Turbo Rocky restoration

[MrChin]

I recently added a Turbo Rocky to my Kyosho collection after spotting one under a RS200 body on eBay. I owned an original Rocky back in the 80's which I sold at some point, but I picked up and restored another one a couple of years ago. I never had a Turbo Rocky (I progressed onto an Optima Mid Turbo that I still have), so it will be interesting to see how it compares with the standard Rocky - which in its day was a great 4WD starter car at an affordable price point.

It arrived last week, looks very messy but overall it doesn't appear to be in bad shape. My main concern was the eBay listing showed the front wheels pointing in opposite directions, which could mean the impossible-to-find steering crank would be broken. Luckily it turns out it wasn't, just had popped a ball joint. It doesn't have a Turbo Rocky body, which is fine as I always do a new one anyway, and I'll source from TBG who thankfully still produce many vintage bodies.

Here are some pics of the starting point. I'm pretty sure the chain has been installed the wrong way. The tyres aren't too bad, although the rear set were clearly on the front at some point and have cornering wear.

I'll post more as it progresses...

[XLR8]

Cool! I agree, the car just looks really dirty but otherwise very complete. Are those Platinum shocks and are the wheels and tires original to the TR? This is going to be an interesting rebuild as I am completely unfamiliar with this model. Thanks for posting.

[Lavigna]

This is a cool looking car. I like the design. Looks like it should clean up real well. Looking forward to your build.

[MrChin]

Cool! I agree, the car just looks really dirty but otherwise very complete. Are those Platinum shocks and are the wheels and tires original to the TR? This is going to be an interesting rebuild as I am completely unfamiliar with this model. Thanks for posting.

Yes, standard on the TR. The wheels & tires are the same as the original Rocky, but the TR had black wheels...which is handy as it saves me reversing the yellowing effect that inevitably happens with white wheels. The TR was released around 1988/89, and had several upgrades over the original, including those really nice platinum shocks and all round universal drive shafts...added some pics to show the model as it was and the differences.

[coxbros1]

Very cool resto, always dug the Rocky! U going with vintage Le Mans for power?

[MrChin]

Very cool resto, always dug the Rocky! U going with vintage Le Mans for power?

Not sure yet...I think its got a Yokomo in it at the moment, can't tell the spec as its covered in dirt. I have a 240ST from another Rocky but I don't think its running well, and a 240S in a donor Turbo Optima although I haven't tried it yet. If the 240S works, that would probably be the first choice.

[MrChin]

I've cleaned the wheels up, and while they look a lot better than they did, the rims are pretty scuffed up. If anyone has any tips to tidy the edges up, I'd be grateful for the advice.

And while I was in the wheel cleaning mood, I started tackling some yellowing on my spare Mid Turbo wheels...

[coxbros1]

The 240s would be awsome....make it happen

[XLR8]

The TR wheels cleaned up very nice. Not sure what is the best way to remove scuffs - perhaps lots of sanding and polishing or chuck them in a lathe if you have access to one.
Your Mid wheels look great, what are you using to brighten them?

[MrChin]

The TR wheels cleaned up very nice. Not sure what is the best way to remove scuffs - perhaps lots of sanding and polishing or chuck them in a lathe if you have access to one.
Your Mid wheels look great, what are you using to brighten them?

Thanks - I think the lathe idea is probably the best approach to take off the edge smoothly....but I don't have access. I picked up the wheel whitening technique after a load of googling - basically it involves submerging them in hydrogen peroxide (over the counter stuff), mix in a small spoonful of oxy agent stain removal and leave them in direct strong sunlight for about a day. Its pretty effective.

[MrChin]

Between work, family and some house renovations, its taken me a year to pick up on the Turbo Rocky restoration...but I've got stuck into it again. I've continued the strip down - mechanically its sound apart from some bent parts, its just really REALLY dirty

[Coelacanth]

WD-40 and a toothbrush would clean most of that up in a jiffy. Good job so far, especially on the wheels.

[MrChin]

Yes, its getting a good going over. Only parts it should need are ball races - despite all the extra Option House parts that were included out of the box (platinum shocks, anti-roll bar, all round universal joint driveshafts), it didn't come with a full set as standard...just some in the gearboxes.

[Dadio]

Dirty goodness , mmmmmm!

[coxbros1]

Holy Grail shocks for sure!