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks for sharing. ✌️

[@NeilLB7]

I raced monster truck class in 1987 with a big bear before I moved up to 2wd stock with an RC10. I raced against Blackfoots, Monster Beetles and Lunchboxs with great success. Back when monster truck racing was rough and tumble. Lots of broken parts and motors too powerful for the chassis. I had a bearing set for mine and a Airtronics two stick radio. Trinity Monster Stock motor, Novak ESC, BEC and a lexan body of some kind. If I recall the gears were susceptible to stripping and there was a special part to help strengthen the gear box called a Case Saver. Those were a must to keep the idler and spur gear shafts from moving apart. The steering on the big bear was almost non existent on a race course. Good times.

[@LukesVintageRC]

@@NeilLB7 Rc in the 80’s was a special time. Thanks for sharing and watching. 😊

[@jasonstation]

My first RC vehicle too. Thank you for the trip down memory lane!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thank you 😊

[@redeyeriley4299]

I had one in 84/85 not sure of the year. It was a very bouncy boy. Good video and fun to relive the big bear. Thank you.

[@LukesVintageRC]

@@redeyeriley4299 thanks for watching. More videos ahead. ✌️

[@JoevsRc]

What a great looking truck. I remember wanting a Big Bear as a kid and my brother had the Marui Hunter. It's very nice of you to give away the Grasshopper. I will not enter because i have it already. Good luck to all who enter to win this wonderful prize.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks for supporting the channel.🙏

[@MrJcoupe96]

Beautiful job as always, Luke! Congrats on the 3k subs, too! IMO you're a VERY underrated channel. The work you put into these RC models is phenomenal and you'll only continue to grow from here, I'm sure of it. Keep at it, bud. You're doing awesome and I can't wait for the next one!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Your beyond kind my friend. Godbless you.☺️

[@goldenmanuever1176]

I don't know much about these maybe might have seen these in RCCA ads back in the day. You do nice work.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks for watching many more rc to come. 🫶

[@rcicons4915]

Great resto. The Big Bear is such an iconic truck. Congrats on 3000. One milestone at a time.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thank you Keith. Awesome people like you keep me looking forward in this amazing hobby.

[@BBBILLY86]

Great memories. The local hobby shop had one and my brother had gotten a Hornet the year before. So I bought this 100% from the box art. When box art sold things before internet and YT info. Initially I was dissapointed by its small size. But loved the huge tires. Was blown away by how easy it was to ride down the street on its back bumper. Later learned it was based on a wheelie chassis. Eventually drooled over the Blackfoot, USA1 and did get a HUGE real 4x4x4 Clod Buster. Which is nice. But lacks the agility and high speed play of the Bear Bear. CB feels like a lumbering heavy weight fighter that is heavy on its feet. BB jumps and flicks around eagerly.

[@LukesVintageRC]

I Still get a kick out of these old rc. Perhaps the designers knew how to make some great stuff. Thanks 😊

[@BBBILLY86]

@LukesVintageRC sure did! :)

[@steveblackbird]

Sensational resto Luke. She looks perfect. I remember the ads on TV for the Big Bear too... awesome!

[@LukesVintageRC]

@@steveblackbird just a cool monster truck that’s become legendary. Thanks a ton

[@ayieceniza4701]

Very nice resto build Luke...a big CONGRATZ to you and your awesome work...More power Luke and keep these kool videos coming...Looking forward to the next one😊

[@LukesVintageRC]

@@ayieceniza4701 hey there, yeah this was a ton of fun. Thanks for watching. Lots more fun builds coming. 👍

[@L.U.C.K.Y.333]

Beautifully done

[@LukesVintageRC]

@@L.U.C.K.Y.333 thank you 😊

[@zoridor16]

You must definitely feel great joy having this monster in such perfect condition

[@LukesVintageRC]

It’s a little bit eye candy ain’t gonna lie. Thanks

[@originalrcfun7368]

My brother got one in the 80's. That was what kicked off my rc addiction. At that point I had a radio chack Ford monster truck running on 4 d cells. Awesome truck, to be a toy truck.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Sounds like good memories. Thanks 😊

[@M.A.S.Ked-Crusader]

These trucks are how I found your channel originally, great to see another one on your channel, my dad had one of these and a rough rider back in the day, he never really used it, I still have the bear body, he still has his rough rider and uses it a bit more now

[@LukesVintageRC]

Great to hear from you man. Thanks again

[@DouglasSzarzynski]

Amazing! Great memories…. Feel like I’m sitting with my stack of RC Car Action magazines and dreaming of having a credit card to go to the hobby shop

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks a ton

[@jasonrackawack9369]

Love the look of an early 80s monster truck, glad to see one restored to box art.....neat truck!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@fpmd99]

This was my first RC car ever!! Had this when I was 10 or 11. Had the same Futaba remote control as well. I recall having issues with the speed controller and sometimes would get stuck. Also popped wheelies really easy. Loved it! Thanks for bringing back fond memories. Just subscribed to your channel!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Best hobby on earth. Thanks for sharing and subbing. Much more exciting rc videos to come. ✌️

[@NoNoRc]

Truck is super Rad. Tire size to body size ratio is spot on for classic 80’s. Reminds me watching my favorite monster truck videos on a vhs 📼 👍

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks for sharing and watching

[@AfterBurnerTeirusu]

The wheels are a pain to replace. I've never seen one with good wheels in the wild.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks for sharing and watching.

[@frankschuler2867]

Can you believe I never owned a mechanical speed control?? Lol. By the time I got into RC in the mid-90s, ESCs were the norm. I want to say there were some budget kits still around that came with MSCs, but I never did get one. Anyway, another great video! I wish I had more space and time for more RC vehicles myself. A guy down the street who was into RC in the 90s has been threatening to get a new monster truck of some type (after seeing a couple of my cars zipping down the street). Rabbit hole...haha... Keep up the great work!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Oh man what a rabbit hole it is, right. Luv the share and truly appreciate you. 😊

[@czkarting]

Nice resto!👌 I always preferring to keep it original as possible and with period RC system as well. Mechanical speed control is cool, I'm using one on my Kyosho Shadow. I you are using external batteries for RC, it's safe. Using driving battery as a power source for RC typicaly ending with trying to catch your running away car as battery is too low to return servos back to neutral. Been there, done that...🤣.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Truly appreciate you sharing and watching. Luv a 4wd Shadow I’m hoping to get one and the aero streak for my collection.

[@AddamsPlayground]

It turned out looking great!! Really cool restore and a great truck! Loved seeing it out running around and it was cool out on the beach! Great Job!! Congrats again for rolling past the 3K mark!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thank you bro. A labor of love this was. Luv your channel.🙏

[@alexwenzel6932]

Awesome looking Luke and congratulations on the BIG channel milestones!! Love the channel and content you have. I don't have an original Big Bear myself but did replicate one with an altered lunchbox. Looking forward to the next video!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks for sharing and watching

[@MatMabee]

My and the worlds first RC monster truck. Got my late fathers unbuilt kit in 1999 and still have it! Cleaned my contacts on the servo speed control and gave it a new 7V battery last year and she still runs perfectly! So many good memories I'd love to restore it and put her behind my glass cabinet but she's been beaten to a pulp over the course of my life. I've gone from a Big Bear all the way to a 75mph 6S 1/8 Kraton over the years. The Big Bear holds a huge place in my heart and I love seeing new Big Bear content. Keep up the good work dude been subscribed for a hot minute!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Wow! Luv this comment. You know it’s truly about memories. Thanks for sharing and supporting. ☺️

[@keithbusch4014]

That was my first rc, holy flash back..

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thank you ☺️

[@keithbusch4014]

@LukesVintageRC Your welcome, and thanks for the content..

[@LukesVintageRC]

My pleasure

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

I still have an unused tube of Marui grease that was in my box. Your videos definitely inspired my box art restoration.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks for sharing and making fun videos. Awesome guy.😎

[@RCTanksTrucks247]

Bravo brother, that looks awesome!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Truly appreciate you

[@madwrencher1069]

awesome , love how you actually run it

[@LukesVintageRC]

and with old radio gear. lol! Thank you for watching. 🙏

[@martinhsrc6699]

Well done on 3000. Love the Big Bear 👍

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thank you my friend.☺️

[@fredboylstein8930]

Love your vids. I have a couple Radio Shack and Tyco RCs I’ve upgraded. There just something special about them. Thanks!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks so much ☺️

[@kenmullins1665]

I still have mine....is there any where to get parts for the Big Bear? I'm fresh retired and need a hobby, so I ordered a fms 1/24 Chevy K5. It's been 30 yrs. But I look forward to getting into it again.

[@Nlangkirby135]

Hey, congrats on achieving 3000 subscribers. I really hope your channel can achieve more subscribers in the future.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Positive vibes is always welcome. Thanks

[@clives681]

I notice the MIP ball diff instructions - any chance you have one of those and would be willing to part with it? Really keen to add one to my build when I get around to it!

[@LukesVintageRC]

@@clives681unfortunately can’t find. Thanks for watching

[@driftcraze2138]

Man you keep taking me back🤣😂🤣💪🏻

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thanks man 80’s was fun time.🙏

[@artieaudio77]

Killer restore again, Luke. Soooo can i send you my big bear rims and tires for you to assemble? Lol, for the life of me i can not put them together, ughhh. I'll pay you, and you can make a video of it. 🤷‍♂️🙏 I'm desperate here. 😂😂😂

[@LukesVintageRC]

Hey there buddy, sometimes the rims can be tough especially if they’re a little warped or the stem for screws. I had this problem before. Before installing the tires make sure the rims marry. If it’s good your not done make sure there’s no plastic flashing in the stems. Pre screw to make sure but don’t go but half way with the screw without both halves together. Be patient don’t get frustrated I have faith you will have that bear submissive. 😆

[@David-069]

That’s cool man

[@LukesVintageRC]

Appreciate it

[@lukesilkey4294]

Beautiful truck. I had one as a child in I believe 87. Mine absolutely came with a 540 and not the 480. It was ridiculously fast. I remember it flying by my blackfoot like it was standing still. Do you know any history as to why they used a 480 then switched at some point to the generic 540???

[@LukesVintageRC]

Howdy, late eighties it came with 540 not the 480 it’s because of production costs were less. The manufacture who produced the 480 we’re killing off that can size. It was cheaper to buy the larger motor because of its mass distribution. The black Mabuchi 480 motors are highly sought after because of the short production. These Motors alone go for upwards 100 bucks or more in mint condition.

[@lukesilkey4294]

I remember when RC Car Action did a monster truck shootout and the Big Bear scored really well I think 2nd place. It had the fastest top speed and that was with the 480. I wonder how it would have done with the 540?

[@spawnrcandbikes]

i got one in the 80s...i remember the chassis had a weeak spot..mine broke after jumping it quite a few times...

[@LukesVintageRC]

@@spawnrcandbikes yeah these aren’t the most robust rc. Definitely not 40 years later. ✌️

[@davidroy4072]

Beautiful truck, you do a great job, where do you find them, I have looked for one, can't find anything I can afford

[@LukesVintageRC]

Everywhere and anywhere. Prices on these are ridiculous but with vintage rc you gotta pay to play or should say not play as the majority likely become shelf queens for completely non-understandable prices/I mean reasons..😁

[@RallyandTrail]

Awesome dude 👍 Subbed 😎🏁

[@LukesVintageRC]

Thank you 😊

[@hellofromsoutheastalaskarc7517]

Whys the bumper not look the same as the box? Jw

[@LukesVintageRC]

What box you looking at?😂

[@hellofromsoutheastalaskarc7517]

The one you showed on the video. The bumper is a lot lower. It don't cover the grill or lights

[@LukesVintageRC]

Howdy, The box artwork is an artistic representation, even the decals are different but all Big Bear kits have same bumpers or nudge bars. If you analyze any rc box art from 80’s Tamiya ClodBuster box art for example from 87 will have no diamonds on the tires yet the actual tires do. you’ll see some indifference here and there but it in no way deflect the beauty and artistry, hope this helps.

[@zoridor16]

Why do the best cars from the best brands have to leave the market? This truck impresses me because it is a 4x4 from 1984 and it also has such a detailed and beautiful body (definitely brands like Kyosho and Tamiya no longer make the effort to make beautiful cars like this one)

[@LukesVintageRC]

Appreciate you watching. Awesome truck

[@jbarnett7045]

Promo'SM 😀