Just found some of my old cars.

[J77MYF]

I Just thought I'd share what I've found this morning. These cars were put away in the early 90's in my mum and dads old barn. I've just pulled them out and I'm planning on resurrecting at least some of them, so any help pointing me in the right direction for parts and advice would be very appreciated.

Firstly is my Yokomo Super Dog Fighter YZ870. I used to race this car as a 10 year old kid (now 36) and would love to get it back up and running.
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The second car is an Optima Mid. I can't remember exactly which model this is but it has aluminium shock towers if that helps? I would also like to get this one back up and running to use at various meetings.
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The third car I believe is an original chain drive Optima? It has manual speed controller and the red collars on the option house shocks if that makes any difference.
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The fourth car is an early Hotshot.
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The fifth car is a Schumacher Top Cat.
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Unfortunately I had a terrible addiction to taking things in bits as a small child but I do have a big box full of various bits and pieces to go with the cars, so fingers crossed most of the stuff is in that.

[Sir Shawny500]

Lol. Wish I could find my PB MINI MUSTANG and swb Cat. Its a nice find that buddy

[Danny Harrison]

Nearly enough pay for a bmax43 if that lot was sold i reckon. ;)

[Peakey]

If he sold all that you could probably get 2

[J77MYF]

I'm want to run the Optima Mid at some indoor events like Worksop. Old school's cool ;) From memory I think it's a Turbo S/W base but I'm hoping someone can confirm this? I just don't want to order the wrong stuff on ebay.

[OptimaFan]

The Mid seems to me like a regular one, so that version that comes with the white body and orange/yellow/red/black striping. I don't see any of the Turbo's upgrade parts, no stabilizers, no turnbuckles, just regular tie-rods. The rear shock tower is probably from the Lazer ZX series it clearly isn't stock. But it's SWB for sure. Hope the rear diff and idler gear are still in good shape, those can be pretty shot on a well used car.

[daz75]

got load of schumacher, yoke and kyosho spares, got lists in the for sale section, im not expert tho so part numbers would be needed :thumbsup:

[J77MYF]

The Mid seems to me like a regular one, so that version that comes with the white body and orange/yellow/red/black striping. I don't see any of the Turbo's upgrade parts, no stabilizers, no turnbuckles, just regular tie-rods. The rear shock tower is probably from the Lazer ZX series it clearly isn't stock. But it's SWB for sure. Hope the rear diff and idler gear are still in good shape, those can be pretty shot on a well used car.

Yeah after a bit of research it looks like an early standard Mid. Can you still get the rear diffs and idlers or are they like hens teeth?

[J77MYF]

got load of schumacher, yoke and kyosho spares, got lists in the for sale section, im not expert tho so part numbers would be needed :thumbsup:

I've still got the yokomo manual so I can hit you up with part numbers :thumbsup:

[alcyon]

Yeah after a bit of research it looks like an early standard Mid. Can you still get the rear diffs and idlers or are they like hens teeth?

rear ball diff sprockets are cheap, but the geardiff sprocket is expensive. The middle gear you have choices of buying original, pargu2000 aluminium or mine in hard plastic.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/20140927_213156_zps7d947a27.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/20140927_213156_zps7d947a27.jpg.html)
Take apart the rear gearbox and have a look at the sprockets. I recommend a thorough cleaning of all the gears, inspection, and if usable, regrease and re install. If your vintage meet is indoors, you should only need the lower belt cover. If its outdoors get the complete belt covers from TBG.

[J77MYF]

rear ball diff sprockets are cheap, but the geardiff sprocket is expensive. The middle gear you have choices of buying original, pargu2000 aluminium or mine in hard plastic.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/20140927_213156_zps7d947a27.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/20140927_213156_zps7d947a27.jpg.html)
Take apart the rear gearbox and have a look at the sprockets. I recommend a thorough cleaning of all the gears, inspection, and if usable, regrease and re install. If your vintage meet is indoors, you should only need the lower belt cover. If its outdoors get the complete belt covers from TBG.

Thanks for the info. I'll strip the gearbox down this weekend and post up some pictures and see what you think.

[OptimaFan]

Yeah after a bit of research it looks like an early standard Mid. Can you still get the rear diffs and idlers or are they like hens teeth?

rear ball diff sprockets are cheap, but the geardiff sprocket is expensive. The middle gear you have choices of buying original, pargu2000 aluminium or mine in hard plastic.

Take apart the rear gearbox and have a look at the sprockets. I recommend a thorough cleaning of all the gears, inspection, and if usable, regrease and re install. If your vintage meet is indoors, you should only need the lower belt cover. If its outdoors get the complete belt covers from TBG.


There is a 4th option for the middle gear, Thorpe also makes one. It would be great if someone stepped in to make a replacement gear diff sprocket. But if the current gears are not too worn, cleaning and re-grease will do. Looking forward to the pics.

[J77MYF]

Houston we have a problem!!

I've just stripped the gearbox which was absolutely packed full of 25 year old dirt including small stones. It has a gear diff which internally is fine but the gear on the diff is worn along with the idler.

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What are the best options from here? I see ball diffs available but are parts for gear diffs non existent?

[Peakey]

This is the joy of restoring these old cars.
Now the hunt is on, I've spent hours and hours searching out old and very hard to find parts. It's like winning the lottery when the bits finally arrive that gave takers so long to find.

[rossiracer]

That's what I want for my mid the chassis protector mine broke

[J77MYF]

I've bought a NOS rear ball diff so that's sorted until I can get find the parts for the gear diff. I just need the rest of the gears now.

I'm going to strip and clean the car over this weekend. I can see there's going to be a huge parts list and many hours trawling through ebay. I also noticed it must have had the anti roll bars at some time as the mounts on the front arms are still there. I'm sure the lad who originally owned this car told me it was a Turbo but unfortunately he's no longer here to ask.

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Does anyone know what this rear tower is?

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[OptimaFan]

I also noticed it must have had the anti roll bars at some time as the mounts on the front arms are still there. I'm sure the lad who originally owned this car told me it was a Turbo but unfortunately he's no longer here to ask.

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Does anyone know what this rear tower is?

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The normal Mid comes with mounts for front stabilizer. So that's not only on the Turbo. Just check if the front has dogbones or universal joints. The Turbo came with UJ's.

Rear shock tower looks Lazer ZX to me

[J77MYF]

The normal Mid comes with mounts for front stabilizer. So that's not only on the Turbo. Just check if the front has dogbones or universal joints. The Turbo came with UJ's.

Rear shock tower looks Lazer ZX to me

It's a standard mid. No UJ's.

[OptimaFan]

Hmm, that would indicate a Turbo, or it was installed later as upgrade. Still odd there are no turnbuckles, just normal tie rods...

[alcyon]

Looking at the gears and the gearbox, this is my csi verdict.
You used too much grease internally. Also because the drive line wasnt sealed , all the sand stones and dust went in the gearbox. I wouldnt normally say this, but the gears look like they can run at least another 10 packs.
Why not use zippo and clean all the gears and gearbox, grease with hobby grease then reassamble.use a tissue paper and a small - screwdriver to clean in between the gear tooth.
Or if you can wait for new gears,then wait till you get them.

[J77MYF]

Looking at the gears and the gearbox, this is my csi verdict.
You used too much grease internally. Also because the drive line wasnt sealed , all the sand stones and dust went in the gearbox. I wouldnt normally say this, but the gears look like they can run at least another 10 packs.
Why not use zippo and clean all the gears and gearbox, grease with hobby grease then reassamble.use a tissue paper and a small - screwdriver to clean in between the gear tooth.
Or if you can wait for new gears,then wait till you get them.

It wasn't me that built it but in know what you mean about the grease. I've got the new gears coming along with a ton of other stuff.

I tried some associated hex wheels earlier and they fit.

[rob m]

with the ae wheels i found with my lazer the offset on the front was wrong as it made the car to narrow, your mid may be different? . i use ftx vantage snow flake style wheels, the offset front and rear are the same and at £3 a pair in black or white.:thumbsup:

[isobarik]

Hmm, that would indicate a Turbo, or it was installed later as upgrade. Still odd there are no turnbuckles, just normal tie rods...

and its a standard optima mid ..

no turnbuckles
no UJ´s
no turbo chassi

and it has frp mount on the gearboxside for the mechanical speed controll

verdict ..

standard optima mid

mvh isobarik

[OptimaFan]

First it was posted that it had UJ's front, and dogbones rear, but that posting was edited to "no UJ's". Then it's clear it's a regular Mid, no doubt about it.

[J77MYF]

Does anyone know if you can get reproduction new arms or are they hard to find?

[J77MYF]

I've stripped the Optima Mid and cleaned a few parts tonight. Not sure I've made the right decision doing this as it's easily going to cost £200 to make it nice again and I'm not sure if I'll dare to drive it at the end. 73726

[OptimaFan]

The Mid is pretty durable. Parts I saw damaged on the used Mids I bought are the gears, front bumper, bent wing mounts, and bent chassis plate.

[oli4ke]

Does anyone know if you can get reproduction new arms or are they hard to find?

Hi, i have many optima mid parts available. Let me know what you need and i will check for you.
Brgds
Oli

[Essex2Visuvesi]

if you are doing a full clean up job get yourself one of these:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Ultrasonic-Cleaner-Ultra-Sonic-Timer-Tank-Bath-Cleaning-Basket-Jewellery-/131265187816?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_JewelleryBoxe s_Supplies_CA&hash=item1e9003cfe8

A quick clean in soapy water to get the worst off then into the USC with hot water and a few drops of fairy.
When cleaning gearboxes and internals change the water for some engine degreaser, then another cycle or 2 with hot water and washing up liquid.

[alcyon]

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/20140905_205507_zpst36dcvzk.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/20140905_205507_zpst36dcvzk.jpg.html)I dont think its neccesary to spend 200£ to fix the mid. Your arms look fine so no need to blow money on those. I do have spare nip rear arms from speed model.
I also make my own arms and i do have the fronts.

All you need are belt covers..gears and body. If you want to drive this car best not to spend money on new parts. Sometimes used parts lots appear on ebay for cheap. You can go for those. Heck sometimes buying a used car is way cheaper.

[DanB4]

It won't cost you £200 - I'll help out, drop me an email to rowlandsdaniel@hotmail.com I may have a spare diff gear and other bits that you need to get your Optima Mid raceworthy.

I'm an Optimaniac - have around 14 of them SWB and LWB, NIB, shelfers and runners.

Dan :)

[daz75]

It won't cost you £200 - I'll help out, drop me an email to rowlandsdaniel@hotmail.com I may have a spare diff gear and other bits that you need to get your Optima Mid raceworthy.

I'm an Optimaniac - have around 14 of them SWB and LWB, NIB, shelfers and runners.

Dan :)


14 :o

[Peakey]

14 :o

What do you buy the man who has everything :p

[OptimaFan]

14 :o

What do you buy the man who has everything :p


Remember, his wife may be reading here as well, so he probably left out the 0 behind 14. :D


But joking aside, Dan is a great guy, and there are more good people on this forum that really love the vintage stuff, and truly want to help others out. Much better than some other people that sometimes pop their heads because they're just into the vintage hobby to make money, and buy vintage cars/parts, only with the intention of selling later for top dollar.

[Welshy40]

with the ae wheels i found with my lazer the offset on the front was wrong as it made the car to narrow, your mid may be different? . i use ftx vantage snow flake style wheels, the offset front and rear are the same and at £3 a pair in black or white.:thumbsup:

Annsman mad rat wheels are an exact match for the zx/zxr in diametre but look so much better. I use these on my race car.

[J77MYF]

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/20140905_205507_zpst36dcvzk.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/20140905_205507_zpst36dcvzk.jpg.html)I dont think its neccesary to spend 200£ to fix the mid. Your arms look fine so no need to blow money on those. I do have spare nip rear arms from speed model.
I also make my own arms and i do have the fronts.

All you need are belt covers..gears and body. If you want to drive this car best not to spend money on new parts. Sometimes used parts lots appear on ebay for cheap. You can go for those. Heck sometimes buying a used car is way cheaper.

Would you consider selling some spare front arms?

[alcyon]

Would you consider selling some spare front arms?

drop me a PM.

[oli4ke]

Houston we have a problem!!

I've just stripped the gearbox which was absolutely packed full of 25 year old dirt including small stones. It has a gear diff which internally is fine but the gear on the diff is worn along with the idler.

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What are the best options from here? I see ball diffs available but are parts for gear diffs non existent?

See picture, this is what you need right? They are in used condition but still ok for a runner!

[J77MYF]

Been really busy the past couple of days but I stripped the front shocks down last night and the Pistons have vanished :confused:

73791

These are the kind of issues I've been running into all the way through. Fingers crossed the rear ones are ok.

[OptimaFan]

Luckily the bladders are still there. These are much harder to come by then the pistons.

[oli4ke]

As promised Jim ;)

[J77MYF]

So I've done some more work on the Optima Mid tonight. I've stripped and cleaned quite a few bits and my first batch of replacement parts arrived in the post this morning.
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[J77MYF]

Annsman mad rat wheels are an exact match for the zx/zxr in diametre but look so much better. I use these on my race car.

These are definitely the wheels I'll be going for.

Thanks for the info :thumbsup:

[mr. ed]

I Just thought I'd share what I've found this morning. These cars were put away in the early 90's in my mum and dads old barn. I've just pulled them out and I'm planning on resurrecting at least some of them, so any help pointing me in the right direction for parts and advice would be very appreciated.

I noticed the thread concentrating on the mid, but must say you've got some very nice other cars inthere too.
The hotshot with that chassis is the rarest of the bunch, and thereby my favorit. But that Yokie is following close behind: excellent vintage race machine, and a classic optima is something every rc enthusiast loves on his shelf.

[J77MYF]

I noticed the thread concentrating on the mid, but must say you've got some very nice other cars inthere too.
The hotshot with that chassis is the rarest of the bunch, and thereby my favorit. But that Yokie is following close behind: excellent vintage race machine, and a classic optima is something every rc enthusiast loves on his shelf.

Thanks for that. I've done the mid first because it was the most complete. As soon as I started it I realised there was a lot wrong with it but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end. The car I really want up and running is the Yokomo which I will start in the next few weeks. I never really thought of the Hotshot as rare but I suppose they are.

[mr. ed]

The Hotshot is not rare by itself (especially with the re-re a couple years back), but that custom chassis is rare for sure.

[J77MYF]

The Hotshot is not rare by itself (especially with the re-re a couple years back), but that custom chassis is rare for sure.

I got given that car when I was about 12 or 13. I've done some research on the Internet and it looks to be a TMS chassis. I don't really know much about it other than that?

[Adam F]

Just wondered if you were considering selling the 870?

[J77MYF]

Just wondered if you were considering selling the 870?

Sorry but I can't. That's the one car I really want to get back up and running.

[Adam F]

No worries, had to ask!

[J77MYF]

So most of the parts have arrived for the Optima Mid and it's coming along nicely. New parts so far at this stage on the build are: chassis, drive belt and full screw kit. Thanks to Oli for the diffs and gearbox parts :)
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I've got some new drive belt covers but should I fit them if I'm only running the car indoors?

[alcyon]

So most of the parts have arrived for the Optima Mid and it's coming along nicely. New parts so far at this stage on the build are: chassis, drive belt and full screw kit. Thanks to Oli for the diffs and gearbox parts :)
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I've got some new drive belt covers but should I fit them if I'm only running the car indoors?

fit them because carpet fibers could damage your gears too.

[OptimaFan]

Won't that Lazer rear shock tower interfere with the gear cover btw?

[kek23k]

Won't that Lazer rear shock tower interfere with the gear cover btw?

It shouldn't do as its mounted on the rear of the mount, the normal mid tower is mounted in front of the mount (closer to the gear cover), with the top-link mount sitting on the rear.

[OptimaFan]

It shouldn't do as its mounted on the rear of the mount, the normal mid tower is mounted in front of the mount (closer to the gear cover), with the top-link mount sitting on the rear.


You're right, I overlooked that the tower is mounted to the rear. I was thinking about a car of mine that has a Corally chassis, and similar shaped rear shock tower. The previous owner did mount the upper shock on the front and had to cut a part of the motor plate and gear cover to make room for the shock mount.

[J77MYF]

I'll fit the covers this evening. I never really thought about carpet and dust fibres.

I thought about changing the shock towers for Mid ones but the Lazer ones look to have loads more adjustment.

[OptimaFan]

I thought about changing the shock towers for Mid ones but the Lazer ones look to have loads more adjustment.


These are also more rigid, due to the different shape. The stock alu ones tend to bend with a hard impact, and the fiber upgrade parts can develop hairline cracks. Dan (Danb4) use(d?) to run 2 self made fiber ones, in sandwich construction for better durability.

[Mattias]

I'm also in the process of giving my Mid a make over.

[OptimaFan]

I'm also in the process of giving my Mid a make over.


I feel 2.2 inch wheels look a bit out of proportion on the short wheelbase Mid, though it might also be the picture, as the front right wheel seems much bigger than the other wheels, due to lense distortion no doubt. The Ultima RB5 body looks pretty sleek on it. I wasn't expecting that to fit this well.

[J77MYF]

I'm also in the process of giving my Mid a make over.

Nice car and the body looks cool too!

[J77MYF]

Made some more progress tonight but progress slowed down when I realised the new screw kit I've got doesn't include the M2.6x12 screws to fasten the upper rods to the tower. I've found some screws and nuts on fleebay so hopefully they'll be here early next week. I've also put all new suspension shafts in the wishbones as they were badly worn.

Picture so far:
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[J77MYF]

I did a bit more this morning before work. Can't believe how tiny it is compared to my B-Max2 V3.
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[OptimaFan]

Doesn't a mid motor 2wd have extra long wheelbase, making the swb Mid look even shorter?

[J77MYF]

Doesn't a mid motor 2wd have extra long wheelbase, making the swb Mid look even shorter?

The Lazer ZX is a similar wheel base to the B-Max2. I can't wait to try the mid after 20 odd years of being sat in a box.

[J77MYF]

Made some more progress tonight. Stripped and rebuilt the shocks with new Pistons thanks to Oli. The car's built exactly to the manual so it will probably need some tweaking and I've decided to go brushless with a 10.5 motor. Hopefully the gearbox holds up.
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[J77MYF]

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[J77MYF]

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[J77MYF]

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[J77MYF]

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[J77MYF]

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[OptimaFan]

Looks nice, those Mids always clean up nicely with some TLC.

[J77MYF]

Thanks for that. It's got quite a few new bits but the main of its original and it's cleaned up well. I took it into MB models earlier to see which Lipo would fit and ross commented that it was almost too nice to use.

[Welshy40]

The Lazer ZX is a similar wheel base to the B-Max2. I can't wait to try the mid after 20 odd years of being sat in a box.

Its still one of the best cars on the track now, shafts are not really any quicker.

[alcyon]

Its still one of the best cars on the track now, shafts are not really any quicker.

You mean lazer zx or optima mid..or both ?

[Sir Shawny500]

So the mid is almost there buddy. Are you going to test run it at Cully next time?

[J77MYF]

You mean lazer zx or optima mid..or both ?

Must be the ZX. The Optima Mid looks almost primitive on comparison.

[J77MYF]

Some more progress this afternoon. It's running a new Orca 10.5 motor, an old speed passion speed controller I had and a new Savox 1257 servo. Has anyone tried the replacement shells, wing, decals and undertrained on eBay?
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[J77MYF]

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[Welshy40]

Looking good

Alcyon, you know me, its my ZX. As you know ive proved with your layshaft it is as quick as the current cars out there, if not quicker. Now we have done the layshaft how about doing the diffs, ive got the design and we just need to make it.

[OptimaFan]

Must be the ZX. The Optima Mid looks almost primitive on comparison.


If you mean the Lazer ZX-R, the gap may not be as big as it seems. Both have the same shocks, the Custom Mids have about the same wheelbase. Biggest difference is probably the longer suspension arms, creating more leverage, and making it easier to absorb bumps.

Some have combined the Lazer ZX-R suspension with the Custom Mid. Dan has one of these "hybrids" and I've done one as well, see the attached pictures.

As for bodies and decals, the body used on this "hybrid" is from Marwan, and the decals are from MCI Racing. I trimmed this body a little different than stock, as it's fitted on a long wheelbase car.

[J77MYF]

If you mean the Lazer ZX-R, the gap may not be as big as it seems. Both have the same shocks, the Custom Mids have about the same wheelbase. Biggest difference is probably the longer suspension arms, creating more leverage, and making it easier to absorb bumps.

Some have combined the Lazer ZX-R suspension with the Custom Mid. Dan has one of these "hybrids" and I've done one as well, see the attached pictures.

As for bodies and decals, the body used on this "hybrid" is from Marwan, and the decals are from MCI Racing. I trimmed this body a little different than stock, as it's fitted on a long wheelbase car.

That does look nice. I've seen the Marwan stuff on eBay and it looks good. His kit doesn't include an undertray but then there are some other ones on ebay.

[HKS_TRD]

If you mean the Lazer ZX-R, the gap may not be as big as it seems. Both have the same shocks, the Custom Mids have about the same wheelbase. Biggest difference is probably the longer suspension arms, creating more leverage, and making it easier to absorb bumps.

Some have combined the Lazer ZX-R suspension with the Custom Mid. Dan has one of these "hybrids" and I've done one as well, see the attached pictures.

As for bodies and decals, the body used on this "hybrid" is from Marwan, and the decals are from MCI Racing. I trimmed this body a little different than stock, as it's fitted on a long wheelbase car.

I have one of these hybrids too though its still not quite finished
The only difference left is the gears in the rear gearbox instead of a belt
Some of the other differences actually make the Mid more like a ZX-S than the ZX-R

All the details are here
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145008


http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg152/HKS_TRD/RC%20Cars/Mid_Evo52_zps4d942966.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/HKS_TRD/media/RC%20Cars/Mid_Evo52_zps4d942966.jpg.html)

[OptimaFan]

That does look nice. I've seen the Marwan stuff on eBay and it looks good. His kit doesn't include an undertray but then there are some other ones on ebay.


I am using a Team Bluegroove undertray on my "hybrid" as it's using a standard Mid body on an LWB chassis, so I had to cut the undertray at places to make the body fit. The first attached pic shows that.

The TBG LWB Mid undertray is reasonably priced, but a little too short. I had to sand off a slight edge on the chassis bottom plate and make the fold on the rear portion, that is secured with screws to the rear gear box, a few mm more to the rear. Check the second attached pic to see what I mean. Their SWB undertray fits better.



I have one of these hybrids too though its still not quite finished


Great looking car, I posted some comments in your thread.

[Welshy40]

Try my sponser, Kamtec, links below and look at the ZXS and mid shells and you should find the one suitable for you

[alcyon]

Looking good

Alcyon, you know me, its my ZX. As you know ive proved with your layshaft it is as quick as the current cars out there, if not quicker. Now we have done the layshaft how about doing the diffs, ive got the design and we just need to make it.
I feel that the lwb mids are just as competitive as the lazers.if fitted with lazer suspension. I always feel the main advantage the lazer had over mids was much easier servicing. My lwb is a star performer as seen in my latest video. That durango kid was really miffed !
UootKXJO2hg
I beleive now my problem of stripping spurs on my zx is caused by the tbg gear cover not covering the gpm motor plate properly. Anyone want to trade a standard zx plate for my gpm ? I will test My lazer this Thursday, hopefully it wont rain and the track will be dry too.

[oli4ke]

I feel that the lwb mids are just as competitive as the lazers.if fitted with lazer suspension. I always feel the main advantage the lazer had over mids was much easier servicing. My lwb is a star performer as seen in my latest video. That durango kid was really miffed !
UootKXJO2hg
I beleive now my problem of stripping spurs on my zx is caused by the tbg gear cover not covering the gpm motor plate properly. Anyone want to trade a standard zx plate for my gpm ? I will test My lazer this Thursday, hopefully it wont rain and the track will be dry too.

Rama,

A standard lazer ZX motor plate is on the way to Kuala Lumpur!
It's a used one but still fine for a runner! Let me know once received mate.
You can keep the GPM plate, no worries ;)

Brgds
Oli

[Peakey]

I feel that the lwb mids are just as competitive as the lazers.if fitted with lazer suspension. I always feel the main advantage the lazer had over mids was much easier servicing. My lwb is a star performer as seen in my latest video. That durango kid was really miffed !
UootKXJO2hg
I beleive now my problem of stripping spurs on my zx is caused by the tbg gear cover not covering the gpm motor plate properly. Anyone want to trade a standard zx plate for my gpm ? I will test My lazer this Thursday, hopefully it wont rain and the track will be dry too.

It looks like it drive great Rama I love the old stuff out gunning the newer cars the looks on there faces is priceless.

[Welshy40]

I feel that the lwb mids are just as competitive as the lazers.if fitted with lazer suspension. I always feel the main advantage the lazer had over mids was much easier servicing. My lwb is a star performer as seen in my latest video. That durango kid was really miffed !
UootKXJO2hg
I beleive now my problem of stripping spurs on my zx is caused by the tbg gear cover not covering the gpm motor plate properly. Anyone want to trade a standard zx plate for my gpm ? I will test My lazer this Thursday, hopefully it wont rain and the track will be dry too.

Interesting, great if its just that.

Rama it shows whos the better driver and looked really good. Jumped well too. Id love to come down one day if its ever possible with mine and have a blast with you guys. Ive never been spot on on low grip surfaces but with a bit of practice and setup changes i think we could dominate.

[alcyon]

Oli. You have been a great help.i could always send the gpm plate after my testing.
peakey..yes the feeling is priceless, thats why i still continue with a vintage buggy.
welshy40, thanks for the compliments, but i feel i am only slightly above average skill wise. That durango kid beat me in a race in june, and he is actually pretty quick too. my car is much better now because of harder springs and 7 degree zx5 caster blocks otherwise he would have beat me again. You and any oople member are most welcomed to come to malaysia for a vintage race or even to compete head on against modern cars.
J77MYF , sorry for hijacking your thread. I have a swb mid just like yours, and i am still trying to improve its handling. Its working pretty well at this moment but i am working on some tweaks to make it better , i will share what i learnt with you guys
EAl9_yLMl0o
My SWB at the track with 30wt oil and Hobbyking quonom vandal tyres.
I swear it was running better an hour before this. I realized after this video was taken, one kingpin fell off.http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/20141123_220430_zpsskoifqhz.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/20141123_220430_zpsskoifqhz.jpg.html)

[J77MYF]

Oli. You have been a great help.i could always send the gpm plate after my testing.
peakey..yes the feeling is priceless, thats why i still continue with a vintage buggy.
welshy40, thanks for the compliments, but i feel i am only slightly above average skill wise. That durango kid beat me in a race in june, and he is actually pretty quick too. my car is much better now because of harder springs and 7 degree zx5 caster blocks otherwise he would have beat me again. You and any oople member are most welcomed to come to malaysia for a vintage race or even to compete head on against modern cars.
J77MYF , sorry for hijacking your thread. I have a swb mid just like yours, and i am still trying to improve its handling. Its working pretty well at this moment but i am working on some tweaks to make it better , i will share what i learnt with you guys
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/20141123_220430_zpsskoifqhz.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/20141123_220430_zpsskoifqhz.jpg.html)

That looks really nice. Do you have an undertray on it? I've tried mine with a 10.5 beushless setup and it loves to wheelie. It's a lot of fun to drive:-)

[alcyon]

That looks really nice. Do you have an undertray on it? I've tried mine with a 10.5 beushless setup and it loves to wheelie. It's a lot of fun to drive:-)

Yes I use a TBG undertray. It wheelies because you don't have a slipper clutch. Try reducing the punch too.

[J77MYF]

The new body set arrived from Marwan earlier this week. I painted it last night and put the graphics on early this morning. Just got the wing to sticker up tonight. 74628
I'm using the LWB undertray cut to the chassis rather than the SWB one. Hopefully I will be racing it tomorrow night for the first time in over 25 years at my local club.

[J77MYF]

74635

[OptimaFan]

Looks nice. Can you show how you cut that undertray?

[J77MYF]

Looks nice. Can you show how you cut that undertray?

I got the LWB undertray and cut it out to the shape of the SWB chassis. I tried to keep as much of the tray as possible but it just wouldn't work. I'm only running the car indoors so it should be fine.
74643

[OptimaFan]

I see, it's more a chassis protector now. I faced a similar challenge, as I wanted to fit a regular Mid body to a LWB Mid, for this "hybrid" Lazer/Optima Mid contraption.

http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/3/1/9/5/2/0/a6417409-125-MidZX_53.jpg

http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/3/1/9/5/2/0/a6417411-53-MidZX_55.jpg


I was able to keep most of the LWB undertray sides intact, except on the front part, as the SWB body follows a different shape than the LWB bodies there.

[J77MYF]

The finished car all ready to race tonight.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af295/jimfurniss1/21bdbecd-a6f2-467f-8b6a-ef93e94b1052_zps4bc2848f.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/jimfurniss1/media/21bdbecd-a6f2-467f-8b6a-ef93e94b1052_zps4bc2848f.jpg.html)
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af295/jimfurniss1/IMG_3438_zps6e4bd365.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/jimfurniss1/media/IMG_3438_zps6e4bd365.jpg.html)
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af295/jimfurniss1/e7db47e3-8cb4-4d8c-bb2b-98b2175ca265_zpsf65db123.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/jimfurniss1/media/e7db47e3-8cb4-4d8c-bb2b-98b2175ca265_zpsf65db123.jpg.html)
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af295/jimfurniss1/IMG_3439_zps0850ca3d.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/jimfurniss1/media/IMG_3439_zps0850ca3d.jpg.html)

[J77MYF]

I see, it's more a chassis protector now. I faced a similar challenge, as I wanted to fit a regular Mid body to a LWB Mid, for this "hybrid" Lazer/Optima Mid contraption.

http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/3/1/9/5/2/0/a6417409-125-MidZX_53.jpg

http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/3/1/9/5/2/0/a6417411-53-MidZX_55.jpg


I was able to keep most of the LWB undertray sides intact, except on the front part, as the SWB body follows a different shape than the LWB bodies there.

That's a nice car. I also have a Lazer ZX which I'm going to put the LWB Optima Mid body and under tray on. Do you know if that will fit straight on?

[bretts]

The finished car all ready to race tonight.



Hi,

Where did you run it & how did it go?

[racingdwarf]

The finished car all ready to race tonight.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af295/jimfurniss1/21bdbecd-a6f2-467f-8b6a-ef93e94b1052_zps4bc2848f.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/jimfurniss1/media/21bdbecd-a6f2-467f-8b6a-ef93e94b1052_zps4bc2848f.jpg.html)
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af295/jimfurniss1/IMG_3438_zps6e4bd365.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/jimfurniss1/media/IMG_3438_zps6e4bd365.jpg.html)
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af295/jimfurniss1/e7db47e3-8cb4-4d8c-bb2b-98b2175ca265_zpsf65db123.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/jimfurniss1/media/e7db47e3-8cb4-4d8c-bb2b-98b2175ca265_zpsf65db123.jpg.html)
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af295/jimfurniss1/IMG_3439_zps0850ca3d.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/jimfurniss1/media/IMG_3439_zps0850ca3d.jpg.html)

That looks just awesome!

[J77MYF]

Thanks guys :thumbsup:

I'm running it tonight for the first time at my local indoor club called 10 Electric in West Yorkshire. There's a few of us who are interested in a vintage class in between the modern races.

I'll let you know how it goes.

[OptimaFan]

That's a nice car. I also have a Lazer ZX which I'm going to put the LWB Optima Mid body and under tray on. Do you know if that will fit straight on?

Thanks. For more pics, check my "car collection" topic, shows how it looks witb swb body on.


As far as I know, the Lwb Mid body should fit. I read that some drivers didn't like the zx stock body, and fitted the lwb Mid one instead.

[alcyon]

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/DOC080911-0006.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/DOC080911-0006.jpg.html)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/DOC080911-00012.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/DOC080911-00012.jpg.html)



QUOTE=OptimaFan;889740]Thanks. For more pics, check my "car collection" topic, shows how it looks witb swb body on.


As far as I know, the Lwb Mid body should fit. I read that some drivers didn't like the zx stock body, and fitted the lwb Mid one instead.[/QUOTE]

That is true. If you read rc car action mags from 1990 to 1992 before the zxr was released you will notice most of the zx were running lwb mid body.

[OptimaFan]

That is true. If you read rc car action mags from 1990 to 1992 before the zxr was released you will notice most of the zx were running lwb mid body.


Seems like my memory is still working, more or less. :D

Are these mags up for download somewhere? Would make interesting reading on those cold winter evenings.

[J77MYF]

Thanks again for the info.

I raced it last night and it was loads of fun. It is totally different to what I'm used to nowadays but it still did well and I really enjoyed it. I'm racing it again tonight in York tonight.

I've also spaced the top deck with a couple of washers so I can fit a hard cased Lipo in.
74669

[alcyon]

Thanks again for the info.

I raced it last night and it was loads of fun. It is totally different to what I'm used to nowadays but it still did well and I really enjoyed it. I'm racing it again tonight in York tonight.

I've also spaced the top deck with a couple of washers so I can fit a hard cased Lipo in.
74669

Seems like my memory is still working, more or less. :D

Are these mags up for download somewhere? Would make interesting reading on those cold winter evenings.
Just click on the pics. You will be directed to my photobucket. You can find the rest of the articles and save them.

[alcyon]

Thanks again for the info.

I raced it last night and it was loads of fun. It is totally different to what I'm used to nowadays but it still did well and I really enjoyed it. I'm racing it again tonight in York tonight.

I've also spaced the top deck with a couple of washers so I can fit a hard cased Lipo in.
74669
Different in what way. Care to elaborate ?

[J77MYF]

Different in what way. Care to elaborate ?


I've not driven a 4wd car for over 20 years and it's super short compared to modern cars which makes it feel a bit different. I drove it again last night in York and I just missed out on getting in the A final 4Wd modified class but won the B final. The rear suspension feels a bit lazy and I think it's due to using the lazer tower and the shocks not quite lining up properly.

[bretts]

Mate, your car is awesome!!

Everyone loved watching you give it full beans!! To say it's your first weekend out with the Mid the performance was amazing.

The only thing that worried me a little was the poor old gear box taking the strain!!

[J77MYF]

Thanks for that and I'm glad you enjoyed seeing it in action.

The gearbox is a bit noisy but I do have a brand new upgraded one ready to go in. I don't think I'd dare run anything faster than the 10.5 brushless setup.

I really enjoyed driving it and people who've had and remembered them talking to me about it.

Mate, your car is awesome!!

Everyone loved watching you give it full beans!! To say it's your first weekend out with the Mid the performance was amazing.

The only thing that worried me a little was the poor old gear box taking the strain!!

[alcyon]

Thanks for that and I'm glad you enjoyed seeing it in action.

The gearbox is a bit noisy but I do have a brand new upgraded one ready to go in. I don't think I'd dare run anything faster than the 10.5 brushless setup.

I really enjoyed driving it and people who've had and remembered them talking to me about it.
The mid has a very silent driveline. If yours is noisy could be you are using a pinion of the wrong pitch. It does not use standard 48p but 0.6 module which is the same as old tamiyas.

[OptimaFan]

The mid has a very silent driveline. If yours is noisy could be you are using a pinion of the wrong pitch. It does not use standard 48p but 0.6 module which is the same as old tamiyas.

That's a good possibility. Or the diff and center gear are worn.

[J77MYF]

The mid has a very silent driveline. If yours is noisy could be you are using a pinion of the wrong pitch. It does not use standard 48p but 0.6 module which is the same as old tamiyas.

I bet it's the pinion as I didn't realise they were different. It does sound like the pinions tight.

[OptimaFan]

Is there any video of that race?

[rob m]

I bet it's the pinion as I didn't realise they were different. It does sound like the pinions tight.
think i may have some .6 pinions if you need one, just let me know what sizes and i will look if i have one. just been talking with Danny harrison today and im guessing you know him and it was your car hes was talking about with me today?
if so why don't you come along to the next bury indoir meeting and we can have our own vintage race lazer zxr vs optima mid.

[J77MYF]

Is there any video of that race?

I don't think anyone was filming it.

[J77MYF]

think i may have some .6 pinions if you need one, just let me know what sizes and i will look if i have one. just been talking with Danny harrison today and im guessing you know him and it was your car hes was talking about with me today?
if so why don't you come along to the next bury indoir meeting and we can have our own vintage race lazer zxr vs optima mid.

Hi Rob,

That's very kind of you but I've ordered a couple off eBay.

Yes I know Danny Harrison and it was my car. I think I was speaking to you earlier this year at Batley? Yeah I'm definitely up for a vintage showdown although I don't think I'll be able to keep up with your lazer ZXR.

[alcyon]

I dont know what you mean by the rear being lazy.. but in my experimentation the lazer rear tower works better on the mid.
you probably need harder springs.

[J77MYF]

I dont know what you mean by the rear being lazy.. but in my experimentation the lazer rear tower works better on the mid.
you probably need harder springs.

on mine the lazer rear tower leans the shocks back and they become tight. Did you use longer bolts with the lazer tower and space the shocks forward?

[alcyon]

Ton mine the lazer rear tower leans the shocks back and they become tight. Did you use longer bolts with the lazer tower and space the shocks forward?

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/20140403_212708_zpsc2f29bf1.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/20140403_212708_zpsc2f29bf1.jpg.html)
Look carefully at this picture. When you flip the Mid rear arms, it will cause the rear dogbone to be swept forward. They will no longer be inline. This will cause the rear suspension to be pulled down under acceleration, besides the inertia force present. This will affect handling negatively. To counter this, you need to grind off 4mm from the arm to shift it . Grind off from as shown in pic, which is the rear, then space the arm with washers as you see, this will push the arm rearwards and make the CVD exit the diff outdrive in line, the way its supposed to be. And please feel free to use non original bolts, if longer is needed, then use them and space them correctly.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/20140822_220218_zps47b4859c.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/20140822_220218_zps47b4859c.jpg.html)
This is the rear end view, as you can see its nothing special, but I use Mid rear towers which is flipped behind.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x87/alcyon2sp/2014-02-09184850_zps5144d6d1.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/alcyon2sp/media/2014-02-09184850_zps5144d6d1.jpg.html)
this pic shows my LWB mid with ZXR towers and ZX arms. With ZX arms no grinding is needed. I have plenty of used rear arms so if you are afraid to grind yours I can give you some.

[terry.sc]

Are these mags up for download somewhere? Would make interesting reading on those cold winter evenings.
Every issue of R/C Car Action from 1986 to 1999, each year as a zip file
http://e12m535i.com/MISC/radio-control/radio-control-car-action-magazines/

[OptimaFan]

Every issue of R/C Car Action from 1986 to 1999, each year as a zip file
http://e12m535i.com/MISC/radio-control/radio-control-car-action-magazines/


Cool, I'll get these downloaded when I am home again. Will make some nice passtime to read up on rc car history.

[DanB4]

Fantastic! Should keep me busy on those long journeys to the Desert :)

[alcyon]

Every issue of R/C Car Action from 1986 to 1999, each year as a zip file
http://e12m535i.com/MISC/radio-control/radio-control-car-action-magazines/

Thanks terry, that's a big help !
I was just wondering who did the scans, are these from rc car action themselves? Also what happened to the mail order ads ?

[J77MYF]

LWB mid with ZXR towers and ZX arms. With ZX arms no grinding is needed. I have plenty of used rear arms so if you are afraid to grind yours I can give you some.

Sorry for the late reply. I've got some longer bolts and some black nylon spacers to move the rear shocks into the correct position when using the Lazer towers.

I took it to my local club today and had a 20 minute practice. It was a tight track on a slippy hall floor and the car was absolutely brilliant. The problem of the rear suspension binding has gone and it felt really balanced in the air and very planted.

This is what I used:

74848

I'm a bit unsure about grinding the rear arms down. Did you find it made a big difference

[terry.sc]

Thanks terry, that's a big help !
I was just wondering who did the scans, are these from rc car action themselves? Also what happened to the mail order ads ?
The scans are from R/C Car Action themselves. When you subscribe to their website you get access to the full library of Car Action magazine, from the first issue right up to the latest ones.

When they first went online an RC10talk member managed to find them on the website in an unsecured section, but didn't last long before they moved them. Another RC10talk member has plenty of free web space, so uploaded them and hid them on his site.

[alcyon]

Sorry for the late reply. I've got some longer bolts and some black nylon spacers to move the rear shocks into the correct position when using the Lazer towers.

I took it to my local club today and had a 20 minute practice. It was a tight track on a slippy hall floor and the car was absolutely brilliant. The problem of the rear suspension binding has gone and it felt really balanced in the air and very planted.

This is what I used:

74848

I'm a bit unsure about grinding the rear arms down. Did you find it made a big difference

I am running my car on dirt and I do find a big difference. I had a lot of on power oversteer ,like I said, I can give you 2 ground down arms so you don't have to grind yours. But if you like it as it is run it for some time and let us know if you are still happy with it. I now notice that you did not flip your arms. Since you did not flip them, then grinding the arms are not necessary.

[OptimaFan]

Sorry for the late reply. I've got some longer bolts and some black nylon spacers to move the rear shocks into the correct position when using the Lazer towers.

I took it to my local club today and had a 20 minute practice. It was a tight track on a slippy hall floor and the car was absolutely brilliant. The problem of the rear suspension binding has gone and it felt really balanced in the air and very planted.

This is what I used:

74848

I'm a bit unsure about grinding the rear arms down. Did you find it made a big difference


I would add a second mount on the front of the plastic that the shock mount plate is screwed onto. The longer bolts will put more strain on the shock mount plate.


The scans are from R/C Car Action themselves. When you subscribe to their website you get access to the full library of Car Action magazine, from the first issue right up to the latest ones.

When they first went online an RC10talk member managed to find them on the website in an unsecured section, but didn't last long before they moved them. Another RC10talk member has plenty of free web space, so uploaded them and hid them on his site.


I enjoy reading these old mags. I've checked a few so far, only thing that is a little complicated, is that articles are sometimes split in 2 or even 3 parts, and you get a "continued on page" and later another one. Maybe that gets better as I get to more recent issues, we'll see. But big thanks for the links.

[J77MYF]

I would add a second mount on the front of the plastic that the shock mount plate is screwed onto. The longer bolts will put more strain on the shock mount plate.

Something like a washer on the front?

[OptimaFan]

Something like a washer on the front?


No, more like doubling up the shock tower. Daniel Rowland has something like that on his Custom Mid, can't find a pic right now.

[rob m]

[QUOTE=J77MYF;891141]. Hi bud, Are you racing at batley on the 28th? if so i may have a zx tower so you can double up, i have at least 3 zxr towers would they work? if you are i can bring them along with me if you like?

[J77MYF]

[QUOTE=J77MYF;891141]. Hi bud, Are you racing at batley on the 28th? if so i may have a zx tower so you can double up, i have at least 3 zxr towers would they work? if you are i can bring them along with me if you like?

Hi Rob,

Yes I'm racing on the 28th.

It would be good if I could see if they'll double up :thumbsup:

[OptimaFan]

Here's a pic of Dan's double shock mount on his Optima Mid Custom:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/SDRCC/20140623_212451_zpsf1bxdhrv.jpg


He has the shocks on the rear, but it's also possible to flip the long bolts 180 degrees, and get the shocks mounted on the front. The main benefit of a double shock tower is much less impact force on the hole where the long bolt, that the shock is attached to, goes through the shock tower.

In this example double Optima Mid shock towers are used, for your car you would need the upper section of a ZR-R shock tower, to make the extra plate.