My Optima Mid restoration thread

[RedScampi]

Between all of the recent threads for Optima Mids and the crappy weather yesterday, I was inspired to sit in front of the tv and tear down my project. This picture is it's current state with all the old parts and some new. I bought a new body, wing and chassis set from Team Bluegroove (Yes, I know). I am actually encouraged by this body as opposed to the disasterous JRX2 body I got from them. This one has a spray film and the molding is much crisper and true to the original. Since I don't plan to run the car the shattering on impact thing will not be an issue. The platinum front shocks are nice but from earlier posts I do not believe they go with this car. Fortunately I had a nice pair of gold shocks in the parts box and the rears are pretty nice. I have a new chassis plate from a member and I grabbed a new top deck from e-bay since the one I have has a liberal smear of thread locker all along its length. Most of the parts here have not been cleaned or restored yet, just getting started. I did treat most of the aluminum to a thorough scrubbing with a scotchbrite pad which gives them a nice brushed finish. One question I have is about the gear cover and belt covers that were on the car. They all have a smoked finish - was this an original, stock thing of have these been sprayed with window tint?

[highwayracer]

hello Gary,

The kyosho belt and gear covers were molded out of that brownish-tinited lexan. After market companies like a&l and jg offered the clear belt and gear covers for ther lwb conversions.

Regards,
Roger

[RedScampi]

Thanks Roger!

[RedScampi]

So, really not much of a thread but this one is nearly finished. I decided I can live with the wheels not being quite perfect but the tires have to go. Just need to work up the courage to throw them in the acetone bath. I purchased many suspension and chassis parts to get to this point. I "reconditioned" the bumper with some spot putty, a little judicious sanding and some satin black paint. Looks so-so, but I'm not going to pay a ridiculous ebay price for a new one. There are a couple other original plastic pieces, plus the motor pate, shock towers and other aluminum are original less the chassis which is new. I found out by looking through the manual that this is not a Turbo car and it seems to have the long wheel base based on how the TBG body fits. I may replace it with a longer body at in the future. Also the belt covers from TBG are crap and I'm not going to use them. They are molded from some perforated Lexan which looks horrible.

[mikea96]

Looking very nice Gary

[RedScampi]

Thanks Mike, had this one a long time, just waiting. Next, on to my Turbo Ultima if I don't get distracted...

[treehugger]

i have a full set of smoked lexan if you decide to go original but i like the clear

Paul

[RedScampi]

i have a full set of smoked lexan if you decide to go original but i like the clear

Paul

I'll send you a PM Paul, thanks.

[CamplinP]

My mid came with the smoked lexan, but the Kyosho LWB conversion came with the clear.

[FasterLouder]

Nice work,Scampi!

I've just begun restoring a Turbo Optime Mid SE.
I scored a new SE chassis and upper plate,too.
There were somenew SE wheels and tires on eBay,but they sold for US$180!

Any chance you want to sell or trade those front Platinum shocks that were on your car?

[Charlie don't surf]

Nice work,Scampi!

I've just begun restoring a Turbo Optime Mid SE.
I scored a new SE chassis and upper plate,too.
There were somenew SE wheels and tires on eBay,but they sold for US$180!

Any chance you want to sell or trade those front Platinum shocks that were on your car?

I have a set of those that I will sell for $100, just LMK

[bearrickster]

Great work Gary it looks great.

[RedScampi]

Nice work,Scampi!

I've just begun restoring a Turbo Optime Mid SE.
I scored a new SE chassis and upper plate,too.
There were somenew SE wheels and tires on eBay,but they sold for US$180!

Any chance you want to sell or trade those front Platinum shocks that were on your car?

I have a set of those that I will sell for $100, just LMK

Faster, I'll let you know if I'm willing to part with them. I have a couple of Kyoshos in the pipe and I'm not 100 percent sure what the shocks are like.

Charlie, is that a set of four or two?

[RedScampi]

Great work Gary it looks great.

Thank you my friend! I really need to start painting again.

[bearrickster]

Thank you my friend! I really need to start painting again.

Your not the only one in that boat. I am cleanning out my paint booth today. I have some real and RC cars to paint I am way behind, with everything that has been going on. I would rather paint something for someone else, than my stuff. I can never decide what color sceam to do. or if one spot messes up I want to through the hole thing away. but your car looks great