Plus all other Tyco, Taiyo, Nikko, RadioShack and similar RC cars
Are your springs rusted, dull, or missing?!
It’s common for the springs on Tyco Bandit, Eliminator, Turbo Hopper and other cars to rust out, after you drove it in the mud or wet grass one last time, then left it on a shelf for a long time. We can prevent this from happening again by using replacement springs made with Stainless Steel.
Or perhaps they’re missing? On a Bandit I purchased recently from eBay, the rear springs just aren’t there! I’m told that ‘back in the day’ kids would remove the shocks to make the rear end lower… Kids eh!
Let’s get ’em back on!
Okay, but, where to buy them? You have several options depending on your preference and budget.
Option #1
GamerTek Bandit / Eliminator / Hi-Jacker Springs
Approx. $26 USD with international postage, cheaper if you’re in the USA.
Click here to buy on GamerTek’s eBay Store.
I have a huge amount of respect for whoever runs this store – they’re really helping out the Tyco collectors community, have so many parts on offer, and deserve any income they generate.
Note these springs are claimed to be harder than stock. Also curious they say Made in USA. I have no reason to doubt, but does seems surprising.
Pros: You know they’re tested and fit, and you’re backed by a store who can refund if they don’t.
Cons: Paying a premium. Not Stainless?
Option #2
eBay – Direct to the Source
Approx. $10 USD with international postage.
Must select: 0.9mm wire, 10mm outer, 35mm length
Click here to buy on eBay (select spec above)
Much closer to the source (China) where 99% of these are made is cheaper, but we must buy the right ones.
I came up with 30mm long, 10mm diameter, and the spring wire 0.8mm thick.
Update 9th Nov 2023: with further testing, I’ve found 35mm length, 10mm outer, 0.9mm wire thickness even better.
I’ve opted for 304 Stainless Steel, however we could also find the same spring in a Spring Steel material if you’d prefer. But there’s more to a spring than just its measurement, such as how many coils, what material does it use, etc.
Pros: 60% cheaper (at least for outside USA), available in packs of 5, 10, 20. And 304 Stainless Steel. Also available in spring steel, and with other characteristics so you can try a few for the best feel.
Cons: Have not tested these on jumps (and would’nt with a vintage Bandit!), but the performance can’t be much worse than the stock! The gaps on the coils are larger, provides more absorption, however it may be too bouncy upon landing. If you still dare jump such a treasure!
Option #3
AliExpress – The Actual Source
Approx. $7 USD with international postage
Must select: 0.9mm wire, 10mm outer, 35mm length
Click here to buy on AliExpress (select spec above)
But wait, if eBay was buying direct from the supplier in China, why is AliExpress cheaper?
Here’s a little secret about eBay. When you buy an item from China on eBay, chances are you’re actually buying it from AliExpress. When you buy it, the eBay ‘seller’ just places an order with a store on AliExpress and puts in your address, so you receive the item, and they pocket the difference as profit (minus eBay fees).
Pros: Even cheaper!
Cons: As above. Have not tested these on jumps (and would’nt with a vintage Bandit!), but the performance can’t be much worse than the stock! The gaps on the coils are larger, provides more absorption, however it may be too bouncy upon landing. If you still dare jump such a treasure!
Photo of the latest 35mm / 10mm / 0.9mm fit to a Bandit
Now we have the part, how to put it on?
Wait! I haven’t written this part yet, I’m still waiting on my springs to arrive!
Feel free to bookmark or Favorite this page (Ctrl + D), and come back in a few weeks once I’ve finished this How To.