I bought and printed out your brace AND your lighy set for the lunchbox. Thanks alot for your great work. This + oil dampers really changed the vehicles handling. It is much more stable, and the lights make it look fab. Also added the sports engine which was a tremendous upgrade as well.
Thank you so much for making me feel like a kid again. I'm looking to get my nine-year-old son into these and since I had a lunchbox as a kid I think this would be the perfect starter for him. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
The lunchbox is a perfect starter for sure. Make sure you get yourself aluminum body mounts and perhaps even a Lexan body. Team blue groove on ebay makes them. Much less top-heavy and less wear and tear on the original hard plastic
Just installed 2 of these, one on my lunch box, one on my Pumpkin. Very much worth it. But one thing which I don’t think is clear from the video is that you don’t need any screws, just take the screws and washers that hold the axel springs in place (now that you no longer need them) and use them, no need to go scrabbling around in your spares box.
Alberto, Carmine again. I'm SO glad I caught this video again! I actually forgot how to install this part!! 😁 😲😲 You said it best - you are an expert in obsolete R/C - and many of us are grateful for that! 👍👍😎 One little thing you didn’t mention is, it's not only annoying, that motor slapping against the shock.... BUT for all of us who like oil-filled shocks, it's also DAMAGING to the shock!! 😦😷 So you can also say that it's a money saver too!
just got this... LOVE IT! What a simple solution to a longstanding issue with these trucks. I actually believe the flex is better and it is certainly more consistent in on/off throttle transitions. Well, as consistent as friction shocks & about the worst front suspension geometry in the rc world can possibly be. I also ordered the front chassis brace - am I right in thinking it doesnt work with the factory friction shocks? Not a issue, just wondered if I am missing something. Thanks for supplying such awesome parts to these timeless classics - love the channel man!
Yeah that trans brace is really nice. The truck is much less annoying now when accelerating/decelerating. The front brace is not mine though, someone else made it and did a nice job of it too! You are right though, it is not for the friction shocks. Thank you for the kind words as well!
I never run my lunchy stock like out of the box. the very first mod was the transmission brace and I absolutely love this little piece. highly recommended and, and in my opinion, essential part to drive the cw01 brushless or hard! update jan. 18: now I drive for a while too an all stock lunchbox, fitted only with the tamiya rs 540 sport tuned motor.. well, in comparison to my heavy modified LB its so horrible and funny to drive at the same time, wacky vehicle.
Just got my brace in the mail and installed it, my Lunchy is working GREAT now. Next thing is to sort out the CVA yellow shocks, still too soft on the front, but this Lunchie is getting better every week.
Sorry man I do not. They are just generic metric hardware that I find in screw bags. There is a bill of materials in the description that will tell you what you need though!
No worries! I found a couple of spare tamiya screws from one of my kits. I believe they were BA2 screws, they worked like a charm. Install was super easy!
@@rwallace612 jumped in the comments section to see if this same question had been asked. Jumped the gun and took it apart, then realized I didn't have the screws handy HAHAHA An alternative would help but I'll go back through my kit and see if I have a couple BA2 screws left in there
Should I still run both the cheap springs on each corner, the lil axle springs? I break them EVERY run. I have not done your axle mod but ordering the part now!
hi I've just re-discovered rc, back in the day I had a big bear and then a clod buster which I loved but no longer have, I don't seem to have a local hobby shop anywhere near where I live and want to get back into it but have no clue where to re-learn what is needed, I would like to find something like the clod buster , any recommendations as to where I can research before I start spending $$
Hi William, welcome back! You have returned at a great time. Right now a lot of vintage models have been re-released. The Clod you grew up with is most certainly still available brand new. Many of the names you recognize are still around but you will find a slew of new brands as well. My recommendation is start with what you know. Take a look at clodbusters on eBay and that will lead into other more modern cars. I am very much into the vintage cars so i care very little of new cars and therefore am quite biased. I would take a look at some forums like Tamiyaclub or Tamiyabase as there are sections specifically for re-released and new styles cars with many people covering modern electronics and technology. I will say this, modern batteries have completely changed the hobby for me. I hope this info helps and I do plan on doing videos covering specifically what you are talking about in the future.
Thank you! Well I do have them on ebay now but you can also get them from my shapeways store in more colors and for a lower cost. The store is located here: www.shapeways.com/shops/ampro Let me know if you have any questions.
Amazing work! I am excited to try your parts. One question: do you think the original design was intended to relieve gearbox stress upon acceleration? I have ordered your parts but while I was waiting, I jerry-rigged a brace and fixed the axle in place in the center. I ran as usual with a 27t motor, and I observed that as I bounced across the lawn with the newly locked axle, the gears started to grind. I could tell that stress occurred when the truck bounced up and then landed. There was a lot of gearbox stress as the spinning wheels hit the ground and there was no rotation in the axle to help absorb some of the shock. In this way, I wonder whether the original design used the rear axle as a *very* crude slipper (although it only slips for maybe 1/10th of a rotation, but that's something).
Hey there, thank you for the kind words! As for the stress, I can say with certainty that the slider in the axle was solely there for articulation. The grinding is unrelated but has everything to do with the hopping that is the norm with the CW01. The rotation in the axle does little if anything to help as that is just how those cars run. As the truck accelerates, the trans torques back and locks it in place in a similar fashion. Now, there is either a broken gear or the brass sleeve in the axle is missing. This would allow the truck to run ok under low load and grind in grass. I hope this info helps!
Thanks so much for the answer. My parts are in the mail! Looking forward to installing them. Also, notwithstanding your warnings, I am going full brushless. I will report back on durability. I anticipate trans problems more so than anything else.
This part is rock solid and will have no issues with brushless setups. My concern is the rather pricey front suspension. Mine have been perfect but I run silver cans, lol! Enjoy and let me know what you think.
Brace installed. Love it. Really quiets things down and eliminates the jerkiness. Wheelies are MUCH more controlled now. I don't even run a wheelie bar, and if I get a better radio and put in some expo, I might be able to balance a wheelie on throttle alone now that the back end is tight.
Just shows how times change. Your mod is better but as kids we would use bits of mechano, or in my case I used a clothes peg spring. With limited success. In a way that almost suited the bouncy lunch box bumble along style of driving in that was almost to bouncy when landing but fine all the rest of the time.
Yeah I used to do stuff like that. God knows how many wood screws held my cars together. Now that i have the know how (and the hatred of that click under acceleration), it's time to do it right!
I don't think it would be great. I use mine for the beach and its awesome there but I think the street may be rough with it but I guess motor, tires and road surface are the factors.
AMPRO Engineering thanks for responding. Didnt think it would be a good idea. Love all the stuff you have for the cw-01. The locker was one that I wasn't sure would work for me. Can find a way to do a slip diff 😁?
just ordered a new lunchbox and was looking for mods on here im so glad i found this video! i rember how annyoing that slapping sound was with my old lunchbox thank you sir going to order a couple these brackets in diffrent colors! do you sell on ebay as well?
Man that is irritating i know. I do sell on ebay but thanks to their mark up I have to sell mine for way more as I only make 5-10% on each one on Shapeways, which means on ebay I need to sell for 30-40% more to keep up with ebay fees! Plus I only stock black, red and blue. Shapeways has many more colors. Either way I will get them to you however is easier!
AMPRO Engineering totally understand i can happily order direct from your site i just got signed up as a member look forward to testing out some of AMPros products
Shame you have to drill the chassis for this. Is there any way to add arms or tabs to it to use existing screw holes, most likely on the sides. But then, you'd have a gap between the base plate and the tub. Hmm..
Sure thing! Easiest thing is M3 x 10mm self tapping screws and a 2.75mm drill bit to clear out the holes on the retainer and a 3.0-3.2mm bit for the holes in the battery plate.
@@AMPROEngineering Hi sir, I'm Aries from Philippines. I just got myself into buying classic tamiya rc kits for nostalgia and came across your site and video here on this transmission brace for the lunchbox. I just purchased one and being a novice at drill stuffs, can you please tell me if tamiya's blue hand drill will suffice for this installation job? Looking forward to your response before buying this upgrade directly from your site at shapeways. Thanks and more power!
10 will work but I used 8mm machine screws and tapped the hold. 12 is easier to get but just make sure the hole is cleared and predrilled with a 2.5 or 2.6mm drill bit.
@@AMPROEngineering I scrolled through your whole catalogue on Shape ways no wonder I couldn't find it! I thought you also made a similar part to RCRenew which lengthens wheelbase by 13mm.
Yeah that is a grasshopper part. I just don't like how you also lose the transmission articulation. It s a massive help over terrain. At least its quiet though!
Hi! Great vid! Oredered the brace :) Quick question : do you recommand not installing the Axle Springs? BS3 - Step 11 : ua-cam.com/users/clipUgkxZF_3BEIQbGmL9Isa_tZ7XvJqYa2_gOT7
Hey there, no the axle springs are no longer needed. Those, in theory, helped the trans stay biased downward but didn't work at all. The brace holds the center of the trans in place while it has full articulation.
I bought and printed out your brace AND your lighy set for the lunchbox. Thanks alot for your great work. This + oil dampers really changed the vehicles handling. It is much more stable, and the lights make it look fab. Also added the sports engine which was a tremendous upgrade as well.
Glad to hear it! I know how much better the truck runs with those mods.
Thank you so much for making me feel like a kid again. I'm looking to get my nine-year-old son into these and since I had a lunchbox as a kid I think this would be the perfect starter for him. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
The lunchbox is a perfect starter for sure. Make sure you get yourself aluminum body mounts and perhaps even a Lexan body. Team blue groove on ebay makes them. Much less top-heavy and less wear and tear on the original hard plastic
Just installed 2 of these, one on my lunch box, one on my Pumpkin. Very much worth it. But one thing which I don’t think is clear from the video is that you don’t need any screws, just take the screws and washers that hold the axel springs in place (now that you no longer need them) and use them, no need to go scrabbling around in your spares box.
Oh man I didnt think about that at all! Mine were long gone on my trucks. Thanks for the tip!
Just installed this part and it went just fine. Simple but effective design. Thumbs up!
Greetings from Germany
Thank you! It has been one of my favorite upgrades. So simple too.
Again a simple beautiful solution. You aught to have worked for Tamiya in the 80s ;-)
Haha! Yes, I am a pro at obsolete technology.
Ought*
;)
Superb, I have just ordered two of these for my Lunchbox and Pumpkin :) Thank you
Cool! Let me know what you think. For me, the silence is bliss.
Alberto, Carmine again. I'm SO glad I caught this video again! I actually forgot how to install this part!! 😁 😲😲
You said it best - you are an expert in obsolete R/C - and many of us are grateful for that! 👍👍😎
One little thing you didn’t mention is, it's not only annoying, that motor slapping against the shock.... BUT for all of us who like oil-filled shocks, it's also DAMAGING to the shock!! 😦😷 So you can also say that it's a money saver too!
That is a very good point. Over repeated hits, this will absolutely damage the shock.
I ordered one from shape ways and followed your guide. 10/10 easy fix. Thank you.
That is wonderful to hear. Thank you so much!
Clean and simple; elegant even..I have a Lunchbox kit and some durability upgrades coming simultaneously😊
Glad you liked it!
It made such a huge difference - Thank you!
Glad you like it!
Just installed mine. Nice fix. Better than the 5th shock.
I am glad you like it!
just got this... LOVE IT! What a simple solution to a longstanding issue with these trucks. I actually believe the flex is better and it is certainly more consistent in on/off throttle transitions. Well, as consistent as friction shocks & about the worst front suspension geometry in the rc world can possibly be. I also ordered the front chassis brace - am I right in thinking it doesnt work with the factory friction shocks? Not a issue, just wondered if I am missing something. Thanks for supplying such awesome parts to these timeless classics - love the channel man!
Yeah that trans brace is really nice. The truck is much less annoying now when accelerating/decelerating. The front brace is not mine though, someone else made it and did a nice job of it too! You are right though, it is not for the friction shocks. Thank you for the kind words as well!
Nice video the lunch box is my favorite car and respond exelent.😎👍
Thank you! It is a great car.
Im thinking of getting another pumpkin or lunchbox again. Sweet axle fix. Nice and easy
They are one of the best RC's ever. Thanks man.
@@AMPROEngineering i had a couple at one time. Very fun to drive
I know this was a long time ago but... subbed!
Thanks Joe!
I never run my lunchy stock like out of the box. the very first mod was the transmission brace and I absolutely love this little piece. highly recommended and, and in my opinion, essential part to drive the cw01 brushless or hard!
update jan. 18: now I drive for a while too an all stock lunchbox, fitted only with the tamiya rs 540 sport tuned motor.. well, in comparison to my heavy modified LB its so horrible and funny to drive at the same time, wacky vehicle.
Thank you! I have to agree, it made the truck so much less annoying!
The Orange car is cool and its 6x6!
Thank you!
Just got my brace in the mail and installed it, my Lunchy is working GREAT now. Next thing is to sort out the CVA yellow shocks, still too soft on the front, but this Lunchie is getting better every week.
Do you have the springs reversed? Usually the rears have the soft and the fronts are the hard ones.
@@AMPROEngineering I worked it out, used the kit short springs on the front, and the CVA springs on the rear, works great now.
Great video and great engineering! I just ordered this part, do you happen to have the tamiya part #'s for the screws and washers? Thanks
Sorry man I do not. They are just generic metric hardware that I find in screw bags. There is a bill of materials in the description that will tell you what you need though!
No worries! I found a couple of spare tamiya screws from one of my kits. I believe they were BA2 screws, they worked like a charm. Install was super easy!
@@rwallace612 jumped in the comments section to see if this same question had been asked. Jumped the gun and took it apart, then realized I didn't have the screws handy HAHAHA An alternative would help but I'll go back through my kit and see if I have a couple BA2 screws left in there
2 M3x1omm screws works best
Should I still run both the cheap springs on each corner, the lil axle springs? I break them EVERY run. I have not done your axle mod but ordering the part now!
I never did. Those things always broke so I didnt bother. My mod does not need them so you are all set now!
@@AMPROEngineering Fantastic! Looking forward to the install!
hi I've just re-discovered rc, back in the day I had a big bear and then a clod buster which I loved but no longer have, I don't seem to have a local hobby shop anywhere near where I live and want to get back into it but have no clue where to re-learn what is needed, I would like to find something like the clod buster , any recommendations as to where I can research before I start spending $$
Hi William, welcome back! You have returned at a great time. Right now a lot of vintage models have been re-released. The Clod you grew up with is most certainly still available brand new. Many of the names you recognize are still around but you will find a slew of new brands as well. My recommendation is start with what you know. Take a look at clodbusters on eBay and that will lead into other more modern cars. I am very much into the vintage cars so i care very little of new cars and therefore am quite biased. I would take a look at some forums like Tamiyaclub or Tamiyabase as there are sections specifically for re-released and new styles cars with many people covering modern electronics and technology. I will say this, modern batteries have completely changed the hobby for me. I hope this info helps and I do plan on doing videos covering specifically what you are talking about in the future.
What a superb solution. So simple and elegant. Will you be selling these in eBay Sir?
Thank you! Well I do have them on ebay now but you can also get them from my shapeways store in more colors and for a lower cost. The store is located here: www.shapeways.com/shops/ampro
Let me know if you have any questions.
Amazing work! I am excited to try your parts. One question: do you think the original design was intended to relieve gearbox stress upon acceleration? I have ordered your parts but while I was waiting, I jerry-rigged a brace and fixed the axle in place in the center. I ran as usual with a 27t motor, and I observed that as I bounced across the lawn with the newly locked axle, the gears started to grind. I could tell that stress occurred when the truck bounced up and then landed. There was a lot of gearbox stress as the spinning wheels hit the ground and there was no rotation in the axle to help absorb some of the shock. In this way, I wonder whether the original design used the rear axle as a *very* crude slipper (although it only slips for maybe 1/10th of a rotation, but that's something).
Hey there, thank you for the kind words! As for the stress, I can say with certainty that the slider in the axle was solely there for articulation. The grinding is unrelated but has everything to do with the hopping that is the norm with the CW01. The rotation in the axle does little if anything to help as that is just how those cars run. As the truck accelerates, the trans torques back and locks it in place in a similar fashion. Now, there is either a broken gear or the brass sleeve in the axle is missing. This would allow the truck to run ok under low load and grind in grass. I hope this info helps!
Thanks so much for the answer. My parts are in the mail! Looking forward to installing them. Also, notwithstanding your warnings, I am going full brushless. I will report back on durability. I anticipate trans problems more so than anything else.
This part is rock solid and will have no issues with brushless setups. My concern is the rather pricey front suspension. Mine have been perfect but I run silver cans, lol! Enjoy and let me know what you think.
Brace installed. Love it. Really quiets things down and eliminates the jerkiness. Wheelies are MUCH more controlled now. I don't even run a wheelie bar, and if I get a better radio and put in some expo, I might be able to balance a wheelie on throttle alone now that the back end is tight.
I am glad you like it. These trans braces I made for the CW01 and hornet are one of my favorite mods. They change the car for the best.
Just shows how times change. Your mod is better but as kids we would use bits of mechano, or in my case I used a clothes peg spring. With limited success. In a way that almost suited the bouncy lunch box bumble along style of driving in that was almost to bouncy when landing but fine all the rest of the time.
Yeah I used to do stuff like that. God knows how many wood screws held my cars together. Now that i have the know how (and the hatred of that click under acceleration), it's time to do it right!
Ck out Tamiya LUNCH BOX like a champ on UA-cam i put rc10 shocks takes tha jump good solid on the track
Oh that is a bit much for me! haha!
were did you find the wheelie bar on the Midnight Pumkin
Those used to be on eBay about a year ago. I really like it!
Need it..all, for my cw01
it was a simple and effective mod!
I was wondering how the locker you make, works on the street? I thinking on gravel and such it would be great. Most of the driving is street.
I don't think it would be great. I use mine for the beach and its awesome there but I think the street may be rough with it but I guess motor, tires and road surface are the factors.
AMPRO Engineering thanks for responding. Didnt think it would be a good idea. Love all the stuff you have for the cw-01. The locker was one that I wasn't sure would work for me. Can find a way to do a slip diff 😁?
Seems like a small piece of rubber hose cut down the middle would do the same job. No drilling holes
It would still wiggle around and bind up the trans.
just ordered a new lunchbox and was looking for mods on here im so glad i found this video! i rember how annyoing that slapping sound was with my old lunchbox thank you sir going to order a couple these brackets in diffrent colors! do you sell on ebay as well?
Man that is irritating i know. I do sell on ebay but thanks to their mark up I have to sell mine for way more as I only make 5-10% on each one on Shapeways, which means on ebay I need to sell for 30-40% more to keep up with ebay fees! Plus I only stock black, red and blue. Shapeways has many more colors. Either way I will get them to you however is easier!
AMPRO Engineering totally understand i can happily order direct from your site i just got signed up as a member look forward to testing out some of AMPros products
Well I really hope you like them!
just got my order in! cant wait to install & enjoy this thanks AMPRO engineering!👍👍
Nice. Where do you sell your parts?
Thank you! All my designs are available here: Shapeways: www.shapeways.com/shops/ampro
Shame you have to drill the chassis for this. Is there any way to add arms or tabs to it to use existing screw holes, most likely on the sides.
But then, you'd have a gap between the base plate and the tub. Hmm..
The way I see it, these chassis' parts are a dime a dozen and once you install it, you wont want it off.
@@AMPROEngineering fair point.
Could you tell me the exact name of screws needed and drill bit size please 🤓
Sure thing! Easiest thing is M3 x 10mm self tapping screws and a 2.75mm drill bit to clear out the holes on the retainer and a 3.0-3.2mm bit for the holes in the battery plate.
@@AMPROEngineering Hi sir, I'm Aries from Philippines. I just got myself into buying classic tamiya rc kits for nostalgia and came across your site and video here on this transmission brace for the lunchbox. I just purchased one and being a novice at drill stuffs, can you please tell me if tamiya's blue hand drill will suffice for this installation job? Looking forward to your response before buying this upgrade directly from your site at shapeways. Thanks and more power!
Can anyone tell me what size screws he used to fix the Transmission Brace. 10mm???
10 will work but I used 8mm machine screws and tapped the hold. 12 is easier to get but just make sure the hole is cleared and predrilled with a 2.5 or 2.6mm drill bit.
Thanks
I guess this mod can't be used with the Ampro long wheelbase mod?
Long wheel base? Have I designed something I forgot about? Shoot me an email amproengineering@gmail.com
@@AMPROEngineering I scrolled through your whole catalogue on Shape ways no wonder I couldn't find it! I thought you also made a similar part to RCRenew which lengthens wheelbase by 13mm.
Were can I get them Yellow shocks from please !
These are vintage shocks from Tamiya. They are around 35 years old so maybe look on ebay.
I solved with the two pieces that were used on Hornet and Grasshopper and the iron bar is not moving anymore
Yeah that is a grasshopper part. I just don't like how you also lose the transmission articulation. It s a massive help over terrain. At least its quiet though!
Hey where can I get that wheelie bar from your Pumpkin?
Oh I bought that on eBay a few years ago but you should still be able to find one on there.
nice ! +1 here !👍
Thanks!
Put the inside of a Clipper lighter inside the wheelie bar and it's Sparks of a night time
Hahahahha! Oh yeah I've done that
Hi! Great vid! Oredered the brace :) Quick question : do you recommand not installing the Axle Springs? BS3 - Step 11 : ua-cam.com/users/clipUgkxZF_3BEIQbGmL9Isa_tZ7XvJqYa2_gOT7
Hey there, no the axle springs are no longer needed. Those, in theory, helped the trans stay biased downward but didn't work at all. The brace holds the center of the trans in place while it has full articulation.
@@AMPROEngineering Thank you for your answer! Very pleased with the brace 10/10!
Nope I like my oil shock better
I have used these for decades. Too lazy to change them now.