Questions and problem areas
 

Hi,
I am new to R/C tanks. I have a number of questions about getting started. I am interested in upgrading a couple of 1/16 Heng Long tanks I bought a number of years ago and just now started to work with.
The tanks are an out of scale panther (#3819,I have read that they used a tiger lower and expanded the top to look like a panther). I also have a Mark III (#3848).
I want to: upgrade with metal tracks,gearbox, drive wheels,idlers and road wheels.
I need recommendations on where to get the parts. I also want to upgrade the electronic controls to 2.4 as well as adding sound for engine and guns(mg's and main).
How hard is it to replace the boards?
Does anyone know if Taigen parts fit these Heng Long tanks?

Where can I get new turret rings?
Is it worth while to add smoke? Seems there are mixed reviews on problems with smoke.
What is the difference on gearboxes between long and short axis?
If anyone can help me, I would be most appreciative.
Best regards,
Gary