The V.K.R.I. (Vintage Kyosho Rebody Initiative)

[markbt73]

So, white with some sort of stripes across the front. Easy enough.

I had forgotten that they have that flat-topped rear wheel arch. I may ignore that and make them round, if the tires rub at all. This one is primarily for running, and looking cool doing it, rather than complete accuracy.

Also tossing around the idea of moving the Lambo body over onto the Ultima chassis, and doing it as a road car. That Ultima is so clean on the underside, I'm not sure I'm willing to scuff it up. Would need to find shorter shocks and some road wheels/tires.

[TM Ru22311]

Looks like you have some fun times ahead of you Mark!
Personally, I like box art when restoring a vintage buggy. I plan on doing all mine that way.
I went through all the trouble to locate original part to make it original again, so why not an "Original" paint job?
Can't wait to see how these turn out, keep us posted.

[markbt73]

So, many many months later... the Ultima has long since been sold, the Lambo body found its way to an RC10, and the Optima is in the closet in storage.

Which leaves the Mid...



Finally got it trimmed and mounted. Modified some JG (?) body mounts and stuck on some Corally (?) screw-type body posts, so it's nice and secure on there.

Debating paint jobs, but I found this image I kinda like. Looks good in yellow, I think:



With mudflaps. Maybe the driving lights. Not sure yet. I also have a set of HPI 2.2" rally tires, but I need wheels for them...

[markbt73]

Painted, detailing started:





Probably won't do too much more to it; it's a runner. I do want to try to make mudflaps, and I have some other little details to add. But I think it looks pretty sharp as is.

[Coelacanth]

Great work on the body & paint! You managed to be very faithful to your original idea, that's not always easy! I'd do something about the mis-matched wheels, though.

[markbt73]

Yeah, it wants white wheels, I think. Just need to decide which direction to go. Have a few ideas, but as always, very little money...

Got it dirty already:



Love how it looks in motion, but it needs more power. It's actually a little boring to drive. I have been running it with just a 540 to keep from abusing it too much, but I think this might be a "go big or go home" situation.