Original 1987 Turbo Optima

[Trout27]

Hello to all.

New member and first time posting.
Just recently went through my dad’s garage and found his original 1987 Kyosho Turbo Optima and his Kyosho Suzuki RGV Hang On Rider. Both have been sitting for at least 25-30 years. Lol. I’m wanted to restore the Optima and get back up and running. I talked with my local hobby shop and the owner was really surprised to see it and actually asked if it was for sale.
Told him it’s not for sale and what my plans were to get it back in running condition. I wanted to upgrade the motor to brushless and he told me don’t do it and to keep it as original as possible. Which I agree.

I’m not too knowledgeable with RCs so any help would br appreciated. I installed a fully charged 2s lipo battery to see if it would actually power up which it did. I’m able to turn the wheels left and right so steering is working correctly. Problem is that when I pull the throttle/trigger the car will not move at all. Why?? I switched the channels on the receiver with 1 and 2. To see if motor was actually working when I turned the wheel and sure did she was ready to roll. But still throttle was nothing. I switch the 2 and 1 back and steering is back but no throttle. So with all that being said. What could be the problem. Please and help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Here’s some pics of what I have. Thanks

[Trout27]

Couple Pics

[Frankentruck]

Welcome! Nice look Turbo Optima and cycle. There are several reasons it might not drive. The Tekin speed control could be broken or the motor might need new brushes and/or a commutator cleanup. Or there could be a loose or bad connection between the speed control and the motor. Basically, more pictures are needed.

I'm not sure what's going on with these crimp connectors on the speed control battery wires. How did you connect the 2s battery?

Need to see that connection. Be aware that this speed control doesn't have low voltage protection for the lipo battery and the lipo battery may have longer run time capability than this brushed motor can handle (overheating motor).

[Trout27]

Thanks you for the reply. Here’s a couple more pics I took. Looks like those wires were grounded to the frame I think. I was able to plug in the lipo because it looks as if the battery connector was later installed with a male TRX adapter. So looks like any Traxxas plug would work. I only plugged in a 2s lipo battery because that’s all I had at the time. And just wanted to see if it would power up. But I would be running a NIMh battery if I can get it going properly. Thank you again.