One possible source for a motor would be the one from a Hot Wheels Super Modified. The motor is part of the diecast chassis. It would have to be separated from the rest of the casting and a resin pop would have to be made from that.
![]()
Tyco 'Roughrider' Gremlin body - Missing Parts Help
I've got one of these bodies from back in the day, but it's missing the engine and front bumper bar. They are a pricey car on ebay, and I'm not paying stupid money to replace it, but I would like to find a suitable substitute / alternate engine to sit where the original did, and I can fabricate the bumper bar from scrap plastic. There must be something that could be made to work for the engine, maybe from a Match Box or Hot Wheels, or a scale model kit.
I was doing some ebay searching for die-cast parts lots and such, but didn't turn up anything particularly useful, and I don't really want to buy a big lot of cars I won't use. I'm guessing I'll have to just kit-bash an engine, but that's not something I have any experience with, so I'm not sure how good it would turn out! Obviously a drop-in replacement would be ideal. Maybe someone has already 3D printed this engine? Open to suggestions or ideas.
![Wheel Tire Vehicle Car Hood]()
![Tire Wheel Vehicle Car Hood]()
![Tire Vehicle Wheel Car Motor vehicle]()
I was doing some ebay searching for die-cast parts lots and such, but didn't turn up anything particularly useful, and I don't really want to buy a big lot of cars I won't use. I'm guessing I'll have to just kit-bash an engine, but that's not something I have any experience with, so I'm not sure how good it would turn out! Obviously a drop-in replacement would be ideal. Maybe someone has already 3D printed this engine? Open to suggestions or ideas.
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
Interestingly, as part of my layout, I have a gas station with the super that you have listed, along with a 60's modified and an 80s Cavalier style mod that you have probably also seen.
The early coupe engine looks to be more appropriate to me.
![Tire Wheel Vehicle Car Automotive tire]()
The headers look bad in pictures, better in real life. They could be further cleaned up with a knife or paint detailing, but they are not bad as is.
The early coupe engine looks to be more appropriate to me.
The headers look bad in pictures, better in real life. They could be further cleaned up with a knife or paint detailing, but they are not bad as is.
Yep, that is the first plan of attack--free!
Here is the later-model asphalt mod that I mentioned:
![Tire Wheel Car Vehicle Automotive tire]()
To me, the front wheels and tires (which are, incorrectly, the same size as the back) looked too big. So, I headed to the diecast department and found some rear wheels and tires that were only slightly smaller than these, but that fixed it--for free.
Sidebar--also knocked the bling out of the radiator opening and painted the inside of that opening black, along with the end of the header.
ps--1993?? Heavy sigh...I bought it new.
Here is the later-model asphalt mod that I mentioned:
To me, the front wheels and tires (which are, incorrectly, the same size as the back) looked too big. So, I headed to the diecast department and found some rear wheels and tires that were only slightly smaller than these, but that fixed it--for free.
Sidebar--also knocked the bling out of the radiator opening and painted the inside of that opening black, along with the end of the header.
ps--1993?? Heavy sigh...I bought it new.
Thats a pretty rare duck!
I do the gumball motor conversions ALL the time. There's a thread by Ken over at SRF that I posted some of my tricks in. We could maybe migrate it.
![]()
Im thinken' this motor is really close by comparison. Injected with fender well headers. From a "Passing Gas", by HW I believe, a 33 Wiilys.
Trim the headers off by patiently scribing and re-scribing with an exacto knife. Square out a pocket in the heads. Then remount the header in the more horizontal position like the Gremlin, using super glue. Then epoxy the backside for long term strength.
The injector stacks may have to be shaved or out right trimmed down a bit to get the re-combooberated dummy motor in under the hood.
Easily done in an evening. No casting, or hassles. If you plan your cuts and take your time, it will appear seamless, and the chrome wont be buggered.
Bill
I do the gumball motor conversions ALL the time. There's a thread by Ken over at SRF that I posted some of my tricks in. We could maybe migrate it.
Im thinken' this motor is really close by comparison. Injected with fender well headers. From a "Passing Gas", by HW I believe, a 33 Wiilys.
Trim the headers off by patiently scribing and re-scribing with an exacto knife. Square out a pocket in the heads. Then remount the header in the more horizontal position like the Gremlin, using super glue. Then epoxy the backside for long term strength.
The injector stacks may have to be shaved or out right trimmed down a bit to get the re-combooberated dummy motor in under the hood.
Easily done in an evening. No casting, or hassles. If you plan your cuts and take your time, it will appear seamless, and the chrome wont be buggered.
Bill
Thanks, Bill! I think that would be an excellent choice for the Gremlin. Although I may have found a couple suitable contenders in my son's car collection. And he's given me permission to proceed with the transplant! (I'm not sure if that means he will be the only one allowed to drive the Gremlin, we haven't negotiated the contract yet)Thats a pretty rare duck!
I do the gumball motor conversions ALL the time. There's a thread by Ken over at SRF that I posted some of my tricks in. We could maybe migrate it.
![]()
Im thinken' this motor is really close by comparison. Injected with fender well headers. From a "Passing Gas", by HW I believe, a 33 Wiilys.
Trim the headers off by patiently scribing and re-scribing with an exacto knife. Square out a pocket in the heads. Then remount the header in the more horizontal position like the Gremlin, using super glue. Then epoxy the backside for long term strength.
The injector stacks may have to be shaved or out right trimmed down a bit to get the re-combooberated dummy motor in under the hood.
Easily done in an evening. No casting, or hassles. If you plan your cuts and take your time, it will appear seamless, and the chrome wont be buggered.
Bill
;-)
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
