How would you convert Tamiya's older m113 kit into a more modern m113a2? I want to use the older kit because of the interior and it is much cheaper than the oif version.

1. Add additional roadwheel shock on each side behind the first shock.
2. Slice off the screw off radiator cap and fabricate the armored radiator cap.
3. Add the two heater vents.
4. If the vehicle is a A2 refit then leave the left fender with the drain channel. Otherwise fill in.
5. Fabricate exhaust with flap and guard. Some A2s have an adaptor plate over the old A1 exhaust hole.

Please of good references on Prime Portal.

Paul

Cosmetically, the big external difference is around the engine air intakes grills and exhaust pipe. It should be relatively easy to find a photo and replicate the A2 engine deck from the old kit. There's an extra shock absorber added to the second road wheel station on each side, but these would not be as noticeable.

The engine in the kit is the original gasoline engine and would be different from the A2 engine. Not a problem if you model the compartment closed. inside, there are some missing standard items like the radio rack along the wall behind the driver's hole. Also the interior fuel tank is a different style than the A2. Academy has a nicer, more true to detail A2 interior than the original Tamiya kit.

Yup, and its about as cheap as the Tamiya M113 kit. I recommend getting it instead.