Can I Build, Paint & Fit Electronics In This Tamiya Classic RC Buggy In just 2.5 Hours? Speed Build!

[@ChrisSmith_NW]

The Grasshopper has been a want of mine since I was a kid in the 80’s, neighbor had one and would let us drive on occasion. Wife saw this in my Amazon list & surprised me with a little gift yesterday! I’m ecstatic! Great video, good to know what I’m up against.

[@philmoffett366]

You forget how good the grasshopper actually looks! It should be an unwritten rule everyone should experience building and owning a grasshopper👨‍🔧 Good vid keep them coming 👍

[@rnichol22]

Or a Hornet

[@EricLaermans]

Is Tamiya a quality brand when it comes to r/c cars?

[@HawkinsRC_Official]

@@EricLaermans yes they are. Tamiya is a big name in the rc world. They’ve been producing kits since the ‘80s

[@JimBoBJames-no5db]

I brought 2 Grasshoppers and just this week I built a Hornet. I'm trying to decide what colour to paint it. Maybe box art or perhaps a ginger beer or fudge caramel root beer colour would look awesome with the orange and yellow decals 🥰👍❤️😍

[@SporeZoo]

17:45 This really made me laugh out loud. 😂

[@andysanger4606]

Never built/owned a rc car, but I remember my rich mates having them all those years ago. The grasshopper & lunchbox were my faves if I recall. UK lockdown has me itching for a little project to do, hence why I'm here. Great vid👍

[@milesthedj8466]

I remember getting my first tamiya car the hornet back in about 1983 it took me all day to build then a good morning to cut out and paint and put the decals on I was 13 years old at the time when I left school in 1986 my first job was in a model shop (I was so lucky) part of my job was to build kits for customers that didn’t want or wasn’t confident enough to build themselves I did it at home to earn some extra money, well I got very good at it I could build a grasshopper or a hornet without the instructions from memory in about one and a half hours (not including body painting) but I did build so many I genuinely lost count, I had the pleasure of building nearly all of the classics I was a very lucky boy😁

[@JPN7669]

It takes me more than 2 weeks just to get myself ready to put on the stickers. Brilliant job man!

[@darrengrimmer8541]

Brilliant Gavin enjoyed that!!! As I said the other day The grasshopper.... pound for pound Tamiya’s greatest ever buggy👍👍👍

[@RCKickschannel]

100% Agree with you Darren.

[@powderriver2424]

Your on point with that I think many of us early 80’s pr-teens got started with a grasshopper. I had 3 friends with them but my first was a Frog I want to get one now just to have a piece of my childhood these were just fun buggy’s to run around.

[@ss9c1]

Me too, a Brat just after it came out was my 1st, my 1st Grasshopper was 2 years later.

[@paulbryk1167]

That was GREAT FUN to watch especially with your commentary. I bought a Grasshopper II (2017) recently...on a whim. Debated to returning it for Credit...but ... Your video changed my mind. Like you I had a Tamiya Falcon back in 1980's which I loved. So, I am going to keep this Grasshopper II. Can't wait to start. Probably will 👍work it slow and careful . ( "That's what she said. ") Many Thanks Paul B.👍👍👍

[@brianpalmer9798]

That was great. Soooo close. Valiant effort. My driver didn't get painted for several weeks the first time. I was too busy crashing it into everything in my yard.

[@fleppie75]

The grasshopper was my first rc car and I tuned it with a reedy motor......this car learned me to drive, if you can drive a tuned Grasshopper you can drive anything. Love the Grasshopper, so much fun.

[@RCKickschannel]

Yep once you it some power in the grasshopper, it acts like a malfunctioning tickle me Elmo so control goes well out the window heheheh.

[@chucksmith155]

I love my Grasshopper I can remember building my first one back I believe in the early 80s and now just built one with my Grandson great memories now

[@jedbeams9829]

'That's what she said' 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 Ahhhh you crack me up Gavin!!

[@whome7004]

U did Great Job,,I call it a WIN ! You have a Working Model, I forgot more odds & ends easily! Great Speed Build ,RC Kicks

[@ss9c1]

I love they way you tossed the rubbish bushings

[@camrowdrone6497]

Karl Johnson always keep your bushings, you never know you might need them in a emergency 👍🏻

[@ss9c1]

@@camrowdrone6497 lol I ave a bag with around 60 white bushings, 10 vintage black bushings, 3 gray bushings, & 20 bronze & brass oilite bushings.

[@gcm747]

Grasshopper was my first legit hobby car in 1986. Couldn’t afford anything better as a 10 year old. But currently building a Super Hot Shot. Pure 80’s Tamiya love. YES! I now the Super Hot Shot is a re-release but what the hell!

[@ringokfw1]

Wow! What a great video on grasshopper! Back when I was a kid, it's the most affordable and most funny rc car that l could probably get. It's simplicity made it so unique and remarkable. Hotshot was for the upper class.

[@chrisbooth478]

Had the Grasshopper as a kid, my Dad and I put it together. I had a trigger control with it that was kinda new and cool at the time. We later put a 'black" motor in it WOW it was so fast. I also remember thinking the "Wild Willie" being so cool, never had it though.

[@RCKickschannel]

👍🏻

[@Henus184offical]

Just found this channel, love it! I bought my first Tamiya Mitsubishi Pajero from Beaties (Lewisham) back in the mid 80s.......Loved it

[@rileykairc]

i still have my orignal grasshopper over the years i have upgraded it oil shocks ,brushless motor and esc,sway bar,metal bumper with working lights ,changed the lights to working spots to it goes like stink and i still love using it

[@RCKickschannel]

New Grasshopper shocks are in order.

[@mikehardy4663]

Great video... Remember doing one with my dad when I was young. Never thought you could build one in 2.5 hours. Wow. I just ordered one for the quarantine. Can't wait to build again. Loved watching this video. Thank you.

[@jesseortega8598]

Awesome Job Gavin! Awesome Job! That was fun and entertaining!

[@RCKickschannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Jesse!

[@davelowman3574]

This was my first rc car, and I guess it was a good start but when I shredded the 3rd transmission, (9 turn speedworks motor) my dad said it's time to get something better. He got me the jrx2 which we built and never had a problem with anything. Comparing the two is literally night and day. More expensive at first but way cheaper in the long run.

[@tomkirbygreen]

Really enjoyed this. Kudos sir!

[@IansRCExploits]

Your videos make me smile!! My RC obsession all started back in the day with a Tamiya Monster Beetle, from there I went on to race 2 WD buggies and trucks around Wales in the Welsh Buggy league, having my best success with the RC10 and Shumacher Cougar 2. Unfortunately for me I then dabbled in Nitro trucks from Hpi but it didn't stop there Helicopters, Planes and still occasionally model cars!! So keep up the great work some of us old farts enjoy a trip down memory lane!! Oh yes worse Buggy for me, the Tamiya Manta Ray!! Lovely to build but rubbish to drive👍😄

[@twotone85]

Just got mine finished today! It was my first kit. All that is left is the decals.

[@nickdeadman4942]

When I used to race my originally purchased vanquish back in 88/9 it was slammed, crashed and rolled and to be honest very little broke, sometimes the front hub carrier or the lower arm pin would bend but all easily repaired, never had breakages like you've suggested, great looking car by far one of the better

[@androsborsato]

Well done!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Great video! You need to do more of these. Informative, entertaining, and funny!

[@RCKickschannel]

Take a look at the video that came out today if you enjoyed that build

[@redrustbucket]

My first ever rc as well. Still a favorite.👍

[@RC4X4]

Good job. I would say two days to build one. That let's the Tamiya paint dry real nice. No hurry!

[@RCKickschannel]

This was just a bit of fun. Two days is more realistic plus it’s nice to savour a classic build like this. Rushing just takes all the fun away.

[@rvt1000lover]

Love this build challenge video! Would love to see more of these kind of videos.

[@svenmaier2402]

Don' t worry about the not fuilly painted driver, in my eyes you passed this crazy Jungle Camp test. No more rice and beans to eat. Very funny Video!

[@chriserskine585]

Loved my Hopper, i think it was 120 quid from the the catalogue, back when you could get a Barnet crossbow and a Thomos scooter too, happier times. Also had the Mauri Galaxy, remember that one!, excellent vid 👍👍

[@mrlt1]

I think this is a great challenge idea in the community of rc channels.

[@stevenmathers8948]

How enjoyable was that and what a great effort I’d put that one down as a win myself 👏🏻, anyway you’ve made my mind up I’m going to order a Grasshopper in a minute as it really is an iconic member of the 80’s set. Great video and very entertaining just keep em coming....👏🏻👍🏻👌🏻

[@RCKickschannel]

Go for it, amazing kit and for the money it’s well worth it. Thanks for the kind words Steven.

[@ifly65]

Right when you said "Dont put the long screws in the front wheels"...I looked down and found four long ones in the front, as I was building them. Thanks!

[@GrimJerr]

Ha I was just digging through boxes of old RC's and pitched an original Grasshopper in the Bin, didn't think they were even making these anymore. quite possibly my 1st Buggy.

[@bayareaadventures4432]

I got one at a yard sale for $20 (American) in 1999. It came with a hot shot 2 that was never built. It also came with a Dynamite power pulse and Novak speed controls. The Novak was never opened. Also 2 reedy modified motors and some battery packs. I ended up selling the two cars for $500 about two ago. The Hotshot2 was still in the box unbuilt.

[@RCKickschannel]

You did well!

[@ralphhowing3473]

Great job, here's a thought if you used a powered screw driver you would have nailed it. And if you painted the body first it would have been dry when needed.

[@Nick-Antoniou]

Great job, well done!

[@chrisheaton6982]

Please consider releasing the full build in real time as a 5 part series. I love watching Tamiya kit builds.

[@RCKickschannel]

Hi, Unfortunately most people don’t like watching full builds in real-time.

[@aaronpatel5482]

Lets go sir. You do so well.

[@Apocalypse_666]

Good effort pal!!!

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks 👍

[@NordicRC]

Good effort! He, yeah, I expected the paint job (driver, car, frame/bars, aux. lights) would make it impossible 😉 Surprised you managed to get as far as the decals. Good job. I actually hope Tamiya wouldn’t pre-cut decals. Such a pain. Takes longer yes, without the pre-cuts, but the result is so much better. Why do you add grease to your gear shafts when you use bearings?

[@RCKickschannel]

I think I could do it in 2.5 hours if I had another go. Why grease the gear shafts, well because I just did it without thinking lol.

[@NordicRC]

RCKicks Yeah, this practice could provide the grounds for future success 🙃 Ahh, ok, I was just wondering if there was any reason I hadn’t thought of.

[@prw139]

Hello & Good day! Awesome build! Just rebuilt my grasshopper, 80's model.. I noticed my wheels are not in the best shape.. any recommendation as an upgrade? Thanks..

[@Pablo668]

This was my first Tamiya and/or hobby grade car. I've them down and rebuilt them more times that I can remember. I've built and worked on heaps of other cars too. But, I highly doubt I could do one of these in two hours. Just not my way. Btw: Very entertaining vid. Was fun to watch.

[@davidturner2365]

Well done

[@letzvisit1661]

Hi, I’d like to build my first RC kit with my son over winter. We’re looking at one of the subuaru or Mercedes Tamiya kits or perhaps a buggy like the dark impact. Would these kits be pretty straight Ford to build? Also silly question how tight do you put the screws in are they just hand tight? Can you build the kit without the servos and radio gear and come back at a later time? I’m just thinking of buying different parts each month. Thanks for any help.

[@STEVOD313]

It took me more then 2 hours to get the tires on the rims LOL

[@STEVOD313]

I did not heat my tires cus at the time I didnt know that trick so this is why it took me fighting to get the wheels n tires done

[@RCKickschannel]

LOL. I’ve had the same fun myself. Hot water is the best way to go. That or you have a fight on your hands until your fingers start hurting.

[@michaelqendro9825]

@@RCKickschannel No, the best way is to pick up a can of silicon spray from the hardware store or car parts place. Spray both sides of the tire and the rims pop in quite easy.

[@michaelqendro9825]

Silicon spray works great for popping the rims into the tires (tyre for you Brit guys. LOL). Spray each side of thr tire and the rims pop in quite easyily.

[@9cstephangeldenhuys252]

Love your vid man and your amazing love it😜

[@garettbodel3002]

Yeah the little Tupperware. Makes all the difference in the world. And anybody with as many cars as you. Probably definitely has a secret miracle Tupperware somewhere with all the right screws and parts to get you out of a jam. Secret stash

[@Pablo668]

Bloody hell, just subbed and belled, thought I had already.

[@focalpointvideo]

Very entertaining video!! My real 1st build was the brother Hornet. Quick editing tip if you like? i know you wanted to keep all the footage in there that's why this video is kinda new n cool!! Simply speed up the "Sped up sections", that of course depends on what your editing on. You always have my attention Gavin!! keep up the great work. Sincerely... Another Old Tamiya Uk Fart but in the US. thumbs up! Brent.

[@camrowdrone6497]

Stickers always a pain when you have knob fingers 👍🏻

[@jbsghosthuntingandotherhobbies]

Cool I am building one right now just not in 2 hours maybe 2 days 🤪

[@RCKickschannel]

Have fun!

[@_mossie_]

I want to paint my grasshopper body brilliant blue but I'm not sure if I have to use primer before I paint it

[@robsgarage7022]

Hi Gavin . Saw you struggling with the motor mount bolts and wondered if you fitted the plastic nuts behind the metal ones . This stops the metal nuts sliding away while your trying to start the bolts

[@MikeTheBike58]

Hi Gav, I have just built my Candy Green Grasshopper with a 540SH motor. My question is,does the ESC need setting up as I don't think the motor is at full speed,although the stick is pushed fully forward. I am running a 7.2V 2100 mah NiMH battery.

[@letzvisit1661]

Also could you list the basic tools you’d recommend for a build.

[@jamessavage7987]

Is it possible to fit a 540 sport tuned motor in a grasshopper because I am thinking about getting one for mine?

[@Callidus420]

Does it come with a steering servo? I'm looking at buying this rc car on Saturday or Sunday

[@Ts-zy4bw]

No, in the video you see him get one from another bin.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I had mentioned in your previous Video about how I built one in under 2 hours.... NOW, at 55 years old - not a bloody snowballs chance in Hell!!! 😳😖 I couldn't build those fiddly Wheels in under 2 hours now! And you can forget doing up all those screws by HAND! You did well Gavin! 👍👍 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

And honestly, I would kill for another Madcap!! Truth. My absolute favorite early Buggy! Even more than my RC10 Gold Pan....

[@TinyTiresRC]

Had me laughing the while time. Great video

[@VintageTamiya]

I’ve done a grasshopper, from box to running everything completed nothing left out in 43 minutes. The challenge is set my friends

[@rcmikeklein5512]

that 380 motor is a bit anemic but if you can run a 5000 lipo it will run forever super fun when your well about 6 yrs old.

[@RCKickschannel]

It’s going brushless at some point for a speed run.

[@rcmikeklein5512]

@@RCKickschannel I installed the 540 silver can and it rips, maybe a 3800kv on 2s is all I would go but look forward to see what you do.

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

Cool video everything was on point did it come with electronics I like the color on the drivers helmet that blue is a great choice it sounds good for a stock motor looks good too

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

Did u say 70 mph now ur talking I would hate to see you do that to that car buy a losi truggy...grasshopper is a amazing design its like nothing else it looks like a moon car I think u did a great job gavin I want one but I dislike that its plastic and limited to my addiction I need some of gavin's secret cup of tea good stuff wild e coyote style meep meep

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

Hi gavin

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

Look a ufo made u look

[@RCKickschannel]

Hi Paul 👋

[@RCKickschannel]

No I put a HobbyWing ESC in the car.

[@Mark_5150]

Next time try this challenge with a RTR. :)

[@benjaminbritt4778]

What motor upgrade on 3s is best in your opinion

[@RCKickschannel]

Don’t put 3S in a Grasshopper lol, it will just explode the gearbox and be totally out of control

[@erebus1964]

Yes, the Grasshopper is a somewhat iconic Tamiya RC. I recently bought one too, just because of some sentimental mood. But I am always irritated about folks using ball bearings and greasing the shafts like mad. Please think it through. What are you using ballraces for if you use grease on the shafts? That's contra productive. You could as well use the "junk" plastic bearings if you work with grease. If you use ball bearings, no grease on the shaft where the bearing runs! Otherwise you offer the shaft a possibility to rotate inside the bearing without rotating the bearing itself causing unnecessary wear on the shaft. Just a reasonable amount on the gears (yes some folks tend to drown their gearboxes in grease as well). Everything that is too much will be thrown off the gears anyway and you will have the mess when you do major maintenance on your gearbox.

[@RCKickschannel]

You put oil on the bearings to stop rust from forming when it sits on the shelf for months when not being used.

[@douggilreath1984]

I vote for one monthly top five.

[@schuttrostig5729]

No point in lubing the gear shafts when using ball bearings. Sealing the gear halves somehow (silicone) could be considered though. Also i like to use some oil on the screws to get them in much easier.

[@RCKickschannel]

Will try the oil on screws next time. It was a bit of a work out lol

[@RCKickschannel]

Thinking about it, you are completely correct about the shafts lol. Well it’s done now.

[@ss9c1]

I think the plastic is different, they were a bit easier to screw back in the day.

[@ZombieGamingMetalhead]

I built mine in under 2 hrs with everything in it

[@irocjared]

Do you glue most of this together or use screws?

[@popeye9048]

No glue.

[@santrade10]

Is that a submariner time piece?

[@artworkbyjohn3254]

I had one should of gotten the hopped up Hornet

[@jasonrackawack9369]

Should have cheated and painted the body as the 1st thing, would have been able to dry if it was warm enough out.......fun build, everyone I knew as a kid had one of these, I had a Nikko mosquito, 35 some years later I finnaly got a Tamiya, used frog, added a sand scorcher body, these old 80s kits are fun, finally got my first new tamiya kit a clodbuster black edition, cant wait to get to building it.

[@GTMatukka]

Good morning! Was that Madcap an ebay buy? I was looking two on ebay but decided not to bid. 🙄

[@RCKickschannel]

Hi Cosmo, no this wasn’t an eBay purchase.

[@GTMatukka]

@@RCKickschannel Oh, ok 😀 Just ordered a DN-01 Zahhak. Nice build btw 👌🏻

[@trinitymirror]

Mr Kicks, Can you provide some help please. Finally decided a Buggy is not for me AND after looking proper bashing stuff is not for me. So I am going with a Tamiya "Truck" kit with good BL motor setup.If power breaks it I will Fix. So choice wise,it seems I have Blitzers,subaru brat,blackfoot cheaper end.Then Sand scorcher and the Rock Socker.I presume the latter 2 are more modern in design. And are the first 4 all the same chassis design. You really know your Tamiya`s any advice please? Just come back to edit,the Rock socker is a crawler so ignore that,will be pants for fast motor

[@RCKickschannel]

How about the Stadium Thunder? If it’s bashing and power? It’s light, wide stance helps stop flipping over and the body will last a little longer than say the Blitzer.

[@ss9c1]

Wait, you didn't have the 18t pinion in the kit?

[@RCKickschannel]

Nope

[@stonecold6243]

Is the hornet not better than the grasshopper?

[@RCKickschannel]

A little

[@Sean-rm1mv]

Nice video. Geez that music is painful though.

[@countmurcielago9802]

Have you heard about KZbin regulation changing after December 10 2019 I subscribed to your channel and Tamiya legends Glenn explains regulations that could kill RC cars everything on KZbin

[@RCKickschannel]

Yep, I just put a video out about it myself.

[@ishtiaqahmed3629]

What happened to your channel and love all your videos 👍👍👍

[@RCKickschannel]

What happened to the channel? In what way?

[@ishtiaqahmed3629]

@@RCKickschannel First KZbin was not opening your old videos but later it was normal and not its all good.

[@RCKickschannel]

KZbin doing what it does. Something must have gone a bit funny with a server someplace.

[@teknykill]

This was my 1st RC car. Took 10 hrs at least lol

[@casperrr3924]

I made a tamiya midnight pumpkin and it took me 10 hours lol

[@ianwheller1642]

If i was you Gav i wouldn't of said nout cause i hadn't noticed

[@ss9c1]

lol, 3kg is actually pretty good on these, unlike on most higher end cars.

[@RCKickschannel]

What have I missed?

[@ss9c1]

@@RCKickschannel Just sayin' a weak old 3kg servo is more than adequate on a Grasshopper or Hornet

[@red7fifty]

Grasshopper....I could do it in an hour flat....but, like sex, I want to take my time and enjoy it.

[@r.lee1989]

good video, but 2.5 hrs on a grasshopper is not a speed build

[@RCKickschannel]

Welcome to give it a go 👍🏻

[@OurCreatorsHouse]

70 🤔

[@RCKickschannel]

80!

[@tysonfield2262]

stickers is not building u waist time