Tonka Dozer conversion
 

Hi guys, hopefully I'll be able to convert this to the standard i'd like, I guess patience will be the key.

So I got this from my grandfather probably about 15 years ago and it has been well used but I still treasure it, so i'v decided to convert it to RC. I'd like to keep the outside original as possible.

I'd like to put hydraulics on the blade and metal tracks i'm thinking, and the rest i'm yet to decide.

oh and any help would be great I know a lot of you guys have a lot of experience and advise on the hobby.

ok so heres some specs:

track width: 1 3/4 inches
blade width: 12 inches
body width: 7 inches
body legth: 13 inches

these are all rough numbers

the main things i'll need help with are finding tracks and the sprockets.

so now for some pictures.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/...pse9e5c4ce.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/...psfb657246.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/...pscf58b3a5.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9ea70c34.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/...ps29e6e3f1.jpg

thanks Buzzy

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

I'll be watching this build! I love static conversions! :D

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

So today I pulled the dozer apart and cleaned it, i'd like to sandblast it but I don't know if the metal is thick enough to sandblast.

I'm also pretty set on using the sprockets and tracks from the carson LRT643, I still haven't worked out how the drive system will work.

As always any help and suggestions are welcome.


http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/...ps01aff6a8.jpg

thanks buzzy

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

I got one just like it in my attic. You might be able to stick a couple small window motors from ebay in it. Try to bead blast the sheet metal, it won't be near as abrasive. Good luck.

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

Have you considered something less abrasive, like crushed walnut hull's (blast media)?
something like what these guys sell, http://www.eastwood.com/blast-media-...FQHZQgod8ywA2A
Cheer's, Neil.

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

yes I have heard of using walnut, but my dad has suggested I just use wet and dry sand paper.

Buzzy

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

buzzy16-I would agree that you need to use some sort of power blasting on this model. I don't think you will ever be able to sand all that rust off and if you don't get it clean the rust will just come back.

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

walnuts is the best way to go except for the other way i seen it done was on the restoration show from vegas it called rick's restoration and i think it was maybe bakeing soda maybe they did it on a fiberglass staue of a bob's burger joint i think

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

Guys,
soak it in warm molasses and it will clean up OK. That was what jack van was thinking of from Rick's restorations show on TV.

cheers

Paul

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

Looks like a real fixer-upper! Interested to see how this progresses..
PT

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

Any updates on this one. I just picked one up at a garage sale for super cheap. I am waiting to see how you set yours up to get some idea's for mine.

TONTO

Re: Tonka Dozer conversion
 

WOW you was a serious about working the toys lol gonna be a great memory of grandpa everytime you fire that puppy up i say clearcoat it for the petina and where the operator has name plat say grand pa