I don't own either of these so no photographs, but fundamentally the chassis are the same as the Willy's Wheeler but with different tyres, and an extended chassis tub and mechanism box lid. Neither have a wheelie bar.

This is a subtle difference, but if you look at the bumper mounting points on the LWB bulkhead you'll see the holes are much deeper.

PAINT

Oh wow, WOW, thats is a very nice looking M38, so shiney and a great looking box (those are almost worth as much as the car, not kidding). And an intact front grill, ace! If you ever plan to sell the Wild Willy, note that the more original it is (right down to the MSC), the more attractive it will be to most collectors. In one way, I'd like to get something that might be used 'entry' or 'junior' level at a buggy club but I suspect none of the suggested items are really that suitable for this. Or are they?

Alternatively, be gentle with it, and otherwise enjoy it on the shelf. And buy something else (newer and cheaper) for the kids to mess with.

WHEEL/TYRE SETS

If you post what you know of pinions - tamiya number reference, car name, number of teeth and pitch, also the Tamiya part number (if you have it) - I'll add it to this post & make a note of where the credit is due Gear pitch will be one of two types imperial (diametral pitch, aka diametrical pitch, dp or simply pitch) - mostly found on US and UK made cars - e.g. Associated & Mardave; or metric - module or mod - mostly found on Japanese made cars - e.e Tamiya. The serial number on the bonnet (hood) changes from 2051312 to 99027, and tyre pressures become 25 all round (rather than 30 on the rears of the M38s).

The large body clips are the reverse of the norm - the "inside" extending part should have the bends & fold to accommodate the body post, not the outside as on every other Tamiya car.Then starts the body work - like Theo said, I never use primer for Olive drap color (see his explaination why) - I rather sand the body a bit to get better "grip" for the later to come paint Finally, body clips: on the SWB these should be the type with the "waggly" bit on the inside (compared to the large loop)- the LWB and most other cars have the "normal" arrangement with it on the outside. the hole in the front of the tub for the steering ("Servo Saver Shaft") is larger on the LWB tub, with a simple metal sleeve acting as a bearing; The "what pinion do I need for _x_" question seems to be a recurring one - and there's not much information about, especially on what pitch pinions need to be ... I thought if we collated what we do know for sure, it might help.

The LWB model was released as a result of the new models Audi Quattro and Opel Ascona, using more or less the same chassis, although modified. The Hornet (re-re) - 18T, 0.8mod; mad brushless: use 10T midnight pumpkin / lunchbox 10T/0.8mod gear & gearbox fittings (Thanks Jonny Retro) The original Wild Willy released in 1982 was purposely designed with its weight center in the rear. The motor was positioned behind the rear axle and the battery placed toward the rear of the chassis, giving rise to dynamic wheelie potential. The original Willy was equipped with an independent spring axle suspension on the front and a sturdy trailing link, coil spring on the rear. These mechanics allowed for highly effective off-road performance. The new Wild Willy radio control kit has an all new chassis and larger tires allowing it to tread over rough terrain. Of course the Tamiya Wild Willy 2 WR-02 trade mark is the animated wheelie capability thanks to an all new wheelie bar. This radio control car is a must for all off road R/C enthusiasts.I even thought it still had its wrapping around the wheelie bar One thing I noticed but I am not sure it looks like super glue was used on the tires/rims. An overview in the form of a spreadsheet and more pinion details can be found in the second post of this thread. The XB Wild Willy 2 features a gear box neatly secured into a monocoque frame. Side support bars have been added to the frame to heighten the overall rigidity and enhance Willy's "stunt vehicle" realism. Running battery is positioned lengthwise toward the rear of the chassis, providing the ideal balance for outstanding wheelie action. Steering servo is mounted centrally on the chassis and holds two steering tie rods of equal length, which control left/right steering, ensuring reliable handling. Four wheel independent suspension and oversize tires enable high traction and stability. Ready to run straight out of the box, this XB jeep is the perfect introduction to the fun and exciting world of R/C off-road racing. Set comes with all necessary R/C equipment including an Expec 2-channel transmitter and TEU-101BK electronic speed controller I think I'm missing out on the joke that's made, is wheel the wrong word for a rim with a tire? I'm not English, so I'm trying my best to translate everything the right way.