Ever wondered how to make your Tamiya Lunch Box stand out from the crowd? Customizing this iconic RC van isn’t just about looks—it’s about boosting performance and making it uniquely yours.
Whether you’re aiming for cooler jumps, smoother rides, or a dazzling paint job, customizing your Lunch Box unlocks a whole new level of fun. In this article, you’ll find an easy step-by-step guide, handy tips, and clever ideas to help you get started on your custom build.
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How to Customize a Tamiya Lunch Box: The Complete Guide
The Tamiya Lunch Box is a legendary RC vehicle, loved for its nostalgic van body, larger-than-life stance, and knack for wheelies. But for many enthusiasts, the real fun starts with customization. Whether you want superior performance, a wild new look, or simply to make it your own, customizing the Tamiya Lunch Box is an exciting journey.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to get started—from the basics of modifying your Lunch Box, to expert tips, practical advice, and answers to the most common questions.
Why Customize Your Tamiya Lunch Box?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s look at the “why.” Customizing your Lunch Box offers several great benefits:
– Improved Performance: Upgrades can make it faster, handle better, and jump higher.
– Unique Style: With custom paint, decals, and bodies, your van will stand out at the park or track.
– Personal Satisfaction: The reward of building something truly your own.
– Enhanced Durability: Replacing plastic parts with tougher materials can make your Lunch Box last much longer.
If you love working with your hands and want your RC van to suit your personality or perform at its best, customizing is the way to go.
The Main Areas for Customization
Customizing your Tamiya Lunch Box isn’t just about slapping on some cool stickers. There are many routes you can take, depending on your goals. Here’s a breakdown of the main areas you can focus on:
1. Performance Upgrades
If you want a Lunch Box that’s fast, stable, and can take a beating, start here.
a. Suspension Improvements
The stock suspension is fun but bouncy, and adding the following will make handling far more controlled:
– Oil-filled shocks: Replace the standard friction shocks to absorb jumps and bumps.
– Upgrade spring rates: Heavier or softer springs depending on your terrain.
– Shock oil weight: Adjust the viscosity for firmer or softer damping.
b. Bearings and Bushings
- Swap the stock plastic bushings for metal ball bearings. This simple mod reduces friction, improves speed, and extends part longevity.
c. Steering Upgrades
- Servo Saver Upgrade: Stock parts can become sloppy. Upgrading to a high-quality servo saver results in more precise steering.
- Better Servo: Higher torque servos will help with tighter, more responsive turns.
d. Motor & Electronics
- Faster Motor: Upgrading from the standard 540 brushed motor to a sport-tuned or brushless setup provides a boost in top speed and acceleration.
- ESC Upgrade: A more modern electronic speed controller unlocks smoother throttle response and can handle hotter motors.
- Gear Ratios: Experimenting with pinion and spur gears tunes your van for different terrains.
e. Wheelie Bar
- The Lunch Box loves to wheelie! To prevent it from flipping backward, a wheelie bar is a fun and popular addition.
2. Visual Customization
Half the fun is in expressing your style!
a. Custom Paint Jobs
- Use polycarbonate-safe spray paints for wild colors, flames, stripes, or anything your imagination conjures.
- Masking tape or cut templates help with sharp designs.
b. Decals and Stickers
- Purchase aftermarket decal kits, or print your own for maximum creativity.
- Vintage, race, or cartoon themes are popular.
c. Alternate Bodies
- The Lunch Box chassis can accept alternative van or truck bodies, allowing you to transform the look entirely.
- There are bodies inspired by comics, classic cars, and even the iconic Mystery Machine for that Scooby-Doo vibe.
3. Chassis and Structural Mods
Improve strength, reliability, and sometimes even the looks.
a. Bracing and Reinforcement
- Add chassis braces (often called “strut kits”) to reduce flex and wheelie bar mounts to prevent breakage.
- Aluminum or carbon fiber braces look great and add strength.
b. Metal Parts Upgrades
- Swap plastic parts like steering mounts, suspension arms, or motor mounts for metal versions for better durability.
- Be aware that heavier metals can shift the center of gravity, so consider weight distribution.
4. Tires and Wheels
Tires change everything:
– Larger or softer tires improve grip and ride quality.
– Aftermarket wheels are available in wild colors, metallic finishes, or chrome to suit your style.
5. Lights and Accessories
- LED light kits make your van look amazing at night.
- Scale accessories like exhaust pipes, roof racks, or custom bumpers add character.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Customizing Your Lunch Box
Ready to grab your toolkit? Here’s a beginner-friendly sequence to tackle Lunch Box upgrades:
- Plan Your Customization Goals
- Decide if you want to focus on looks, performance, or both.
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Make a list of parts and paint ideas.
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Upgrade Bearings
- Start with metal ball bearings in the wheels and gearbox.
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This is easy, inexpensive, and boosts performance right away.
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Install Oil-Filled Shocks
- Swap out plastic friction shocks for oil-filled dampers.
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Set them to match your terrain: firmer for pavement, softer for dirt.
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Strengthen the Chassis
- Add strut braces to the front and rear to reduce flex.
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Consider a steering brace for more precise control.
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Improve Electronics
- Replace the servo with a higher torque version.
- If you crave more speed, swap in a sport-tuned or brushless motor and compatible ESC.
- Check for compatibility—brushed and brushless systems require different ESCs.
- Choose New Wheels and Tires
- Pick tires suited to your favorite terrain: knobby for grass and dirt, smooth for asphalt.
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Install your choice of stylish wheels.
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Customize the Body
- Remove the body shell and clean it thoroughly.
- Mask out any designs, then spray with polycarbonate-safe paint.
- Apply decals once the paint is totally dry.
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Mount any scale accessories or lights.
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Install a Wheelie Bar
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If wheelies are flipping your Lunch Box, a bar keeps things under control.
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Test and Tweak
- Run your van and check performance and looks.
- Adjust shock oil, tire pressure (if using air-filled), or switch up decals for perfection.
Practical Tips and Advice
Customizing is tons of fun—but a few insider tips will save you headaches and money:
- Take One Step at a Time: Do upgrades in stages. This makes troubleshooting easier if something doesn’t feel right after a change.
- Keep Spare Parts: Don’t toss the stock parts; you may want to revert or use them for repairs later.
- Use Thread Lock: For any metal-to-metal screws, prevent vibrations from loosening parts.
- Weather Matters: If you’re adding lights or custom paint, make sure your van is protected from water and dirt.
- Check Compatibility: When buying motors, ESCs, or bodies, double-check they fit the Lunch Box’s specifications.
- Community Support: Look for online forums and groups; other enthusiasts can offer guidance and share ideas.
Cost Tips and Shipping Advice
Customizing RC vehicles can be as budget-friendly or as lavish as you’d like. Here are some tips to keep spending under control:
- Set a Budget: Know how much you want to invest before starting.
- Bundle Shipping: If ordering from multiple suppliers, combine orders to save on shipping costs.
- Local Supply: Check if local hobby shops have the parts. This saves waiting and sometimes shipping costs.
- Look for Used Parts: Online classifieds or RC groups sometimes sell gently-used upgrades at big discounts.
- Avoid “Cheap” Fakes: Low-cost, non-brand parts may fail quickly—stick with trusted brands for key components like motors or servos.
Challenges You May Encounter
Customizing isn’t challenging, but a few common obstacles crop up:
– Compatibility Issues: Not all upgrades fit perfectly. Check measurements!
– Paint Bleed: Take time masking to prevent colors running together.
– Losing Small Parts: Work on a clean tray so screws and clips don’t roll away.
– Over-Upgrading: Too much power can make the Lunch Box unstable—balance speed with handling.
– Maintenance: More complex setups may need more frequent checks and adjustments.
If you get stuck, remember: there’s a community of friendly Lunch Box owners out there who’ve probably solved the exact problem!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can beginners easily customize the Tamiya Lunch Box?
Absolutely! The Lunch Box is perfect for newcomers. Start simple—with paint, decals, or wheel changes—and gradually take on performance upgrades as your skills and confidence grow.
2. Which upgrade gives the best “first improvement” for handling?
Switching to oil-filled shocks is widely regarded as the best initial performance upgrade. It stabilizes the ride, helps over bumps, and makes the Lunch Box more controllable.
3. Will a brushless motor make my Lunch Box too fast to handle?
A brushless motor delivers serious speed. On the stock chassis, this can make the Lunch Box very wheelie-prone and more difficult to steer. If you upgrade the motor, also upgrade shocks, tires, and consider a wheelie bar to help keep things controllable.
4. Are there body shell alternatives that fit directly onto the Lunch Box chassis?
Yes! Several aftermarket and official body shells offer direct fitment, and some creative mods can allow other 1/12-scale van or truck bodies to fit. Double check mounting positions before buying.
5. How much should I expect to spend customizing my Lunch Box?
It varies. A basic refresh (shocks, bearings, paint, decals) may cost under $50–$100, while high-end electronics, metal upgrades, and custom bodies can reach $200 or more. Costs climb if you factor in tools or high-spec parts.
In Summary
Customizing the Tamiya Lunch Box turns an already fun RC model into an extension of your personality and driving style. Whether you’re seeking standout looks, top-notch performance, or just some afterschool tinkering joy, there are endless paths to take. Plan your upgrades, take your time, and enjoy every wheelie-popping moment!
With patience and creativity, your Lunch Box will be one of a kind—and the envy of every hobbyist in the park. Happy wrenching!