Finally.... My Tamiya Avante!!!!

[optiman]

Guys, I just scored what it seems to be a nice Tamiya Avante Those who have read my threads know that I've always been a sucker for them.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tamiya-Avant...vip=true&rt=nc

The Avante is the orignal 80's version and needs some TLC along with a new body, decals, undertray, most probabbly a new lower carbon chassis(due to not having the undertray), correct motor, one wheel hub/nut, tires, driver figure and apparently some parts on the front suspension.
The question is; What should I do with it?
Since I saw the Black Special I knew I wanted one, but paying $800+ for one was not an option for me. So should I turn mine into one?
The way I see it I already need parts that could be bought Black Special instead of the standard Avante and Technigolds motors arent cheap also.
Maybe if I Blackenize the original Avante is the way to go... I need suggestions and recomendations from the Tamiya Gurus.
I only paid $180 with free shipping for it, so there is some leeway in terms of spending money for it.

[DanB4]

I've got the following on eBay at the moment all from a genuine Black Special kit:

New body set
New pink wheels
90% genuine decals

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...d=181294624248

PM me for a deal

[mtn bkr]

Congrats on your Avante purchase. Probably my favorite RC of all-time. Still kick myself for selling mine 8 years ago.

[oli4ke]

Looks nice!! Congratz!
I still have a NIP Avante wheel set 50347. Give me a pm if you are interested.

Rgds

[Gayo]

Now waiting for the Avansteel roll cage wonder

[optiman]

Thank you all! I'm really happy and exited!

I am still deliberating on what to do when it arrives. I just learned that there are basically 4 different models;

Avante (the original, which appears to be the one I bought with; cast aluminum metal parts and fiberglass chassis/shock towers, Technigold motor).

Avante 2001 (cheaper entry level version of the original Avante; plastic parts instead of aluminum, 2001 decals and body).

Avante 2011 (2011 version of the original, carbon fiber chassis/shock towers, 2011 special motor, CNC aluminum parts).

Avante Black Special (2011 version of the original with carbon fiber chassis/shock towers, race steering rack, ball diffs, one way center diff, pink wheels with narrow fronts, black special motor, black special decal set).

Options:
#1
If I wish to Blackenize my original version I think is a long shot in terms of money spent. I would want everything like new and all the options of the Black, it would be better if I just spend the money in one.

#2
If I buy a non-Technigold motor and new parts for the original it would be a mistake. If what I am going to receive is the real McCoy I trully think I should stick to my guns and restore the original.... and get the darn expensive Technigold motor!

I will have to wait until it's here and get close look on what I bought, then decide, stay tuned

[optiman]

Originally Posted by Gayo

Now waiting for the Avansteel roll cage wonder

Lol, Gayo you know me!! But honestly I think I am done with the rollcage design stuff for now. I will finish the RC10 B4 roll cage project that I said I would do to the RC10Talk crowd and the Turbo Javelin Mid SE roll cage tribute and that's about it, no more rollcages!!!!
Personally I am involved in TOOO many things and hobbies; road race cars, R/C, kayaking, mountain biking, water sports and trying to make a silly comeback to kickboxing/muaythai but I guess I am too old for that now... the only thing comming back is the beer belly