Rare Tamiya Vintage RC Buggy | Top Force Evolution First Tweaks.

In this video I fix a few small issues with my newly purchased vintage Tamiya Top Force Evolution as well as have a good old chinwag. Come and take a close look at a rare and extremely beautiful vintage Tamiya race buggy. I need your help on picking a ESC and motor for this truly iconic buggy.

[@2fast4ua]

I was sponsored by Tamiya in NZ for many years and ran the carbon chassis Evo version in both buggy and truck. The chassis was an awesome platform for a stadium body and ran it in truck class for many years. I place first in the National comp in truck and buggy most years and had a total of 179 race trophies won over about 10 years running this awesome shaft driven beast. I always ran a Tekin 420 G2 (1993) in mod and these never let me down. I will post some pics of the two cars I ran on my Utube account if your interested in how the truck looked. It would be fair to say on the day in the right hands this is the most reliable and top performing buggy ever made. The biggest tip I can offer when putting this together is make sure the steering links are put on the inside ball, if on the end the buggys turn radius isn’t the best, I ran a lot of indoor mod on carpet with a 10 wind Cam motor and the Top Force was ballistic given the shaft was instant torque with no slip. Also run the short front shock mount. GO THE MIGHTY TOP FORCE

[@RCKickschannel]

After all your comments on a motor choice, I decided to go with... Tamiya Dynatech 02H 👍🏻

[@RCKickschannel]

Brendan Raymond two vintage racing Speedo’s are coming from France a I type this. Both are motor limitless and interesting. Also no Tamiya lol.

[@thomasvennekens4137]

@@RCKickschannel with the optional 10 T rotor ? or is that 11T

[@jjp735i9]

I run hobbywing both brushless and brused esc in my buggies and love them. They are about 3 years old and are still going strong. Can't beat the price either.

[@RCKickschannel]

jjp 735i Hi, I have a lot of HW kit now and it all works well so I’m happy.

[@facebiter]

Mate you do such a great video. You don't keep stopping and saying er, umm, it's great to see someone who knows there stuff and is passionate. Keep up the quality content 👍

[@didierfavre8126]

Motor: frankly, there's only one right choice: Dynatech 02H. Regarding ESC, you should try to keep it period correct and make sure it can run a hot motor. The Novak 410 is always a right choice for early 90s race-oriented cars.

[@marijnvanderheiden3219]

Classic Novak esc combined with a nice trinity brushed motor of the same time period. Used to be the best and cool looking.

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

Good thought

[@vwhelmot]

Cpr unit and an 02h dynatech. Nothing else will do.

[@jamesh950]

Couldn't agree with you more on how one choose to do with one's collection. I too hate scratches up bottom. For my cars, I buy those cheap adhesive clear or semi transparent draw liner and stick them at the bottom.

[@calvin1mac]

Hey Gavin, a good source for the weight and things is the Tamiya RC guide book 1993. Shows the top force/manta Ray and top force evo weights fully equipt. There is also an exploded diagram in the inside cover showing all the original part. Used to look at that for hours as a kid. For ESC’a around that time I’d say either a CPR unit and dyna tech. Or if you want to go something of the period either an LRP LE 25AMS, Tekin 410k, (very cool) or a Nosram Dominator. Probably go with an LRP blue SE or Magic motor.

[@jedbeams9829]

3x Falcons and 3x Vanquishes is not healthy I have laughed at that a few times in your videos now 😂🤣😆

[@RCKickschannel]

😜

[@aviano72]

Top Force will be released in another batch in November along with the Hi Caps. Just upgrade it and drive it like you stole it :) Put a Superstock motor in it.

[@aviano72]

@Bas bzb Top Force, not EVO

[@GTMatukka]

No, not released with the Hi Caps. It's just the 2017 version without the Hi Caps. They sell it WITH them if you pay "more", there's an option.

[@aviano72]

@@GTMatukka duuoohh, that was what i wrote you.. Although several sites sell it in a bundle also.

[@christophercoconis2575]

Hey Gavin look into Novak esc's I ran a much during the the late 80's early 90's motor wise there was alot to choose from,Trinity ,Reedy , Losi , LRP , Team Orion, Wimpy.I had really good luck with Team Orion diamond double turns!! Still run a Orion diamond 12x2 in my Losi XXX BK1 on 2's it does 44mph according to my skyrc gps 😎

[@tyrekycker]

2 other differences are that the Evo has the orange wheels, the regulator TF has white ones... plus the front shock tower has the upper cross brace, where as the TF doesn't.... Also, ALWAYS fit steel pinion gear... the kit supplied alloy one wears out quickly... Hop ups include the Vanquish white spoked wheels too. I would say that motor mounts break easily too, as does the idler gear top cover lifts as well.

[@brianargo9306]

I like the high sweep of the body up to the wing in the back

[@viper-qi1po]

Lovely car and a great video. I do have to say though I think the evo is overrated. At its core it's a manta ray. That being said I love the chassis and still run a df01. They are great cars and alot of fun, but not at the price point of the evo. Keep up the good work!

[@markbruton-young9228]

LRP IPC speedo and LRP pink E motor from that era would be spot on

[@chrisrobinson1651]

I know they aren't exactly race speck and the evolution is but I always try to fit Tamiya CPR units into my vintage shelf queen's that don't come with MSC, and Tamiya motors of the same era?? Although they are expensive. Keep up the good work :)

[@legoproductions7286]

lol,, you paying yaself out..haha..Gold!! Yes your interesting to watch, i might learn something!

[@samameduri9438]

Fyi , the damper mounts on the evo are FRP , not carbon, none of the topforce buggies had them in carbon. Also if your gonna run brushless , get rid of the alloy idler gear and fit the TA02 plastic gear set instead. Dynatech 02 for your shelf evo 👍

[@RCKickschannel]

Sam Ameduri Thanks for the comment, what’s the issue with the idler gear on brushless?

[@samameduri9438]

@@RCKickschannel The alloy idler gear turns to dust once u put decent power throu it. Be sure to run a steel pinion gear on the motor too. Robinson racing make good ones.Get the correct pitch on it tho.

[@dave691974]

Yeah I had a Novak in my losi XXX buggy , I had a few Trinity motors as well the speed Jem series ones were good.

[@peterfleming170]

Motor has to be a Dynatech 02H. ESC something like a Tekin ESC600 PRO XT Mosfet ESC or better still the C.R.P :-)

[@h-jg7730]

I would have take a brushed Team Orion V2 Evolution modified 11x1 or touring 15x2 in there. Both can eat your Dynatech for breakfast 😄😂👍

[@danrunnheim3870]

Great videos! Those DF chassis are hard to keep cool, no room for heatsinks. I would add two fans into your harness on top of whatever you decide to go with. I run mine without the cover alot and always grease the diffs to keep it cool, they can go alot faster than people think!!!

[@yvesdesmet2284]

Y have a brushed trinity Chris Doseck 11T and a Novak 410-MxC on an original top force with hop-up dampers and front free wheel. I'am a fly-by expert with this aircraft. 🙃

[@dave691974]

Nice vid. Yes please rere the evo !

[@frederichenry8421]

I have the original top force that is running. Motor is a twister hurricane 15*2 and esc is Futaba MC116

[@gronkvbs2795]

Novak 410 ESCs were the norm back then but for this car only the 410 HPc would really fit the bill as it was the top version of that model line.

[@yusmanjamil4794]

Hi Gavin. Can tell me what is the difference between Top Force and Top Force Evolution?.

[@wayneyates5256]

Hi Gavin keeping the electrics old school is a great idea, I would go for an old futada esc or Novak, n motor wise a tamiya technigold or reedy ti. 👍👍👍👍

[@wayneyates5256]

@@BrendanRaymondKoroKoro hi Brendan I'm still running a Novak gtx in my ta04s and it's a bit of tiny genius engineering from Novak and with no limits and high power it's a great esc👍

[@wayneyates5256]

@@BrendanRaymondKoroKoro hi Brendan Erm I might if the price is right, been looking for another 1 for awhile to put in me 2nd hpi but they seem to b getting impossible to find. I also run a Novak durally as they to are no limits. 👍

[@Alexwt99]

Iv been looking for a novak gtx for ages aswell they have all disappeared can't find them anywhere

[@Alexwt99]

@@BrendanRaymondKoroKoro oh sorry, I mean yea you can find them everywhere 😳

[@wayneyates5256]

@@BrendanRaymondKoroKoro some other Novak's which aren't as good r goin for £40-£50 but I am realistic, make me an offer or hav u got something to swap maybe😁

[@TEAMCHONMAGE]

Awesome mod!!!!!🤩👍liked

[@calvin1mac]

Top force evo and top force don’t have the rear bumper as standard. They are off the Tamiya Manta Ray E parts tree.

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks for that Calvin :)!

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

Traxxas speed controls are good and ur chassis mount has a fixed esc spot I use fuze and dynamite top on my game lil expensive but its waterproof I like ur shocks evo is ahead of it's time but its still a rock compared to modern rcs ur a racer I see it but u need a good losi gunmetal is a good color like body clips are everywherein my house extra bedrooms are for family not for storage garage would be a nice place can I walk in too ur woods tripy back ground love it a barn would be nice background or ur trx 4 on beach picture dam ppl know their rcs love the names tho 🦄 e bay UK we need to talk tamyia I think I'm going to change my user name to dirty juice box love ur titanium watch

[@jayess397]

I thought Dynatech (02h?) was the Evo motor of choice. And Adspec radio... Like in the manual.

[@Bormac073]

Regular SUBSCRIBER here. Liked again.

[@leehurst6922]

What do you mean by split pins? Do you mean eclips?

[@SavyBajaBuster]

Tamiya actor power (pink off road) I believe came out around the same time?? It's what i planted in my super astute..

[@RCKickschannel]

I do like that motor and have been wanting one for a long time. Not many come up in the 🇬🇧

[@SavyBajaBuster]

@@RCKickschannel Yeah they are like hens teeth over here🤣.. I was lucky as i purchased the astute off Ebay here in U.K and although it had some issues which I corrected it did have the actor motor which was a spot of luck..

[@SavyBajaBuster]

@@RCKickschannel Just noticed that spell check corrected "ACTO" twice🤣🤣

[@aaronlittlehales2664]

if you restore a car and sell it then include the original parts they replaced. even if damaged people can then decide if they want the original part and then know if they want to source their own solution that they prefer

[@SupertecRacing]

You haven’t trimmed the bottom of the bodyshell as per the TF lines. Still some trimming work to do.

[@fc3sboy1]

Tekin 411 esc and a Trinity mod motor

[@davidturner2365]

Are them red front uprights metal they look anodised ??

[@philmoffett366]

School boy error I've been building tamiya (and others) for 30+ years and from the first build to now I still do this upside down/wrong way around🤷‍♂️ I have a topforce evo and it doesn't come with the rear guard (at least my one never)

[@Gene_the_OG_Raver]

You need to buy a stock Top Force.

[@urge251980]

What model is the buggy car model on the far left? Away!

[@RCKickschannel]

2011 Avante

[@cmarshall4559]

Novak esc and a Technigold would be heavenly.

[@RCKickschannel]

C Marshall I do have a Technigold Free so that could be a way to go. Is it special enough?

[@cmarshall4559]

RCKicks as a vintage rc buff nothing is more special than a Technigold. On 8.4v they fly and the looks and name can't be beat. All the best with it.

[@didierfavre8126]

@@RCKickschannel thechnigold is around 6 years older than the evo, go for something a bit newer and punchier!

[@alanmorris8783]

I wonder who, at Tamiya, comes up with the moronic slogans on he rear wings. ‘Impressive Numbers’ ...... well there’s 007 and 69 I suppose. ‘Being Nuts Is Neat’ ..... I agree, I prefer mine with a spritz of soda water. ‘Anytime’ ..... yeh, only till you get married and have kids.

[@Solutionsonlypls]

Hi Gavin. Hope well? I’ve recently acquired a vintage top force and an evolution both with original shells, under tray and decals. I want to paint the shells box art and lay the decals all for shelf Queen glory but I’m a bit concerned as I want them as perfect as possible. I wondered if maybe I can send them to you and you could do it as a segment on your channel for content or can i pay you privately and if so how much? Or do you know anyone who is great at getting this done? I’m in the Bristol (south west) Thanks.

[@RCKickschannel]

Congratulations on finding a vintage Top Force for the collection. I would ask around on the RC painting forums as you can find a load of people who paint for money. Unfortunately, I have enough trouble keeping up with my own builds and content so sorry I can't do it for your.

[@Solutionsonlypls]

@@RCKickschannel 😀🙏absolutely no problem at all Gavin. I totally understand. You are awesome and I’ll check out the Forums for sure and get it done. Keep up the amazing content bro. Thanks for the reply and advice.

[@salinasanders2241]

go novak all the way

[@d3po455]

‘Can’t stop buying the **** things” 🤣😂🤣. RC Car Syndrome

[@ianrudd2668]

If you need any period esc I have a lot, and motors as well as receivers etc, give me a shout and I’ll pass on my number if you want. I bought one of these when they came out, still have it.

[@stussyboi01]

fancy trading a mint schuy cougar for a falcon ?

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks for the offer Slevin, I’m really after a SWB Schumacher CAT. I almost won one yesterday but was outbid.

[@stussyboi01]

RCKicks you will get hold of one I’m sure . I do have one but doesn’t reflect to the Tamiya falcon in comparison, a cougar club 10 or cougar would . I’ll keep searching for a decent falcon , that’s if I can beat you to them

[@RCKickschannel]

Slevin Kelevra Let me know if you ever want to part with your SWB Schumacher CAT?

[@stussyboi01]

RCKicks what about a mint condition purple chassis mardave cobra with box art paint ? I’m trying ...

[@sampsonsisland6782]

Source some Novak electronics!

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

If you can find one, the Novak Rooster ESC was our go-to, on or off the Track around 1992.... For Motor, any good Trinity or Reedy would be top end appropriate! Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

Gavin, you're not committing blasphemy!! You're replacing non precious parts with exact Factory replacements. 😉

[@policopaul7961]

Do you sell any or ur cars?

[@RCKickschannel]

Yes, I'm currently selling a Vanquish and soon another Falcon after a bit of work.

[@policopaul7961]

Do u have an ebay page? Or where u sell those?

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

@@RCKickschannel e bay uk ?

[@grantchadwick8215]

Vintage speed controller? Give it a Novak.

[@RCKickschannel]

LPR currently but that would work 👍🏻