Tamiya Sileighty

[Mannyp1980]

Hi guys,

I was checking out some tamiya kits online and noticed that the Tamiya Nissan 180SX (89727) and the Tamiya Nissan Silvia K Kit (24078) is basically the same kit with a different body.

The sprue that has the chassis as well as the sprue that has the interior tub is exactly the same. In this case, Thank you for recycling Tamiya.

Which means the I should be able to make a All Tamiya Sileighty if I chop off the Silvia nose and attach it to the 180SX body (Minus its nose).

Has anyone done this before? I know both the kits are rare but I really want my own Tamiya Sileighty.

And when I'm done with the Sileighty I could make a Onevia with the parts not used.

What you guys think?

Edited November 10, 2014 by Mannyp1980

[rsxse240]

It is possible, as they are the same basic chassis, but you'll have to swap the rear section of the chassis as well as the front body work, as the shape of the rear end is dramatically different.

I did the same swap with some Aoshima kits. Both were from the Initial-D series. I built what you called the "one-via" since I owned a 1:1 but it's really just a US market 240sx coupe, and if you want it to be accurate, it has to be left hand drive.

I've not done the Tamiya swaps, so I can't guarantee perfect fit, but it stands to reason you should be able to swap quite easily, just use a very fine cutting tool and make your cuts at the front of the doors, and I think there's a mold line at the rear of the chassis where you can cut and it should mostly be hidden by the fuel tank.

Edited November 11, 2014 by rsxse240

[Tonioseven]

The Tamiya swap has been done on another forum but I can't find the link. I had pictures on my old computer but it's currently out of commission.

[niteowl7710]

Depending on what you're looking for in a build experience in general, Fujimi has a pair of Sileightys already converted and ready to be built right out of the box. Although I don't believe they have LHD parts in them.

[rsxse240]

Fujimi is a decent kit, but the interior and chassis details are merely representative of the 1:1, not that Tamiya is much better, but I will say Tamiya is a much better FITTING kit. Don't forget the Aoshima kits either. The Aoshima kits are right on par with Fujimi, so just pick your poison, but stay in the family to do a front end swap.

As for the whole reason to DO the front end swap to build a Sil-Eighty, it makes no sense, however, to build a U.S. spec 240SX COUPE, it is manditory. Now the Tamiya kits only offer what us S-chassis nuts call the Pignose. It's the 89-90 or early version of the S13 which has 2 simulated vents in the front bumper that remind a person of nostrils. So if you want to do the "shark nose" you'll HAVE to get the Fujimi or Aoshima kits.