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Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:27 am
by Jerzi
Because of this topic (very great topic) I know now what is the next carbon project.
I have 3 or 4 of the mids so one of them have to go to the carbon project.
This is an very superb topic.
Jerzi
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 6:55 am
by j0pp3
Jerzi wrote:Because of this topic (very great topic) I know now what is the next carbon project.
I have 3 or 4 of the mids so one of them have to go to the carbon project.
This is an very superb topic.
Jerzi
Feels good that I'm capable of inspiring other members of this forum
I actually have a runner project in the pipeline and that car will have homemade carbon parts. Here is a picture of what I have done with my Dremel so far:

Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 8:39 am
by uniquenamehere
Wow...nice work with the dremel!
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 9:31 am
by Jerzi
Very nice parts.
With dremel you can do what ever you want. And the finish is superb.
Jerzi
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:03 am
by j0pp3
uniquenamehere wrote:Wow...nice work with the dremel!
Thanks!
Jerzi wrote:Very nice parts.
With dremel you can do what ever you want. And the finish is superb.
Jerzi
Word! Next part to create will be a Rear Plate (L). For that I will use an OT-114 as a blueprint even if I won't use it to mount a mechanical speed control. And after that I may try to do my own chassis designed to use saddle pack LiPo's but by then I think my runner will have it's own thread

Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 10:09 am
by DennisM
Did You start on the lipo saddle pack chassis?
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2013 7:34 am
by j0pp3
Unfortunately not. The cold season came and I don't have anywhere to work with carbon fiber until april/may. I'm looking forward to create a lot of parts then.
My complete Optima Mid family will be shown at a vintage exhibition in may/june.
For those who missed it the runner got it's own thread:
http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=27760
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 4:16 pm
by Coelacanth
j0pp3 wrote:[
j0pp3, I'm building a project RWD car from some parts I had received in a Optima parts lot from another member here. What I thought was an Optima Mid turns out to be a Turbo Optima Mid SE, judging by the chassis plate with countersunk holes, Platinum shocks that were also in the box, and the triangular brace above the motor which is distinctive to the Mid SE.
My problem is, I'm not sure exactly how to reassemble the rear ball diff, and the manual assumes it's already assembled.

On another topic here, someone posted a picture of the assembly instructions but it's too small & blurry to really see details. Are you able to upload a picture of the Mid SE rear diff assembly instructions? Also, what grease is suggested for the ball diff? I've previously only rebuilt the gear diffs.
That info would be helpful & much appreciated.

Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 11:26 pm
by j0pp3
Here you go mate!
Cheers
j0pp3
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 11:50 pm
by Coelacanth
j0pp3 wrote:Here you go mate!
Cheers
j0pp3
Thanks j0pp3...there's just one thing that doesn't seem to appear in either that diagram or another one that Bo Wallen sent me; Part B. I assume the thin collar, A, is used with the front diff only, and the plastic piece B is for the rear? It seems to fit my rear diff assembly perfectly and I don't see how Part A would fit in addition to B...?
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 12:04 am
by Jay Dub
Yup, that is where they go. The rear piece is intended to keep pulley woble to a minimum. -Jeff
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 12:39 am
by Coelacanth
Sorry, one last question, I think I mentioned it before...what are some suggestions for the proper ball diff lube? I assume it's not the same stuff that's used for the ordinary Optima diffs with the bevel gears inside?
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 12:04 pm
by Coelacanth
I should also mention the instructions for adjusting the ball diffs is laughably obtuse. "The diff body should not turn idly".

WTF does that even mean?? Obviously when you turn one outdrive, the other should turn in the reverse direction, just as with a bevel gear diff...but how tight is tight enough?
Oh...and "Keep the differential body aloof in the air."
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 2:57 pm
by j0pp3
Coelacanth wrote:Sorry, one last question, I think I mentioned it before...what are some suggestions for the proper ball diff lube? I assume it's not the same stuff that's used for the ordinary Optima diffs with the bevel gears inside?
I'm using Schumacher Silicone Differential Lube [SCHU1301] for the ball diffs:
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/167_293/products_id/170738/n/Schumacher-Silicone-Differential-Lube
Team Associated Black Grease [ASC6588] for the thrust bearings:
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/167_293/products_id/8003/n/Team-Associated-Black-Grease-4cc
For a serious runner it's possible to replace the diff balls with modern ceramic balls.
/j0pp3
Re: Turbo Optima Mid + Turbo Optima Mid SE build/restore
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 7:20 pm
by Jay Dub
I have always been a fan of the associated stealth grease for the diff, and black grease for the thrust. -Jeff