Tamiya Grasshopper Black Edition Build – Part 1 (Steps 1 to 20)

This post covers Part 1 of my Tamiya Grasshopper Black Edition build, an iconic RC buggy that captures everything great about Tamiya’s classic 1/10 off-road kits. In this first phase, I progressed from unboxing to a rolling chassis by completing steps 1 to 20 of the assembly manual. Painting and detailing will follow in the next update.

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If you want to build along with me, you can grab the Tamiya Grasshopper Black Edition kit here.

Building this kit reminded me why Tamiya RC projects never get old. Every step feels purposeful, from tightening the first screw on the gearbox to lining up the front suspension. I kept the shell unpainted for now because I’ll cover finishing and painting in Part 2 on my YouTube channel.

You can see this entire steps 1–20 Grasshopper Black Edition build on YouTube in this video.

Tools & supplies

Tamiya Grasshopper Black Edition RC buggy kit
You can get the regular Tamiya Grasshopper on Amazon
JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) +1 +2 (I use VESSIS in Video)
RC bearing set (This is an upgraded – stock kit has plastic bushing – I used FastEddy Bearings)
Flush Cutter Nippers – (I used side cutters with nail clipper but not the best)
Everything else comes in the box

Build tips

Keep Tamiya’s instruction manual close — their diagrams are extremely accurate.

If you’re new to kits, check out this beginner RC build tips guide.

What’s next

Part 2 will focus on painting, electronics, and final detailing. You can see the step-by-step progress and real-time build footage on my YouTube channel here: RCGuided

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tamiya Grasshopper Black Edition Build

Is the Tamiya Grasshopper Black Edition kit good for RC beginners?
Yes, steps 1-20 of the Tamiya Grasshopper Black Edition build are perfect for beginners. You’ll only need basic hobby tools—no soldering, painting, or advanced skills required.
Do I need special tools to build the Tamiya Grasshopper Black Edition RC buggy?
JIS +1 & +2 screwdrivers and flush cutter/nippers should cover 95% of the work.
Where can I find the Tamiya Grasshopper Black Edition assembly manual?
Download the official manual from Tamiya’s website or check the kit box. Steps 1-20 are universal across Grasshopper kits—the Black Edition just has a black body and yellow wheels
Do I need Glue for the Tamiya Grasshopper Black Edition tires?
No, the Tamiya Grasshopper Kit comes with 3-piece assembly-type wheels. which are designed to hold the tire bead securely without glue, similar to beadlock.