.......
 

3 speeds, first release was the Hilux, soon after the Blazing Blazer.
A couple years, and improvements later Tamiya released
the Bruiser, and finaly in the early 90's the last one, the Mountaineer.
 

My response recently when asked by another 3 speed truck owner... 3 speeds, it can be addicting.
You get 1, then you want to "fix it up" making it look cherry. Sometime even before you finish your going to say  "oh, now I'm going to need a runner" then you realize you need a parts truck. Next thing is you take a look at all these parts and think "hey, just a little searching and I can build another" only thing is it never stops, it becomes not a mere hobby but almost an addiction.


My latest project, (July 05) is based off a Bruiser chassis. 
Here is the chassis/frame assembly before I stripped it down.
Here is a good portion of the metal parts after sand blasting them. Metal parts need to get sand blasted to prepare them for powder coating. Powder coating gives a really nice looking TOUGH finish that'll stand up to use better than plain paint would. 

Powder coating is a neat process where parts are sprayed with a color powder, then baked in an oven to cure/finish the process.
Rear axle on juggernaut leaf springs for some lift.
Start of the frame assembly. 
I used RC Screwz stainless steel screws and purchased extra 
3mm washers to protect the powder coating from damage 
when tightening the screws. 
 
Compare the frame before (above) and after (below) to see a big difference. The frame was corroded, pitted and very grimey.

 
 
If you need replacement, or hop up parts for yours I recomend 

 
 
 
A couple years ago I built this (circa 1981) Tamiya Hilux up. I wish I never sold it. Here's it's story... I purchased it in parts so assembly is taking some time since I had no manual and only a few pics to go by.   I decided to use a set of Bruiser axles and hubs instead of the Hilux units. The Hilux hubs were multi piece units and slightly smaller than the Bruiser-Mountaineer hubs and more fragile. 
Here is a couple pics of the HiLux While in progress
Here is the Hilux climbing a frozen hill. 
3 meg WMV file ZIPPED
Here is my old Mountaineer climbing a frozen dirt pile.




My Blazing Blazer has a chromed, (yes chromed) frame steering and suspension pieces as well as axle cases. I'm using Juggy leaf springs, still waiting on a motor pinion. I have most of the roof-wing parts still not finished with the prep work and a driver figure, missing 1 arm. I've already made som RCMT decals, and have a set of repo decals from Forrest at Bruiserbuilder.com You'll notice Juggy shocks up front. These are longer than the option shocks, (needed for higher springs). However tis means the stock steering rod cannot be used, so I'll either custom bend one or mount the steering servo on the frame near the tranny crossmember. And sand scorcher-Hilux shocks with "Juggster" lower mounts on the rear. The tires look a bit lost, but hopefully Hua comes through with 2.2 wheels for the Hilux/Blazer hubs.











I did not have the parts chromed, instead sold my frame I was intent on polishing when I saw the chance at this one.