Optima Mid LWB chassis question (picture!)

[j0pp3]

I found this chassis lurking in my pile of optima parts. I can't seem to find good source of what optima mid model it came with or if it was some kind of after market chassis.

First I thought it belonged to the Optima Mid Custom Special but when image googling that model I get confused.

I know it's not from Turbo Optima Mid Special as that model have a carbon fiber chassis. And definitely not from Optima Mid Custom as that model have a brownish alloy chassis.

Here is my chassis in question. It's in pretty good shape...
http://joppis.dyndns.org/misc/mid_chassis.jpg

[HKS_TRD]

Someone else who knows for sure can confirm, but from what I understand the Optima Mid Custom Special came with either the alloy chassis or the FRP chassis, they switched as a running change, not sure which one came first.
Similar situation to the Ultima Pro, they show it with an alloy chassis in the catalog and then when ever I see one for sale it has an FRP chassis

Are you going to use that chassis, I don't think its all that common and yours looks to be mint

The fact it has all the cutouts in the front half like the other factory Kyosho LWB chassis is a very strong indication its not an aftermarket chassis.

The other possibility is it came from the LWB Conversion kit that Kyosho used to sell

[j0pp3]

Thanks for your input!

Now when you mention the story about Kyosho changing the manufacturing I also remember it from somewhere. If it's true, this chassis might be the best candidate for my planned Optima Mid Custom Special. Together with a fibre-lyte chassis for the Turbo Optima Mid Special I look forward to start a two-car build thread.

Even if it's from the conversion kit it feels okay to use on a restore.

Cheers

[HKS_TRD]

I would definitely be using it for a Custom Special build. This way you are building a rare but still original version and also that it will have another difference to the regular custom which I assume you are going to build at some stage too. With all my builds I am trying to have as many differences between them as possible.

[oli4ke]

Someone else who knows for sure can confirm, but from what I understand the Optima Mid Custom Special came with either the alloy chassis or the FRP chassis, they switched as a running change, not sure which one came first.
Similar situation to the Ultima Pro, they show it with an alloy chassis in the catalog and then when ever I see one for sale it has an FRP chassis

Are you going to use that chassis, I don't think its all that common and yours looks to be mint

The fact it has all the cutouts in the front half like the other factory Kyosho LWB chassis is a very strong indication its not an aftermarket chassis.

The other possibility is it came from the LWB Conversion kit that Kyosho used to sell

Correct! But it was the optima mid custom and not the special.

Please read the remarks from terrysc in link below
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104676

[j0pp3]

Correct! But it was the optima mid custom and not the special.

Please read the remarks from terrysc in link below
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104676

Darn, that seem to be correct. Here is a photo of an early Optima Mid Custom with the very same chassis.

http://joppis.dyndns.org/misc/mid_custom_frp.jpg

[j0pp3]

Just found this image of a Optima Mid Custom Special but the surface of that chassis is more "plain/blank".

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j265/Projectshangrila/IMG_3243.jpg

[oli4ke]

Just found this image of a Optima Mid Custom Special but the surface of that chassis is more "plain/blank".

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j265/Projectshangrila/IMG_3243.jpg

Yes i have the same chassis on my optima mid custom special!
I will post a picture tonight.

[j0pp3]

Actually I think I will use this chassis for my upcoming Optima Mid Custom Special as a start even if it's not "factory correct". At least until I got a real chassis for Optima Mid Custom Special. If I find one I can transfer this one to the Optima Mid Custom.

Sounds like a plan?

[oli4ke]

One of the first restoration I did is this Optima Mid Custom Special.
This car is fully restored with many new genuine parts with exception of body and decals, they are marwans pieces of art!
J0pp3: As you can see is the chassis also blank....

[HKS_TRD]

Oli that looks amazing, we need to see more of your collection!

There is a Mid on eBay now with that same chassis

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kyosho-Optima-Mid-LB-Special-hybrid-with-lazer-ZX-/330824620104?pt=US_Character_Radio_Control_Toys&hash=item4d06af1848

It makes me think that the couple times I thought I had seen a S/H OTW-5 on eBay maybe it was actually this chassis, though there was one ad with a close up that was clearly an OTW-5, eventually you will find one but I bet the Fibrelyte piece will be just fine

[oli4ke]

Oli that looks amazing, we need to see more of your collection!

Thanks for your comment Daniel, much appreciated mate!
Once I finish my optima mid, i'll show you my entire collection.That's a promise;)