Optima Mid Custom Special + Turbo Optima Mid Special

[j0pp3]

Finally I got these restore projects started. I have been collecting parts since may this year and I think I have all that's needed. As my other builds, these two cars will be built by using mostly second hand parts (in great condition).

Model names:
Kyosho Optima Mid Custom Special
Kyosho Turbo Optima Mid Special

These are the last two models Kyosho made in the Mid series. Both with the stretched wheelbase.

I will update this first post with more info but for now, let's have some pics!

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_01.jpg
Gear diffs for the custom, balls for the turbo special.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_02.jpg
Not exactly correct chassis but the closest I could find.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_03.jpg
Fibre-lyte substitute for the turbo special.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_04.jpg
A "look-through" view of the drive trains.

[HKS_TRD]

Wow this looks great!
I see you have the wide black spacer in the rear ball diff of the Turbo Mid Mid Special, do you have any more ball diffs with that spacer, the newer style with the thin spacer is OK for a shelfer but I have a feeling that wide black spacer behind the bearing is better for a runner and one Mid I am yet to start building is a runner. You can see the difference if you look at my ball diffs

I can't wait to see more progress I always love your pics!

[j0pp3]

Wow this looks great!
I see you have the wide black spacer in the rear ball diff of the Turbo Mid Mid Special, do you have any more ball diffs with that spacer, the newer style with the thin spacer is OK for a shelfer but I have a feeling that wide black spacer behind the bearing is better for a runner and one Mid I am yet to start building is a runner. You can see the difference if you look at my ball diffs

I can't wait to see more progress I always love your pics!

Thanks mate!

Actually I have one more ball differential (rear) that might be of interest to you. Will take a photo and put it here tomorrow. Maybe we can just swap spacers if you have a thin one you don't need.

No picture update for today but I got the shells, under trays, wings, decals and belt protection parts from Marwan! :woot:

Cheers

[HKS_TRD]

That would be great, swapping the spacers works for me

[j0pp3]

A bit of a build progress guys! I take fewer photos this time and have more focus on the builds. Love these models! :wub

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_05.jpg
Rear suspension arms, belt protection and motor plate etc.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_06.jpg
Another angle.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_07.jpg
Spur gear and slipper mounted.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_08.jpg
Front suspension arms.

[j0pp3]

And a few more pics...


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_09.jpg
Shock towers added. Front anti-roll bar on the Turbo.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_10.jpg
Bumpers.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_11.jpg
Rear towers. Rear anti-roll bar on the Turbo.

[HKS_TRD]

Love your work! Your last pics are at a similar build stage to mine.

[Lonestar]

As usual, your stuff is best in class.... Keep it up!!! :)

Paul

[j0pp3]

Love your work! Your last pics are at a similar build stage to mine.

Yeah! :)

I got the double sided tape that I linked to in your thread. It seems to be a great substitute but I took a late decision not to use any tape at all. There are so many things to hold it firmly anyway. Good enough for a restore I mean.

As usual, your stuff is best in class.... Keep it up!!! :)

Paul

Wow, many thanks Lonestar :lol:

Cheers guys

[j0pp3]

And... those lovely Golds are ON! :lol:

That will be all for today. Took a while to rebuild eight dampers...

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_12.jpg


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_13.jpg


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_14.jpg


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_15.jpg

[HKS_TRD]

Looking really nice now with the dampers on, and its good to see you used the correct screws for the top mounts on each one.
My cap screws have finally turned up so I can put my gold shock on too now
Hopefully next weekend I can get a chance to work on it some more, I've been out of town only just back home

[j0pp3]

Looking really nice now with the dampers on, and its good to see you used the correct screws for the top mounts on each one.
My cap screws have finally turned up so I can put my gold shock on too now
Hopefully next weekend I can get a chance to work on it some more, I've been out of town only just back home

Thanks once again for commenting my builds! I just managed to work a bit more on these cars. I'm very happy to see how they are coming together nicely. One minor thing that I realized after taking the pictures is that one front wheel on the Turbo Optima Mid Special has a different yellow tone. That will be taken care of some day.

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_16.jpg
Dog bones, turnbuckles, hubs etc.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_17.jpg
Dog bones, turnbuckles, hubs etc.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_18.jpg
Dog bones, turnbuckles, hubs etc.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_19.jpg
Dog bones, turnbuckles, hubs etc.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_20.jpg
Battery holders and top deck posts.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_21.jpg
Wing stays.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_22.jpg
Complete battery posts, body mounts, wheels and tires.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_23.jpg
Complete battery posts, body mounts, wheels and tires.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_24.jpg
Complete battery posts, body mounts, wheels and tires.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_25.jpg
Complete battery posts, body mounts, wheels and tires. Here you can see the different color tone on the wheels. Will be taken care of some day.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_26.jpg
Turbo Optima Mid Special upside-down.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_27.jpg
Optima Mid Custom Special upside-down.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_28.jpg
Overview of what's have been done so far.

[HKS_TRD]

You've motivated me to make some more progress on my build.

I noticed you have Allen Key screws for the top of the shocks on the custom special, the Turbo is meant to have those too if you have any, not that it really matters but just mentioned it because I have OCD lol

Have you still got that other rear ball diff you mentioned previously?

[j0pp3]

You've motivated me to make some more progress on my build.

I noticed you have Allen Key screws for the top of the shocks on the custom special, the Turbo is meant to have those too if you have any, not that it really matters but just mentioned it because I have OCD lol

Have you still got that other rear ball diff you mentioned previously?

Uuuuoopps! I just checked the shock screws again. Actually it's worse than you mentioned because I have mixed them up. The Turbo has Allen Key in the front and the Custom has Allen Key in the rear. I think I have Allen Keys for both cars. Next update maybe! Thanks for pointing it out.

Sorry I totally forgot about the diff. I'll attach a photo next update so you can evaluate if it has the correct spacer. I promise!

Cheers

[j0pp3]

This weekend I've made loads of progress on the cars. Steering mechanisms and top decks are mounted (forgot to take photos). Here you have both cars painted and with decals on! :)

Left to do:
- Belt protection parts
- Under trays
- Maybe white painted text on the tires
- Body clips
- Something I've forgot


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_29.jpg


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_30.jpg

[DanB4]

This weekend I've made loads of progress on the cars. Steering mechanisms and top decks are mounted (forgot to take photos). Here you have both cars painted and with decals on! :)

Left to do:
- Belt protection parts
- Under trays
- Maybe white painted text on the tires
- Body clips
- Something I've forgot


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_29.jpg


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial/optima_mid_custom_special_and_turbo_optima_mid_spe cial_30.jpg

Stop it....I keep making a mess! :)

[j0pp3]

Stop it....I keep making a mess! :)

LOOOL

When I started on the first Optima Mid my goal was to have the whole mid family (six cars) done before mars 2013. That goal will be easy to follow up! Somewhere in mars every year, a smaller vintage event is held in Sweden. All my Optima cars will be taken there for others to view and touch them (if they wear white gloves). There is also a runner event and for that I made the carbon runner which is almost done too. The "black sheep" will be my Turbo Optima with rear motor (only need to paint the shell).

2012 was the year I really took the vintage path seriously and it has been a fun year. Maybe a bit too much vintage because I used to bring more time on the track. 2013 I will once again bring more time on the track but may build one or maybe two cars. Those vintage projects for next year are unknown yet, even for my self :)

[oli4ke]

LOOOL

All my Optima cars will be taken there for others to view and touch them (if they wear white gloves).

:lol::lol::lol:

[DanB4]

Where did you get the rear tyres for the Turbo Mid Special?

Are they W-5031?

Dan :)

[j0pp3]

Where did you get the rear tyres for the Turbo Mid Special?

Are they W-5031?

Dan :)

You got it!

Me and my sniper mouse button fetched a complete set on Ebay :p Unused original W-5031 and W-5034 :)

[DanB4]

You got it!

Me and my sniper mouse button fetched a complete set on Ebay :p Unused original W-5031 and W-5034 :)

I'll keep searching!

I have some new W-5034 narrow fronts on their way but need to keep looking for the W-5031 rears.

Cheers

[richie.]

so jealous of this project really want to make my ZX pristine like these:cool:

[j0pp3]

so jealous of this project really want to make my ZX pristine like these:cool:

Thank you richie! :)

Right now I don't remember what version of Lazer ZX you have but when I was a kid I was so close to buy a new ZX Sport. Can't remember what changed my mind though. Those where the days when one got lot of free time but had limited amount of money. Now it's almost the other way around :eh?:

[alcam]

Hi, I am Alex from France

I am a fresh fish on this forum and have just purchased a Turbo Optima Mid Special for rebuild.

I sent a private message to Joel to refresh the pictures of this post but no reply yet.

Can someone help me on this please ?

Thank you, Alex

[isobarik]

Hi, I am Alex from France

I am a fresh fish on this forum and have just purchased a Turbo Optima Mid Special for rebuild.

I sent a private message to Joel to refresh the pictures of this post but no reply yet.

Can someone help me on this please ?

Thank you, Alex

I guess you can find him on Facebook under nvc ,nordic vintage challange