SORRY, I JUST HATE IT! Finishing & Modding the New Tamiya TD4 Super Avante RC Buggy.

[@68burnout]

Hmmm...love the open top. But what I get from your comments is that you want it to look more like the old style bodies...but it's a new design that finaly doesn't look like all the stuff that came before. That's it's strength in my opinion. I love the td4...chassis and body. 👍😉

[@msuffian76]

The Super Avante has a face that only a mother could love….

[@ATARIBOY2]

and its carrying a little holiday weight

[@MrNils3373]

hhhhhhhhh

[@Zombles581]

Tamiya have a back catalogue of good looking buggies, I wish they’d just re-release with incremental improvements to chassis, better shocks, slipper clutch etc etc. the TD4 chassis seems great to put together the body is a big problem

[@TheMdavis07]

I love the Speedster style windshield. reminds me of oldor IndyCars. And it looks cool without the fenders but I kind of like the fenders cuz it reminds me of a Lotus 7 or caterham kit cars

[@johnnycoolness]

White with Speed Racer livery would suit this. Silver or dark metallic may have worked too, it seems you got caught up with the boxart colours.

[@beneast2933]

Tamiya Legends Glenn came up with a good scheme for this shell. Might be worth a look.

[@hendrahendra]

TREACHERY - Gavin, 2021. 🤣🤣

[@TheCarTakerGarage]

Glen is amazing..but like i mentioned to him on his video..the only "reason" for his rendering looking "better"...is because of it beeing just a reminicent thing of the original Avante.The decals...and all that stuff...that we already love the Original Avante for,...is just brought over to the Super Avante.So what we then end up liking with "Glen"s Super Avante,.is just in fact the original Avante.The Super Avante still friggin sucks,,,i think anyways. Of course the suspension is kinda cool and different..but the body shape is horrible...the battery location is horrible..etc etc. Again...my view :) Greetings from Norway ,Stefan

[@Watta1979]

I don’t like the Glenn’s version,i think this is better,but i don’t like the canopy cutted out and the numbers…so,not bad at all..

[@TheCarTakerGarage]

Wow really ?well that goes to show how taste is different 😁

[@jone7940]

This car has that love it or hate it vibe that the Bigwig had in the 80's. I never liked it but now I think its great.

[@RCKickschannel]

That is a really good comment Jon as I was the same about the BW myself. Back in the day I really didn't like it but now I'm a fan. It could be like that for the Super Avante. I guess time will tell.

[@Houleigan]

When I first saw the pics I thought it needed an open cockpit. Now I have seen one done!

[@catscan64]

I'm thinking of getting one of these kits. I watched your build and liked what you did. As for the body, I like the modifications you did. It makes it look more like a formula 1 car. I also liked how you trimmed and painted the wing. I also noticed you left off the fenders. Good choice. As for the wheels, I agree, the color is wrong. It should be either more yellow like the other chassis option or white in my opinion. Thanks for another great video.

[@Ebenau0317]

The body looks ok! It’s what this hobby is about, make your own! That’s why the body come clear! I really dig the wheels, where can I a set for myself?

[@RCACTIONAUSTRALIA]

I hear Revive RC have purchased a kit and will be looking at improving the body set.

[@buhatkj]

I think you have improved it a bit. I also wonder if maybe the body from the new astute TD2 might also fit the TD4 chassis. That body looks a little sleeker at the front at least.

[@neilstothard]

Uses the same base chassis just 2wd and has the sides opened up so the battery goes across the back.

[@mattbrc]

I cant look at it without thinking of the Banaman theme tune in my head. But think your mods have made it look better than stock.👍🤣

[@rcicons4915]

In one video you praise Tamiya for doing a character car and in the next you are taking the character out of the car. Right or wrong it is what it is. It would be like trying to change the Bigwig. Love it or hate it, it is a character car. Admire your effort and completely understand where you are coming from. I hate the box art look but have seen some awesome renditions keeping the body what it is.

[@mattmclafferty6265]

Bro, ive watched a bunch of channels on this car and yours is by far this nicest i ve seen.

[@Triggered-RC]

When I get around to building this (waiting for an MS kit to come out…), I’m painting it red. 😁

[@jjohnson1476]

I really like how that turned out! You truly showcased what that body could be. The open canopy is a game changer for me. Thinning the body sides really gives it more of an older F1 look. But after all of this it is just a body. The chassis is where this kit really shines.

[@alangt4769]

Those black wheels just don’t work at all there. Rear wing looks good. Nice. There’s been a few good looking ones in different schemes that are working better than the yellow blue split. Too many conflicting shapes and lines. Hopefully mine works out ok!

[@TheOriginalS1_C]

With the open canopy you should of gone with white and made a Super Striker 👍

[@topforce5298]

You can dye white TopForce wheels in the correct yellow. The black is to dark.

[@briggsbughouses6291]

I hated the look of the body and the wheel arches when I first saw it. The chassis design looked more like an exercise in 3D Cad than a working design. After a while it's quirkiness had a certain appeal, Tamiya certainly think out of the box. Could it be better? Certainly. Is it different? Well there's no arguing about that!

[@shaunbitz3569]

I agree with you 100% Gavin The chassis looks awesome but they really came up short for the body. If I ever do decide to get one, I’ll make sure that either I or someone else will have a better design of customization of the body.

[@keithfrazier2558]

They were attempting to be unique like the original Advante. I kinda like it and just got it. Seen some painting a top on the canopy. Wish they would have matched the paint fluorescent yellow like the rims.

[@aaronmatuszny8856]

I feel like the chassis should have been wider so all of the innards could be pasted straight to the bottom deck plate. That would leave space for a low profile body and the driver.

[@defmud80]

You can glue a strip of hard foam rubber to the side of thr chassis then attach velcro to it and then the body and actually velcro the sides of the body in a little bit to th chassis to narrow that area a bit.

[@darkstorm303]

I was the same didn't like it but it's grown on me now ...having different wheels and a new bigger wing on it as seen in other videos it looks great and with the right paint scheme makes it look better as well 😎👌liking what you've done with the cockpit windscreen Gav 👌Could of dyed the original wheels to the same colour as the body yellow ? Not a fan of the black wheels .

[@robcraighill6315]

Open cockpit, black wheels and wing changes look ace Gav - great interpretation of box art imho 👍

[@barrycheesemore2928]

I wouldn't say you've ruined it or improved it to be honest. You've created a different take on the bodyshell, and I think it looks really good, kind of like an open cockpit on-road racing car, but on an off-road chassis. I actually quite like the standard Super Avante bodyshell, it's really grown on me the more I see it. I get why people don't like it, but it does feel a lot like it's something to do with the name, and how good the original Avante looked. Just my 2 pence worth....

[@johnnyutah892]

I actually like the stock, just with that painted roof people are doing on the canopy. Prefer the clear rear wing as well.

[@cpt_mookie]

You should make a video on ReviveRC’s TD4 body. It’s truly something else.

[@RCKickschannel]

I sold by built TD4 a while ago.

[@semperatis]

I think that your idea for the cockpit really looks great Gavin, it's far nicer than the humped canopy.

[@Norcopunk]

Tamiya really messed up the shell on this one.. I think yours looks much better than stock and I do like the numbers also.. It reminds me a little bit of a Caterham.. Would love to see it with the driver and front fenders.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I'd love to help you out with an idea but I'm not a fan in general. I have seen a few that have improved it over box art and yours is different. I think for me the black smooth wheels you have on it detract from it. Needs more of a Tamiya race wheel instead of a plain track wheel. I like the two tone wing and the stickers you did on it. The cut out cockpit is cool too. I like it overall just can't get amped up about this platform> the 2wd version I like better with the more classic style body on it.

[@Pablo668]

The chassis looks pretty good in that quirky Tamiya Japanese way. The Body, in UK terms, is Marmite, love it or hate it. I unfortunately am in the latter camp. It does nothing for me. I think they ought to design a new body and re-name it, and also disassociate the Avante name from it. Buuuuuut, whaddoiknow?

[@robinfrost6240]

I think you have Improved its looks with mods that you have done those tires looks more like Formula one race car. Now I have been watching your videos from the Beginning my 1st tamyia was the hornet love that then got the lunch box then the Volkswagen beetle but that was a very very long time ago. When a came across your videos bit by bit the flame was 🔥 and I got my self Plasma Edge 2 it's just right for my back garden had to buy a new transmitter/receiver I prefer the new transmitters 2.4 no interference unlike my old one.

[@jaysimpson6857]

I neither like it or dislike it, such as I think of the box art, looking forward to seeing someone pull it off though. Glenn’s isn’t bad.

[@swenhanf9668]

The open top gives it a 50s/60s formula one look!

[@terence79chan]

The cutouts and 2colors contour are actually good but the new look needs the Avante black special paint job.. instead of the IKEA colors.

[@RCJunky]

Before cutting the body. fill it with plaster let it set and re-shape it to match your needs and get it vac formed. or why not try a body from another kit and mod that to look inline with the chassis.

[@RCKickschannel]

I think we will see some aftermarket bodies for it at some point.

[@andersonboy77]

I think you are on to something good with your body modifications. Personal I like the hot rod look. There's definitely something there. I'd try the body in black and find the perfect racing #s for it.

[@reverendjohnowen]

I love mine stock. I like the bubble look as it reminds me a little of late 60's and early 70's F1 cars. I love my Astute 2022 better though and have considered swapping bodies to see how it looks and if it fits. Why don't you spray the chassis?

[@bespincustompropsbombarta8300]

I like what you did with the canopy, I also like what Glenn did on TL with his one. One thing I've seen is anything done with the box art colours doesn't work as good as the custom paint jobs I've seen so far.

[@alunhiggins1539]

Nice try, Gav! I don't know much about these things, but I'm gonna say the right wheels might improve matters a whole lot. Granted, the stock ones in acid green need to be with acid green paint. Something a bit less solid & chunky & a lot less black might just lighten up the whole thing. What does it look like with some white ones with some spokes? Just a thought.

[@paulmcnamara16]

What I would do if it were mine would be to ditch the lexan shell and have an Ariel Atom style cage 3D printed for it!

[@tm5123]

I doesnt look like an absolute disaster, perhaps have a think about it, and get a spareshell at some point, and do a V2.0 paintscheme? :D Hope the weather clears up soon so you get to whip it around the yard :D

[@markbruton-young9228]

I think you are being hard on yourself Gavin, I like the open cockpit and reduced sides. The wheels are awful though it would be much better on Top Force or egress wheels and the rear wing needs to be much much bigger. See what Glenn did over at Tamiya legends.

[@mikeupton5406]

I don't think you ruined it. I like your open cockpit look. I think the problem is Tamiya took a step forward on a cleaner chassis design but are still stuck on the older body designs of their earlier cars. The body design looks like something sketched on a napkin in the lunchroom during break. Do not think you messed up the body by trimming away the lower portions either, driving it with the stock body might cause the car to parachute. So your review of the car is valid feedback. New chassis awesome, body fail. You have put really good effort into the Super Avante. Maybe looking forward to where Taniya takes this chassis and moving on to other projects/reviews is a reasonable next step.

[@MrAldo20]

Never been sold on the look of this kit. Although as a F1 fan, the yellow & blue makes me think a paint scheme closer to Alonso’s 2005 Renault would be pretty awesome. If you could get decals that worked & slight tweak on the colours, could be a winner.

[@dchapman0449]

It looks great. I can see the frustrations that you had!!

[@wooftone]

Maybe just try fitting the Td2 Astute body on the Td4 chassis in the future. That will look much better Imho.

[@SEAN-fx5dm]

Again, a great video, this buggy was always a bit like Marmite (love or hate), you have made an excellent effort to do something different and I salute you sir!

[@carloswright]

I think you did something pretty awesome here. I don't own a Tamiya. That car isn't very appealing to me in the advertisements, but when I saw your thumbnail, I had to see more of the car. That looks sweet! I want to drive it at the carpet track.

[@simong7310]

I think the concept of the body mod is really really good, well done! Execution could be a bit nicer and I also don't like those rtr style tires, but the shape of the shell was really improved by you. I'm not sure if the yellow chassis might take away some of that added sleekness and elegance you caused with your nice lower cutline though! And I do fancy the 70s style numbers. Think Bonneville or reno air races! Maybe with a td2 shell one could achieve even greater improvements. But Anyway, hats off 2u for that, really!

[@RCKickschannel]

I agree. When messing about and trying different concepts, it does impact execution for sure. If I was having a second go I would try some other ideas. You have to mess about to find what works and what didn’t.

[@simong7310]

@@RCKickschannel thanks for the quick answer, and don't be too shy, it's a great concept, you impressed me with this, and I say that as a trained designer, like Kota nezu.

[@Samkuym]

I find you're job on this car really cool. Like no other! Remind me Indianapolis race cars of the fifties! Nice job!

[@SuperHelibob]

I’ve seen someone with an OG Avante body on the the TD4 chassis. That will be the way I will go when I get one or maybe Avante 2001 body. Likewise I’m sure the Og Astute body could be fiddled to fit the TD2. That way you have a great durable chassis with classic Tamiya looks. And you can keep the kit bodies in the box if you ever want to sell it on. It does seem a shame that they didn’t follow the contours of the chassis closer. It seems a bit of a waste.

[@zonoskar]

Why not paint the wheels the same color as the body?

[@adrianharrison5208]

I think the TD4 is going to be very hard to change body wise, you have really changed the look of that one and it kind of reminds me of the 1930's speed planes with the cockpit right at the back and a long front

[@simong7310]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2WcapZ4qLF1aZo

[@adrianharrison5208]

@@simong7310 thats it

[@michaelqendro9825]

Your mods to the body look good. You did improve it a bit. I love the blue paint. Which PS number is that paint?

[@RCKickschannel]

PS-16

[@dennisnothstein1311]

I like what you did to the body. It kind of reminds me of an F1 car with the open canopy and the road tires on it. Great video as always,I look forward to your videos,thanks for all you do to inform and entertain.

[@roblowrie1969]

It's gutting, getting something like this, and it not coming up to expectations. I agree it's an odd shape body. There aren't the swooping swage lines other bodies have, and it looks a bit 'jelly mould'!! I'm sure you'll find some inspiration to make it better. 👍🏻

[@handmade76]

Windscreen looks cool. Maybe try and bring those sides into the chassis with sticky Velcro, better still leave shell off 😂

[@butchmeister80]

It’s a brave effort I like the wheels maybe need some stickers on them, not sure about the side cutting or roof chop think best thing would of been change the wheels and just the colour scheme silver and black would look better than banana man theme ha

[@timm9970]

I like it. I think the screen would also look good cut back further removing the sides to just leave a curved wind deflector screen. Agree about the stock wheels... A complete afterthought.

[@hidechan719]

I like this style.I also should have been chosen this.when I have a chance to get a new body ,I will try roadstar style.

[@paulrobinson9355]

I like it but the Striker is coming to mind! I like the Striker and hope for a rere even more so the Sonic Fighter............you could have done the Striker colours and livery......just my first thoughts

[@jnr2490]

couldn't agree with your comments more. I prefer the look of the TD2.

[@garyrafferty8653]

I'm with you to be honest I think you have made it look better. Like they say you can't polish a ....

[@TachyonDriver]

I do think that you've done what you can to improve it, Gavin. However, I have to say the Avante wheel design suits the buggy better, but need to be a different colour as you mentioned.

[@UncleBobsRC]

Tamiya Striker 2.0 4wd. looks good to me Gavin.

[@stephenkelly8065]

🤔 mmm, if it ain’t broken don’t fix it ! I think the original box art with gold wheels would be the answer. However beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. Guess you will be looking for another body ?!! At least you can trash that one when you test it out !

[@londonpirates]

Some nice ideas here, I really like the yellow on the underside of the wing and how that makes the caption pop much more than on the box art transparent wing (and it would be totally lost on the dark blue). The open cockpit is a nice idea but I think it might actually work better paired with the wheel arches, will be good to see it with the driver. The plain black wheels and numbers don't really work too well for me. Anything is better than those neon yellow wheels though but I wonder if you could Rit dye a set of white star or teardrop wheels to get a better matching yellow?

[@RCKickschannel]

I don’t think you could dye from neon green to a yellow like that. I just hope we see some aftermarket yellow options becoming available

[@londonpirates]

@@RCKickschannel No I think you're right but you could get the wheels in white and then dye them and potentially get a half decent colour match.

[@RCKickschannel]

@@londonpirates I get you. 👍🏻

[@ShenRC]

It definitely looks different! He he wait until you see mine!

[@simpleisthebest73]

I think you make it look better, but I really hate the design of the body too. I'll never want to get this kit even if they sell it for very cheap.

[@paulus842000]

When I saw the car it made me think of the Striker 😊❤️ love it or hate it..... It's a 2021 4wd striker.

[@andyrobinsonrc2480]

Funny that I though striker as well, maybe it will look good with a striker livery especially with the open cockpit

[@paulus842000]

@@andyrobinsonrc2480 great minds think alike sir, I was thinking that also.👍

[@trentonarney6066]

I think the rear wing looks pretty good and the trimming of the lower panels work too. As for the cockpit I think you did the best you could. For me I'm going to wait for the Super Astute and see if I like that one better.

[@taimaishu-nao1922]

I think the reason you have a “meh” feel toward it is that Tamiya decided it needed to be school bus yellow while the wheels are day-glo. Had you gone fluro yellow instead of school bus yellow, perhaps it may have changed your opinion.

[@RCKickschannel]

It’s the canopy and windows and the bulbous body. Apart from the front steering angle and popping out dog bone issues I really like the chassis.

[@andyrobinsonrc2480]

I’ve had a lot of problems with the TD4 but not body related , problems with third rubbish diff nuts and front dog bones kept popping out really frustrating, so for a different reason but also feeling exasperated by this buggg

[@multipleerrors3037]

honestly, i hate what you did to it. the way you cut the sides completely destroyed the lines that need to be lower at the rear & higher at the front to work, doing the opposite like you have throws off the balance making it look front heavy & ungainly. The way you cut the canopy completely destroyed the jet fighter visual references which to me are one of the most distinctive & fun things about the design. And then you add wheels that dont look right on the car at all & complain that it looks ugly. No kidding. Fair play you are being honest about not liking its looks but i feel you did a lot to compound that situation this time.

[@branpresty]

I really like what you have done with it, kind of looks like a striker on steroids……..don’t think it will ever be my favourite looking car but it’s definitely not bad especially if it runs well. I’m more tempted to get one now then I was when it was first appeared.

[@michaeldorich4485]

I understand your struggles with the body design. I think the designers or whoever were in charge wanted something different for a new chassis and they got it. The body is like a design from a bad science fiction movie. The designers might've been inspired by the car designers and hot rodders of the sixties that experimented with plexiglass domes. It took some courage on your part to cut into that new body. You didn't like it so why not change it as you did. I commend you on trying to make it look better. Will this design looked back in 10 years as innovative or a big mistake?

[@peterjohnson9243]

I think you've created a bit of a monster there oppo. Looking forward to the 934 now............

[@RCKickschannel]

Coming soon

[@alfredyost7972]

Would the Tamiya VQS body fit on this car? Maybe that would look good on this chassis if it would fit. Thoughts?

[@RCKickschannel]

I would have to try it and see

[@alfredyost7972]

@@RCKickschannel I agree, if it fits it might be a good option.

[@jonthomas8487]

Tamiya needs to start putting just regular white wheels that are able to be dyed in all kits!!

[@Rusty-Metal]

You're nuts Gavin. That body is cool. Most modern competition kits look like crap with their cab forward hideous design.

[@RCKickschannel]

I never said I like cab forward designs? I don’t like them at all.

[@Rusty-Metal]

@@RCKickschannel I didn't either. Just making a comparison to what we mostly have today. I'll take this over that stuff!

[@DustyFingersRC]

I like how you tried to alter this to your own satisfaction. Personally, I think you cut too much away on the shell. Love the wing, that looks awesome. With all those renders up on your FB group I thought you may do a completely different colour scheme. I respect the fact you have tried to make this what you wanted and that shell just doesn't give you a good base to work off for your vision by the sounds of it. All part of the hobby though and you do some awesome shells so when an alternative after market comes along, you will smash it no doubt 👍🏼

[@colinfairbairn8136]

gav the body colour i would have put black sparkle where the blue is and metallic red where the yellow is then sprayed the wheels gold what do you think.

[@RCKickschannel]

Have to try it to really find out. In real life the colours are OK. It’s the shape and the decals that I find wrong

[@colinfairbairn8136]

@@RCKickschannel try designing your own decals i assume you got a good pc and there must be the right software out there .

[@leefordham8796]

Hi Gavin, I like your effort and enjoy RC Kicks. I struggle to entertain this car. I wish they didn't put the name Avante on it. I think by doing that Tamiya are saying this is how the avante should be. The original avante to me (I don't own one yet) is a no limitation attempt at engineering. This car is just a different car. I accept the chassis looks interesting and share your view on the wheels. Why didn't they come out with a new wheel to mark a new car. That body is hideous and looks like a dated byplane with the wings missing in standard form so you had your work cut out.

[@vintagemind8155]

🇺🇸 You definitely made window area better, & improved the overall look, just needs a nice set of aluminum rims 🙋‍♂️

[@nickrobertson2450]

Oh dear. Gav, I don't think I've seen you so downhearted about a car. I love the roof mod! But yes those neon yellow wheels! What were they thinking - can you Rit dye them black?

[@TheTruthHz]

Fair play to you for your honesty Gavin.

[@craigneal8598]

Totally agree that the body is horrible, no offence mate but I think you have made it worse, as they say you can’t polish a turd 💩. I don’t now the dimensions off the car but I wonder if a Tamiya Frog body would fit, regards Craig.

[@RC4X4]

Great and sad video. I totally hear you what your saying. I'm kinda holding out for the prepainted one of just may do the Astute and call it good.

[@RCKickschannel]

I like the TD2 Astute body more myself.

[@flibbertigibbet6200]

Imo the only way to save that would be to put the rear cockpit wing on it, driver in it and some LED's inside for the windows lol It looks too long and skinny now imo Oh and different wheels.

[@seanandlee8280]

could you heat the body up gently at the side and then squeeze it in to make it more narrow at the front? obviously you may want to try on a spare body first to get the feel for the heat levels etc

[@simong7310]

Or just velcro it?

[@mitsuman5555]

I think you gotta embrace the Tamiya quirk and go full box art on these

[@MrBetamax75]

Set fire to it. Bury it. Dig it up. Set fire to it again and send it back to Tamiya.

[@danielwooster5063]

It’s a proper awkward looking shell for sure, you’ve certainly improved the look of the car - the decision to make it open cockpit was inspired! As you say, hopefully one of the aftermarket companies (or Tamiya themselves) come up with an alternative/ better looking body for this otherwise pretty unique & interesting chassis.

[@Tamiyastef]

I really like what you did, especially opening the canopy seems genius. Everybody seems to idolise the original Avante. It was a bit of a nightmare BITD. More fragile, more expensive, harder to drive and more difficult to work on than comparable cars from the competition (i.e. Kyosho) Also everyone seems to like the "Being nuts is neat" slogan but don't think it's neat when Tamiya is being nuts... although I think that's what Tamiya does best, being nuts.

[@branpresty]

I recently got an original after wanting one for years but only now after building one can I appreciate what an absolute nightmare it is to work on. I’m still super happy I got one & loved building it but I’m not sure how often I will use it as it’s just awful to work on & I don’t fancy maintenance on it regular basis. Definitely think I will get something else to run day to day.

[@leehurst6922]

Good vid Gav. I like what you have done but agree with your comments. Also the new td2 looks just as bulbous and toy like.

[@ericwood2790]

Why didn’t you do a run video for the Super Avante?

[@RCKickschannel]

I will do a load more running vids and the SA will be one of them. Weather sucks currently so everything is wet and muddy around my area. Great for crawlers and flying, but not so great for road cars and buggies.