The lure of an Optima

[Ashlandchris]

So, after returning to rc recently after almost a 30 year gap, I had managed to avoid nostalgia - right until I saw Kane Woods recent post in the graphics section where he had done a box art optima and it took me straight back to 1985.
I have now succumbed and bought an Optima Turbo which I will replace shell and other bits to take back to original optima - just cause it is the best looking RC car ever!!

My question is where am I likely to encounter trouble? My memories of the Optima are rose tinted so I recall no problems, but will be putting modern electrics in it - albeit low powered (i.e. High turn motor, low amp ESC etc)

Any advice gratefully received, unless it is "don't get drawn in by nostalgia" in which case it is too late. I'm not trying to create a dust gatherer - I want to run it, but not too hard!!

[Peakey]

If your quick you can still enter it in the revival meeting next Sunday here: http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149530

[OptimaFan]

Nice, another Optima rebuild. I did the same, got a used Turbo Optima, and fitted it with a repro first Optima shell. Not in boxart, but still trying to keep it oldskool looking. I haven't posted a rebuild thread here, but on a fellow forum you can find more info about mine: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2106044

A weak spot of the Optima is the chain. It tends to keep stretching, especially if you fit stronger motors. It also lacks a real slipper clutch. Since you have the Turbo, you already have the golden shocks, which are better than the red ones, less prone to leaking and getting dirt inside.

[terry.sc]

My question is where am I likely to encounter trouble?The one weakness of the drivetrain is the final pinion that drives the rear differential. The kit gear is aluminium and can wear a lot. The fix is to replace it with the option hardened final pinion.

You will also have to keep watch on the chain tension and adjust it according to the manual.
The manuals are available online:
Turbo Optima (http://www.retromodelisme.com/manuel_page/139/turbo-optima-kyosho.html)
Optima (http://www.retromodelisme.com/manuel_page/42/optima-kyosho.html)

[Ashlandchris]

If your quick you can still enter it in the revival meeting next Sunday here: http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149530

I'd have loved to, but am unfortunately away so can't, plus I suspect I won't be running by then, but next year, who knows...

[Ashlandchris]

Nice, another Optima rebuild. I did the same, got a used Turbo Optima, and fitted it with a repro first Optima shell. Not in boxart, but still trying to keep it oldskool looking. I haven't posted a rebuild thread here, but on a fellow forum you can find more info about mine: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2106044

A weak spot of the Optima is the chain. It tends to keep stretching, especially if you fit stronger motors. It also lacks a real slipper clutch. Since you have the Turbo, you already have the golden shocks, which are better than the red ones, less prone to leaking and getting dirt inside.

Have just thoroughly enjoyed reading the rebuild report. This will be invaluable to me as I undergo the same project. Will also take your advice over motor and ESC.
Many thanks for your help

[TARTMAN]

:D:D;)sadly. the vintage awesome ness................ is best left there, for race reasons....

modern buggies are designed for the new lipo/brushless/mega fast/high jumps/rough track that we now have...

vintage is best kept to the vintage racing as mentioned. old school RC just does not cut it in the modern world of RC racing unless a vintage heat.

There are a few about but they don't do well in comparison....

its like a Mk2 RS2000 at a modern meeting with the latest race cars..... everyone looks at the RS2000, loves it and wants it, but after the 1st half of the race its back in the garage with the engine blown, shocks destroyed and needing a full rebuild costing 5 times what the new version costs as parts are hard to find..................................

:(:(:(

[mr. ed]

The one weakness of the drivetrain is the final pinion that drives the rear differential. The kit gear is aluminium and can wear a lot. The fix is to replace it with the option hardened final pinion.

You will also have to keep watch on the chain tension and adjust it according to the manual.
The manuals are available online:
Turbo Optima (http://www.retromodelisme.com/manuel_page/139/turbo-optima-kyosho.html)
Optima (http://www.retromodelisme.com/manuel_page/42/optima-kyosho.html)

If you can't find the hardened gear from kyosho; there's plenty 5mm innerdiameter moter pinions around these days. Just make sure to get the right toothcount and pitch.
The belt conversion would be a plus over the chian also. But most importnat : make sure to properly shield the chain/belt. Otherwise you pull the dirt into the rear diffcase where it will get between that gear and the diff; destroying both very quickly.

[oli4ke]

I have a new original OT-76 hard final pinion available. Pm if interested!
Brgds

[Ashlandchris]

I have a new original OT-76 hard final pinion available. Pm if interested!
Brgds

Cheers Oli. I will wait until the old Optima I am awaiting delivery of arrives so I can see what it needs in order to get it running. Thanks for offer though

But I'm still drooling over your Optima Gold:drool:

[Ashlandchris]

I've seen various threads on the original kyosho paint colours for box art, but does anyone have any suggestions for modern paints (fascolor, created etc) that match the colours? Wanting to be able to airbrush with correct colours

Suddenly inspired to create the box art optima look for my bmax2 while I await the various opti bits arriving so I can start rebuilding.

[oli4ke]

But I'm still drooling over your Optima Gold:drool:

LOL, thanks ;)

[optiman]

Optima's & Javelin's, there is no way to have too many!!! :D

[daz75]

got loads on kyosho spares, including pinions on my thread if you need anything, plus i'm in the uk which makes things easier :)

[Ashlandchris]

got loads on kyosho spares, including pinions on my thread if you need anything, plus i'm in the uk which makes things easier :)

Cheers :thumbsup:
Where do I find the thread? Once car arrives I'll see what I need

[keithrc]

You might consider an alloy front U bracket (between the front diff and bumper) from Pargu2000 on ebay, the stock plastic ones are fragile and bend easily with a decent front on impact. I've seen cars where they have completely broken in half, not a good look.


Keith ;)

[keithrc]

Nice, another Optima rebuild. I did the same, got a used Turbo Optima, and fitted it with a repro first Optima shell. Not in boxart, but still trying to keep it oldskool looking. I haven't posted a rebuild thread here, but on a fellow forum you can find more info about mine: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2106044

A weak spot of the Optima is the chain. It tends to keep stretching, especially if you fit stronger motors. It also lacks a real slipper clutch. Since you have the Turbo, you already have the golden shocks, which are better than the red ones, less prone to leaking and getting dirt inside.


Just had a quick look at your thread, nice work bringing the old girl back!:)

I'd offer you the same advice as Ashlandchris and grab the alloy U bracket from Pargu2000. Also, I noticed your lower guard is bent where the front bumper bolts to it. They can be straightened out with an appropriate sized block of wood and an FBH :P. I did this to a couple of my Optima's and it made a big difference to the frontal appearance of the car, looks much nicer.

Edit: here's the part I'm referring to: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Kyosho-OT-49-alloy-front-bumper-support-Optima-turbo-optima-pro-salute-javelin-/231296966047?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35da5f9d9f


Keith ;)

[Ashlandchris]

got loads on kyosho spares, including pinions on my thread if you need anything, plus i'm in the uk which makes things easier :)

Any advice on where thread is yet?

[terry.sc]

Any advice on where thread is yet?
A quick look through Daz75s posts brings this up
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147967

[Ashlandchris]

A quick look through Daz75s posts brings this up
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147967

Cheers - I had searched his posts but must have missed it or not got to it as I went through a couple of pages worth without finding it
Chris