Tamiya parts availability

[backyardbasher]

Is it hard to get parts or order parts for Tamiya in North America? Two of my LHS says yes. Does anyone have problems getting parts for their Tamiya? Any Tamiya people from lower mainland in BC?

[Throtl Hapie]

California RC had a wide selection of parts and hop ups but their web site doesn't work anymore! No other place has a selection like they do/did. Tower has almost no hop ups.

[Throtl Hapie]

Never mind that. I had to do some digging through their web site and I found tons of hop ups!

[agalanis]

What I've done is gone to the Tamiya website found the correct part number, then look up that part number on the Tower website. The products they have in their product categories are usually the 'hot sellers'. For example if you look under electric motors, you get all Trinity stuff. You have to get to the larger group of motors to find Orion motors. This is done by selecting a particular motor, then when the description comes up, click on the Product Listing within that, it will bring you to a bigger listing of motors (hope people can follow those instructions...)

[Throtl Hapie]

Or looking under the secondary categories. That's how I found all the Tamiya stuff.

[backyardbasher]

[b]Actually, how many parts in general can one substitute for a Tamiya one from another company, say using a HPI shock for Tamiya for example? 50% of the parts? Less? I'm really worried about this Tamiya parts availability thing to almost consider not getting a Tamiya<b/> http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/frown.gif


[This message has been edited by backyardbasher (edited 11-07-2000).]

[Killer_TL01]

I havent had any problems with parts avalability. The LHS that I used to deal with usually had the parts or had to order them and had them within a week or 2. The one I deal with now I have only had one problem with some parts being on back order. All it was was a 2nd set of Super Slicks and a last pair of rims. No biggy atleast I had a set of new tires mounted after I got the parts.

[backyardbasher]

Originally posted by Killer_TL01:
I havent had any problems with parts avalability. The LHS that I used to deal with usually had the parts or had to order them and had them within a week or 2. The one I deal with now I have only had one problem with some parts being on back order. All it was was a 2nd set of Super Slicks and a last pair of rims. No biggy atleast I had a set of new tires mounted after I got the parts.

Killer:
I'd like your opinion on this. I don't really mind if I order the part mail-order, just as long as it doesn't take forever. 1-2 weeks is no big deal. It's not like it's my real car that's disabled, just an R/C car. I'm probably gonna have to go mail-order from Towers or EastCoastModelCentre, no big deal. Slight hassle, but I can cope with it. My LHS seems to not want to deal with Tamiya or something. They stock HPI and Associated stuff no problem. HPI for sure. But I really want a Tamiya. Do you think I should just buy it and not worry too much about the parts availability thing? If I order parts from the two mail-order companies I mentioned, I should be alright, do you think?

[Killer_TL01]

Well I really have never dealt with mail order companies but atleast it saves you some gas and having to travel 60 miles to get parts like me. Although I dont mind waiting 2 weeks for parts I really like to have mine up and running. It hasnt been for the last month. Not because of parts because of that 60 mile travel deal and ofcourse my work schedule. If you order some parts and the company has them on back order see if you cant substitute an other part thats still compatible to your car. Like I said before I ordered 8 tires 8 rims. What I get 4 tires 8 rims. Heck at least I had a set to setup camber though. My LHS threw in the Super slicks for free because they ran out. So 5 months later I order 4 Type A tires. Just about perfect for Indiana weather. Tamiya is a great company but it is said that some hobby shops wont even deal with you on getting parts. The hobby shop only gets Tamiya kits when they are cheap and doesnt have any spare parts. Bummer. Hes glad to deal with me because I have dealt with him on before. If its a short drive to a place that does carry Tamiya stuff do it. Just remember its YOUR LHS THAT IS LOSING MONEY BECUASE THEY WONT DEAL WITH YOU. I myself dont trust mail order companies because of parts getting damaged during shipment. I dont like to mess with that stuff. Plus you pay SnH charges. If your LHS is one of those who knows the parts you order will be bought they may give you a small discount to hlp out with costs. Maybe so with me becaus eI'm ordering 150+ dollars worth of stuff every 3-5 months. Make your decision on mail ordering. As I said I dont like it. Just my opinion though