Project OptiMutt - Finished

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Coelacanth
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Project OptiMutt - Finished

Post by Coelacanth »

Another project finally wrapped up. I got this one done lightning-quick, compared to my other builds--barely 13 months! :P

I got the idea for this build when I acquired a set of these JPS rear aluminum wheels, then discovered RedScampi had a set of matching fronts. Neither of us had a full set, and I didn't want to build another 4WD, as I already had 3 other 4WD cars...so I was intrigued by how a RWD-converted Turbo Optima Mid SE might look sporting these wheels. I managed to convince RedScampi to send me his front wheels--fortunately I had something to trade that he wanted badly enough--and that was the start.

I also liked the idea of building a RWD mid-motored car as it's something you rarely see manufactured; most that I've seen were all mods.

On to the money shots...
OptiMutt_Done_Above.jpg
OptiMutt_Done_Side.jpg
OptiMutt_Done_Rear1.jpg
OptiMutt_Done_Rear2.jpg
OptiMutt_Done_Front.jpg
Completed projects: CYANide Onroad Optima | Zebra Gold Optima | Barney Optima | OptiMutt RWD Mid
Gallery - Coel's Stalls: Marui Galaxy & Shogun Resto-Mods | FrankenBuff AYK Buffalo | 1987 Buick GNX RC12L3

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Coelacanth
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Project OptiMutt - Finished

Post by Coelacanth »

And the obligatory body-off pics...
OptiMutt_Done_BodyOff2.jpg
OptiMutt_Done_BodyOff1.jpg
Completed projects: CYANide Onroad Optima | Zebra Gold Optima | Barney Optima | OptiMutt RWD Mid
Gallery - Coel's Stalls: Marui Galaxy & Shogun Resto-Mods | FrankenBuff AYK Buffalo | 1987 Buick GNX RC12L3

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Re: Project OptiMutt - Finished

Post by rccars4sal »

The belly pan is interesting. Is it also a tbg? Does it cover all the way forward and back? Stunning build! So many good ideas in there. I should try to wire my builds like that. So, how does it handle?

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Re: Project OptiMutt - Finished

Post by Coelacanth »

Yes, that's a TBG undertray; strangely, no it doesn't quite cover the entire aluminum chassis plate; it cuts across at the front and rear. In the last pic, you can see at the front where it crosses the plate just ahead of bellcrank; and at the rear, a little bit before where the plate narrows down where the gearbox is bolted on. Not perfect, but better than no undertray. :)

I've only done some runs up and down the street with street tires and electronically, it's silky-smooth. It didn't seem to have understeer on acceleration and seems to hug the road pretty good. I chose this body because the whole body looks like a wing. I figured it might be a good design for downforce; as good as I've seen for an offroad buggy, anyway. It accelerates hard with no wheelie action, which is perfect in my books, but...then we got snow. :lol: Next spring should be fun, I plan to run all my cars, except maybe the Zebra Optima...maybe I should retire that one because of the Gold Celebration chassis.
Completed projects: CYANide Onroad Optima | Zebra Gold Optima | Barney Optima | OptiMutt RWD Mid
Gallery - Coel's Stalls: Marui Galaxy & Shogun Resto-Mods | FrankenBuff AYK Buffalo | 1987 Buick GNX RC12L3

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Re: Project OptiMutt - Finished

Post by Hcp22 »

Grate looking MID! :D
Cheers
Lars

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Re: Project OptiMutt - Finished

Post by rccars4sal »

I had received a body set that was painted by previous owner. It was tbg and had the pan,, and I was confused that it only went part way front and back. Your pics made it look longer. No matter, its a beautiful build, and I think that will be the shell for the next mid in my fleet that gets finished. Looks really good.

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Re: Project OptiMutt - Finished

Post by Coelacanth »

Thanks, guys!
Completed projects: CYANide Onroad Optima | Zebra Gold Optima | Barney Optima | OptiMutt RWD Mid
Gallery - Coel's Stalls: Marui Galaxy & Shogun Resto-Mods | FrankenBuff AYK Buffalo | 1987 Buick GNX RC12L3

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alcyon
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Re: Project OptiMutt - Finished

Post by alcyon »

If kyosho ever made a ULTIMA MID, this is definitely it.

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Re: Project OptiMutt - Finished

Post by alcyon »

Just out of curiosity, what is the height of the yeah racing knuckles ?

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Re: Project OptiMutt - Finished

Post by Jay Dub »

Hey, have you run those rear tires? If not can we trade for them? I recently aquired a PB mini mustang, and those are the perfect tire for that car. I can send you other/different ones. LMK -J

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