FairTax4me

I have a rare opportunity to purchase a MINT condition, approx 90% assembled TA03F Kure Nismo from my neighbor. He says he's had it for ten years or better. Bought it to have fun with, built it most of the way, painted the body and started applying decals, then put it back in the box and stuck it in the closet. Never been driven, at all. He dug it up a few weeks ago, and hooked up a single C cell to the motor to see if it still turned and that's the most "running" it has ever done. It's still in the original box, has all the original parts that I can see, except for the 3 speed mechanical speed control. Not sure how much one of those matters.
The only info I can find as far as pricing is one on Ebay, out of Turkey, that is listed for $399. Other than that I not sure where to look for what a car like this is worth. I know there are a lot of Tamiya gurus around here, so I figured this might be the best place to ask.
So whats a car like this worth? He said he's not really sure how much he paid for it, its been so long since he bought it, and he doesn't want to keep it since he'll probably never do anything with it.
What do you think I should offer him for this thing? Thanks guys

lee172

the one you mention was one of the more expensive TA-03 models, and new built should fetch over 200$ it all depends though, ive seen a NIB Subaru TA-03F go for 400$ and two weeks later i won one (also NIB) and it cost about 200$

that RC seller from Turkey has extortionate prices and cant really be used as a guide.

Lunchboxer

If it is new-in-box, it is probably $250-300 range..

But it sounds like it has been built.. but never ran.. I'd say, $125-$150 range.. maybe even more, if it is built right..

Good luck! When you get it, be sure to post some pics!!

Lunchboxer

Hey, my 2nd TA-03F showed up today!!

Lunchboxer

Once upon a time, the TA-03F rules the on-road racing world?! [X(]

Lunchboxer

The manual is in almost new condition!

Lunchboxer

Ah, hmm.. the belt goes BELOW the tension pulley, okay?! [:@]

I am gonna tear it down and re-build anyway, but that really doesn't give you much confidence on the original build, eh?!

Lunchboxer

2nd servo for the MSC! Hee hee, old school.. !!

FairTax4me

I think I'll get it then. It's actually in my room right now, he brought it over earlier for me to look over. This thing looks too nice to drive. I would love to see how it handles with the front mounted motor, but I just don't know. Did they make a lot of these kits? I've found some links to info on the Pro versions, one of which they only made something like 200 kits.

Yeah, that's about what I figured. That's why I asked here before I make him an offer.

Lunchboxer

That's why I keep on NIB and try to restore the 2nd one as runner! hee hee..

Be sure to post some pics!!

FairTax4me

PICS! These turned out kinda bad, the battery light on the camera started flashing right after the first pic so I had to hurry it up. [:@]

Lunchboxer

Not bad!! I say it is worth $150 right there!!

FairTax4me

How hard is it to find one of these as a roller? It looks like it would be a ton of fun. I'm sure the handling characteristics are way different than any other road car I've driven.

Lunchboxer

Hard to come by.. watch eBay, it is the only place, I guess.. or in your case, someone you know happen to want to get rid of it..

Since it is built already (the one you got), making it into a runner isn't that bad.. maybe if you want, you can run a bash shell..

I mean, they are rare, but not that rare, you know.. (since you can still find them NIB for less than $300..)

I say just buy it and run it!

FairTax4me

Yeah I thought about that. I guess the only thing I want to keep nice are the wheels and body really, and those aren't hard to take off. What kind of wheels fit on these things? This is quickly turning into another project I don't need to spend money on but will anyway.

Lunchboxer

Any touring car wheels should fit just fine..

Run it! That's what they are for!!

FairTax4me

Sweet! Ive wanted [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUT48&P=7]THIS[/link] body for a while, but haven't ever had a reason to order it yet. I wish Benz would give HPI permission to make the new S class body, I'd be all over that.

Thanks for the help guys!

Lunchboxer

LOL, that's so odd to see a big S-class w/ a wing on the back.... ha! Cool nonetheless!

Keep us posted!!

Casper06

Ok LB I didn't know you had one of these too! [X(] I asked my friend and he still has his TA03F in his garage. I think I could put one together with the parts I have and his chassis and parts. Only thing is I need a copy of the instruction manual on how to build this thing back up. I also need to pick up a shell and wheels. HELP! Do you think this car could take a 20T or low motor in it?

Lunchboxer

I have a lot of cars that you don't know about.. (joke)

Should handle a mod motor pretty easily..

Check TamiyaUSA to see if they got any scanned manual online.. if not, try TamiyaClub.com, they have a reference section.. and if you can't really find anything anywhere, you can always ask here.. I will see what I can do.. (scan them and e-mail to you or something)

Good luck and post pics when you got a chance!

Casper06

I'm sure you do! It's nice being an adult and getting back into RC cars again with money this time around. I'll look online for a manual. Do you know if they still sell shells for these cars and wheels?

Lunchboxer

For the exact shell for your kit?! Most likely not.. but all the touring car wheels / shells should fit okay... they are standard size..

Casper06

Yeah I wasn't looking for the exact same shell just one to cover the internals. I found this link on fleabay are these the correct bearings? I know you said they are all wired sizes.

http://cgi.ebay.com/TAMIYA-TA03F-BEARING-SET-(20)-GPM9226_W0QQitemZ110335397520QQcmdZViewItem

Casper06

Here is the heatsink you were asking about in the earlier sections of the thread. Don't know if you found one yet:

http://www.asiatees.com/display.php?...del=TA03&pid=1

Lunchboxer

Thanks for the link.. ! I am trying to stick w/ the Tamiya hop-ups for now, though.. unless I am really desperate.. hee hee..

Regarding the bearings.. I am not sure, got to check, but the price seems very high to me.. !

Good luck!